Well, Last I posted I sold my 1946 Chevy Fleetmaster. I bought a 1955 Buick Special today. Won't be able to drag her home for another 2 weeks or so.... but here's the link to the ad where ya'll can see what I got... http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/cto/2989836185.html
Thanks! Only bad rust spot is about the size of a quarter at the bottom of each fender where it meets the doors. She's been in a garage since 1990. Hoping I can do some basic clean-up and get her fired up. 42,000 miles on the odometer they say its correct and by the look of the original seats , steering wheel, and pedal pads, I'd say it's not rolled over.
Perhaps this photo will give you enthusiasm to follow through on your own project... The paint code for my car is CNN. This translates to Code "C" - Cameo Beige - on the top; Code "N" - Galway Green - on the middle (above the checkmark); and Code "N" - Galway Green again - on the bottom (below the checkmark). The color code tag is on the passenger side under the hood at the top of the cowl. Looks like yours is the same two colors as mine. As you can see, it's a very striking - and quite rare- combination. Good luck with your project!
Looks good. We have a 54 hardtop same color and a 58 hardtop also a barnfind. We will take both cars to the Buick Club of America national show in Charlotte. June 27-30. Should be a good show and a good place to find parts.
That looks like a good one. I had a 55 Special 4 door hardtop with an engine out of a Super in it in 1966/67 that was one of my favorite cars I ever had.
I had owned one previously and it too was my favorite. I sold it after college to help pay the bills... I've regretted it since and have bought, fixed, sold, and traded my way back to one! I'm super excited. I actually prefer 4 door, as I don't baby my cars. I like to throw the dog, family, groceries, whatever is needed in and go...... so 4 doors makes life easier! The engine should come right back to life..... I'm a little scared of the 2 spd slip-o-matic after sitting for 22 years! The last owner has already redone all the brakes and wheel bearings so that's a plus. He also has a bag full of "tune-up" parts he ordered and didn't install.
Car is delivered! Looks a little rougher now that it's in my yard, but I'm happy. Shes got 3 stuck exhaust valves, but otherwise the motor is free. Tried to post photos but the site said it's missing the "security token" sorry. Will try again later!
Keep trying with the photos. I am looking forward to seeing them as I looked too late at the link that was posted.
Congrats! Mid-50s Buicks are awesome cars. Can't wait to see photos, i missed the craiglist post too.
Always loved these, I know were a 4 door is that has been sitting as long as I can remember, thought about talking to the owner a few times, but never have. Good luck with her!
Thanks guys! I'm working on getting the motor out right now. Want to get the heads off to the machine shop and analyze the block to see if I will bore it or now. I'm interested in possible transmission swaps, but maybe not. One thing at a time, once the motor is done I'll work my way back..... It's curious to me that the PO did the brakes first! HA HA HA
Tranny swap means rear end swap too. You have a solid start to a cool car. The front of the hood looks to be a challenge though.
Yea the hood is rough.... the PO had it sitting outside too... car was inside since 1990 though. I got the whole front grille/bumper assembly off today, working on getting the engine out so I can start the rebuild.
Looks like a lot of doors! I let one get away from me a few years ago that was in a little better shape than that one but always thought about cutting it right down the middle, taking the front door and stretching it(with the leftovers from the rear door) then shorten the car to match the door to get the right proportions! A slight chop in the middle of the process, of corse! Great buy!
Thanks Stewed! I paid a little more for this than I usually would (especially considering not running etc.....), but I wanted one just like I used to have. I am a 4 door fanatic, it all started when I realized I could get the 4 door version of the same car, cheaper! Then I found with the way I drive my cars, 4 doors was the way to go. I can load up the family, dogs, stuff, and away I go. To each his own I guess. I can't wait until the old nailhead fires up again! The body is actually in really solid shape except the hood and a quarter size hole in the front fender near the door.
Started taking the old nailhead apart....OH BOY.....couple very burnt valves. two pistons with cracks.... cylinder walls seem good, cam is clean, gotta open the bottom end next.
That brings back a few memories. Dad bought a new blue and white one in 55 from the dealer here in town. I had a blue and white 55 Special 4 door hardtop for a couple of years before I got drafted and had way too much fun in that car. A new hood shouldn't be hard to find nor very expensive.
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