Couple of questions - Getting to know my '70 Electra

Discussion in 'A boatload of fun' started by RustyFuryIII, Mar 5, 2022.

  1. RustyFuryIII

    RustyFuryIII Well-Known Member

    Took advantage of a nice day and got to doing some more work on the car today.

    Changed out the spark plugs. Installed AC Delco #2. I guess these are okay? Could someone with some knowledge of what a spark plug can tell you, tell me. From what I've read on line so far. They're old, been in the car for some time based on the green paint on the insulators. Someone chucked in an Autolite at some point.
    They look like the engine is running a tad rich. Would make sense since the engine doesn't idle very well. From the looks of things, the carb needs a complete overhaul. I did replace a bunch of rock hard vacuum lines today, but only replaced about 75% of them. Still need to do the PCV and brake booster vacuum lines. I think I could pound nails with them.

    The ground straps are all pointing towards the front of the engine and in the correct order. Also replaced the fuel filter in the carb. It wasn't clogged up. It did however, have a bunch of junk inside of it and the end caps easily popped off of each end.

    IMG_5448.JPG

    Also, can I remove the component on top of the distributer that holds centrifugal weights, springs assy?
    While the points and condenser look relatively new, I'd like to verify the points gap. Haven't worked on a points set-up since the early '80s and can't remember what I should do here. The springs seem pretty lazy as the weights flop around a good bit. Is there a make, model someone could recommend?

    IMG_5436.JPG

    Someone had asked if I had a trunk release earlier on. I honestly did not think I had one until today. Found it. Yup, got one and it works. Cool!
    What I don't have is a glove box light housing assembly nor do I have a on/off button anymore. All I have is this. Anyone know of someone who may have one for sale? Someone deleted the one I suspect should be in the glove box?

    IMG_5464.JPG

    One last thing. Behind the glove box is this pigtail. I searched high and low inside there and cannot find anything at all that needs this end. I can say for now my AC does not work, but I have other troubleshooting to do before I assume this has anything to do with it.

    If I should separate these questions and post elsewhere, let me know.

    IMG_5465.JPG

    While working on the car, exploring and taking everything in, I've discovered the car was built in November of '69. There are a lot of components on the car dated '69 as well as a few dated '68. And yet, the car is a model year 1970. For those that are interested in these sorts of things and may find this information useful.

    Any information would be greatly apprecated.

    Thank you,

    Paul
     
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2022
  2. 66electrafied

    66electrafied Just tossing in my nickel's worth

    Okay; - yes, they're rich. They also might be the wrong heat range. The book calls for 44TS. The carb might be out, but there's also a good chance that the carb is gummed up as a result of running ethanol gas. That will screw up carbs and plug off valves and wreck spark plugs. Find some 94 octane with no ethanol, it'll thank you for it.
    Second; the distributor would have to come out in order to be stripped apart like that. Changing springs will slow your advance, you might want to check with any shop that still has someone old enough to remember what a distributor is, they might have parts and the knowledge.
    Third: If I remember right, the glove box lamp is a weird thing and it looks like you have most of it. The pin and plunger are gone though. Any wreck that has cars that old should have it, they were used on a lot of big GM cars from about 1966-75.
    4th: Not sure about the A/C wiring, - I think that might be for the door buzzer, it's located up high in the dash in that general area. They were designed by terrorists, and most people disconnected them.

    If you're planning on keeping any length of time, a wise investment would be a Chassis Manual for that year. The 70 Buick used all of the same dash components as the 69 did, and yes, quite a bit was shared with the 68. At that time Buick did a 3 year run, which was unusual, because normally they did 2 year runs where components were the same with only minimal superficial differences. The 68 was weird and a stand-alone because some of the legislation that was expected to be passed actually wasn't, so 69-70 were then able to share all the dash hardware that was re-modified from the tumbler switches used in 1968.
     
  3. RustyFuryIII

    RustyFuryIII Well-Known Member

    Thanks 66!

    Far as I know, based on the receipts the gentleman provided with the sale of the car. He only put 90-91 octane, ethanol free fuel in the car when he had it.
    I suspected she was running rich. Needs a bit of work getting her right again. And as you mentioned, I'm sure the carb is worse on the inside if the outside is any indication!
    And yes, I do plan on keeping the car for as long as they let me continue to drive! I am in the market for a complete set of shop manuals for the old girl. I want to get her ship-shape and running better than the day she left the plant.
    Been chomping at the bit to hit the junkyard. Been awhile and I do enjoy a day out in the field of dreams as it were.

    Thanks for the information on the car. Greatly appreciated!

    By the way, found these in the glove box under some papers. Lots going on around here and still taking it all in. Surprised at the condition of the material. Someone really liked this car, even though maintenance may not have been at the top of priorities.
    I would've suspected this kind of stuff would have been trashed shortly after getting the new car home.


    Front
    IMG_5473.JPG


    Back And then two of these.
    IMG_5472.JPG IMG_5469.JPG

    Never seen stuff like this before in any used car I've purchased over the years. Interesting and in pretty much mint condition. They're out of the car now and in a folder to keep them in good condition!

    Anyway, thanks again for the info.

    Paul
     
  4. 66electrafied

    66electrafied Just tossing in my nickel's worth

    Very cool!
    Yes, keep them, they are rare to find!
    I had a 46 Super that still had the tag hanging from the clock; - it was still there all throughout the 15 years I owned the car and was still there when I sold it. It actually helped sell the car.
     

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