Back into Buicks! Haven't been following the site much but missed the guys and the cars. I've had all kinds of Buicks - classic,muscle, race, show, turbo,etc. All were fun in one way or another but we're a lot of time and money. Too nice to drive, too hot for street and just sat there. I have a 95 T/A 'vert we took on cruises and local shows. A blast to drive but not a Buick. My wife thought it would cooler to cruise in a older 50's Buick. Found the 53 on Minneapolis CL. I watched it for a couple of months get cheaper and cheaper. Finally went to check it out and brought it home. It had the motor, trans,rear end in the car but just mounts fabed and not finished. It was lowered about 3" and had the look. Went to Back to the 50's event at the state fairgrounds for ideas on what to do. The Riv was all original right down to the wheels with caps and rings. Settled on the "barn find" look- leave the outside alone and finish the drivetrain. Last year had it so it moved, stopped, and steered. It still needs the electrical and some steering issues resolved but it was back on the road! Motor/ trans: 1970 Skylark 350/ TH350, 2800 stall, 4brl, Big Thumper cam. Rear end: Chevy S-10 - 3:42 posi, axels and drums drilled to 5 on 5 so OEM wheels fit. Steering: 1995 Monte Carlo power rack/pinion, 70's GM tilt column w/ original wheel Interior: stock seats, Mexican blanket covers, OE door panels, trim and dash Brakes: rebuilt stock and S10 manual drums-soon to be power Exhaust: dual w/ Cherry Bombs-exit by rear wheels(not visible) stock tailpipe with 50's chrome tip. Paint: OEM lacquer 2 tone: Robin egg blue with Midnight blue roof- ORIGINAL The plan is keep the stock "barn find" look-right down to the single exhaust tip. It will stay in "stealth mode" until it's started up. Then the real fun begins!
I like that a lot! I was afraid I was going to read ‘ls this’ and fake patina/rat rod that, but was pleased to be wrong. Even putting the old steering wheel on a newer column. (I hate seeing rods with the donor wheel sticking out of a metal dash). I love it. Patrick
Thanks! I'll get pics of the engine soon. I have the battery up front by the radiator for now but will be put in the trunk. I'll need to put the trunk floor in first.
I'm seeing a few of these lately! Mine is in my avatar; its original color was the same as yours. Another guy on here (and buickclub.org) bought one just like ours a few weeks ago. I love the straight-8 but having a 350 would actually make the car a lot more usable. Mine's happiest at 60 or so on the freeway, and that's being a bit of a roadblock these days. Yours is like the best of both worlds!
Nice little 53, I have a friend here in Pahrump with a 54 Roadmaster. It is 350 Buick powered and does quite well. Bob H.
