Green Machine II

[Smartin]

I think I just bought another car:laugh: :tonge2: :rolleyes:

Frank called me with the inspection report this evening, and I pretty much immediately called the seller to work out a deal. Here's the dirt:

This'll buff out, right?

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection001.jpg


A couple more dings from the garage that the little old lady used to park in..

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection002.jpg


Standard manual rear view mirror....I think I've got a remote in the basement. I cannot believe how close this car looks to my old one (in this particular photo).

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection003.jpg


This car does not have the door window stainless surrounds like my old car did. I may have to find a set of those. They really make a difference. The good ol' hubcaps are very modest.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection004.jpg


Recent fender bender required this quarter be replaced. I see the color doesn't quite match:eek: :confused2:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection005.jpg


Front seat cover...Auto Zone special?:rolleyes: The steering wheel looks worse than the one that was on my tan car...nicely splintered. Looks like a pretty lowly optioned car. It has a 6 way power seat and floor mats...:confused4:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection006.jpg


Untouched back seat. I bet the doors close nicely.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection007.jpg


Engine shots. Looks like the AC compressor was changed at some point. Looks like it is still R12 refrigerant. Random fuel filter stuck on. Engine bay needs a power wash, and possibly a quickie resto...not like my last 3 escapades:laugh: I'll have to give up another clean overflow tank to replace this one.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection008.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection009.jpg


Some surface rust on the trunk floor, but the car is SOLID. Lifetime San Antonio car, with a limited time in Austin. No rust.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection010.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection011.jpg


This is where I sighed a little bit. 72 bumper and a broken taillight bezel. It appears that the lower metal shield for hte taillight is missing as well. This is all a result of the side swipe while the car was parked on the street a couple years ago. Good thing I have a nice 71 bumper sitting in the basement:cool:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection012.jpg


Spires Buick - San Antonio!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection013.jpg


Apparently, the AC works...I won't believe it until I get it into some St. Louis Summer heat.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection014.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection015.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection016.jpg


Still wearing all four original T3's!!!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection017.jpg

[Smartin]

Good point regarding the option list. I was talking to the seller this evening, and he was telling me how his mom ordered the car with the power seat because she was short, and had a difficult time getting close to the wheel/pedals. And then he said it was really loaded with options...I kinda just let him think that. I asked him if it has a positraction rear, and pretty much got the dear in headlights deal. I could hear his eyes blinking on the phone. Although that would be a nice surprise, I doubt it's got that option.

The car has no paperwork. Hopefully, I can sniff out the buildsheet somewhere in the interior. I found the on in my old green car in the rear passenger door panel.

I bet with a weekend of work, I can make the paint looks really good...considering it's faded pretty extensively on the hood and roof panels.

[EEE]

Looking good,,, how many are you up to now (yes, including the Riv)?

[The German]

Congratulations, Adam ! I´m sure you will make it a treasure ! And I´m really curious reading about your steps on that way !
_________________
Rolf

[Bob Alberini]

I am SO HAPPY for you, Adam, and I hope it really turns out to be a special and good car for you.

Like Keith, I rather hope you rather leave it alone. It is very unique and that was the great beauty about the cars of this time. If you wanted it, they'd build it for you just that way instead of just bundling up the options! And since this has been a one family owned car and you know it was ordered that way, that even adds to its uniqueness.

There was a Fire Red 72 LeSabre 4 door sedan that used to be seen in Columbus and I actually got to document it. So what you say? It had a blue interior, black walls and hub caps. Now that was strange.

And when I go to car shows, as much as I can enjoy about any car that attends, it is the ones that are unique or seldom seen that will draw my attention first.

The build sheets can appear anywhere and everywhere so hopefully you will find a copy. On one of Dad's '72 LeSabres, it started coming out the bottom of the driver's door so needless to say, I carefully removed it.

Congratulations and hope you'll truly enjoy it no matter what that use will be.

[MichelHaak]

Congrats! If can afford one Centurion and need all my money which I earn and Adam just keeps buying Buick! ;) Good luck with it.

[Smartin]

With the exception of the convertible and my coupe I currently own, every one of my Buicks were purchased for $1500 or less:xyxthumbs: It feeds my hunger for finding that perfect car.

[Robroy]

Looking forward to follow the development of your new project ;)

Just before I got my blue two door I was close to buy a 71 Centurion convertible and I think it could have been the same color as this one, always hard to judge from photos depending on the light. It had a white interior and top and looked to be in decent shape.
I am however very glad I waited for the blue 73 to come around since its in such nice condition and I got away pretty cheap on it too…

[Smartin]

Interesting, Per. Might it have been this car?

http://www.buickcenturion.com/1971/twilight_turq_vert1/untitled.JPG

I had my eyes on this car, but I had just recently bought the white convertible...and wasn't in the position to buy at the time. Now that I look back at it, the price was right. I should've figured out how to make it work.

Oh well..


There was one other turq. convertible that came up for sale on ebay, and it looked to be really nice. The bidding went up to $14k, so I gave up on it. It ws located in Canada, if I remember correctly.

[Robroy]

Interesting, Per. Might it have been this car?
No, I don’t think it’s the same one Adam…
The one I was thinking of had factory rally wheels and was for sale here in Sweden on Blocket (similar to your craig lists) the summer 2006. It had been imported from the US though by one of those many vendors here that specialise in such.
It was bit up north from where I live so I never got to drive up there, besides you seldom do those really good deals at a dealership anyway...

[Robroy]

When do you plan to fly down to Austin and pick up the car?

I’m excited about what you can do buffing up that rough paint, I’ll bet you surprise us all big time picking up the shine in it :shocked: :D

[Richard Dunn]

There was a turquoise and white Centurion here where I live in PA. about three years ago. It looked like the one pictured except it had the chrome wheels.
It was sitting with a for sale sign in the driveway of a private home. It appeared to be in pretty nice condition. Then it disappeared for a while and then it popped back up in the same driveway for about a month only to vanish again.
Last spring it showed up in the driveway of another home. The guy is a car buff and there are always interesting cars in and around his home.
He's had a spectacular 1960 Desoto sedan in his driveway for years.
Anyway he repainted the Centurion a beautiful deep maroon color. He would park it in his drive with the top down and the boot on. It was like that for most of last summer. He was really showing it off...although I never saw it in operation.
Now it vanished again. So I guess he passed it on to someone else.

[Smartin]

Repainted it??! DOH!

Per - I plan on flying down on Friday evening, and driving it home. The trip home will take me around 13-14 hours if nothing goes wrong.

[Centurion]

Adam, I'm thrilled -- to say the least.

Am I correct that this is a LeSabre Custom and your first LeSabre sedan was the standard model?

You'll not be surprised that I agree with Bob and Keith regarding options. Part of the fun of this car is the history behind the way it was ordered.

One wonders why the original buyer opted for the 455.

Congratulations, Adam, and we'll be most eager to hear the continuing story.

[Smartin]

As per the seller, his grandmother ordered the car with the 455 because she had trouble reaching the pedals in the Electra...which puzzled me, but I kept listening. Also is a reason why it has a power seat. He kept raving about the option list, and I just kept listening with one eyebrow cocked.

[Bob Alberini]

OK, now I understand why people ordered the 455 -- the pedals were closer. It is amazing what we still learn about these cars!:confused4:

You may have to reconsider and put a 350 in since the pedals may be too close to you for that long drive back to St. Louis.

Considering the many reasons for ordering the 455, this must surely rank as one of the strangest ones that I've ever heard. It is a good thing this car wound up in your hands, Adam!

[Smartin]

From what I was gathering with the conversation, he was under the impression (and I guess she was too) that the LeSabre body allows you to get closer to the pedals. She wanted the 455, but couldn't get to the pedals in the Electra...

Puzzled me all the way through the conversation, but I was just happy to be listening at that point.

[SBRMD]

Adam! Good job, man! Was hoping you'd snag this one!

RE the twilight turquoise converts mentioned above: I believe the one you pictured, for sale a few years ago in TX, was sold to Arizona, while the one in (?) British Colombia did not have factory air, should anyone spot it and/or want to identify it.

The "LeCenturion" is progressing, and as we speak, has received a new coat of Nocturne Blue, which is not quite detailed yet. I found a set of the stainless window edging that you mentioned; agreed that they are necessary. You probably already know that any from 1971-74 GM b-bodies are useable, shouldn't be hard for you to find.

Keep those pictures coming!

Best regards,
Steve.

[Smartin]

Thanks for the update on your car, Steve! I really wish I would've had time/room to tackle that work for you...

Let's see some pictures of that thing!

You're correct about the turq convertibles...I remember now that the BC car didn't have AC, and that bugged me.

[73 Centurion]

Hi Adam,
Would you consider writing up a travel log of your trip? I've always wondered what it would be like to fly out and drive a car home.

I hope you don't have any "adventures" but if you do, we'd certainly like hearing about them from the comfort of our homes. :laugh:

John

[SBRMD]

RE pictures of the "Blue Machine", wish I had some to post, but frankly I haven't seen the car myself for months. I only know it's painted by rumor; I'm in that "promised in three weeks, still not done nine months later" conundrum that so many of us experience. What is it with these guys? Supoosed to be almost done though.

Car's going to have all the Centurion style moldings, Centurion front fender badges and cornering lights. Picked up Electra seats in the right color and close enough pattern to coordinate w/ the door panels. The sedan Buick should have made, and did when it was Wildcat time. 350 for the time being, but who knows...

Love that twilight turquoise!

Best regards,
Steve.

[Smartin]

I'm sure I'll have a story or two from the trip home this weekend.

Steve, can't wait to see your LeCenturion!!

[Smartin]

Quick update:

Leaving on Saturday afternoon, and driving home...whenever I can get home. Booking a flight on Friday was impossible.

[The German]

... ... and driving home...whenever I can get home. ... ...

GOOD LUCK, Adam !!!
____________
Rolf

[RFortuna]

Good luck Adam! This is my favorite part of finding an old car. The first walk around, and the drive home. Like everyone else, I've had good and bad experiences. Mostly good though. I drove a 72 Delta 88 Royale convertible from Phoenix to Kansas City. It rained all 1450 miles, except in the mountains where it was snowing. Rain pouring in above the windshield the whole way, no radio, and four or five flat tires! 65 Mustang fastback from Milwaukee to Kansas City, rained the whole way, and a quart of oil every 100 miles! 72 LeSabre convertible and 63 Electra convertible from Milwaukee, both awesome drives top down the whole way. 69 Electra convertible from Indianapolis to KC, gorgeous top down drive. 72 Riviera from Atlanta, no problems, 72 Centurion from nashville, windows down 18 mpg! and 73 Centurion from Bellview IL to KC, crappy weather but a fun drive anyway! You'll have a blast. I'm envious. I love the unknown adventure!

Randy

[wildcat65]

As per the seller, his grandmother ordered the car with the 455 because she had trouble reaching the pedals in the Electra...which puzzled me, but I kept listening. Also is a reason why it has a power seat. He kept raving about the option list, and I just kept listening with one eyebrow cocked.

I've seen that look...:laugh:

[Centurion]

Adam, I'll be thinking of you this weekend, wishing that I could be there to make that trip with you.

Oh well, at least there'll be some Buick action for me this weekend. I've received a lead on an unmolested, original '68 Buick GS400 that's been hidden away for the last 25 years, and will be checking it out for a friend.

[Smartin]

Yeah, keep your fingers crossed! Hopefully, I'll make it home with no problems. Leaving tomorrow morning at 10:30am..

[Smartin]

Roster is packed...thanks for the advice, Keith!

[EEE]

Yeah, keep your fingers crossed! Hopefully, I'll make it home with no problems.


I was going to say something like that, but I didn't want to jinx the whole deal.. So now you said it instead..:laugh:

[Smartin]

I made it to Austin...just hanging out until the Seller gets home this afternoon.

[Robroy]

Thanks for keeping us posted!

Just had a look at the map (Google) when I realized I’ve been not that far from where you are right now.
In 2001 I visited our customer Minute Made in Waco, we drove down from Denton/Dallas where we stayed. Remember we talked about that suicidal sect in Waco on our way down there…

[EEE]

Remember we talked about that suicidal sect in Waco on our way down there…

That is the actual reason Adam is there, to resurect the Waco sect.. he's only using the green car as a cover... But don't tell anyone :rolleyes:

[Robroy]

That is the actual reason Adam is there, to resurect the Waco sect.. he's only using the green car as a cover... But don't tell anyone :rolleyes:
:laugh: :D It’s great to see that you’re back in shape with those crazy jokes of yours Kimson, makes me laugh every time..:laugh:

[Centurion]

I'm eager to hear some word from Smartin regarding his journey, but apparently he is not yet home.

Has anyone heard any news?

[Smartin]

:tonge2:

More news to come.


All I can say is, thank God for Pete Phillips.

Oh, the car is home. I just need to hose off all the coolant I left on the driveway.

[Centurion]

Adam, sounds like it was an eventful journey.

We'll stay tuned for details when you have time to share them.

Glad to hear that you're home.

[Smartin]

Now that I'm (almost) wound down for the evening, I can get to the story.


Frank picked me up from the airport around 4:30pm on Saturday afternoon, and took me straight to a local cruise-in at a strip center parking lot. There, I met Phil Green and a couple others from the v8 board. Low and behold, Bill Stoneberg and his wife walk into the lot.:confused2: They've recently moved to Austin, so it was a welcome sight to see him there:beers: After the cruise, we all went to a Tex Mex place for dinner. I crashed early Saturday night...

Got up Sunday morning and sat around talking shop at Frank's place. We found an O'Reilly's and stocked up on some fluids and a radiator hose (just in case:rolleyes: )...then found a place that served Mexican breakfast tacos...MMMMM

Frank took me on a tour of the city and surrounding areas while we waited on Casey to drive back from Dallas (3 hour drive). He was an hour later than expected, so we were getting a bit restless.

Around 2:30pm yesterday, we made our way to Casey's place to pick up the car. He was there with his wife and all the paperwork. I took a look at the car and poked and prodded it a bit. We signed the paperwork and were on our way. We made it back to Frank's place to make sure the car was "road worthy." All fluids looked good and tires were full.

4pm, I'm all gassed up and on the road!

40 miles out of town, the car overheats.:tonge2: I pull into a rest area and heard a small pinhole leak in the radiator. Great, that's all I need. I took a 30 minute break and let the car cool down. Proir to the car overheating, I was pushing it pretty hard - driving aggressively and fast. (just like all my other cars).:confused4: I realized that if I keep the heater on FULL BLAST and keep my speed at 65 or below, there was no overheating problem.

Ok - fast forward to the North side of Dallas (3 hours later). I had started to feel a little bit of a hesitation or a cutting-out...similar to if I was bogging the engine down from time to time. Well...as long as it didn't get worse, I could let it go for the night, and look at it in the morning. Uh huh...

9:30pm Sunday night, I make an attempt to overtake a semi. As I hit the left lane, the engine loads up and backfires. I eased back behind the truck and took it easy for a minute. The car was really starting to buck and cough - to the point where the only way I could make it run, was to floor the gas pedal. I turned my flashers on and rode the shoulder to the next exit - which happened to be where a gas station was at the corner. The car died as it rolled into the lot.

I realized I was very close to Sherman, TX - which is where Pete Phillips lives. (For those who don't know, Pete is the editor of the national BCA magazine...and he does a damn fine job, I might add.) My 2005 BCA roster didn't have Pete's correct information, so I had to contact one of our local chapter members in St. Louis to grab his number. I finally reached Pete on his cell phone, and he was surprised to hear that I was in Sherman! He says, "You're in Sherman? RIGHT NOW??" Yes, I said...but I'm stuck at a gas station about 8 miles out of town! He says, "Let me grab my tools, and I'll be right there!"

Keep in mind that when I called him, there was about 2 minutes left in the Super Bowl:Dou:


So Pete gets to me, and we proceed to tear apart the distributor to find the culprit of the missing spark. The first thing we (Pete) thinks it is, is the points. They were making a spark, but only about half the time. Somehow, they came out of adjustment. How that happened, I don't know! I am still scratching my head about that one. We get them adjusted well enough to get the car started, and drive back to his (huge) shop. I got the dwell set, and rechecked all the other fluids. Refilled the coolant puke tank...again.

Pete was nice enough to take the time out to show me around the shop, and see his project cars. What a treat!!!:beers:


After the tour of the shop, we part ways and I'm back on the road. By this time, it's almost 11:30pm, and I'm getting tired....but I wanted to make it to Tulsa SOOOO bad! Well, I made it just south of there, and decided to camp out in a truck stop parking lot for the night. I got to sleep at about 1:30am...after I refilled the radiator again. The hole in the side is getting bigger every time I stop.

7am - I wake up and brush my teeth with a bottle of water (very reminiscent of my latest Mexico vacation). I just sat up in the front seat and started driving again. Heat on full blast, as my right foot is absolutely COOKING while driving.

Every time I stop for fuel, the hole in the radiator just pukes a huge amount of coolant out onto the ground. And it gets bigger as I go. It gets to the point where I have to stop every 100 miles to refill the coolant.

20 miles from home, I have to make an extended stop, because the car overheats again...and I have to let it cool so I can refill it.

When I got home at 4:30 this afternoon, the radiator was about half full - from a 20 mile trip!!! Oh, and it started to hesitate and cut out again like it was last night.

I just parked it and went in the house.

Needless to say, the cooling and ignition systems each need a COMPLETE overhaul.

The interior needs to be scrubbed of the nasty tar from the 37 years of smokers, too. YUCK:tonge2:

I have to admit - this is one eery sight:

Talk about deja vu...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/home.jpg

[EEE]

ha ha ha.. we've all been there, those desperate drives where it's like flipping a coin if you'll make it over the next hill or not. I'm glad you and the car made it back :xyxthumbs: :xyxthumbs: :xyxthumbs:

[Robroy]

Great story Adam!
Glad you made it home alright …

Pointers can sometimes get a bit burned and build up a tiny bump on the contact surfaces, if I remember correct this happen due to a bad capacitor.

I have a nail file laying in the glove department just in case something like this would happen, however I plan to put in that Crane XR-i points conversion kit soon and nail files will then be history, thinking of putting an extra Crane XR in the glove dep instead though…..just in case the first one gets fried :eek:

Just curious regarding the radiator leak, did you ever consider using radiator cement to stop the leak before it grew big? Or maybe it was too big for that already when you discovered it?

[Smartin]

I think the leak was bad enough that there was nothing I could do to keep it from growing.

[The German]

Exciting story, Adam ! One of the latest adventures in our days !:xyxthumbs:

While reading your story I remembered my student time when I had an old OPEL COMMODORE GS with a leak in the radiator too. I only drove the car with slightly opened lid of the radiator, so that the water was not pressed out. But was only a small leak.

Anyway, you won the race up to your home and that´s it.

Wish you good luck again for the restoration of the car !
_____________
Rolf

[dewbers]

Good story Adam. I am no where near adventurous enough to try that, though it does sound like a lot of fun! I guess if I was a better mechanic or took one with me, I'd try it. Bring back memories of the good ole days...
Watched some of Cannonball Run this morning while getting ready for work.
Man, there were some great rides back in the day!

Congrat's Adam! :beers:

[Phil Genario]

best wishes adam, that is a neat car! im sure youll get it to clean up great . takes me back to the late 70s early 80s when they were all over the place.:beers: :beers: phil

[Centurion]

Adam, thanks for taking time to post the story of your trek home. Eventful indeed! Glad that you and the car are both safely home.

We're looking forward to hearing more impressions about the car and, of course, viewing more photos -- as you have time.

[Smartin]

I made it in into the garage this evening after an hour of clearing crap out from the last couple projects I've had going on the house.

Oh, about 2" of rain fell yesterday. I opened the trunk on the LeSabre and found about 2" of water on the whole floor of the trunk. I popped the drain plugs out to get rid of it, and now the trunk is open to dry out.

Obviously, the rear window has a MAJOR leak.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/garage.jpg

[EEE]

Nice contrasting colors.. I guess you could calle em, the A-TEAM

[Robroy]

IObviously, the rear window has a MAJOR leak.
Interesting, so a leak at the rear window could lead to water in the trunk?
I typically get some water in the trunk when I wash my car, but I thought that might come in when you spray water from behind or on top of the trunk lid.
I have a little rust under the vinyl at one of the lower corners under the window, but from looking inside the trunk, the metal seems solid.

My intention is to fix that rust sometime in the future, most likely I will need to take the window out and also replace the vinyl top with a new one when done with the rust.

[Bob Alberini]

Yes, Per, when you have water in the trunk on one of the closed cars of this era, the culprit is usually a leaking rear window. We had to have several of these re-sealed when the cars didn't have too many years on them as the adhesive would dry out and/or have been improperly installed.

And, yes, there could also be a rust spot or hole that may also require repair in order to solve the problem in addition to re-sealing the window but the issue is an old one and it usually has little to do with the trunk lid weather strip.

[Robroy]

Yes, Per, when you have water in the trunk on one of the closed cars of this era, the culprit is usually a leaking rear window. We had to have several of these re-sealed when the cars didn't have too many years on them as the adhesive would dry out and/or have been improperly installed.

And, yes, there could also be a rust spot or hole that may also require repair in order to solve the problem in addition to re-sealing the window but the issue is an old one and it usually has little to do with the trunk lid weather strip.
Appreciate the input Bob!
I had a feeling it wasn’t as easy as the trunk lid weather strip being the crook.
Around my rear window you can clearly see that they have used some kind of black silicon to seal it up, maybe the kind you were referring to since it seems to been done a long time ago.
Anyway, I don’t want to hijack the Green Machine II thread with this discussion, maybe Adam will share what his actions against this problem will be…and I might be able to pick up some inspiration from that

[MichelHaak]

Hey Per, I also got problems at the rear window. The vinyl is a bit cracked on the two corner below the rear window. Probably rust will be under there, I don't see it now though. Also the 'vinyl' look strips round the rear window are a bit worn and when i was the car alot of dirt and little pieces of vinyl come out of those areas. Maybe we can work this out together, dont know if they sell vinyl tops new?

[Smartin]

I'm removing the rear window trim today, and will share the results.

Also, I bought a rediator from O'Reilly's, and it's PLASTIC! Plastic tanks with aluminum core. Apparently, this is becoming a normal deal...Also the plastic heater control valve. geezz...

[MichelHaak]

Plastic sucks

[Smartin]

It sure it light, though. An much less expensive.

We'll see how it holds up with this car.

[Robroy]

Hey Per, I also got problems at the rear window. The vinyl is a bit cracked on the two corner below the rear window. Probably rust will be under there, I don't see it now though. Also the 'vinyl' look strips round the rear window are a bit worn and when i was the car alot of dirt and little pieces of vinyl come out of those areas. Maybe we can work this out together, dont know if they sell vinyl tops new?
Michel,
Several companies sell new vinyl tops here in Sweden. The prices start at 150€ and up plus tax. For our big cars I guess it could be like 300€ totally, might be cheaper to buy it in the US. Then you need to install it so that it looks good, not so easy I’ve heard.

I think it’s a very good idea that we share experience on the leaking rear window subject, maybe we should start a new thread about it since it seems to be such common problem? It would save the convertible guys some time not having to read about it…:D

[Robroy]

I'm removing the rear window trim today, and will share the results.
:xyxthumbs:

[My3buicks]

I have seen where bodymen have carefully pulled back the area of vinyl covering the bad spot, made the repair and reglued the top back down with very nice results.

[MichelHaak]

Good that we can buy it new, custom made would be very expensive.... I know that there are enough shops in the Netherlands which can install vinyl tops. I don't know if my rear window is leaking... I h ave 2 big holes in the trunk but myabe that because of mud and other things on the underside. That will be welded up to at the bodyshop.

Interesting to see what Adam will shows us one of these days.

[MichelHaak]

I have seen where bodymen have carefully pulled back the area of vinyl covering the bad spot, made the repair and reglued the top back down with very nice results.

That's great also but here in Europa rust is the main problem, and rust loves a roof covered in vinyl. So if the vinyl gets repaired, I want to removed it and check how the rest of the roof is... then a new vinyl roof can be installed.

[Smartin]

My plastic radiator has the wrong size trans cooling line fittings. Off to the hardware store for adaptors.

Rear window channel has 2 rust holes in it, I will take pics later. Also, the window is not sealing at the bottom. Double whammy!

I forgot a fan clutch at the parts store...going to buy one now.

[Smartin]

Here's the new plastic/aluminum radiator, upper rad hose, thermostat, and fan clutch installed. I painted the gooseneck...it's sticks out like a sore thumb now:rooleyes2: I also noticed that it's the replacement cast iron type...not aluminum like the old ones. I started to replace the plug wires, and all the ends were sticking in the distributor cap, and some of them looked burned. I guess that could account for some of the problems on the way home:rant: Off to the hardware store again for new ignition parts!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/new_radiator.jpg


I couldn't live without installing the trim around the window frames. The car looks way too plain without them. I went to a junkyard this morning and found some from a 73 Caprice. I also have 3 sets of NOS door guards...soooo I installed those too:D

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/window_trim.jpg


The UGLY - I cleaned out the channel this morning and let it dry...but I need to clean it really well before I try blocking any holes.:tonge2:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/window_rust.jpg


I need the lower piece of stainless that runs along the bottom of the quarter on the drivers side..

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/missing_trim.jpg


Here's what it looks like...anyone got one?

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/nonmissing_trim.jpg


It's difficult to tell, but I did a quick buff/polish on the front portion of the left fender and hood. I think it'll look 100x better after I give it a treatment.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/spot_buff.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/reflection.jpg

[Centurion]

Looks great, Adam! Thanks for the report and photos.

I will be excited to watch this car's transformation over time. I know that you've been uncertain regarding your goal with the car, but I'm casting my vote for continuing improvements and making this one a long-term keeper.

Burnished Cinnamon and Twilight Turquoise together in your garage! Now, that's the stuff of dreams in my Buick mind.

[My3buicks]

It has started ( as if any of us thought any differently)

The bright trim around the windows does look nice, ok, even better:)

The difference in paint on the front end shows it will make a marked improvement to the overall look.

Now a convertible and the stable will be perfect. Well, maybe a 4 door hardtop thrown in for good measure.

[RFortuna]

I agree with Keith, and happen to know where you can get a convertible and a four door hardtop!

Randy

[Smartin]

I know your four door is a 72, but what about the convertible? When John had the 72 in TN, I came very very close to buying it. But I kept saying to myself - "but it's a 72!"

I think I've pinned myself to buying 71's only:cool: :laugh:

[RFortuna]

Convertible is a 72 as well. leSabre with a 350-4.

Randy

[My3buicks]

Adam, if you would buy Randy's cars that would give you a 71 & 72 LeSabre and a 71 & 72 Centurion. Would be a unique collection.

[RFortuna]

...and one of each body style!

Randy

[Smartin]

I could probably afford the four door right now, but not both.

I would like to stick to the 71's though:coffee: :o

[Robroy]

You seem to be busy as a bee with the Green Machine II Adam!
All those actions running parallel, replacing the radiator, fixing the rear window leak, installing chrome trim on the doors which really made a difference buy the way...
I guess it won’t be long before you have buffed the whole thing up too!

I’m also run a number of small projects on my car, but I’m still at the planning and getting spare parts stage :rolleyes: :o . For the triple gauge installation I’ve got most of the things now.
I have an order on oil filter, spark plugs, valve cover and oil pan gaskets coming in next week. New fresh oil for the engine and rear axle is waiting on the work bench too.
I have a wish list on JEGS with a load of ignition parts (from the MSD-thread) that I’ve been trying to order, but I ran into some problems since I wanted the parts shipped to a colleague in SC (to avoid the darn tax, custom fee :rant: ) and the online ordering system didn’t approve shipping to another name than the one on the credit card, which is understandable considering fraud etc. I’m trying to convince my friend to open an account at JEGS and then I just PayPal him the money for the order, it will work out some how...

[Smartin]

From a pleasant 55 degrees here yesterday, to a very windy 20 degrees today....I am trying to get the car running again to get it back in the garage. I still have to replace the plug wires, cap, and rotor. It's so cold though!!!!

It's supposed to snow/ice tomorrow, so I NEED to get the car back in the garage. Off to the frozen tundra, I guess.

I filled the radiator with a 50/50 mix yesterday, and apparently it didn't mix very well just sitting overnight. It's all frozen now. hmmmmm.

I just hope I can get it running long enough to creep it into the garage.

transmission oil pan appears to have a substantial leak, as well.

[Robroy]

I filled the radiator with a 50/50 mix yesterday, and apparently it didn't mix very well just sitting overnight. It's all frozen now. hmmmmm.
Sounds strange that your antifreeze didn’t do the job, did you feel the radiator hose get warm so that thermostat opened as it should?

[Smartin]

I never started the car yesterday to give the coolant a good mix. I just poured it in, and it sat overnight. I poured some coolant on top of the icy mix, and it seemed to melt it well...so I was able to start and get the car into the garage once I replaced all the ignition pieces.

[Robroy]

I never started the car yesterday to give the coolant a good mix. I just poured it in, and it sat overnight. I poured some coolant on top of the icy mix, and it seemed to melt it well...so I was able to start and get the car into the garage once I replaced all the ignition pieces.
I typically pour it in with the engine running and then let the engine get hot; I’ve been told that pure antifreeze freezes if it’s not blended with water, 50/50 should give a maximum protection…could be it didn’t mix well being cold in your case.
If the radiator made it the rest should be ok too...

[Smartin]

I also will run the engine when I'm adding coolant, but I couldn't start it, due to problems with a broken distributor cap. I waited until this morning to buy the ignition parts...so everything froze up overnight.

Everything seems fine now. I only ran the engine this afternoon for about 10 minutes, just to get it into the garage.

I have a big exhaust leak at the front passenger side manifold now. Let's see what else can go wrong next time I start the car!:rant: :tonge2:

[SBRMD]

Adam, I may have that stainless that you're missing behind the left rear wheel; I don't know for sure right now though, because all my extra stuff is in the trunk of the LeCenturion, and it's still at the painter. He lives a ways from me, so not going up there until it's done, which hopefully will be within the next couple weeks. Will check for you then.

BTW, you seem to have had no trouble putting on those pieces around the windows. How did you do that? I have a set ready to go for my car once back from paint, would love to be able to do it myself.

Thanks for your advice as always in advance,
Steve.

[Smartin]

Make sure the window is down when you install the trim.

Start with the piece on either side that fits "under" the next piece in line. Start at the top corner and work your way down, using a small rubber mallet (or your palm, if you have bear paws). Then work your way to the other side with the other two pieces, starting each piece next to the one you just installed. It may take a couple shots at a couple of them, since you may get the felt material stuck in the track of the stainless.

One thing - when you install these pieces, it might be more difficult to close the windows, because the trim actually puts pressure to the window and pinches it a bit more.

[Robroy]

I have a big exhaust leak at the front passenger side manifold now. Let's see what else can go wrong next time I start the car!:rant: :tonge2:
Ouch… passenger side manifold is tricky when you have AC if I remember correct from Michel’s thread….:tonge2:

[MichelHaak]

Yes, and I have to do it also one of these months. :D

[gr_speedy]

"I need the lower piece of stainless that runs along the bottom of the quarter on the drivers side.."

If you still need it Adam i can give you one.

[Smartin]

I still need one...:Brow:

[Smartin]

Messed around yesterday with the ignition, since it was still running really inconsistently.

I found out that the distributor shaft has a lot of side to side play, and that messes with the dwell for about 10 degrees each way. So...I will probably need to find another distributor sometime soon.:Blasting: :rooleyes2:

It runs well enough now, though.

I also did a big test spot on the trunk, seeing how a large spot sould look when buffed out. It turned out ok...but this is going to be a long haul project. I forgot how heavy my tools are to do this.:spank:

I did the drivers side half..

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing002.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing003.jpg



I would've gone further with it, but the rain was blowing in and soaking all my tools and my legs. I had the garage lowered down halfway, but was having trouble seeing well enough to continue.

[My3buicks]

Looks good Adam, I would be curious to see you do the rear drivers door to see if the color blends better once there is a shine to the old paint.

[Smartin]

That's what I'm hoping, but I'm not banking on it. The color is quite a lighter shade on the quarter. I don't think I can get it to look any better - with the exception of the same gloss when I'm done.

[The German]

It´a very nice color, Adam ! You will have a very special car when all your work of restoration will be finished - that´s for sure ! Hope that there will come up no more problems.
____________
Rolf

[Bob Alberini]

Your work really brings out the color, Adam. It will obviously be a great deal of work but it looks like the end result will be well worth it.

[Phil Genario]

That's what I'm hoping, but I'm not banking on it. The color is quite a lighter shade on the quarter. I don't think I can get it to look any better - with the exception of the same gloss when I'm done.
hi adam, looks like your having fun with the car, what a difference in the paint! i know its alot of work , but compound and wax are in our dna by now
its a great feeling to see that result. it kind of takes the edge off of the "whadigoinbuythisthingfor" heebie jeebies. i always have an "after purchase hangover"until the first 8 or 10 coats of wax. than im just fine!this is your moment not mine, so keep it up ,im sure its going to look super.definitely a labor of love.otherwise why on earth would we put ourselves through all of this! and besides,its much more fun then collecting stamps!

[Smartin]

I lost oil pressure on the way out of the parking lot at the state inspection place last night. I had it towed home this morning..

I tried repriming the pump, but nothing's getting sucked up from the pan. I will drop the pan as soon as I can find two other guys to help my push it into the garage.

Man, this sucks.

[Robroy]

Sorry to hear this Adam,

Guess it could be a clogged pickup or a shot oil pump ….if you cant get the pump to suck that is..

