Parts wish list...

[dewbers]

Hey guys, I was thinking...which is not a good thing most of the time! :laugh:

We all have parts that we'd like for our cars. Whether it's a little part or a big part, it's a part ! I don't know if this site can do this or not, but here's my thought. (Adam or Per or one of you computer savvy guys can let us know if this will work or not!)

A posting area where we all can post the parts we'd like Santa to bring us!
So we can post the part, the person that wants it and then perhaps have a check off area where it can be shown that they got it?

IE:
NAME/CAR.........................................PART WANTED...................................RECEIVED
Steve Dewberry / 72 convertible...........right side dash bezel
Steve Dewberry / 72 convertible...........left side dash bezel .................................YES

Will this site do something like this? I know guys have spare parts lying around. Some guys will sell extra parts, while guys would rather hold on to them. (which is ok too) But if we could have a running list, then I'd know if I ran across something on eBay that a certain board member is looking for it, I could pass it along. I know we have a Parts Wanted post is here, but it's a rolling thing and unless you search the archives, stuff get's forgotten about.

Am I making any sense at all? If so, will the site support something like that?

Ok, one last thing.... the logo's have been completed for our shirts. Adam and I will converse this week and either chose one or possibly two and I'll post here to get everyone's take on this. Once that is done, I can begin taking orders.

[gr_speedy]

My wish list is............... to get in touch with somebody who has restored one of them and can give me advice on the parts example: (abp autobody panels has quarters for 71-76 lesabre 2dr). will they fit? I need the lower parts and couple inches over the wheel opening. And if the aftermarket trunk panels for a Chevelle will fit (atleast if they are close) for the centurion. I would love to get as much information now in the winter so when the weather gets better to start fixing up mine. Mechanical mine is fine but body is a nightmare. I got to excited on eBay and didn't check it thouroughly when i picked it up, i also trusted his deschription too much. Basically the car that i love has been my WORST experience at eBay. I have no idea if i should go and get another car and part this one out or if should buy another car and fix the one that i have LOL.

[dewbers]

I feel your frustration GR. It's a learning experience, no doubt. Even when one is seemingly in good shape (mine), there are always things that pop up and you need help! Guess what bro, you're at the right price. The guys on here know their stuff. ASK AWAY! Go under the advice section or the restoration section. I see that you've done this before. If you don't get the help you need, ask again. Sometimes the guys get busy or they miss a new thread and you just need to keep in front of them. I wish I could help you, but I am damn near as new at this as you are.
I do think the body panels from an EARLY LeSabre will fit our rides. I'm not sure if they'll work up to a 76, but I am pretty certain the 71-73's will match up. Again, guys will chime in and answer. Write down a list of what you need help on. When you get it together, then start a thread under the advice area. Guys like Adam, Bob, Rick, Keith and Kimson (if he still reads our site) have done restoration or have been at this so long they know their way around it. There are more guys too, I just can't recall everyone's name that I have seen on those threads. Trust me, they'll all help... Good luck! :beers:

[73 Centurion]

LeSabre and Centurion rear quarters are the same, hardtop and convertibles are the same. Obviously you'll need 2 door quarters (not 4 door).

The cheapest source of parts would be a rust free, high mileage, low option LeSabre hardtop. Buying the bits piece by piece is much more expensive. Keep an eye on eBay, and Craigs list. Even dented panels can be used as long as the metal isn't stretched or torn. Any distortion around the wheel well should be avoided as this is much harder to repair.

The decision to fix what you have, or buy something better is something we all struggle with. The cheapest way to a completely restored car is to buy one in that state. Restoring one bit by bit is the most expensive way (when you add it all up). Few of us have the cash to buy someone elses restoration, so we all wonder if we are spending too much over time.

You can't really make the decision based on numbers. The real decsion is do you have the time and patience to see this car through, or is your life too busy to take on a project of this size. Your ability to do work yourself, and whether you enjoy that work is the deciding factor. There are some people who enjoy the work part more than owning the final car. Others just want something beautiful to drive. Most of us are somewhere between.

If the problems with your car keep you from enjoying it, and you don't know when you'll get around to fixing it you'd probably be better buying something a little closer to done.

If you enjoy owning the car and look forward to working on it then you've got yourself a hobby. Stick with it and you'll have more pride in the final product than someone who bought a restoration.

My car was a $900 lawn ornament (non running) 15 years ago. It's now a rust free, black cherry thing of beauty. Actually it will be a thing of beauty once I finish restoring the trim and putting it back on. Then there's the stereo work, the engine could use a good cleaning and repaint..... you get the idea.

John

[gr_speedy]

Thanks a lot for your reply John and Steve.
John, i really love my Centurion and have big plans with it. That's the car that i am going to take where ever i'm gonna be. Mechanically i am ok i lerned mechanics 15 years ago in Germany and Body wise i am ok too went to a Autotech college here for 2.5 years. Big problem is sheetmetal fabrication don't have the tools OR the space to do that and that's what is gonna kill me. Basically my dilemma is that my Centurion would really need an off the frame restoration. I have located a parts car but i also think to restore it LOLOL. I've had more than 50 cars in my short life and except my first Golf I GTI Pirelli (150mph) the Centurion is the only other car i got attached too.
Steve i also thank you for your kind reply but i hate to ask too many questions........ its like once i start i think i wont be able to stop asking. People keeping their parts is fine no problem with that. But people who ask you what you want and then go and put them on eBay i don't like that. If you come here and ask people what they want then also make the deal here and just say yes i'll sell it to you for this much or say no i think it's more worth and finish. But don't lure me out of the box with ham. Thanks for the moral guys.

[buicks4ever]

Steve, take a look on ebay right now. I forgot what options are on your car, but there's some nice looking dash bezels for your car from a low mileage 71 or 72 Electra that was rear ended. You must have been a good boy this year.

[dewbers]

Hey Mark, thanks for the heads up, but I can't locate them on eBay. Any suggestions on what I can type into the search engine? Still looking....

[centurion 455 ragtop]

I got one for the wish list. I am searching for a:

1973 Centurion or LeSabre (convert or hard top), driver side front fender, that has the optional cornering side headlight provision. Decent shape no huge dents or huge rusted out holes. I will take one that is beat up a bit but is repairable.

The fender is different than the non-optioned fenders. There is actually a re-enforced metal framing around the light cut out that is welded to the inside of the fender. For those who may not know, only the '73 year model Centurion and LeSabra will be interchangeable.

I have the passenger side fender and the entire cornering headlight option (brackets, wiring, lens etc) even have the turn signal switch that goes in the steering column.

[dewbers]

Hey Rick, I found a set of 72's today. In fact, I found two drivers sides today, but both were 72's. I'll keep an eye out for you...

[gr_speedy]

Thanks for searching Steve, the ones are for 71 72 i have a 73 no lights. However my front fenders ones are good. I know i couldn't believe it myself LOL.

[centurion 455 ragtop]

The hard part is that 71 & 72's won't fit and the option is not that common. I already have two good spare fenders (rt & lt) that don't have the cut outs.

I'll be looking. If I see any 71 & 72 parts I'll post the links. Any '73 parts that I need...well..:rolleyes: I'll post it after I get it:Brow: :laugh: Or at least try and get it:( Not to fret, I really don't need anything outside of the fender and a rear window defroster bezel (have the switch and defroster rear glass already) that fits on the dash sharing the space with the power top switch. Oh and I need a glove box, mine is shot.

[gr_speedy]

The molding is at ebay. Both sides from the same seller.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BUICK-CENTURION-REAR-BUMPER-RUBBER_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ140708QQihZ013QQ itemZ230200274893QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[centurion 455 ragtop]

:shocked: Thank You!!!:xyxthumbs:

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Anyone need a nos door skin

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1971-6-BUICK-FULLSIZE-2DR-L-H-DOOR-SKIN-NOS_W0QQitemZ330195152964QQihZ014QQcategoryZ34204Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

1971-6 BUICK FULLSIZE 2DR LEFT HAND DRIVER SIDE OUTER DOOR SKIN NOS GM PART #9655851 p />
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
< span class="ebay">On Sep-01-07 at 21:33:42 PDT, seller added the following information:
NOS MEANS NEW ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER NEVER MOUNTED SAY NOTHING OF CONDITION NEW PARTS OFTEN HAVE SHELF WEAR ASK CONDITION BEFORE ASSUMING IS PERFECT OUT NEW ADDRESS IS 6368 EAST STATE ROUTE 17 SAINT ANNE, ILL 60964 OUR NEW NUMBER IS 815-614-3122

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Keith, is the cruise control unit interchangeable with all full size Buicks 71-74? I am not looking for one for me, but if I stumble across one I will let you know.

[The German]

Hey Steve, you had a wonderful idea with starting this thread ! Only the bad thing is that I´m a man with questions – not with answers. I´m too new in these things and too far away from the homeland of these wonderful huge Buicks also. So there remains a lot to learn for me ... . I hope that I can give back the help and experience I got here to some friends of our cars in Germany.

My questions of today are the following :

1.) As I told here earlier it´s forbidden to use those side marker lamps in Germany. So my side m.l. are without their bulbs. But now I got the idea to buy a set of rear side m.l. , then cut out the red center and replace it with orange from other lights. When they are orange I´m allowed to use it as a turning signal. And whenever I wish to replace that lights to the original look I could do it with the second original red set of them. I guess that´s a good idea – isn´t it ?
But where to get those lights ? I looked through ebay some weeks but only found lights for Rivieras, nothing for a Centurion or a LeSabre of that age. Do you know wheather such lights are offered at ebay sometimes ? It could be seldom offered because these lamps are located in a place at the car where they are good ensured from damage so that I guess they are not asked very often (?).

2.) I need a new seal (shown in the picture) for the steering column. The old one is torn open. I tried to get it here in Germany because most of technical parts are offered here too, but this seal is a problem. I also looked for it at online shops in your country but could not find it. Does anyone know where I could get this seal ?

3.) Last what I would wish to replace are the both weather sealing rubber lips at the front doors windows which are installed to avoid that water runs from the glas into the door (my English is not good enough to give a better description, so I hope you understand what I mean). Where can I find these seals for my car and what is the correct name of that parts ?

Thanks in advance for your information !
_________________
Rolf

[dewbers]

I struck a cord on this didn't I? I wish we could have a post that just lists our name and part wish on it, but this site doesn't seem to be able to do this?

Anyway, I am glad to see so much swapping of information. Rolf, you've asked questions that the others are going to have to answer that are more technically tuned in than I am. I'm still pretty new to this game as well. Good questions though. Not sure on that turn signal thing. I think your better option would be to just find the orange lenses, cut them to size and replace. OR, possibly just buy orange lamps and put them in. That way you won't have to change a thing but the light bulb. (Is the lense clear or red?) If it's clear, just change the bulb. If it's red, then you'll have to replace the lense. Seems a lot easier than replacing the entire housing ? Again, not educated enough on this to offer a full proof solution, so I will defer to the others on here...

If anyone can come up with a solution to my original question, SHARE IT.
(Can we simply post our names and parts wish list on one post and not have it roll on and on as with our current threads???)

[The German]

Thanks, Steve, for your answer! Of course I know that you are as new as I am in all the things around our Centurions and so my questions were directed to our friends who have years of experience. I guess that my questions would not be a great problem for them and I hope to get some answers.

Regarding your original question I can not give an answer, because I´m not a computer specialist, but I guess that this forum is based on a unique software which allows only to write threads in form of statements in postings of interested people. It seems to me as if it would not be possible to open a thread were several people could write into one post. If so one have to ensure that everyone only could write into that post with marking his identity and that he couldn´t change what is written into the post before. I guess that´s impossible to realize in our forum. At this point I got the idea to cry for help :
"Adam, could you answer this question please ? " :rooleyes2: -
I guess he is the man who knows more about computers and the software of those forums; I hope he will (hear) read that cry ;) and give you / us an answer if he will find some time for that.

Thanks again, Steve, for sharing your thoughts regarding my rear side marker lights question.
_________
Rolf

[Robroy]

:

1.) As I told here earlier it´s forbidden to use those side marker lamps in Germany. So my side m.l. are without their bulbs. But now I got the idea to buy a set of rear side m.l. , then cut out the red center and replace it with orange from other lights. When they are orange I´m allowed to use it as a turning signal. And whenever I wish to replace that lights to the original look I could do it with the second original red set of them. I guess that´s a good idea – isn´t it ?
But where to get those lights ? I looked through ebay some weeks but only found lights for Rivieras, nothing for a Centurion or a LeSabre of that age. Do you know wheather such lights are offered at ebay sometimes ? It could be seldom offered because these lamps are located in a place at the car where they are good ensured from damage so that I guess they are not asked very often (?).

2.) I need a new seal (shown in the picture) for the steering column. The old one is torn open. I tried to get it here in Germany because most of technical parts are offered here too, but this seal is a problem. I also looked for it at online shops in your country but could not find it. Does anyone know where I could get this seal ?

3.) Last what I would wish to replace are the both weather sealing rubber lips at the front doors windows which are installed to avoid that water runs from the glas into the door (my English is not good enough to give a better description, so I hope you understand what I mean). Where can I find these seals for my car and what is the correct name of that parts ?

Thanks in advance for your information !
_________________
Rolf

Rolf,
Regarding on your list;

#1 Have you checked with 4b316 on this board? He was scrapping a 73 Centurion and offering parts on this board. I don’t know if they are the same on a 73 as on your 71 though? http://www.buickcenturion.com/forums/showthread.php?t=420

#2 Same as above

#3 I remember Adam recommending Steele Rubber Products as the best supplier for our type of cars
http://166.82.96.3/homeframes.html

[Robroy]

You might be able to bleach the red glass with a chemical substance to make the red color go away and then just put in an orange light bulb. Maybe you like I remember how red tail lights used to fade to transparent on old Opel’s and Ford’s :laugh: .
It depends on if the glass is red all through or just painted red if it works

I can snap a pict of my side marker lamps and also measure one to see if they are the same on 73’s as on yours if you should find a pair from a 73

[The German]

Rolf,
Regarding on your list;
#1 Have you checked with 4b316 on this board? ...
#2 Same as above ... ...

Thanks, Per, no I didn´t, but I asked him now !
The seal I try to find new first.
And thanks for Adam´s link to the rubber parts also !:xyxthumbs:
_____________
Rolf

[The German]

You might be able to bleach the red glass ... ...
It depends on if the glass is red all through or just painted red if it works

I can snap a pict of my side marker lamps and also measure one to see if they are the same on 73’s as on yours if you should find a pair from a 73

Per, I measured my lights : the red plastic has 17,35 cm X 3,5 cm between the outer chrom bezel witch has 23,1 cm x 5,2 cm. And the red plastic has still a very dark red colour so I guess one can not bleach it.

But I looked for the lamp from the trunk´s side and got the impression as if I could cut out a part of another orange plastic light to replace the red one without buying a second set of the original lamps. Today evening I´ll try to put one lamp out to get sure about that way of doing it.

I looked through the site of "Steele Rubber Products" but couldn´t find the weather strips I´m seaching for. They only have "Pre Assembled Beltline Weatherstrips" for some other cars.
But at the latest when I open the inside part of the right side door to install my RH mirror I will see how that rubber is installed and perhaps it´s possible to replace it with a rubber of another car; I will see. On the other hand it´s not that bad that I must have it immediately.
_____________
Rolf

[Robroy]

I looked through the site of "Steele Rubber Products" but couldn´t find the weather strips I´m seaching for. They only have "Pre Assembled Beltline Weatherstrips" for some other cars.

I just Googled “Steele” to get this link, Hopefully someone else knows of a retailer that sells the correct Steele weatherstrip for your car, if not I know of such here in Sweden and you can purchase it from here http://www.autoline.se/

Added a bit later;
I’ve just checked Autoline’s home page and I think there’s a possibility that they might have the seal for you steering column as well

[The German]

Thanks, Per, for your link. I looked in every direction but could not find the things I´m searching for - not the rubber lip and not the steering column seal.

Perhaps it´s because of Swedish language. But it could also be that I didn´t explain good enough regarding the rubber lip, therefore I try it again : I´m searching not a complete door weather strip, I only need the horizontal rubber lip that is between the upper chrome molding at the doors outside top end and the outside side of the glass of the window ! In the picture of Steele Rubber Products one can see the rear end of that rubber lip within a yellow cycle.
______________
Rolf

[Robroy]

Rolf,
Their homepage says to contact them for products that you’ can’t find on their site.
I suggest you take a good picture on the specific item you’re after and then e-mail them. At the same time also ask about the steering column sealing.
They are pretty big on these rubber details so I think you stand a good chance of getting help from them.

You can write them in English, shouldn’t be a problem.

Good Luck!

[The German]

... I will do so !:xyxthumbs:
________
Rolf

[Robroy]

Per, I measured my lights : the red plastic has 17,35 cm X 3,5 cm between the outer chrom bezel witch has 23,1 cm x 5,2 cm. And the red plastic has still a very dark red colour so I guess one can not bleach it.

I measured one of the rear side marker lights on my 73 tonight and the outer chrome frame was 22x5 cm (8,6X1,96 in)
The red glass was 17,5 cm (6,7 in) long, the height was a little trickier since its slanting but I’d say around 2,5 cm (0,78 in)

Seems like they may be a little different in size…:confused4:

[The German]

I measured one of the rear side marker lights on my 73 tonight and the outer chrome frame was 22x5 cm (8,6X1,96 in)
The red glass was 17,5 cm (6,7 in) long, the height was a little trickier since its slanting but I’d say around 2,5 cm (0,78 in)

Seems like they may be a little different in size…:confused4:

Yes, the light of 1973 seems to be a little bit smaller. I saw a bezel for those lights at ebay which was signed with "1971 - 1972", so I guess 1973 is different ! :confused:

But a big THANK YOU for looking and posting the measurements, Per !!:xyxthumbs:
________________
Rolf

[73 CONVERT RON]

rick ... i have the right side for the 73 with the running light cut out ... i will chech the condition i got it with the optional wide side panel moldings and wanted it for a templete for the turn signal indicator that mounts on the top of the fender ...it may have some rust ... i will check maybe i can talk you out of your rear bumper rubber ... ;<) .... ron

[centurion 455 ragtop]

rick ... i have the right side for the 73 with the running light cut out ... i will chech the condition i got it with the optional wide side panel moldings and wanted it for a templete for the turn signal indicator that mounts on the top of the fender ...it may have some rust ... i will check maybe i can talk you out of your rear bumper rubber ... ;<) .... ron


Ron,
You may be onto something...Just grab a photo if you can. Condition wise I will take one with rust, that can always be repaired. Just to clarify things if it is the drivers side for the '73 (that I need). If you mean the right side that you have is the drivers side of the car, (I always get that stuff mixed up.) I would say we gotta a deal :xyxthumbs:

The wheels are turning. What State are you in?

[73 CONVERT RON]

:D RICK I HAVE THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE WITH THE CORNERING LAMPS AND CUT OUT FOR THE OPTIONAL TURN LAMPS WHICH MOUNT ON TOP OF THE FENDERS ... I WANTED ONE FENDER FOR A TEMPLET AND HE GAVE ME THE TWO FENDERS HE JUST WANTED THEM TO GO AWAY ... IM IN CALI TO SHIP VIA GRAY HOUND IS CHEAP IM TOLD YOU COULD HAVE THE TWO IF YOU WANT THEN I JUST NEED TO TRACE THE AREA FOR THE TURN SIGNALS THAT MOUNT ON THE TOP OF THE FENDERS...... :laugh:

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Ron, you got a deal!:beers:

I just need the one side which is the drivers side. This way it's easier and cheaper on shipping to me and you still have one fender to use as a demplate for the fender mounted light indicators. Regarding the indicators I will be doing the same as I have those fender mounted indicators too, and have not mounted them. PRIOR to installing them post here. Keith Bleakney mentioned and showed me at the Norwalk Buick event that the passenger side is slightly angled towards the driver, so there is a trick on how they are mounted. We both are going to install them so it would be best to discuss that later on this Board so we get them on correctly.

Anyway, back to the topic. I will PM you my info and cell number and we can work out the logistics. Going to visit relatives within an hours so I'll PM you sometime tomorrow. It may be best to wait until the holiday mail rush is over before shipping anything.

[73 CONVERT RON]

Ya Thats Fine As Far As Shipping Goes What Ever Works For You Give Me Your Info. When You Get A Chance I Will Go Look At Them Today And See What Kinda Shape The Drivers Side Is In As I Didnt Pay Much Attention As It Was Not Important ......ron

[73 CONVERT RON]

YOU CAN REACH ME TOO AT POTTERYPOOR@AOL.COM ITS DIRECT EMAIL ...

[dewbers]

Hey Ron, are you in the middle of rehabing your ride? You're on here a lot and you seem to have parts around... I am just curious what you're up to?
Care to share more?

Thanks!
Steve