Yes, I introduced myself in the "wet behind the ears" forum.... But for those that missed it... Jeff Bakker from Erie, Colorado with a weekend driver 1955 Buick Roadmaster Riviera (2 door nopost hardtop). I'm looking for someone or a few someones to serve as mentors as my wife (Milinda) & I restore this jewel. If we have some experts, quasi-experts, or folks that have built daily drivers out of 1953-1956 (prefered) upto 1959 Buicks please send me a message or post up if you are willing to answer questions and offer quidance or suggestions as we start in earnest to rebuild this wonderful car. My wife & I are long distance folks, we've worn out 2 motorcycles in the last 3 years riding in endurance events. So, Our goal for this car is to build something that we can drive Coast-to-Coast retracing the Old Licoln Highway...then have something left over to leave to our Grand-Daughter Natalie (currently age 3). As I've browsed this forum I've noticed a highlight on the muscle car Buicks, but I know there are classic enthusiasts amongst us. We would appreciate any & all help. The biggest question we have is whom can overhaul the 1955 dynaflow? Certainly not an easy task with it's "variable stator". Maybe someone among us has this ability? On the up side, I'm a turbine helicopter mechanic so maybe I'm not so " Wet Behind the Ears". We're really looking forward to this........ Jeff & Milinda, Erie, Colorado
Jeff, Great to have you on board!! Do you know Frank Lyle from the Colorado Springs area? He is a 1958 Buick Guru and my be able to point you in the right direction of someone in your state to rebuild that Dynaflow. '55 Roadmaster is a great road car and needs NO mods to be perfectly capable of such a road trip. Long wheel base, good rear end ratio, and a 322 4-bbl backed with a Dynaflow is a smooth combo. My friends Jack and Lynnette have the same car and they drove it from the Seattle area to the Rochester, Minnesota Buick Club National Meet a few years back. And another friend of mine drove his '57 Roadmaster to this year's national, an all original-unrestored car. Here's Jack's '55
Jeff, If you haven't joined the Buick Club of America (BCA) I would encourage you to do so. You also should check out the BCA Forum, there are quite a few 55 Buick guys there, including some of that have been judges at the Nationals and done frame off restorations of their cars. Probably more of the 50's guys there then here. That is where I went to learn about my 55! http://forums.aaca.org/ Chris
64Electra, Don't know Frank Lyle, but the Springs are close enough to warrant a trip. His '55 is amazing! Looks much like Leno's! What's his forum name? I will sure make contact. Maybe I could contact you with questions as well? cjp69, I have located the local chapter of the Buick club and sent an email, but didn't get a reply. I saw a few Classics in the photo album and they do list local events. I think I'll just show up at one of the local meets and introduce myself. Thanks for the info.... Jeff & Milinda Erie, Coloradop
Jeff, did you check out the buick section of the aaca website? It is a forum like this (but not as good) that the Buick Club of America runs. There are a few guys from different parts of the country who frequent it and are very helpful. When I needed parts for my 55 I got help from SC and TX. Stop by there and introduce yourself like you did here. You don't have to be a member to join. Here is the link. http://forums.aaca.org/
I don't know enough about those cars to help you but welcome and nice choice of car. I want to pick up a 55 or 56 myself. Love the mid 50's style and the car is modern enough to work with as stock or a hot rod.
I'll look up Frank Lyle's info when I get home. The black and white '55 lives up here in the Northwest by me. Frank Lyle is the '58 guy. Drop me an email: alexpfaff@comcast.net
Jack's car is a REALLY nice 55. Black and white go really well together on these old cars. Here is a picture of mine.
Well, I've got an "old 53" - but I am certainly not any GURU . . . There are some hereabouts. Don't let them muscleheads intimidate you, they're all pussycats outside the cockpit (er - driver's seat) . . . After all, this is the V8Buick website ;-))) . The Classic Buicks threads will contain old car stuff and respond to old car questions. There are some unique areas of these cars - like the combined vacuum pump and fuel pump, and vacuum wipers, and galvanic action that accelerates after a car turns 55 years old ;-((( . So, as some would say "let 'er RIP !" :bglasses: . Keith (Rip) Rohring :Comp: . also know that under the UserCP label on the base page - you can send people private e-mail (abbreviated as PM) if you just want a quick answer. However, as a public service, most questions asked publicly on a thread then become information to all of us. People will sit back and read them for months - it's called "LURKING" - and we all learn a lot that way. Welcome, pull up an e-chair, and stay awhile. :grin:
