Vintage Car Thread - Discussion and Parts Requests

[SteveAS]

I'm pleased to introduce my first Golden Era car . . . a 1938 Buick Special Business Coupe. It has a 248 ci inline eight-cylinder engine and a three-speed manual transmission, with a shift lever on the floor. Here are a few pictures:

 

[jamespowers]

I'm pleased to introduce my first Golden Era car . . . a 1938 Buick Special Business Coupe. It has a 248 ci inline eight-cylinder engine and a three-speed manual transmission, with a shift lever on the floor. Here are a few pictures:

Nice find! The car kind of looks familiar for some reason.

 

[SteveAS]

Nice find! The car kind of looks familiar for some reason.

Thanks. As to why it might be familiar, it's been in Oregon for quite some time, but I've been driving it around the SF Bay Area peninsula a bit over the last couple weeks.

 

[jamespowers]

Thanks. As to why it might be familiar, it's been in Oregon for quite some time, but I've been driving it around the SF Bay Area peninsula a bit over the last couple weeks.

Ok, must have been another similar one then.
Certainly drive it around. That is what they are for.

 

[SteveAS]

Certainly drive it around. That is what they are for.

Agreed!

 

[Stanley Doble]

What a beautiful Buick. They sure had style in those days.

 

[splintercellsz]

'Gratz on the Buick, Steve!!!!! What a beauty!

 

[AtomicEraTom]

That's a lovely coupe! Great color, and love the split rear window!

 

[LizzieMaine]

Amazing to see a coupe with a hood that long. Wicked sharp.

 

[SteveAS]

Amazing to see a coupe with a hood that long. Wicked sharp.

Thanks for the compliments, lady and gentlemen!

Lizzie, that long hood is one of my favorite stylistic elements of Buicks of this era! While my Special has a long hood, the 1938 Century has essentially the same body, but an even longer hood to accommodate its 320 ci straight eight.

 

[Rathdown]

I love pre-war coupés; in my book they are just about the ideal long distance touring car. Comfortable to ride in and with a huge trunk-- which allows one to over-pack, as well as providing space for things like ice chests, deck chairs, spare pars, tools, you name it, and it all goes in the back.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Well, it turns out the Plodge is going to need a new master cylinder after all. But because it's a Canadian Dodge, it needs the Plymouth master cylinder -- which, for some reason, seems to be the rarest thing in the junkyard. You can get 1930-36 Plymouth MC and you can get 1942-54 by the dozen, but all I can find for the 1937-1941 version is "send us your old core and we'll resleeve it for you" places. Which I've made arrangements to do, but *why* is this particular MC so rare?

On the bright side, the valve came unstuck as neat as you please. Marvel Mystery Oil is a wonderful thing.

 

[jamespowers]

Well, it turns out the Plodge is going to need a new master cylinder after all. But because it's a Canadian Dodge, it needs the Plymouth master cylinder -- which, for some reason, seems to be the rarest thing in the junkyard. You can get 1930-36 Plymouth MC and you can get 1942-54 by the dozen, but all I can find for the 1937-1941 version is "send us your old core and we'll resleeve it for you" places. Which I've made arrangements to do, but *why* is this particular MC so rare?

On the bright side, the valve came unstuck as neat as you please. Marvel Mystery Oil is a wonderful thing.

Good to hear about the valve! I am glad it worked out for you.
Master cylinders are a kind of mystery as to what is available and what isn't. At least you found someone who can rebuild it. At least they make rebuild kits for them.

 

[scottyrocks]

For some reason, manufacturers have an odd year or years.

For example, the 1979 Harley Davidson Sportster frame was its own animal, different from everything that was the same both before and after it. So, certain parts that are peculiar to the '79 because of the frame, for example the exhaust system, are just more difficullt to find.

 

[jamespowers]

For some reason, manufacturers have an odd year or years.

For example, the 1979 Harley Davidson Sportster frame was its own animal, different from everything that was the same both before and after it. So, certain parts that are peculiar to the '79 because of the frame, for example the exhaust system, are just more difficullt to find.

Same thing on the 73 Mach 1. The front end was unique to that year. Good luck finding the parking lamps if you screw one up.

 

[Carl Miller]

Try finding a master cylinder and wheel cylinders for my '59 chevy 2.5 ton truck. Honing stones and the local heavy truck shop were my best friends. I dont know what I will do when the time comes that ill need wheel bearings or a brake drum. [huh]

 

[normanpitkin]

exhaust manifolds for a straight eight chrysler!!! Not to mention a ring gear for same.....took a year for the first and had to weld the ring gear.All fixed now and off today to the UK's biggest American car show of the year ,Rally of the Giants.
Held this year at Blenheim Palace for the first time,can't wait!

 

[Stanley Doble]

Andy Bernbaum lists prewar master cylinders at $129 to $145 but for your model he just says "call". NAPA does not list it either so it appears they may no longer be available through normal channels.

Here is Bernbaum's web site in case you need anything later. He is a specialist in antique Chrysler products.

http://www.oldmoparts.com/

They have the rebuild kit for $29.50. If your cylinder is not corroded or pitted it can be honed and rebuilt. Not all mechanics are aware of this, as it has been conventional practice to replace rather than repair for a long time.

Old cars that have been off the road for years often require a little use to come back into top form. There may also be a few minor repairs needed. If you work your way up to a trip of 50 or 100 miles with no issues then you probably have everything taken care of.

I bet you have some nice trips in that car. You seem to enjoy driving it.

I pay particular attention to all rubber parts under the hood. Not only rad hoses but fuel lines, heater hoses, fan belts etc. They seem to require replacing on general principles every 25 years.

 

[Stanley Doble]

Am going to look at the Packard I mentioned earlier, today at noon. I tried to add some pics to this post but for some reason I can't post pictures. Will try to link to the Kijiji ad the pictures came from.

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-classic-cars-1954-Packard-Patrician-W0QQAdIdZ398924724

 

[1930artdeco]

Fortunately, you have a friend in the auto business. Join a local car club that either deals with your specific car or the Antique Automobile Club of America. People who drive these cars tend to have parts squirreled away or know where to get them. I am fortunate in having a Model A in that you can almost buy one brand new. And if I need anything specific to my car there is a forum and a club to ask. Lizzie, sounds like you are having more and more fun with your car, enjoy it.

Mike