As for Buick engine - reinstalling it was my original idea, either wit new pistons with 10:1 compression and mechanical fuel injection, either with old pistons and a blower; unfortunately frame swap is so deep modification i think it would be very difficult. We'll see, for now power will deliver caprice's engine, buick's one needs overhaul... But when caprice's engine will stay for good, i have an idea Vintage style dragster with nailhead, hauled behind my Buick I like this engine, so it will stay at my garage here or there... Buick will be back at my garage this week - frame/floor swap is done, for the rest of the metalwork i simply don't have the money right now. I will however do some things i can do without paying too much - i have to remove rear fenders, install complete interior to see what needs modification, redo all the wires, modify '56 oldsmobile wiper motor to fit Buick (it 'almost' fits) and so on. Also the frame is ready enough to think about sandblasting and powder coating it. Then i can build entire chasis ready... I will post few more photos soon.
Great work and dedication! I am working on my 56 Buick and I know what you mean, we all need to motivation to keep going. You're building this 55 from the ground up and that is awesome! :gp:
Thanks, i need that kind of comments Frame and floor swap is basically done. Bodywork will be paused at this point since i need to earn some more money to continue... Left to do is right part of the firewall (when i will find fitting A/C and stuff), rear window opening, inventing what to do with front sheetmetal in order to fit everything what is needed inside the engine bay, sandblasting and priming everything and some little things. For now a few detailed photos. Let's start from the rear panel (which is left unwelded since it needs to be removed for rear fenders removal). Rear panel: And removed. Cable hole is in wrong place, it will be welded shut. Underneath it can be seen rear crossmember, there will be also towing hook mount. And side view. And the firewall is a little modified, hood opening spring can be seen. It's mount has been cut from Buick's front body mount and grafted into caprice's firewall. I can't say if I will leave that square hole here, it depends of the fit of the fuse box which goes 'into' that hole. And hood opening spring mount. And of course I invite everyone to my homepage (in Polish mainly, but Buick section is in English also, but it is a copy of my posts here) - http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl
Hey Marcin, I read your updates regularly. Keep up the good work!:beer You seem to have great vision for what you want to accomplish.
Have you thought about electric wipers? Here is a conversion that I am thinking of doing on my car; http://www.cmwauto.com./MainMenu/WindshieldMenu/Windshield.htm What is on my car now, is rebuilt vacuum system; http://www.wiperman.com/ Although, the rebuild of the vacuum motor is as good as could be hoped for. I am not satisfied with the performance of my vacuum system during rain. The best vacuum system is not as good as electric. (in my opinion) This is why I am thinking of converting to electric.
Thanks, Mister T I have bought '56 (or so) oldsmobile electric wiper motor, which unfortunately has only one speed, but is almost straight fit into buick's wiper mechanism. Just unbolt vacuum motor, re-weld oldsmobile's motor bracket (two small welds), bolt in new motor. It has even integrated electric switch, which fits onto original buick's cable. (edited) Ah, as for new, aftermarket motor - i found it way too expensive. (/edited) I have to leave something that is almost original on that car
Now, I have just learned something. I didn't know that, 56 Olds had electric wipers. I too, due to the expense, am hesitating to convert to electric. And, the originality is also, a factor.
I searched my ebay history and found that wiper motor i've bought was described as "55 56 57 pontiac buick chevrolet wiper motor". Tomorrow i will try to dig through my pile of boxes of parts to find it and i will post a photo of it. As for expense it was not too cheap either, i have fought for it on ebay up to $100
Ah, I see. Perhaps, it similar to the replacement kits that I am thinking of using?o No: Yes, during these times I have to watch every dollar. My father suggested we sell our 55 Buick. He offered to give me half the money. I said; No. If, he sold the car, I would have the money. But, we would not have the car. What, fun is there, with no car? I have looked at your Polish language site. The pictures are interesting. I don't speak or, read or, understand the Polish language. Spanish, :idea2:I can speak, read, and understand, okay. German and French, I can read and understand, only a little. But, Polish, :shock:I don't know one word. My Boss, at work, is Polish born. Maybe, I will print out your site. And, maybe, she might translate into English for me. It is good, for those of us interested in your car, that, your English is very good. I enjoy seeing and reading about your car. Thank you for taking the time to post the pictures and write the narrative. :TU:
Hey, I can translate it for You Buick section is both in English and Polish, just click the US flag, but the rest of the pages i wrote in Polish only just because i'm lazy If You like them, i can translate them. And thanks for motivating me for further updates And please correct my bugs or wrong used words. As for your question What, fun is there, with no car? - You are sooooo right And promised photos of wiper motor. Here is seen mounting tab, when mounted to Buicks mechanism it is about 3/8 of an inch short to move anything, but you have two ways - modyfying it's mount (i'll go that route) or making some kind of tab to make that moving part longer. And other side - my switch has broken piece which i haven't glued back in yet, but it is straight fit to Buick's cable going to the switch in the dash. And i forgot - that is old motor, not replacement. Maybe it will help You in searching another.
The attached thumbnail is probably what you are talking about except the photo is of a '57 Buick. It requires some adaption. A 3/8 inch (9.5mm) square spacer between the driver and driven. Also a 1/8 inch adapter and a 1/8 inch (3.2mm) thick washer on the mounting holes.
Looks very, very similar to what i have. And Your description of spacer required for it to work in '55 Buick seems like it's the same thing. I haven't noticed any need for adapter and washer, but i haven't got that far into fitting that wiper motor in place. It's good to know what i have.
Just wanted to post a reply to let you know your story is being viewed. You have a lot of vision to be able to blend those two cars. Keep up the good work. It's fun to watch what you've done.
Yes, this is very helpful. Am, I understanding correctly that, the existing cable to the original vacuum motor can be used for the replacement electric?
For me, there is no problem reading and understanding your English writing and punctuation. I will go back to your site and look again for the English version. Read the English and then try again to read the Polish. Maybe, I can learn some Polish language? (If, you would like correction; I might point out that, "wrongly used words" perhaps is more correct than, "wrong used words").
JohnD1956 - Thanks Caballero3 - thanks, in '55 Buick that looks slightly different, but it is so sipmle it should not be a problem. Bhambulldog - Czy mwisz po angielsku ( is same as u, we have many tricks like that ) and yes, you are ready to visit Poland I will translate my page as soon as i will find some time (winter maybe? ) As for wiper motor - as i see it, original cable can be reused and it will fit.
I agree, it is a good story. I enjoy reading and looking at the pictures of the work, as the story unfolds. The work they are doing is amazing, the stretching of the Chevrolet frame and fitting of the Buick to the frame/firewall, was especially masterful.
Yes, i know 55buick.com page As for marker and indicator lights - that chevrolet had modified (by hand, saw and glue) indicator lights at the rear, in front they were added. In Poland marker lights are legal, but they are very rare. Indicator lights should be amber, not white (You can have clear lens, but amber bulb). Also rear stop lights must be independent from turn signals. Headlights must be assymetric. Some US manufacturers are selling here their models with approtiate modifications, but used cars are modified by hand, and sometimes in terrible way
