The story of buying my Buick Centurion Convertible of 1971

[The German]

The story of buying my Buick Centurion Convertible of 1971 or
How a long dream has come true

When I was a child I only liked to play with the greater passenger cars and the small Porsches were for the others ... . And when I was old enough to own and drive a car I always loved to drive the greater ones, too. But my real whish to drive a full size car could not be fulfilled in Germany because it was too expensive for me first and later I only had little time for driving a second car only for fun. The only interruption was a 5-week-journey over 6500 miles from Dallas to Mexico and back in 1983 with a Dodge Monaco Royal de Luxe of the year 1969 – unforgettable!

Now I have more spare time and so I began to look for great American cars in order to buy one. First I looked for the right design and soon I found that there were only two possibilities for me: a Pontiac Catalina of 1966 or a Buick Centurion of 1971 or 1972 – and I wanted to find it as a Convertible. So I began searching in Germany but couldn't find the right one. Cadillacs are to find easily here but Catalinas and Centurions are very rare and if one can find such a car it mostly has a very high price compared to the level in the USA. So I decided to search in America. Soon I saw the fire-red Centurion that was sold on ebay by My3buicks. Immediately, I tried to find out how to transport this car to Germany but I could not get a shipping agent that seemed to make the whole trip with the car in a way that I could be sure that the car was not damaged when reaching me. So I could not buy this beautiful vehicle and I was sad about that. Of course I searched for a good shipping agent who could do the complete job then and I found one in Bremen, Germany.

Some weeks later I saw the white Centurion of Adam (Smartin) on ebay and I asked him whether he would sell this car to good old Germany, too. He told me that there would be no problem to do so and then I placed my bid high enough to get the car.
After paying the car was picked up in Missouri and taken to Charleston, SC. In a container it was shipped to Rotterdam, NL, from where I could drive it to my home near Dortmund, Germany. I had great luck that the weather was fine in these days – no rain and temperature over 10 degrees Celsius. So it was great to drive with this fantastic car; on the German Highway I tested it at higher speed up to 95 miles p.h. – it runs very well. The car got through the transport without greater damage. On the next day I drove with open top through our town and some villages and I found out that driving such a car in Germany is really unusual - nearly everyone turns his head and looks admiringly. When I pass other cars sometimes they slow their speed and use their horns - an amusing feeling!
Thank you, dear Adam, for the good preparation of the long journey and thank you for this beautiful car! It's really something like a good wine or a big cigar to drive such a vehicle – a special luxury of my life now!

But first of all preparation for the German inspection and waiting for the warmer part of next year begins. I have to change the front lights and some other minor details and I have to prepare a special data-sheet with all technical data of the car. Especially, I need the allowed highest total weight, the allowed highest weight per front and per rear axle and the highest possible speed – all coming with a paper of the producer. It seems to be difficult to get such a paper in Germany. Perhaps I get it from the GM-service-centre in Germany, but up to now I got no information back from this centre.
Therefore: if there is anyone reading this story who can help me with such a paper with technical details of a 1971 Buick Centurion Convertible with the 455-motor from Buick fabrication plant, I will be glad to get it!

Before stowing the car in the garage I forgot to make a photo of it, so I only show some pictures from Adam (with his allowance).


To all of you I wish a happy Christmas and funny days when the year changes and – of course - fine cruising weather coming with 2007!


Rolf - The German -
_______________________________
Added on March, 11. 2007 :
Now I got the data-sheet with all technical data of the car from the Buick-Club of Germany.

[Smartin]

Thanks for sharing your story, Rolf! I'm glad to see you are enjoying the car as I have...

And I see you've found out how fast it is:D

[centurion 455 ragtop]

You bought a good one Rolf! Adam kept that Centurion clean and perfect running. Best of luck and enjoyment with your new ride. Hopefully the winter will be a short one for you.

[The German]

Yes, Adam, the car is a runner and in Germany on highways you are allowed driving as fast as possible ... !

Thanks, Rick, for your good wishes.

I surfed through the forum today and I found several pictures of your Centurions and Adams old, now mine white one - really beautiful cars ! And Keith only changed the dream like Adam did so that I remember what a friend often said : "You can drive what ever you want, but real king of road is an American Full Size !" – He is right - that`s it !!

_______________

Rolf

[Nova Nova]

Hi Rolf. I almost bid on that car myself. I'm glad now that I didn't. You will appreciate it more than me. Now that I've sold my Centurion coupe, I have a desire for an orange convertable.:D

[Nova Nova]

I try not to look. As much as I love these Centurion rags, I just can't have one. If it's really nice, I'd be afraid to drive it. I also need something to drive all year 'round. I'm leaning towards a Mustang rag, 6 auto. Lots of them around, disposable, if you know what I mean.:)

[The German]

Just a few weeks ago I heard a radio discussion in Germany about new trends in building cars where they talked about new colour-trends too: white is the new, very fresh trend ! White mixed with very little of another colour and perhaps in combination with another colour of the roof and the bumpers or with strips. - So I´m full in the new trend with an old car now !

But orange or red with a white top seems to be very, very beautiful too! It´s worth searching for, but I assume that it´s also very seldom (?).

Good luck!

Rolf
==================
... new on 2-07-2007:

Just now I found two pictures of new cars shown to get potential buyers - in white !!!
==> :

[Centurion]

Rolf, thanks for sharing your wonderful story. I'm grateful that Adam's convertible has found such an appreciative owner, and I wish you many years of Centurion enjoyment with this special car.

Please keep us updated regarding the car during the years ahead.

[Smartin]

Rolf, have you noticed a picture of your car at the bottom of the Centurion Registry main web page?

http://www.buickcenturion.com/images/hotel_flint007a.jpg


This picture was taken in 2003 at the Buick Club of America national meet in Flint, Michigan. It was the 100th anniversary of Buick, so the event was a sight to behold, with nearly 2000 Buicks in attendance. Other cars in the picture are Gary Klecka's 1955 Roadmaster which was driven 4000 miles from Alaska to the event. The car on the right is Brian "Centurion" Laurance's 1959 Electra - driven from Washington State.

[The German]

Yes, Adam, I saw this picture, but I did not know that this shows (now) my car.

Thank you for giving that information !

---------------------------------
Rolf

[Doug Bethune]

Hello Rolf, Congradulations on your new purchase! Where are you located in Germany as I have traveled there extensively with my former company Elster and Ruhr Gas? I have a 1972 Centurion 455 I am trying to sell and I have all the original paperwork. The data is similar to the 1971. If I can be of any assistance to you in getting your 71' registered please contact me direct at: dougbethunester@gmail.com Best Regards...Doug Bethune

[The German]

Hello Doug,

thanks for your congratulations. My Centurion is still waiting in the garage and I still have only few data for the data-sheet that is needed for the German inspection. I still need the allowed highest total weight, the allowed highest weight per front axle and per rear axle and the highest possible speed of the car.

From the GM-Service-Centre in Germany I got no information and GM of USA only told me to ask the German GM-Service-Centre.... ! But now I´m member of the Buick-Club of Germany and the president of this club told me that it would be no problem for him to prepare such a data-sheet for my car. So I now can see some light at the end of this tunnel.

In spite of this possibility it would be great if you could send me copies of the technical information papers you have to fill my open questions and to ensure me that the other informations I got are correct. I have just sent you an email to your given address.

Why do you want to sell your Centurion - it is such a beautiful car you have (!) ? It seems to be in very good condition, how much miles driven up to now?

I'm living between Dortmund and Recklinghausen - in the north of the so-called Ruhr-Area. I think you will have seen this part of Germany when travelling for Ruhr-Gas. The weather here is influenced by the northern ocean and the Gulf Stream; so we mostly have not very cold but wet winters - not good for old classic cars ... . And where are you located in USA ?


Thanks a lot for your assistance before and

best regards

Rolf

[Doug Bethune]

Hello Rolf,
I have some of the answers to your questions from original paperwork I received with my '72 Centurion. In a GM guide for towing with your new Buick (1971 publication as we took ownership on 10/31/71): It states Maximum Axle Loads for LeSabre. Centurion, Riviera: Front, 3,020 pounds. Rear, 3,300 pounds. Plus the advice: "Weigh car and trailer together on commercial scales (city, highway department,etc.) to determine the exact weight on the front and rear axles."
In regards to top speed, GM would never state in any of their literature that the car would go as high as the speedo states it can i.e. 120 mph. I do have a piece of GM literature Part # 1239646 titled Consumer information for your 1972 Centurion (again published in 1971). The document shows a "high speed pass" of a tractor-trailer truck. The pamphlet states the following information: " Record is made of the time and distance needed to pass a 55-foot truck traveling at a constant speed of 50 mph. The car begins accelerating from 50 mph when 100 feet behind the truck and the passing maneuver is considered completed when the car reaches a point 100 feet beyond the truck. The MAXIMUM SPEED allowed during the pass is 80 mph and for ALL MODELS will take 1499 feet and 16.7 seconds.
In answer to your remaining questions, My Centurion has 45,000 miles on it and pictures of the car are in the For Sale column of this Centurion Web Site.
If you need a good source for 1971 Buick parts (new or old) contact Cars, Inc. of Neshanic Station, New Jersey USA at (908) 369-3666 or at www.buick-parts.com ask them to send you one of their catalogs.
I live adjacent to Lake Erie in Erie,Pennsylvania. I am selling the Centurion as I have lost my job and I have to get rid of some my collectible cars as I don't want to lose the wife too! Too many cars and not enough income means something's got to go and it will not be me!
When I traveled in Germany, I have been in Dortmund, but spent most of my time in Mainz, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich, Hannover and Heidleberg. I miss the shnitzel, sausage and Octoberfest. :beers:
Best Regards...Doug Bethune

[The German]

Thanks a lot, Doug, for your information !

Today I had a talk with the German car inspectors and they told me that they will test the maximum speed by driving the car on the highway and this speed will be written down in the paper of the car ! That's learning by doing – easy and effective, but I think a bit amusing too !
The maximum axle loads cannot be measured in such an easy way – thank you for giving me this numbers ! I hope they will accept these data's and I will tell the ongoing story here in the next months (I will drive to the inspection in March or April).
The Buick parts address is well known I think, but it's good information for other readers of this thread.

I saw the pictures of your Centurion and I'm sure that there are several people with interest to buy it. But I hope and I wish you will find a new good job soon, so that you are not forced to sell such wonderful cars !

Don't forget your trips in Germany – as I don't forget my trip through Texas and Mexico - and have nice winter days at Lake Erie !

Best regards
Rolf

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Thanks a lot, Doug, for your information !

Today I had a talk with the German car inspectors and they told me that they will test the maximum speed by driving the car on the highway and this speed will be written down in the paper of the car ! That's learning by doing – easy and effective, but I think a bit amusing too ! Best regards
Rolf

:eek: Wow now that is an inspection rule I wish New York State would apply. Just get me on the thruway and I'm gone baby:D

[The German]

Several Mercedes 300 SL, some Rolls R. etc. and one Buick Centurion!

The Techno-Classica is one of the greatest automobile-historic-forums in the world. All greater producers of Europe show the cars of their historic museums. Several traders of cars and parts, literature and accessories are here too. There are a lot of very seldom old-timers and young-timers (not older than 30 years) for sale. One can find nearly everything from Opel Kadett of 1970 till Maybach, Horch and also GM vehicles of the 1930 years.
And there are several automobile-clubs with some of their special cars too.

This year the Buick Club of Germany had 4 cars for show in Essen : a Super Eight Convertible of 1951, a Wildcat 4 Door Hardtop of 1966, a GS 400 Convertible of 1967 and my Centurion Convertible of 1971.
The cars were of great interest for the visitors and we found some new members for the club.

The highlight for me was a Buick Limited Convertible of 1958; - it was for sale for 95,000 Euro !!! I assume the owner don´t want to sell the car really.

