Dose anybody know if the hood off a 54 is interchangeable with say a 53 or 52. I just found a 54 buick cheap and the only problem is the hood is jacked. 2 grand obo for a 54 hardtop runs but need a tune up good paint and interior. Dont think I can pass that up. Even if I clean it up get it running good and sell it again at the buick show in Plano in June to rebuild my 59.
I think you will have a much better chance of a 55-56 hood fitting. The 53 on down are an older generation. The 54 was a new body for Buick and Olds. But I am not as knowledgable on these Buicks as I am on the Chevys, so don't spend any money on my word. ha
You are Pretty much Stuck with a 54 Hood. Other Years are not Interchangleable. Century/Special is a "B" Body. Super/Roadmaster is a "C" Body. Most B and C Body Sheetmetal Parts are Not Interchangeable, This is True for "OTHER" Years/Models. Look for another Hood, that Appropriate for You Year/Model
55 Spcl NOT ONLY are the Hoods Different but the Grills and "Other" Nose Appointment are Completely Different. The 54 had the Bar Tooth Grille, The 55 had a New Flat Mesh Grille and the 56 had a V Hood and V mesh Grille. C bodys are wider than C bodys The 56 Hood Treatment is Unique to That Year, Pointed Nose. the only Sheetmetal that "could Be" interchangeable in 53.54,& 55 is the Headlight Stainless Sorrounds. Each Model Year has a Different Grille, Therefore for Each Grille there is a different hood closure, locking/securement mechanism.
A different Hood Might Fit the Sheetmetal, but You would have to substitute a different Grille, Bumper Etc. to make it work, Spending X-Tra Cash 500 bucks to make fit, for a free part. when you can obtain an original/compatable part for 250. Nevermind the additional Labor Costs/Time
You Might br able to get a Hood that you think fits. But Try to secure it. You may need a different header support panel, Radiatoe suppoet Panel, Locking/Securement Mechanism. Let YOU Mind Wonder You might have to Customize from the Radiator to the Front Bumper to Make it work. You may think it is pretty sharp . from the Front Knowone could tell if the car is a 53. 54, 55 or 56, but it would cost you a hell of a lot of money.
I can find the hoods for the 54 roadmasters and super but none for the special. This car is quite a deal needs work though. Im torn between so many buicks to buy I think my head is gonna explode. 54 2 dr hardtop for $2000 85k miles on it needs a hood like I said. A 57 for 2800 but I got to settle with the insurance to swing that with shipping and all it is one of my favorite buicks just scared of the susspension rebuild kit prices hell everything on those 57s seems to be $$$$$. Also a couple of 53's once again across the country.
Brandon, Have You Tried WheatBelt Buick of the Buick Farm for a Used Hood or Any Other Buick Salvage Yard, that Would fit Your Particular Application? A 1954 Special/Century Hood would be a Easy Bolt-On, R&R. The 54 has a Real Nice Body Line. I Love the Nose on a 54. The 57 has a nice Rear End, but the Nose is a little Ordinary, and like YOU Mentioned the Front Suspension is an Expensive Nightmare. It Seems Almost Every Year there is Something that is Singular/Particular to that Particular Year/Model, that is a Nightmare. With My 56, the Achilles Heal is the Braking System. The Master Cylinder is a One Year Wonder, and a Rebuild Kit for a Power Brake unit, is difficult to find and Expensive as well as shoes, drums and wheel cylinders. Front Shock were a real Pain to locate and the Rear Shocks Came without Any Replacement Hardware. Those Simple Replacement Jobs Always Seem to become a Major Project.
