Buinicorn my 1964 wagon

Dear superbuickguy and V-8 Buick longroof fans,

Does your wagon have an electric window? If it does probably the only way to bring the window down is either to get the motor working or dismantle the mechanism. I had the tailgate window regulator restored when the car was repainted back in 2012. I have some pictures that might help you figure out what's there. Let me know if you want me to post them.

Cheers, Edouard

 

I'm certain it's electric but it almost looks like the only access is to cut a hole in the inside panel - while the panel isn't pristine, I'd rather avoid destroying it.... I was hoping there was either a remote control or a way of powering the motor without pulling panels.... guessing I'm going to be disappointed.

 

Dear superbuickguy and V-8 Buick longroof fans,

Do you know if the motor was working according to the previous owner? There are two ways to control the motor when everything is working properly. The tailgate has an electric switch that is operated by the same key that opens and closes the doors. Twisting clockwise opens the window.

Also the knob on the dash that is closest to the heater controls and the radio is another switch that operates the tailgate window. Only the wagons and convertibles have 4 knobs on the dash. The other cars only have 3 and obviously the forth knob controls the top in the convertibles.

Let us know if that's enough to get the tailgate window down.

Cheers, Edouard

 

and yes there's a switch, yes I can power it up, but no the window won't budge - I'm guessing panel injury is going to occur... but still, thank you!

 

Dear superbuickguy and V-8 Buick longroof fans,

Okay that's good news. Which switch worked - the tailgate one? Odds are the other one will work as well. It is also good news that the motor works. I don't know if that is Buick specific motor or not, but I assume it would be hard to come by.

Why would you need to cut a hole in the inside access panel. At least on my wagon it is held with screws and comes off. We had trouble with the tailgate mechanism for decades, so we've had that panel off more than once. Here is a picture of that access panel with the tailgate open:



The screws are clearly visible in this picture.

You might be wondering why I had the tailgate painted and not the access plate. One of these days I want to put some carpet on that plate. My knees ain't what they used to be!

Good luck with your longroof!!

Cheers, Edouard

 

ah yes, but
beside the guaranteed need for a tetanus shot the bottom row of screws aren't all screws and most have been modified into anti-tamper devices by the PO (may he rest in peace if he isn't already dead)

 

Hmmmm... about the hot-side... why do I need an big, heavy intercooler when hero status is merely a nitrous-oxide injection away? hmmmmm....

 

Dear superbuickguy and V-8 Buick longroof fans,

??? - What did the previous owner do? Are the screws replaced by rivets? I can't see clearly from your photo. Unfortunately, I do see that your wagon is indeed in really tough shape. Best of luck in trying to extricate yourself from this predicament.

Edouard

 

the screws rusted to the panel making getting them out with anything other then a drill or a cut-off wheel impossible.... but that and other things are in the story below
so I finally got the rear window down

and now the latches are stuck.... brilliant.
I didn't waste my day (well, I suppose that depends on whether or not anyone thinks a 427 has value - picked up one of those)
windows out

and it's not as bad as I thought... all of this is good enough that it's going to get POR 15, dynamat, and a carpet....

I was worried about these corners - and outside of the non-existent spare tire carrier (big deal), this is well-within saveable

 

Dear superbuickguy, and V-8 Buick "longroof" fans,

Congratulations! That was quite a struggle!

Well, it is clear that this car isn't going to be restored without putting up a fight!

Unfortunately, the cover for the spare tire wheel could be a Buick-only item. You might want to post a request in the parts wanted section of the board to see if anybody has one they would be willing to part with.

I'm glad you think the car can be saved. Nonetheless it is really in tough shape. It will definitely take a lot of work on your part to bring it back to life.

Good luck!

Cheers, Edouard

 

Restoration... ummm... I love Buick style, I love Buick power.* That said, things can be improved upon. One of those things is where that spare tire was that is an excellent spot to put the battery and perhaps the NOx bottle - just because its appearance will be kindly called "geriatric" doesn't mean grandpa won't have fangs hidden in those dentures.

*my first car was a 1962 Buick Skylark, I had several opportunities to save it after I sold it - but I got so much enjoyment watching it slowly enter back into the ground that I couldn't bring myself to save (again) that lemon. I'm still not sorry (almost 35 years later) for letting it go to dust.

 

I know this is a ridiculous update, but as it takes removing a lock cylinder, taking it to a key shop, then taking it to a competent key shop....
I got keys today.....


Thank you Bonafide locksmith in Kirkland, you rock.

 

Dear SuperBuickGuy and V-8 Buick "longroof" fans,

What's ridiculous about getting the locks to work? I also had to get the help of a locksmith to get all the locks working on my wagon. All the door cylinders are original and especially the tailgate lock cylinder is a bit worn and loose. By getting the keys cut exactly to the original specs the locks work much better. Having a big engine is fun, but if you can't lock the car basically you can't park in public. So it is a lot more important that it appears.

Cheers, Edouard

P.S. Sadly incompetence is everywhere. We just have to cope with it as best we can.

 

rust repairs coming soon

they are close-ish

better too long then too short?

no big deal, I know a guy who knows a guy who can make this into scrap

 

Dear superbuickguy and V-8 Buick long-roof fans,

Glad to see the progress! Keep pluggin'!

Cheers, Edouard

 

So I had a free hour tonight.... decided to dive into what I know this thing needs


I'm a bit disappointed in the metal work - but they were cheap, wrong, but cheap so it gives me enough metal to pound and a general shape... so away we go


leaky windows with no drain.... big surprise... not


a bit of trimming


I did this in two pieces because of that fitment issue -


you can see the issue where the seam is for the wheel opening....


it should be where the black line is... but not all the way down - which is why I cut it in two and will weld it back together. It's easier to knock it straight in a small panel

 

Dear SuperBuickGuy and V-8 Buick long-roof fans,

Congratulations on the progress! Keep pluggin' away at this project!

Cheers, Edouard

 

As some know, I have a bit of an incline from my house to the shop. The wagon doesn't have paint on it, it will rain next weekend, and I need my lift back...
Mind you, the PO said "the brakes went out"...

so I put fluid in hoping that I'd see where it was leaking... EUREKA...


I think I see the problem


Did you know that Corvette brake lines interchange with rear, 64 Buick lines? you do now


now it has brakes.... yay.

 

Dear SuperBuickGuy and V-8 Buick long-roof fans,

Definitely congrats on extricating yourself from that predicament! You seem to have gotten the brakes working not a moment too soon!

Cheers, Edouard