Boscoe
07-11-2007, 01:06 PM
I just got a call from the shop that is fixing the items needed to pass my `71 convertible through state inspection. The brake and fuel lines had some rust on them and failed the inspection. Maryland is pretty picky about this kind of stuff because they only inspect cars when they change owners.
Anyway, the shop owner tells me that Buick originally installed these lines before the body was put on the chassis and that to do a factory-correct repair he would have to unbolt the frame and lift the body about 4-6 inches. Could GM have been that dumb? Maybe they figured the lines would never need replacement during the normal life of the car. Maybe they were right, but it's not so good 36 years down the road.
I asked the owner what dealers did back when the cars were a few years old and something happened to the lines. He said they ran new lines and didn't raise the body. Since I want to drive the car for awhile before deciding if I want to keep it forever, I'm having him run the lines as best they can. If I decide to have the old girl restored I'll have the proper lines reinstalled while the car is apart.
I wonder what else GM did like this. Would you have to yank the engine to fix the cigarette lighter?:Dou:
Anyway, the shop owner tells me that Buick originally installed these lines before the body was put on the chassis and that to do a factory-correct repair he would have to unbolt the frame and lift the body about 4-6 inches. Could GM have been that dumb? Maybe they figured the lines would never need replacement during the normal life of the car. Maybe they were right, but it's not so good 36 years down the road.
I asked the owner what dealers did back when the cars were a few years old and something happened to the lines. He said they ran new lines and didn't raise the body. Since I want to drive the car for awhile before deciding if I want to keep it forever, I'm having him run the lines as best they can. If I decide to have the old girl restored I'll have the proper lines reinstalled while the car is apart.
I wonder what else GM did like this. Would you have to yank the engine to fix the cigarette lighter?:Dou: