Some Glamor Shots

After I got the transmission pan on (and fingers crossed my leaks are resolved) I had to go for a drive and take some pictures with the new wheels and tires. Wheels make a huge difference!







A short video clip




Tucked in for the night

Trans pan is on

First the aluminum pan has a nice thick flange and I think it will solve any leak in the gasket area....but....

The aluminum pan's flange is not as wide as a stock pan. And the bolts are actually sunk into the sides of the pan.
you can see in the picture how the bolt holes are grooved into the sides of the pan, Even the bolts are allen key, cause they're so tight to the pan you cant use a socket



I thought about making a bracket, and I started to... but the metal left around the bolt is just too thin for my liking...

So I posted on the Buick board, the only recommendation I got was to cut my existing bracket using the pan as a template


I did just that
I removed the pan, I had it only temporary on anyway, and the shifter bracket.
On my bench I did some grinding, and removed enough to to let the bracket fit in against the pan and let the bolt holes line up.
I test fit the pan, and it looked good.
took it apart again, put the gasket on, finger tight bolts and it was good.
Except.....



With the bracket on the bolts that came with the aluminum pan were now a little too short, and I felt I would strip them if I tried to tighten then.
Made a trip to Tractor Supply, they had the exact same bolts but just a little longer and it worked nicely. All bolts tight and bracket is solid.









Its filled with fluid, warmed her up, checked it again, added more etc.. went for a little run, and my excitement has been renewed again

And the tires/wheels look awesome!

Fingers crossed no more leaks

Wheels are on!

I could not wait... So today at lunch I headed for the garage.

The center caps showed up yesterday



Very nice pieces, diecast, not plastic.






And they are mounted with small bolts, so they cant fall off or be stolen












They sure do finish the wheel






















And of course, I had to put them on

August Update

Some odd jobs done
Front bumper tightened
New fuel pump
New steel fuel line to the carb

I have a small starting issue, very hard to start without starting fluid down the carb - looks like a rebuild for the carb soon.

The trans pan is leaking like crazy. I removed it, and it was badly beat up. Ordered a new finned aluminum one that should be here this week.

And most exciting, new wheels and tires.
15x8 all around wrapped in BF Goodrich Radial TA's 255 6015's
New center caps and lugs too.. gonna be nice!

Patients has paid off....

After a long drive to TN and back, I now have the smell of fumes in my garage again!
















Reproduction bias-ply Firestone Wide Ovals on 14's














All new interior.























Here are some pictures out in the Sun























This car has had a frame off, new paint, new interior.
The under side is clean, all new brake lines, fuel lines, bushings, suspension etc.





























So what are my plans?
The car has had a frame off, and just recently put together, so needless to say there are a few bugs to work out.
- A front spring seems to not be seated properly, makes a pop noise on bumps
- Need to trace a fuel problem, if left for a day its difficult to start, even after 100 pumps. Could be a fuel pump leak back problem or an accelerator pump in the carb.
- Need to source a radio and bezel, the car had a modern CD player which was not put back. I will likely add a hidden system at some point.
- The car currently has 14" Buick rally wheels with reproduction Firestone Wide Oval tires. I have already bought a set of 15x8 Buick rally wheels so I can put some modern rubber under her.
- There is an aftermarket tach, that does not fit in the factory position, so I will replace it with a clock for now and look for a hood tach!
- Other than that, a few cosmetic issues, even though the paint is new it has some blemishes.

Here's the difference between the wheels. I prefer rally wheels, so the plan is get the 15's on asap. (these pix were before the vinyl top was installed)



Dog Dish Hubcaps






14's Buick Rallys

Now for the reasoning...

Here are a few examples of what Im looking for. Its a 1970 GS 455


I've always wanted a 1970 GS 455. I like the grill / headlights / bumper a little better. Plus I just want a 455. The only way I was going ever have one, was to sell my car, and start shopping. There were 5,589 of these cars made in the Hardtop version. Not as rare as my 72 (1 of 601) but still rare.








A few cars have surfaced.. most more of a project than I want at this time. Others, just a little out of budget, but patients will prevail. After all the car has only been gone 10 days. I'll keep you all posted... the blog will take a different direction at that time for sure.







The hunt will continue! After all, shopping is half the fun right? Look forward to the news and new pictures when I find the right one. Im a firm believer that the best things come to those who wait.

72 Buick GS 350 Convertible 2005-2011

Its taken me until now to post this... The opportunity came to sell the Buick. I know most of you are shocked at the moment. I'm still a little shocked too. I had been thinking about selling, and an offer was made and the deal was done.


The new owner is a great guy from VA. Meet Mike.















And I know he'll love and take care of the car as will his whole family.















It was sad to see it drive away from the house on a trailer. I didn't cry, but I didn't blink either.