Hereafter you can see 3 pictures of our place and of the '58 Limited.
___________
Rolf

[Shrav]

I wonder what they will do on the speed test run when they bury the needle and she keeps on accelerating! Will they mark down 120+ ? :Brow:

[The German]

I wonder what they will do on the speed test run when they bury the needle and she keeps on accelerating! Will they mark down 120+ ? :Brow:

... I will inform you about the inspection. But first I have to change one frost plug which starts leaking some weeks ago and I could not stop this with a special adhesive from outside. I´m not used working at cars, so it will be difficult for me to do that job. All other points for the inspection are done :

1. I had to change all 4 headlights to Halogen, because sealed beam is not
allowed in Germany ( by the way : that costed me 250 Euro !!)
2. I took off the bulbs of the side-marker-lamps because they aren´t
allowed in Germany too.
3. I interrupted the connection for the cornering-LIGHT-funktion that is
combined with the normal headlight in the night, because that isn´t allowed
here.
4. I interrupted the connection for the park-light-funktion of the front
turn-light-lamps, because that isn´t allowed here too. This function is
combined in the new headlights and I made a new connection to these lamps
for that.
5. I made a new connection to the lamp of the rear car-ident-sign (I don´t
know if that is the right word but I hope you will understand what I mean),
because there was none.
6. I placed a new scale (km/h) on the speedometer.
7. I placed a VIN-number-sign on the metal of the inner fenders right side
of the motor under the hood.
8. I put some red reflexes on the rear bumper because they are necessary
in Germany.
9. I procured the special Data-sheet with all important dates of the car,
so that the inspectors can write these dates into the new German
car-licence.

After changing the frost plug I have to let test the brakes and perhaps adjust them. And then I will drive to the inspection. Perhaps they will find some more points that have to be done - we will see ... !
_________________
Rolf

[centurion 455 ragtop]

I guess converting the car over is keeping you busy. But looking at those photos should make you proud. Your Centurion looks great!

[The German]

Yes, Rick, my car is a beauty and its technic is in very good condition too. Adam sold a very solid Centurion so I´m gratefully and glad with this car.

The leak at the frost plug is something that can happen to every car after 35 years. I´m sure to get through the inspection but the inspectors are very exact in Germany and therefore it might be that they will find something that I don´t know now but has to be done before driving the car in the normal traffic. I will see ... .
____________________
Rolf

[Smartin]

Rolf,

I don't remember if that was brought to your attention or not, but the convertible was on the back cover of our Buick Club of America national magazine last year. Here is the cover:

The editor incorrectly stated the year of the car, but I made him aware of it:spank:

[The German]

No, Adam, I have not seen that article on the back cover of the Buick Club of America national magazine of the last year. Thanks for showing it here.
___________
Rolf

[Smartin]

Rolf's car as it was delivered to me in March of 2003:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/images/centurion_new001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/images/centurion_new002.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/images/centurion_new008.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/images/centurion_new010.jpg

[jlv58]

Hi, German. glad to see that an other Centurion 71 was pumped out of the US !:laugh: With Smatin's you certainly did not get the worse one :xyxthumbs:

Have you got the trunk mouldings with it ? I understood Smartin was building a museum dedicated to 1971 trunk moulding lips......:beers:

Smartin, I still can't believe that you have replaced a wonderful convertible by an ugly coupé (with an accent on the "é"). :error: :Blasting: :rant:

[The German]

Hi, German. ... With Smatin's you certainly did not get the worse one .
Have you got the trunk mouldings with it ? ...
Smartin, I still can't believe that you have replaced a wonderful convertible by an ugly coupé ...

Hello Jean-Luc, yes, I´m very happy to have this beautiful car and it has trunk moldings !! Adam sold a solid Centurion as one can see on the pictures at the beginning of this thread. I now started to give the car what it does not have: a perfect protection against rust. It has only some little spots with rust and I try to stop this first with "Fertan" and second to conserve it with a special corrosion protection oil and grease. That is necessary, because here we have high humidity in summer and winter as well and when teperature changes water condensates and let the rust grow if there is no special protection. Oil and grease flows into the rust and into small gaps between hidden parts of the cars body and keeps away the water. In the last weeks I only had little spare time to work at the car but soon I will post some new pictures.

By the way: I cannot agree with your last statement; the coupé has a wonderful colour and is in AAA+++ condition - one of the finest Centurions I ever saw !! Have a second look to the story : http://www.buickcenturion.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23
I hope you will change your opinion !
__________________
Rolf

[jlv58]

By the way: I cannot agree with your last statement; the coupé has a wonderful colour and is in AAA+++ condition - one of the finest Centurions I ever saw !! Have a second look to the story : http://www.buickcenturion.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23
I hope you will change your opinion !


__________________
Rolf

Rolf, of course the coupé is superbe. Just wanted to tackle Adam....:beers: may be I am jealous ?

[The German]

Jean-Luc, I can understand your feeling; guess there are several people feeling the same when seeing those nice like-new-cars. But you have the possibility to find such a good car - we have seen some of them in the last 9 months. Search for and become a proud owner of a nice Centurion too !
What do you think of this one ? :
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=008&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=180128614733&rd=1,1
It has a high price but seems to be a good one !
If you would prefer to buy one in Europe, here is a Le Sabre Convertible of 1974 in Bruxelles, Belgium :
http://www.autoscout24.de/Details.aspx?id=3fpxevuqylu
_____________
Rolf

... added a few minutes later :
I found a Centuion Convertible of 1973 in Hamburg too :
http://www.autoscout24.de/Details.aspx?id=3ht2bu1syk4

[jlv58]

Rolf, I have got mine already, 1971 and in very good condition ! Enough for the time being !
:xyxthumbs:

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/5845/vuehautdt9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[The German]

Rolf, I have got mine already, 1971 and in very good condition ! ...

Jean-Luc, congatulations ! :beers: It looks really good. It looks like a Le Sabre, right ? Since when do you have it? Do you import it from USA or did you find it in France ? How many miles driven up to now ?

It would be fine to post the story with a new thread together with some more pictures; guess everyone of our group would like to get more information about your beauty !!

Now I´m interested to visit Paris next time when travelling through France :xyxthumbs: !

Peut-être qu'on se retrouvera à Paris. Meilleures salutations
___________________
Rolf

[jlv58]

Rolf, I already introduced it 3 years ago in the V8 Buick Forum.
Adam has registred it in the Centurion directory
http://www.buickcenturion.com/1971/jl_v/

Actually, it is a Centurion, and none could explain how it ended up with a Le Sabre hood...I prefer teling myself it was a special order :Brow:
Found it in Paris suburb, for 7000€. Car was sane, but needed some refresh. I found Nos dash, nos levers, nos tail light, re-did half of the seats upholstery, changed carpets, found a new rechromed rear bumper that was shiny during 3 month and then started to peel (if you ever hear of "Chromeguy", pass your way !) changed the carb, the steering power box, many rubbers.

The things I need to do to have it absolutely perfect are a complete rebuild of the engine (too much oil consumption), and some rust that started to appear in the lefyt rear well.

But for the 2000 km a year I drive with, I hesitate to invest too much.

[The German]

Rolf, I already introduced it 3 years ago in the V8 Buick Forum. ...........
But for the 2000 km a year I drive with, I hesitate to invest too much.

Jean-Luc, thanks for all your information! I had a look into that forum and I found your story and some information about my white car too - very interesting ! Now I have some pictures more of those famous Centurions.

You are right in hesitation to invest much money; no one knows to what level the oil price will go. Perhaps one day several people want to sell such guzzlers and only few want to buy them, all money spent for the car would be away ... ! On the other hand this cars are beautiful and a great love is worth every cent - no one would sell a part of his heart ... ! We will see.

I wish you can enjoy your Centurion as long as possible.:xyxthumbs:
______________
Rolf

[jlv58]

No plans to come over France with the buick this summer ?

[The German]

No plans to come over France with the buick this summer ?

No, Jean-Luc, there are too many dates fixed for us in summer so that such a visit is not possible, but perhaps next year. My wife is a teacher of the french language and so we often are in France on vacation. Only this year there is no possibility for such a trip.

By the way, I would not drive with the Buick a very long distance in the first year, because I have to prepare it against water caused rust first. And I must feel sure to have enough knowledge about the technic of the car for the case of an unexpected problem. I also will buy some parts for such possibilities.

Have you done greater journeys with your car ? And what parts should one have on such a trip? Perhaps we should open a new thread about that question or is there anyone out, who knows a perfect answer and has a list of parts needed on longer lasting journeys with a Centurion Convertible ?? :rooleyes2:
_________
Rolf

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Rolf

Most times you should do fine. I just returned home from the Buick Event held at Norwalk, Ohio which from my home is about 550 miles. Was towing my GS with my Centurion. With car & trailer all loaded up is about 4500 pounds pulling. Traveled non stop except to fill up taking about 9 hours each way. The Centurion ran flawless with no oil loss at all. Even had the a/c on for a short time...got about 5 miles to the gallon, so that was a short lived idea. Without the a/c I was getting about 10 pulling the trailer.

Regarding long distance driving with your Centurion. When I am going long distance even when towing, I always pack in a plastic box: water pump and gasket, fuel pump and gasket, extra belts, extra coolant hoses, stop leak for the radiator plus a can of fix-a-flat along with a tire plug kit, small roll of electrical tape and duct tape, fuses, a tube of silicone sealer, gallon of mixed water and anti-freeze. Along with a small tool box and small hydraulic jack and small jack stand, and emergency flares.......luggage:rolleyes: hmmm I guess my wife won't take any...sorry dear, no room in the trunk:D

Actually a medium size plastic Tupperware box holds it all except for the jack, jack stand and tool box. Prior to the trip I always double check everything on the car, if anything looks bad, I'll change it prior to going.

[jlv58]

Hey Rick, seems you need a full truck with spares parts following you when you travel !
Mine has an engine that drinks 1 gallon of lubricant every 400 miles, and I never got any such parts with me. When I purchased it in Paris, I drove straight to my county home 200 miles away, despite many strange noises in the engine (that was the exhaust manifold). I then used it several times for meetings or for weddings of more than 600 miles return trip.

The onl serious incident I had was a sudden leak of the power steering box, but I could manage to come back home (with strong arms !). I changed all the seals for 38$, but I ended up buying a full rebuilt box for 130$
These cars are undestructible, and furthermore, I am certain that Smartin had taken care of the safety elements such as brakes and tyres.
Issues like top engine failing, or bearings worn won't prevent you from returning safely to Germany.

My best advise is to take a good insurance that covers car repatriation and go with mind (and trunk) free !

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Have to agree with you. When these cars are set up they run forever. Over here we have AAA Club which will come out to tow you if you get stuck. If I travel anywhere under 150 miles my trunk will remain empty. Anything over that I pack up the extra parts & tools. Just in case. As the saying goes "Murphy's Law" If your ready for the unexpected it will never happen. Counting on something not happening...it will:Dou:

[Smartin]

I have driven the white car on 1000 mile trips every year I owned it. There was one year when my A/C compressor clutch exploded and hurt the alternator, but that is the only problem I had with it. Both of those items were replaced that year. I put 20,000 miles on the car when I did own it.

[EEE]

I've had my car for three years and I still have most of my tools with me where ever I go. The more that breaks, the more you learn... :rooleyes2:

[The German]

Adam, Jean-Luc and Rick, thank you for your information regarding my question.
I guess this information is important also for others, specially for new owners of such cars. Perhaps there are some more special tips how to prepare for long distance rides. That´s why I think to open a new thread for this topic and copy all this information into the first post would be better than gethering it here. In this way one can find the information much easier. But I´m not sure unter what main-topic we could place it; that´s why I hesitated to do it myself.
Adam, guess you are the man to make a decision about what to do: open a new thread or let this special information only here in this one ?!

However, to be sure I will do it in Ricks way and have some important parts with me when making a longer trip and get a good insurance (like Jean-Luc wrote) also.

I guess a special car cover would be good too.

And are there some special needs for a Convertible ?
Rick wrote in Steves (dewbers) thread (http://www.buickcenturion.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218) :
>>Another important note: When you order your new handle(s) also order two new cables that turn the gear boxes to lower the top. They connect to the motor located behind the top of the back seat, and each one goes to the gear boxes. They install fairly easy. I always keep a pair in the trunk. In case one snaps when your top is down, then your screwed cause it ain't going back up. Or worse yet if its half down or if one cable snaps, the top now gets all crooked and can't be forced othewise more damage will accure to the sizzer top. Both cables are like speedometer cables, one being longer than the other. Good insurance. <<

Thanks again so far.
________________
Rolf

[Robroy]

http://www.das-wetter.de/de/home/wet...rtewetter.html[/url]

Regarding the current weather situation, it’s boiling down at the Mediterranean area right now and hopefully some of that will soon spill over to the rest of Europe.
It won’t be long before you can drive down the street with the top down and women drooling along the sidewalk as you pass by, you’ll see ;)

[Robroy]

Seems like you were right regarding the rubber boots Rolf,
We are currently flooded here:p . Many roads are closed and many basements are full of water. Forecast predicts more rain with no sun in sight:bawl: .
On the bright side, you get a lot of work done in the garage:rolleyes: .

[The German]

We have rain after rain, Per, - since weeks now ! Only some days were without water from the sky. Coming saturday and sunday we will have good weather, but next week will start with rain again - deplorable but unchangeable ! Europe is divided into the northern rainy and the southern sunny, hot part this year:

http://www.tagesschau.de/wetter/0,1188,SPM506_NAV,00.html
:(
Anyway : My car is ready for the inspection since the beginning of that rain-season. During waiting for better weather I started to protect it against rust with special oil and grease. One can spay it into hidden parts of the car were it flows into the smallest gaps between the different parts of steel. Later I will spay in a special resin too so that those gaps are closed for a long time. One can remove the resin and the oil with hot water whenever needed. I guess that´s the best method. And when I´ll finish this work there will be no problem driving the car through rain also.

I hope we will see the sun some more days within the next weeks !
______________________
Rolf

[The German]

Yesterday the summer came back to Germany for some days. Immediatly I bought a 5-day-licence and drove to the inspection station. The car came through without greater problems!! I could even stop the oil leak of the motor some days before. Only the left front wheel bearing was found bad so that I have to change it within the next months.
For the cars papers they used the data sheet I got from the Buick Club of Germany. On monday I can let register the car as a historical vehicle which allows to pay lower tax and insurance costs.:xyxthumbs:

You know what I´m doing this weekend :
crusing with open top through warm and sunny weather !!:xyxthumbs::cool:
The dream came true !:D
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lucky ROLF

[Robroy]

Congratulations Rolf!:xyxthumbs: :xyxthumbs:

[The German]

Thanks, Per; I´m glad to have this inspection behind me now. And it´s great to drive this car through the sunshine ! :xyxthumbs:

Thanks again, Adam, for selling this beauty to me in Germany !! :)
It´s running very good.
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Rolf

[The German]

I made this pic. in last August. Hope one can see the small double line pinstripe I added short before.
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Rolf

[Phil Genario]

what a beautiful car , im sure you must get thumbs up every time you take it out.much good luck. i should have a few pics of mine posted shortly. take care , phil

[dewbers]

Looks great Rolf! Man, it's been raining here for something like 6 days now. Seeing your ride looking so fine in the heat of summer has my juices flowing! Love it a lot Rolf. The stripes look good. Not overly done. Nice touch. I really enjoy the contrast between your white drop top and my black one. Perhaps some day the car gods above will smile on us and let us drive them together..... Talk to you soon!

[The German]

Thanks for your kind words. - Now we have cold and rainy weather since October and I drove it only one day during these weeks. The car waits for better weather and I too ! I was born 6° north of the equator - may be that´s the reason why I hate this cold and rainy weather here in Germany´s winter. ;) Steve, I hope the car gods send us more rainless days first !!
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Rolf