Not a Buick, but I thought with the wide array of backgrounds and interests here some may enjoy this. So this lil feller followed me home yesterday. Trying to make a long story short, it was built by my grandfather in the mid-late 70's from a very bug that my dad owned for a short time. As a child, going up to grandpa's in the summer time often had the added bonus of dune buggy rides! All his grandkids loved it, and this thing was probably one of the earliest influences to get me into cars. My grandfather passed away in 2008, and I've been trying to get this thing ever since. I got the call last week offering to sell it, and jumped. It hasn't been run since about 1999, but I'm going to get it mechanically sound and then fix it up cosmetically. It'll be a fun little side project with some real sentimental value.
Right on that's cool Wait until you fire that thing for the first time I'm sure a flood of memories will come back AWESOME
Super cool that grandpaw built it and much cheaper to do than our Buicks'....you will have a lot of fun! Got a good friend here that has 2 real Mad Max's.
X4...so cool Shawn and really nice that memories come with it. Nice that it comes with a tow bar, too!
Thanks gents! I pulled the plugs and it spins over easy by hand, so no issues there. It does have some challenges though. The ignition key was lost and the steering wheel is locked, so I've gotta get the tumbler out which is always fun. Shift linkage definitely needs some love, it's pretty loose. But the biggest issue isn't mechanical at all. When my grandfather passed away, the title was never found. If I want to license it (which I very much do), I'm gonna have to jump through hoops to obtain a title. I've been told it was still titled as the beetle it was made from, and that it's *believed* that the VIN tag is still on it, though I'm not sure where (haven't scoured). But it's in the family for good, and that was step one. I'll figure out the rest later. I don't expect this to get done soon, it'll just be something g to mess with when I need a break from the green car constantly fighting me.
That is very cool! What's better than a dune buggy? A dune buggy with memories. Glad it's yours. Have fun and share the joy!
Should I be looking for this or the Buick at the coffee thing at the Austin exit ? I know what you mean about needing a break. Be looking for me with a Mustang!
Roger, Who knows, this thing might make it to cars and coffee someday! I have a few friends that were there Saturday,said it was a good turnout, filled up 4 lots. Unfortunately I wasn't there as I was retrieving the buggy. Not sure when green car will get there, it's got an electrical issue that's put it on lockdown at the moment. As far as the dune buggy goes, the wife and kid were taking a nap earlier, so I slid out to the barn to play. Found the VIN and also ran the engine id numbers, it's a 1970 1600cc single port. Also got the ignition tumbler out and a new one ordered so that problem is solved.
Good luck in Ohio with a lost title! I really hope it works out for you. I don't know if you have collector's insurance but I would check to see if they will cover it.I was looking into a Meyer Manx last year and my Hagerty agent told me Hagerty wouldn't cover it. It's a off-road vechicle. By the way, that buggy is just to cool for school! Tom
Ha!! Now look who's dragging cars out of garages!! Congrats Shawn! Looks like an awesome project. I betcha that thing will shine up like a new penny. Did you do the obligatory "test area" with some rubbing compound and a towel? Looks like its got some flake in it
No rubbing compound yet Jason, but a damp towel and it cleaned up decently. And yes, it's got some heavy flake, like bass boat heavy. It was the obligatory 70's-riffic ride. Mikey, you're spot on, I needed another project like I needed a swift kick in the giggle berries.... BUT this one is more about preserving a piece of family history than having another toy. And it'll be leisurely, not fever pitch like the last one!
Awesome. I would start the title process immediately. It may takes months. You can work on it in the meantime. It would suck to have it ready and then wait 6 months to drive it. Looks like a fun project.
