A new project rolled in today. It is much LESS complete than I thought it would be. It's going to be an interesting Spring! Wicked cool styling, though.
Inventory the parts that are stuffed in the trunk and interior, start deciphering the puzzle. As far as the owner wants, he is just looking to do some assembly at this point. Doesn't need to get it running now, just make it reasonably whole again. This is going to need some parts that are made of unobtainium and it'll take some time to locate them. BUT, the engine is completely rebuilt (so I am told), and it just needs a coat of paint. Plus all the accessories, etc....... Still some details to work out on what gets done, but for now I will start sifting through the mess.
I found this one a few years ago and the tinworms had pretty much had their way with it, those are raspberry bushes growing up thru the floors! Still had alot of pieces on it like the speedometer and some trim but the car was so soft that I'm sure it would have fell apart if moved or dug out from where it was sinking, orig. motor was gone and replaced with what looked like 440 out of a GTX or such judging by the shifter that was attached to the trans. One day I was back out for a coastal drive where it sat and it was gone. Low production car.... a Moparite told me that if that blue color showing was the original color perhaps only 2 or 3 came in that color. More pics @ the link. http://http://public.fotki.com/buickjef/rusty_relic_1957/
Beautiful, beautiful car...I can't even imagine the $$$ it would take to even do a driver restoration on it, however. Do you have an inspection camera, Adam? I bought one for $80, and it is great for looking down into the bores to see what's up (bore condition, honing pattern, etc.). Good luck!
I pulled the valve covers and oil pan, and it is super clean, and I can see assembly lube all over it. It does spin free, just took me a little extra grunt to get it started. I did find that the oil pump was just hanging loose, and there is no pickup tube installed yet. I think they left it that way purposely, though. The oil pan gasket was not installed either. Pan was just bolted on. I am waiting on a ton more (apparently) parts from the previous owner. I did a quick inventory yesterday and there are lots of parts missing.
Ready for delivery! This car will eventually be completely restored. As of now, we have just made the car "complete" again, as most of it was in boxes all mixed up. There is still a good portion of bits that need homes, but the meat and potatoes are back in order. This will be a really interesting car when it is done!
