MY RESTORATION OF A 1951 BUICK SUPER RIVIERA
Introduction
Much like her proclivity towards the most downtrodden, neglected and “under-appreciated” of animals, this started much the same way. “Awwww, look.....”
Usually after such exclamations I would soon find myself digging and sinking fence posts (NOT an easy thing to do in New England as any New Englander will tell you!) or erecting various structures in anticipation of her newest wayward unsung animal adoptee to our home- but this was different.
The picture pulled up on the internet this time revealed a bulbous looking old Buick- those peculiar yet somehow incredibly intriguing 50’s models that had caught her eye for years. This one was powder blue and, yes, undeniably......pretty.
Usually after such exclamations I would soon find myself digging and sinking fence posts (NOT an easy thing to do in New England as any New Englander will tell you!) or erecting various structures in anticipation of her newest wayward unsung animal adoptee to our home- but this was different.
The picture pulled up on the internet this time revealed a bulbous looking old Buick- those peculiar yet somehow incredibly intriguing 50’s models that had caught her eye for years. This one was powder blue and, yes, undeniably......pretty.
She first saw it arrayed on the computer screen from a dealer’s website in nearby Massachusetts—Shown alongside the overtly slick models of pretty much every sports car and barely street legal muscle car that lures the imagination of most antique car enthusiasts these days- the Buick’s age, color, price and condition (though really quite good) made her a ‘standout’ for those reasons against all the other more flashy and expensive cars....a dreamy looking big ol’ gal looking for the right dreamer to come along to share some more fun memories with her again.
The Buick's story was an all too familiar one but one that never fails to pull at one’s heartstrings. A cherished car from an elderly owner that reluctantly had to part with it due to declining health, declining use, and increased cost of ‘admission’ to an assisted living facility. Her son had the sad job of finding a new owner for his Mother’s car—a situation that is also all too familiar to most of us.
“Awwww, look.......”
And so they found each other and we found ourselves driving to Massachusetts to the dealership.
After just recently having completed an engine rebuild -along with the many other “rebuilds” to my 1932 Chevy Confederate, I was in no mindset to take on any additional large- and thus largely expensive- repair projects to this car if we acquired her.
But I had laid down some rules with my wife and I was at least going to try to stick with them. If the Buick looked in any way like it would need an expensive rebuild on ANYTHING we would not be falling for her tempting looks.
At the dealership, other than some of the usual issues with a car that has been sitting idle, and some that I had already been made aware of, I saw nothing major to turn us away. Her price was definitely fair and I saw no reason why we should not purchase her.
The Buick's story was an all too familiar one but one that never fails to pull at one’s heartstrings. A cherished car from an elderly owner that reluctantly had to part with it due to declining health, declining use, and increased cost of ‘admission’ to an assisted living facility. Her son had the sad job of finding a new owner for his Mother’s car—a situation that is also all too familiar to most of us.
“Awwww, look.......”
And so they found each other and we found ourselves driving to Massachusetts to the dealership.
After just recently having completed an engine rebuild -along with the many other “rebuilds” to my 1932 Chevy Confederate, I was in no mindset to take on any additional large- and thus largely expensive- repair projects to this car if we acquired her.
But I had laid down some rules with my wife and I was at least going to try to stick with them. If the Buick looked in any way like it would need an expensive rebuild on ANYTHING we would not be falling for her tempting looks.
At the dealership, other than some of the usual issues with a car that has been sitting idle, and some that I had already been made aware of, I saw nothing major to turn us away. Her price was definitely fair and I saw no reason why we should not purchase her.
So here we are. I am merely the mechanic and maintenance person. While her interest in these cars certainly surprised me, who am I to question the acquisition of anything old and rusty ?!?
COSMETIC CONDITION
The original mileage is documented at 27,600. I believe this to be true. Body excellent, paint has some issues, interior is also excellent and original.
MECHANICAL CONDITION
Highway performance is still a big mystery until taken on an extended test drive. However, she starts and idles fine, no smoke, no overheating, shifts fine, minor leaks from the Dynaflow transmission.
Let me say here that I never owned a Buick before and thought a Dynaflow was some kind of early GE washing machine.
The brakes are soft and probably need a complete overhaul to make safe.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Before I even dared to swing a wrench an initial inspection by the club’s Gaslighters was conducted as I have NO prior experience with Buicks. A leak down and compression test was recommended and many questions were answered. The goal is to bring the car up to daily drivable condition yet retain original equipment and appearance to the extent possible.
The original mileage is documented at 27,600. I believe this to be true. Body excellent, paint has some issues, interior is also excellent and original.
MECHANICAL CONDITION
Highway performance is still a big mystery until taken on an extended test drive. However, she starts and idles fine, no smoke, no overheating, shifts fine, minor leaks from the Dynaflow transmission.
Let me say here that I never owned a Buick before and thought a Dynaflow was some kind of early GE washing machine.
The brakes are soft and probably need a complete overhaul to make safe.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Before I even dared to swing a wrench an initial inspection by the club’s Gaslighters was conducted as I have NO prior experience with Buicks. A leak down and compression test was recommended and many questions were answered. The goal is to bring the car up to daily drivable condition yet retain original equipment and appearance to the extent possible.
In advance of any engine diagnosis, my first priority was the replacement of all fluids since the car sat for many years. The above photo shows what the oil pan looked like. I’m sure it was never off the car.
And of course the Dynaflow transmission pan was just as foul but check out the almost unidentifiable filter screen. It took 2 days of soaking in a carburetor cleaner to actually see the brass filter element. The poor Dynaflow was not getting any flow- or very little.
And of course the Dynaflow transmission pan was just as foul but check out the almost unidentifiable filter screen. It took 2 days of soaking in a carburetor cleaner to actually see the brass filter element. The poor Dynaflow was not getting any flow- or very little.
This above view of the transmission is from below looking up.
This is how the transmission appeared after hours of cleaning.
With these 2 projects done, I moved onto degreasing the front end. Unless I could see everything, most importantly the numerous grease fittings, no real inspection could be made. This effort was taxing, lying on a cold concrete floor for 2 weeks while destroying a few shirts and pants in the process.
Fortunately, there was very little rust with most components looking solid and tight. In keeping with original factory look, many parts were not painted so I used clear lacquer to prevent rust.
Fortunately, there was very little rust with most components looking solid and tight. In keeping with original factory look, many parts were not painted so I used clear lacquer to prevent rust.
So that’s it for now. Next on the agenda is some light engine work and start-up diagnosis.
Car Fans: Check out the photo below. These are assorted parts that I removed from the Buick. How many of these can you identify? Meet the challenge and put your answers in the 'Comments' area.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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