Look at it from the bright side, since you stopped directly when the lamp came on, the engine should be ok! :)

[MichelHaak]

Damn that sucks! I hope it's nothing big, this car has enough work and this is nog very welcome.... :shocked:

[Robroy]

It’s a long shot but have you tried replacing the oil filter?

[Smartin]

There is no oil coming through the oil pump. I tried priming it with the filter off - and nothing came out.

THere is a restriction in the pan.

[Robroy]

THere is a restriction in the pan.
I might be lost in translation but did you mean that the oil pan has taken a hit?
Which has happened at that workshop in such case?

[Smartin]

No, the oil pickup tube is clogged, or blocked, or has fallen into the oil pan. There is no visual damage anywhere on the car.

[Robroy]

Maybe you can drop the pan enough to reach in to the pickup without having to lift/release the engine….

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Just a though Adam, Maybe the pump shaft sheared where it attaches to the distributor shaft. A long shot, but a lot easier to check than dropping the pan.

After checking the simple stuff and before you drop the pan, pull out the distributor and take a look down the hole see if you can see the pump shaft. Or take a pump primer tool or a long thick flat head screw driver and try to manually turn the pump gear. If it's good then you can cuss some more and then drop the pan.

I have seen it happen with cold starts with heavy grade oil or tight clearances on the pump. It may have just broke from old age.

[Smartin]

I already tried repriming the pump...and it feels intact. The car was covered in snow, and now it's melting all over my garage floor, and I get to lay in it to get this thing removed.

I love it.

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Then before dropping the pan, open up the pump .....hopefully it's something in there.

Could have the pump lost it's prime? I would take it apart first and inspect it. Maybe repacking the pump with vasoline and after inspecting it and run a drill on the other end to prime it. If it doesn't prime, I would figure the screen is so clogged or maybe the pick-up came loose. Otherwise the next possible things are not good.

Doesn't prime and is ok and pick-up screen is on tight and not clogged, then it's a major internal leak, spun bearing or worse a broken lifter bore.

Wish you the best and hope its something simple and silly to repair.

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Adam,

Not knowing all the circumstances, here is a long shot:

Maybe one of the knuckleheads at the inspection station over revved her and bent a pushrod. On doing so it popped a lifter out of the bore. Now with a major internal leak you will lose all oil pressure. You may not have heard the one valve clacking as all of them were making noise because of no oil.

It's a real long shot but taking off the valve covers to check the pushrods may be easier than dropping the oil pan.

[Robroy]

Then before dropping the pan, open up the pump .....hopefully it's something in there.

Could have the pump lost it's prime? I would take it apart first and inspect it. Maybe repacking the pump with vasoline and after inspecting it and run a drill on the other end to prime it. If it doesn't prime, I would figure the screen is so clogged or maybe the pick-up came loose. Otherwise the next possible things are not good.
Right! Better to work from the outside and in and start with the oil pump as Rick suggest before dropping the pan. There’s good stuff in the Buick service manual about how to check the pump

IF it should turn out to be a broken crankshaft bearing which I don’t hope, you might be able to replace them one by one from underneath after removing the pan.
I’ve never done this myself but know of others who have done this kind of low budget engine renovation. We have a special name for that which I can’t really translate…:laugh:

Like Rick I hope this turns out to be something simple and silly to repair..

[Smartin]

Pulled the pan. There is a pretty large amount of crap that collected at the pickup. Plus, there was a large piece of gasket material stuck in the little check valve thing.

Tomorrow, I will reinstall the pan and try to reprime without opening the pump up. If I have to open the pump up,then I have to call TA to get a set of gaskets and shims. That'll be another week down.

[Robroy]

Plus, there was a large piece of gasket material stuck in the little check valve thing
Might be the crook..

Was the pan easy to take off? To pass the pickup when you slide it out etc?

[Smartin]

I had to jack the engine up very high, but I got it. I had a problem with the power steering return hose breaking, since it was too short to allow the vertical lift of the engine. So it pissed power steering fluid all over the place. Just one more thing to fix!!

And I have a major transmission fluid leak somewhere.

[centurion 455 ragtop]

If I have to open the pump up,then I have to call TA to get a set of gaskets and shims. That'll be another week down.

Adam are there any good automotive shops in your area. Mellings makes the same oil pump that TA does. I actually remember it as being cheaper too. They may be able to order some gaskets and a pump and get it in a few days instead of a week or two from TA.

If you dropped the pan already or cracked it open a bit can you get a hold of what is in the bottom, is there a lot of sludge or bearing material etc? It may give you an indication if there is any other damage.

[Smartin]

It was pretty cruddy - more like little bits of carbon buildup. a couple small pieces of metal, but they appeared to be threads or bolt material from some previous work that was done.

Everything appeared to be still dripping wet with oil when I looked up inside the engine, so that makes me feel a little bit better so far.

I'll call around tomorrow to see if anyone has the melling pump.

[Robroy]

Any news on the lubrication front?

[Smartin]

The weather has been too bad to work this past week. This weekend is looking good, though.

I am going to look at a 57 Super this morning, and then taking a tour of Hyman LTD's warehouse of cars with the club.

Maybe this afternoon I'll get some work done on it....probably tomorow some as well.

[Smartin]

Ok all -

I cleaned out the oil pan and screen, and reinstalled it. Filled with oil, and attempted to reprime.

I got nothing but the sounds of some nice gritty crap stuck in the gears. No oil either.

Pulled the pump and found a set of really chewed up gears. The pocket has some scratches on it, but it appears to be serviceable. I put new gears in, packed it with jelly and let her rip.

I now have oil pressure! I just have to get the rest of it back together.

I had to remove the starter, motor mount bolts, exhaust (Y pipe), wire harness, and the flywheel cover. What a pain in the A$$!!

All that's left to do, is reattach the mounts and exhaust, and the cooling fan. Oh, I ripped the power steering return line apart when I jacked the engine up. Then I'll be ready to dump the distributor back in and let her rip!

[Robroy]

Sounds like a real breakthrough Adam…
So it was damaged gears inside the oil pump that was the crook….guess all the crap inside the pan and stuck in the pickup didn’t make things better either.

Makes me wonder how worried one should be with a un-restored stock 135k engine hm..., I’m glad I’m installing that oil pressure gauge anyway
Appreciate your little report about needed steps to get the oil pan off which answers my question in another tread :beers:

[The German]

... ... What a pain in the A$$!!... ...

That was really a pain, Adam. Hope that there are no little parts left in the oil circulation system! I keep my fingers crossed for you !!
On the other hand we all know about your great experience, so I´m sure you will get it on the road soon!

GOOD LUCK !!!
___________
Rolf

[Smartin]

She runs!!

I have both carss out of the garage so I can clean up the exxon valdez oil spill on the floor, and to clean the leaves out from all the wind over the Winter.

[The German]

She runs!! ... ...

That was faster than I expected ! May be the crossed fingers helped a bit ;) .
___________
Rolf

[Smartin]

Quick update:

I was going to wet sand the paint today, but my bucket of water is now a bucket of ice.

So I started cleaning the interior up. I pulled the back seat bottom and found a buildsheet! I cleaned that par up on the garage floor. It turned out nice, so I pulled the upper back seat portion. Since I had that out, I figured I'd pull the back package tray and see if I can put a quick coat of tan/brown paint on it. hmm....the other pieces are so stained with tar and fading, that I should find a suitable spray dye to get them back to where they should be.

This is turning into a full-blown interior resto:laugh:

Oh, and I found ANOTHER buildsheet stuck to the back of the upper seat.

[Smartin]

I'm done for the day - gotta get ready for my sister's birthday...

Here is my progress so far:

Dirty seat bottom...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto001.jpg


Clean seat bottom!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto002.jpg


Nasty package tray from the leaking rear window...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto003.jpg


Clean package tray!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto006.jpg


Tearing it all apart...check out the BROWN trim pieces around the window.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto004.jpg


This is what they are supposed to look like...maybe a tad darker, but this works really well.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto005.jpg


Complete (almost) passenger side! The trim around the rear window was all cracked up and broken, so I had to epoxy all of the pieces back together before I hit them with the dye.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto007.jpg

[Robroy]

Quite a difference on the seat bottom and package tray after your “treatment”!

What’s the plan regarding attacking the rust around the rear window?

[Smartin]

I don't know yet. I'm just going to have to weld new metal in and paint the damn car:spank:

[Robroy]

I don't know yet. I'm just going to have to weld new metal in and paint the damn car:spank:
Rust is always a pain in the :moonu: …
My experience is that the only way to get the metal really clean is sandblasting, but you get sand absolutely everywhere :p . If you use the kind with a rubber mouthpiece that is held against the metal, it’s a little better. They say silicon sand is the best but its expensive sh-t …

Then there are acids, not so sure about them though since those I’ve used didn’t do the job (the rust came back). But that was like 20 years ago so there may be better stuff on the market now..?

[gr_speedy]

PEr there is something called POR 15. That stuff REALLY works but make sure you have air circulation when you put it on cause it has a hefty smell. I used it 4 years ago on a bed side on a Jeep Comanche (the fastest rusting area on this car) and it still didn't show up even a micro bubble.
Truck is parked outside ever since.

[Smartin]

I would have no problem plugging these holes with some sort of goop or caulking, but they are pretty big! I don't think I can cheat on this car. The rear window will have to be remoed as well, because of the possible heat from the welding, and also the window is not sealing properly.

[Robroy]

PEr there is something called POR 15. That stuff REALLY works but make sure you have air circulation when you put it on cause it has a hefty smell. I used it 4 years ago on a bed side on a Jeep Comanche (the fastest rusting area on this car) and it still didn't show up even a micro bubble.
Truck is parked outside ever since.
Sounds very interesting..!
And what’s even better, I can get it here in Sweden!!
http://www.por15.se/
Thanks for sharing this Foti! :beers:

[Robroy]

The rear window will have to be remoed as well, because of the possible heat from the welding, and also the window is not sealing properly.
That’s my plan too, but I hope to do this later since my Centurion budget is reaching its end for now :rolleyes: , and I plan to let a body shop do the welding.
I mainly drive when the weather is good anyway so I hope to be able to live it for a while. I have no sign of leak inside the car, only a little to the trunk.
I was thinking I could put a quilt under the rear window inside the trunk that would suck up the water that might get in…

[Smartin]

Finished the rear portion of the interior today, with the exception of the left door panel...I can't open the doors on that side.:rolleyes:

Here is the left panel that is still dripping with smoke tar...and probably some other things as well.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto008.jpg


Here's the clean one! I wish the top portion would come out a little lighter, but it looks like it's baked in.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto009.jpg


Another shot..

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto010.jpg


Seat's in!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto011.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto012.jpg

[The German]

Really interesting to watch your activities, Adam ! Step by step the car is on the way back to its old beauty ! :xyxthumbs:
_______________
Rolf

[Phil Genario]

Finished the rear portion of the interior today, with the exception of the left door panel...I can't open the doors on that side.:rolleyes:

Here is the left panel that is still dripping with smoke tar...and probably some other things as well.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto008.jpg


Here's the clean one! I wish the top portion would come out a little lighter, but it looks like it's baked in.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto009.jpg


Another shot..

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto010.jpg


Seat's in!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto011.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto012.jpgit really looks great adam,what a difference! i have known people who bought these cars new, and they said even when new there were issues with water leaks around the rear windows. be glad you dont have a vinyl top,you know what mess would be underneath it.

[John Rocklein]

Adam,
lookin good!
What did you use to clean it up??
Funny how similar the panels are to mine. Looks like yours are vinal compared to my cloth.
JOHN

[Smartin]

Adam,
lookin good!
What did you use to clean it up??
Funny how similar the panels are to mine. Looks like yours are vinal compared to my cloth.
JOHN

Hi John,

Yes, the interiors are the same, exccept where I have vinyl on the door panels and seats, you have cloth. Also, you have power windows:Dou:

I have everything cleaned up except the right side of the dash and the front seat back. The dash bezels were in ok shape, but the chrome was fading. I resprayed the "chrome" and black, and they look pretty good now. I also replaced the clock glass.

[Smartin]

Couple shots to keep my momentum going...

New glass in the clock and all the bezels cleaned and polished, painted if necessary. These things are a major pain to mask off the right spots!! Also, notice the color difference from the left to the right side of the dash. That's not an illusion. That's really how nasty the whole interior was!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto013.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto014.jpg

[Smartin]

I got really tired of looking at the ratty 72 rear bumper and decided to take action:rant: :D

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/inspection012.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/bumper001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/bumper002.jpg


It only took a few hours...mostly because I had to clean and repaint all the silver trim pieces.:Brow: I had to replace the left upper taillight bezel and find another lower metal piece that goes below the taillight itself, because they were both damaged in the wreck.

I also installed the lower quarter stainless trim that was graciously sent to me:beers: :beers: :beers:

[Smartin]

I dropped the transmission pan last night to see if I could fix the leak. I also replaced the o-ring in the kickdown wire harness that goes through the trans case. It appears I have fixed the leak AND fixed the whining noise when the trans was in gear. The filter was so clogged, it was starving for fluid.

I can actually drive it now!!

[EEE]

Sounds good, when do we get to see a baseline run?

[Smartin]

I probably won't run this car...not for a while, anyway:D

The tires that are on here are really hard...I can spin the right rear peg legger for a mile.

[Robroy]

I dropped the transmission pan last night to see if I could fix the leak. I also replaced the o-ring in the kickdown wire harness that goes through the trans case. It appears I have fixed the leak AND fixed the whining noise when the trans was in gear. The filter was so clogged, it was starving for fluid.

I can actually drive it now!!

Sounds like a breakthrough! :xyxthumbs:
That trans leak maybe was a strike of luck since you discovered the clogged filter that way…

[73 Centurion]

Wow, you are really thorough. Anyone can fix the tailights and replace the bumper but few people would go so far as to change the license plate as well! :laugh: :laugh: :error:

[Smartin]

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I didn't like the way the other plate looked.

I do feel much better about this car, now that I have fixed these major problems.

[Robroy]

I do feel much better about this car, now that I have fixed these major problems.
Any actions on that leaking rear window yet?

[Smartin]

Nope...I'm not sure what I want to do with that yet. It will require me to remove the rear window to weld in new metal...

1. I don't currently own a welder

2. I don't know how to remove the glass.

hmmm....

[73 Centurion]

Here's the procedure for removing the rear glass:
1) Buy insurance with glass coverage
2) smash the window
3) clean up the glass
4) have a shop weld in a patch panel
5) call the insurance company and have them put in a new window.


:xyxthumbs: :xyxthumbs:

[Smartin]

Hahah!!!

[Robroy]

It appears I have fixed the leak AND fixed the whining noise when the trans was in gear. The filter was so clogged, it was starving for fluid.
Just out of curiosity, was the whining sound from the transmission when standing still in D or when driving?
I have a little whining sound from my trans too when driving, didn’t think so much of it until I red your post and started thinking about it…
When standing still with the gear in D its quiet though

[Roudy]

Couple shots to keep my momentum going...

New glass in the clock and all the bezels cleaned and polished, painted if necessary. These things are a major pain to mask off the right spots!! Also, notice the color difference from the left to the right side of the dash. That's not an illusion. That's really how nasty the whole interior was!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto013.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/interior_resto014.jpg

Adam,

Your photo of the instrument cluster has me hanging my head in shame:( Yesterday I spent three hours on the exterior and interior of my vehicle. It looks pretty good but the bezels are in serious need of touch up. What specifically did you use to restore the silver around the gages? Was there any surface prep other than cleaning required? Also, is there a brand of chrome polish that you recommend?

Roudy

[Smartin]

Roud-man -

I cheated on the instrument cluster.

The woodgrain was still good, so I didn't touch it. But what I DID do, was mask off the woodgrain and some of the black parts. I then used a "chrome" spray paint to make the silver stuff look good again. Of course, this is no match for the real chrome look that stuff had on there originally. After that, I masked the chrome painted parts and used a satin black on the parts that are supposed to be black. I fools you in the picture, but you can tell it's paint up close.

I can tell you, as you alreay probably know, the convertible bezels tend to look like Hell after 30 years...most of the 4 door and coupe bezels withstand the test of time a little better.

[Smartin]

Just out of curiosity, was the whining sound from the transmission when standing still in D or when driving?
I have a little whining sound from my trans too when driving, didn’t think so much of it until I red your post and started thinking about it…
When standing still with the gear in D its quiet though

Per, the noise was apparent in neutral, drive, and while moving. It was very apparent. BUT our TH400/350 transmissions have an interent whine that you might hear from time to time.

[SBRMD]

I remember when my Dad's '71 Twilight Turq LeSabre Custom was brand new (350 4V/THM350), first gear made a distinctive "wind-up" type whine as the car accelerated. My Dad was concerned about it, talked to the dealer, who said....you guessed it..."they all do that". Our subsequent two '71 LeSabres made the same sound, and LeCenturion does too. All four were/are the same engine/trans.

[Robroy]

first gear made a distinctive "wind-up" type whine as the car accelerated.
Just as mine, I figured this was normal but got a little worried when Adam mentioned his clogged filter.
I intend to change the oil/filter in my transmission anyway but had planned to do it later this year. I just did an oil-change in the rear axle and will do one on the engine any day...

Thanks for the response guys!

[Smartin]

I had a weak moment on Craigslist yesterday.

[EEE]

Those are a must, go get some #0000 steel wool to clean em up, use plenty of water.

[Smartin]

If I get some free time in the next 37 years, I might be able to get back out to the garage and work again!!!

[Robroy]

If I get some free time in the next 37 years, I might be able to get back out to the garage and work again!!!
Do you also have a lot of boring duties that keep you from getting some work done out in the garage? If so, welcome to the club :laugh:

[EEE]

What happened to those widened wheels that were to be available for a very good price, any news on those?

[Smartin]

What widened wheels?

[EEE]

I remember seeing a thread on v8buick a month or two ago about someone who had contacted a company to widen rallye wheels, and he was going to come back with some more info, I thought you had made a comment at some point in there, but I'm not 100% sure. I'll see if I can find it.

[Mickemustang]

Adam, i have to clean the interior up as well. Did you just use soap and a cloth or any specific chemical?

[Smartin]

I used a product called Simple Green with a scrub brush and a tooth brush to get into the small areas.

[Smartin]

I know why I've grown to love vinyl tops and convertibles!

LESS PAINT TO SAND AND BUFF!!

My left arm is jelly. But the top, trunk, and left quarter panel are sanded and buffed. The "new" paint on the quarter panel is SLICK! I wish they had just painted the whole thing while they were at it. It's got a nice thick clear coat on it, too, so I can sand until it's glass smooth.

Oh yeah, I mounted the rallyes today, too.

[Smartin]

...and the pictures...

Here is a portion of the roof sanded with 2000 grit (a very worn out piece of 2000, so it was more like 3000). At this angle, you can't really even tell it needs to be buffed, that's how fine the paper is.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing004.jpg


http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing005.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing006.jpg


Here is the super sleek left quarter panel...wishing the rest of the car was this nice.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing007.jpg


There is some fairly good-looking paint under all that dust! All that is from the last 20 minutes of buffing. This job is a MESS!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing008.jpg

[Smartin]

Wheels!!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/wheels001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/wheels002.jpg

[EEE]

Looking good, SLICK....

[Smartin]

All done with the buffing!

Arms and left shoulder are going to be sore tomorrow...

I was hoping the repainted quarter panel would blend a little better, but it still sticks out like a sore thumb.


http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing009.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing010.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing011.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing012.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing013.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing014.jpg

[The German]

Congratulations again, Adam, it looks fine ! Seems as if you had a lot of work. Very nice color. :xyxthumbs:
What are the next steps ? Do you plan to spray some new paint on the left rear fender to get away the difference ?

[Phil Genario]

All done with the buffing!

Arms and left shoulder are going to be sore tomorrow...

I was hoping the repainted quarter panel would blend a little better, but it still sticks out like a sore thumb.


http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing009.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing010.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing011.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing012.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing013.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/green_lesabre/buffing014.jpgadam, the car looks fantastic,the wheels look great.

[Robroy]

Great job Adam! Looks really good
I see your point regarding the color difference between the quarter panel and the rear door. I have a little of the same problem on my front fenders that got replaced some time during the years…:rolleyes: