1953 Buick Other

Sedan

Inline 8

Manual

13177H5005-6

Clear

Gasoline

The plan with this car was to get everthing back to SAFE and operational condition, throw a blanket over the seat and drive it. The things I have gone through on this car so far have been to make it safe and reliable to drive. Unfortuantely I cannot finish it due to monetary constraints, so completing the project will have to be up to the next owner. This 1953 Buick Special is originally from North Dakota. The previus owner affectionately named her Aunt Bea and that remains her name under my ownership. After I purchased it I went through the brakes and replaced pretty much everything. The master cylinder, front and rear flex lines, front and rear brake spring kits, front and rear wheel cylinders, front and rear brake shoes, the rear drums were in spec and put on a lathe, and the front drums were replced with NEW drums from Kanter. I also cleaned up the wheels, put a set of good used tires on and got a set of matching Buick script hubcaps that match. While I was in there I also replaced the inner and outer wheel bearings with the inner and outer bearing races as well. I purchased a rebuilt carburetor, replaced the cap, rotor, points, plugs, wires and put in a new 6 volt battery. She runs pretty good, but not perfect. I certainly am not a carburetor or points setting expert so I'm sure someone with more knowledge can get her purring like a kitten. I have driven the car around a bit and the brakes and steering work well. Transmission shifts like it should and the clutch doesn't slip. Like I said, sometimes the engine will hiccup here and there, but usually when coming to a stop or long periods of idling. It looks to me to be running too rich. The factory honeycomb radiator core was junk and leaked like a collander so I had it recored with a modern straight core at a local radiator shop which wasn't cheap. I also replaced all the coolant hoses, clamps and radiator cap. The electrics need to be sorted out. All the lights work except one of the turn indicators at the rear, I believe it's the right one. I would advise the car be upgraded to an alternator and 12 volt electrics (which was the plan but I never got a chance to do). The body isn't bad. Lots of patina and light surface rust to give her character. The front toeboards and floorpans need work, the lower rear quarters need a little attention at the bottom but aren't all that bad, and the left hand rear door opening at the top rusted as shown in the picture. There are a few other things that need attention as well. The rear knee action shocks don't dampen the ride and one of the links is broken, the front shocks need to be replaced and the previous owner thought it to be a good idea to cut the front springs to give the car a "better stance". It looks great, but the problem is they're too short and the suspension will bottom out on large bumps so they should be replaced as well. When I bought the car it had no exhaust and still doesn't so it will need one installed to quiet it down. The right hood hinge spring is broken as well. If there are any other questions or any more pictures needs please ask and I will go take some. Again, this is a project car that can somewhat drive around under it's own power. I don't recommend driving it much until all the repairs and upgrades are complete, but that is the next owner's decision. The ammount of money invested in this car is way more than I am starting the bid for. Just the radiator re-core was over $500 and the new front drums were $200 a piece. This wouldn't be a bad parts car if yours is nice but needs brakes and a good driveline and a cooling system. I am selling the car as-is. I would prefer money order or bank check that will be cleared before the car is picked up. I can keep the car around for a bit if she needs to be shipped or can't be picked up immediately, but I require it gets picked up where I have it stored. Buyer is to pay all shipping fees if shipping is necessary. I also accept paypal. All in all, this is a pretty solid car that is not far off from being back on the road. The small ammont I have driven her she got LOTS of attention. Happy bidding!