BUICK to 455 fender emblem change

What is the best way to replace the fender emblems with the minimum amount of disassembly?

And I believe the BUICK emblem from a GS 350 uses the same pin locations as the 455 emblem, but the Stage 1 emblem is different... correct info?

Thanks, Frank

 

Frank
I've been told several times that the ORIGINAL style 455 pegs will fit in the Buick emblem holes. Some people say that some filing will have to be done. I don't have my 455 emblems yet to verify, but this is what I've been told. The new style 455 emblems have the black'd in area under the 4 and the first 5 which strengthens the emblem, but does have different peg locations. The stage 1 emblem will not match.

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=49680&highlight=emblems

 

Howdy, Reynold.
Frank, one other thing to watch for if you don't already know: the reproduction "455" emblems with original pin placements are marginal at best. They're too soft; you can bend them with your fingers. You're better off finding some decent originals restoring them.
John

 

Maybe that's what the last guy meant by having to file the holes a little.

 

Frank,
I think I have some pictures and measurements of the holes in my 455 fenders if that would help? I think I also have some nice repo 455 emblems, yours cheap if you want them.

 

I have some new YO emblems, but a pic would be really great.

Frank

 

Hope these help. :beer

 

The holes Rick posted are for the original 455 emblem. If that looks like your holes, Frank, you can use original or repro 455 emblems. However, GM NOS 455 emblems sold since the late 70s have totally different holes.
Those are the ones Reynold describes with the additional black areas.
The original emblems had no peg behind the "4", and resulted in many "GS 55" cars running around. They changed the emblem in 73(?) to strengthen it and move a peg closer to the "4", resulting in the NOS emblem with the different pegs.

As far as changing the emblem, supposedly you can undo the two bolts at the bottom of the fender and pull it out enough to get to the speed nuts on the emblem pegs. Never tried it myself...

See ya on the 5th!!!!!

 

I'm going to check today, and post some pice of my emblems with a tape measure like Rick did, for others' future reference. As far as moving the fender out, it seems I would need more bolts removed.... we'll see! I'm doing it this weekend.

Frank

 

Here is the back of a Year One 455 repop emblem:

 

So it looks like they'll fit. My emblems have 2 holes in line and a little peg at the end.

Frank

 

The "buick motor division" emblem can be replaced by the original style "455" emblem no problem. Good luck finding that style 455 emblem though unless the re-pops are close enough.

I have installed emblems by reaching in through door opening...two things though, you will be working in a very tight space and by feel. Also, make sure the door is held in the correct spot so you don't get jammed in there. Loosening off the lower bolts will help for sure.

later
Tim

 

I already did it. So for the record, The Year One repops fit perfectly, all the way to the little keeper pin at the end.

Frank

 

Good to know!! Thanks.

later
tim

 

Here is a pic: