Xmas present: 73 Buick Centurion ??????

[cole d]

Hey guys this is my first time posting on this forum so please excuse me for asking so many questions. My wife decided to buy me a 1973 Buick Centurion for Xmas what a present. I would like you guys opinions on the car and be truthful I have tough skin. I have a lot of questions for you Centurion experts.
CLICK THE PICTURES FOR BIGGER SIZES
1. I drove the car and it has ticking sound that correspondes with speedometer needle what can causes this?
2. When driving I've noticed the dash has this buzzing sound sometimes it gets louder then it goes away for a while then comes back. It does not get louder with the fan control.
3. The previous owner tried to rebuild the carb but it didn't work out to well should I keep the factory quadrajet and rebuild or replace?
4. The car obvious has some paint work done and it has 2 rust spots on the opposite side of the car in the same spot does anybody have a clue on this one ?
5. Overall the car seems to run pretty good we drove it 240 miles home with no major problems except a flat tire BOY what a experience that turned out to be...... I've never had to use one of those old timie jacks glad it was still there.
6. Other than the horrible gas mileage it got and the exhaust manifold that is leaking I'm pretty happy with the purchase.

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[cole d]

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[cole d]

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[EEE]

Killer Christmas gift!!! I'm sure you'll find all the answers to your questions here, or we'll show you where to get them.

Congrats!

[cole d]

Yeap I hoped I would have some answers by now but its Xmas I understand completely

[cole d]

I got the VIN and body vin as well if anybody can help out with this
VIN 4P67U3Y243503
ST73 4BP67 Y 238377 BDY
TR 444 AM6 74 APNT
060 0569
C60 B79

[Smartin]

VIN 4P67U3Y243503

4 = Buick
P = Centurion
67 = Convertible
U = Optional Standard HP 455 with Dual Exhaust
3 = 1973 Model Year
Y = Wilmington, DE Assembly Plant
243503 = General numeric serial number


ST73 4BP67 Y 238377 BDY
TR 444 AM6 74 APNT
060 0569
C60 B79

ST 73 = 1973 Model
4 = Buick
BP = Centurion
67 = Convertible
Y = Wilmington, DE Plant
238377 = Body Number

TR 444 = Sandalwood Interior
AM6 = Power Seat?
74 = Burgundy Poly Paint
A = White Convertible Top

Not sure about the other codes.

[cole d]

Thanks Smartin, any clues about my other issues

[MichelHaak]

I also have that sound in the dashboard, at low speeds when it's cold it sounds like hard windflows. I think it's the speedometer cable! Which needs a bit of oil or a new cable...

Good luck with the car! My car is a bit in the same condition it seems. Very recognisable...:D

[cole d]

Thanks Mike I tried to tackle that problem today and I have a bigger mess on my hands. I tried taking out the burnt out bulbs out of dash and I was going to grease the cable while at it well one of the plugs for dash lights fell off and I can't find it so I'm at this step? Which cable is for the speedometer the one in the middle or the one to the left of that?
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[Robroy]

.....

[cole d]

Thanks I got it I greased it with vasoline well see if that works. Now I can't seem to find the speedometer bulb plug on the right I pulled the bulb the plug disappeared and I can't find it I'm reaching from the back but I can't seem to find it.

[Richard Dunn]

Lucky man. A wife who buys him a Centurion for Christmas.
I am so jealous.

Enjoy the ride....:)

[cole d]

Okay well I greased the cable and it didn't stop clicking so I guess I need a new one and the speedometer lights stop working completely. This car is trying my nerves already.

[cole d]

I talked to my wife tonight about possibly selling it for something a little smaller

[Bob Alberini]

Hi Cole,
Welcome to the world of Centurionaholics! I hope you give yourself a little time before you opt to sell your Christmas present. If you read some of the posts on this site, you will see that these cars inspire some VERY devoted owners. Some have had them a long time; others are much more recent but the devotion is there.

One thing that is missing from your body plate information is the build date and I think we have one digit that may have been mis-read. The VIN of your car indicates that it is a very late build. Only one other car on the site has a higher VIN than yours and unfortunately the body plate information on that one was not included. The line that you have for 060 is probably 06C or 06D and either one could easily be mistaken for a zero. Given the high number you have, either could be correct. 06C would indicate a build date of the third week of June, 1973 and 06D would be the fourth week. There were some cars built in July but not many so your car probably easily falls within the last month that Centurions were built.

I have to leave the mechanical side to the other guys but hope this helps solve one mystery. I'll have to do a little more digging to see if we can decipher some of the other numbers.

[dewbers]

Hey Cole - welcome aboard! Man, I gotta tell you this... you've got one cool lady there bro!! :cool: That's a terrific surprise!

And I am pretty sure I had too much egg nog during Christmas, because I think I read that you are now considering replacing this lovely lady with a smaller version?? (the car, not your bride!) What, are you NUTS! :spank:

You've owned her for all of 48 hours and you're thinking of selling her? OK, listen up, because I am about to get serious with you..... take yourself outside, find a tall, strong tree. No, not that one, find a bigger one! OK, now, place yourself about 15 yards from the tree, facing it..... Get into that old football stance.... you ready? OK, now launch yourself head first into that tree at full steam!!! Go on, we'll wait.... :coffee: OK, you done? Feeling any better at all?? :tonge2: Now that we have the nonsense out of the way, the guys on this forum can help you solve your problems and during this process, you'll learn to truly love the lady you are now responsible for... :Brow:

Give yourself some time Cole. The things you mentioned are not huge deals to make right. It just takes time, patience and a few dollars... Just like the lovely lady you bought her for you! I gotta tell you, it's not every day that the love of your life goes out and buys you a mistress!! That's a very SPECIAL thing to have happen my man!

Go forth and enjoy them both....... :beers:

[cole d]

Okay guys I get it I'll be sure to check the vin I'm going to get the speedometer cable and have the convertible top motor checked.

[cole d]

Dewbers that story was pretty funny my wife thought so too......Thanks for the laugh

[The German]

I´m with Steve : DON´T SELL IT, Cole ! You can turn it into what it was and what is still to be seen on your pics: a very nice car ! And as you are living in Texas you will have a lot of sunny days every year to enjoy driving it with open top - that´s a feeling of a special kind to have in a full sizer - believe me !

___________
Rolf

[dewbers]

No sweat Cole. (is that you're name or your screen name?)
I'm a pretty funny fella... if you don't believe me, just as me...... :laugh:
Enjoy that ride my man. It's a blast, trust me. Where are you located? I ask b/c I am curious if it's droptop weather where you are!

If you can't get the motor fixed, they are available online from several places. I have a few saved as favorites, so just ask and we'll post the links.

Rebuild the carb. (I'm in the process of that right now) Everyone on here said the same thing. It's a good carb, just needs a rebuild.

Follow the graphite advice. It works.

Now that we've beat some sense into you :spank: , tell us more about your car!! Where did you get it, (or should we say where did your bride get it) how many miles, options, etc.

Come on, don't be shy. :beers:

[Phil Genario]

hey cole, that is a very nice car! so it needs some tlc, they all do! just dont get discouraged too quickly,these cars get in your blood, youll see! just deal with the issues one at a time and as your wallet allows, you have something great to start with.so take it from folks who know and love these cars.sell it and get something smaller? like what,a chevette! are you nuts! give her a good detail, and clean those wheels! scrub up that interior and top, and than tell us how you feel.guaranteed youll be hooked! phil

[speedracer]

Your car looks like mine but yours is in better shape. I have had mine for about 20 years and used it for my daily driver for about 15 years. Please tell your wife she has excellent tastes in cars!

[cole d]

My name is Chris, Cole d is just a screen name. I dropped off the convertible top motor at a local electrical shop we tested it and it didn't spin so he's going to open it up and see if he can fix it. The car was listed on Dallas craiglist the original owner said the car had 50k original miles but the odometer didn't work on the way home so I guess that's why.:Dou: I had to drive car over 200 miles home and it did it no problem so it runs really good. Terrible gas mileage though, the carb needs adjusting and exhaust leak needs to be fixed. I still have the clicking cable that I need to replace. When I get some of these other things fixed this weekend I'll let you guys know.

[centurion 455 ragtop]

My name is Chris, Cole d is just a screen name. I dropped off the convertible top motor at a local electrical shop we tested it and it didn't spin so he's going to open it up and see if he can fix it. The car was listed on Dallas craiglist the original owner said the car had 50k original miles but the odometer didn't work on the way home so I guess that's why.:Dou: I had to drive car over 200 miles home and it did it no problem so it runs really good. Terrible gas mileage though, the carb needs adjusting and exhaust leak needs to be fixed. I still have the clicking cable that I need to replace. When I get some of these other things fixed this weekend I'll let you guys know.

Hold the phone Cole, and your wallet;)

I have a site here that sells every thinkable part for our convertible sizzer tops. http://www.hydroe.com/Buick_Century__amp__Lesabre_Parts.html

There is a smal bare metal relay with a wire clip at the bottom. Not sure but this may be your problem as it runs in-line with the electric motor. It is attached near the electric motor, which is behind the upper part of the rear seat.
http://www.hydroe.com/PP_Relay__1971_1972_1973_197.html The site has a photo of it. It sells here for $50 bucks.

I have delt with this company Hydro-Electric on two occassions and had no problems, they were even helpful on the phone. Price wise? Well you may find the parts cheaper. I know there must be other companies out there, but at least you have one definite parts source here.

You may also try e-bay there may be a part with a "buy it now" Anyway the electric motor from this company sells new for $410. I find that steep. I would ask on this site or search the e-bay listings. I have seen working used ones for as low as $100.

Also it would be a wise decision to pick up the 2 extra (rt & lt) cables for the top. They are blue in color and run from the motor to the gear boxes. They look like speedo cables. Problem is if one should break and you are far from home... :Dou: Big Problem! Your top will be stuck in the position it's in when the cable broke. They are very easy to install with just pliers and a screw drive needed. I got spares from a parts car, you can find good used ones pretty cheap on e-bay or one of the many used car parts sites, or Hemmings and it can be from any GM full size convertible 1971 thru 1974 (maybe up to 1976 not sure) Keep them in the trunk in a small box with tools, spare relay, I even keep my spare top motor in there. You never know... Oh and get a small hydrolic jack for those flats, I only use my bumper jack for shows:D . I don't find them too safe and they can screw up your bumper.

[73 Centurion]

You know it sounds like too much trouble. These cars are a royal pain. People will be asking you to drive them around in parades and you can't go anywhere without drawing a crowd. If you could see the faces of the owners on this board you'd notice they all have deep smile creases, not very attractive.

I think you'd be much better off with a nice LeBaron convertible. They are easier to park and get better gas mileage. You can drive around unnoticed, and you won't be tempted to leave smokey black streaks on the road in front of your house.

I think you can get a reasonable one for a couple grand, so I'll take that monstrosity off your hands for that. I know, I'm too nice some times, but I really want to help you out. You just let me know when I can come and pick it up.

:laugh:

John

[dewbers]

John..... I thought I was the funny one on here!
Nice post! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[cole d]

Pretty Good, John.....lots of funny guys on site:xyxthumbs: I'm going to buy a speedometer cable today how long is this cable suppose to be. It came out okay the first time and is it prelubed when you buy it.

[cole d]

When testing the convertible motor off the car do you have to have the relay wired up ?

[Mickemustang]

Cole D/Chris.
Don´t sell the car!

But if you´re ever planning to sell your wife let me know!
I can´t beleive what a beutyful christmaspresent you got. I got a Tea-pot?!
What have I done?

[cole d]

My WIFE is not for sale sorry..........:Brow:

[Mickemustang]

Chris, I ment your car....I think!

No, I have a beutyful wife already. I bought my centurion just 14 days ago and she´s all for it so I´m feeling her support as well. Although no one knows the true condition of it yet since it´s still in Kansas and I´m located in sweden. Time will tell...
If it´s in bad shape I will probably get that strange look she gives from time to time. Do anyone know what I´m talking about? That weird look when you know she doesn´t appreciate you having a vintage vehichle and the best thing to do is to shut up and buy flowers instead?!

[turbojaeger]

oh yes...
i know it tooooo well:rant:

i´ve earned the same look often when i did minor things on the mustang i
had a year ago.. but now after several weekends in the garage she stopped and is happy when i´m not in the garage :D

[cole d]

I know the look as well I got the look when I went to the paint shop and the painter said it would cost 3k to paint inside and out

[dewbers]

It's going to be a lot of fun watching the three of your restore your new toys! It's pretty cool that you all got them around the same time.
Micke, Cole d (Chris) and Turbo (Joern) all got new toys in the past 14 days or so? Way cool as a matter of fact! :beers:
Keep it going guys.

Plus, the three of you seem to be great additions to the board!

Now we just gotta find Phil a ride!

Is that all that is looking now?

[Smartin]

Chris,

Pull the speedo cable back out and clean it off. Then do as Keith said and get some graphite lubricant. It's a powder that comes in a little tube....kind of a mess.

[buicks4ever]

That problem with the speedometer may not be the cable. It may be coming from the speedometer. I had the same problem on mine. I used the graphite on the cable and still had that ticking noise. I had an extra speedometer guage and installed it and it's been fine since. Good luck.

[Smartin]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NOS-BUICK-1971-73-Riviera-Wildcat-Electra-SPEEDO-CABLE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ140731QQihZ002QQi temZ120205212731QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[Bob Alberini]

Hi Chris,
Back to your body plate information. The AM6 denotes the 60/40 Notch-back front seat. C60 = air conditioning with manual controls B79 is a mystery. I can't find it in the 73 UPC codes. In 72, it meant the optional custom rear deck lid and quarter moldings but that doesn't apply in 73 so you've got me on that one. I have no idea what the four digit number is for.

Did you ever re-check the build date to see if it might be 06C or 06D?

[gashog]

The nearly full fuel gauge is a nice touch.:)

[cole d]

Sorry Gents, but the car is For Sale I have something else in mind let me know if any of you are interested

[dewbers]

Sorry to hear that Chris - wish you the best of luck...
Can you repost your picture, along with the options the car has and of course, what you're asking for it? Someone may snatch it up...

Thanks

[Smartin]

Where are you located?

[cole d]

I'm in West Texas pretty close to Abilene

[cole d]

FOR SALE THREAD
http://www.buickcenturion.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4410&posted=1#post4410