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 It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!

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tristanide
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phantom 309
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bamalongroof

bamalongroof


Posts : 761
Join date : 2013-08-23
Age : 70
Location : Huntsville, AL

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeFri Sep 04, 2015 10:43 pm

Nice update.
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Andebe

Andebe


Posts : 3323
Join date : 2013-02-20
Age : 54
Location : Centerville, IN

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Sep 05, 2015 11:20 am

Nice to see some progress. Thanks for sharing.
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1993 Roady-man

1993 Roady-man


Posts : 2126
Join date : 2009-05-26
Age : 57
Location : Hogansburg, Ny 13655

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PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Sep 05, 2015 11:48 am

Wow really nice.
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phantom 309

phantom 309


Posts : 5848
Join date : 2008-12-28
Age : 114

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PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Sep 05, 2015 1:01 pm

I sure wish i had either the time,. or the money to do nice restoration work,.

but these days i only have one or the other, never both together,..*sigh*
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JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Sep 05, 2015 8:57 pm

phantom 309 wrote:
I sure wish i had either the time,. or the money to do nice restoration work,.

but these days i only have one or the other, never both together,..*sigh*

Yep.
It's going to take me 3 or 4 years to do this car...and I'll probably have to sell 2 cars to fund the project.

I'm retired, so you'd think I have lots of time, but it's amazing how life can fill your calendar!
I've spent much of my summer working on my daughter and son-in-law's recently acquired house.
Seems like there's no end to the list of projects.
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1tireman

1tireman


Posts : 102
Join date : 2014-08-09
Age : 51
Location : Slidell/Pearl River, Louisiana

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Sep 12, 2015 10:10 pm

Looking good! That's going to be a beautiful wagon!
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JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

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PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSun Oct 04, 2015 11:27 pm

Update: October 4, 2015

Still plugging away!

Finally got the time to remove the rest of the components from the firewall.
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 21525023488_e45dc5a491_b


Lots of firewall-mounted stuff waiting to be cleaned and repaired:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 21541909360_5dc01c9feb_b

Wiring harness is quite filthy and brittle; will need to be replaced.
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 21500138590_1bb8b407a8_b

The shift lever could not be moved. Had to completely disassemble the steering column to get the transmission control tube and the column upper

head out of the housing. Now, I'm waiting for penetrating oil and solvent to free up the joint between the hub and the housing.

When I removed the shift control tube, I found that the felt anti-rattle insulator had caused significant corrosion damage to the tube. I

removed all the rust (chemically), fabricated a steel repair sleeve and welded it to the tube. Still need to replace the felt bushing, but this

repair should last for the next 50+ years.
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It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 21875592101_63a22e523a_b

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 21276827083_3417cc3fc9_b


I finally tackled the fuel tank. As I mentioned earlier, the tank was badly damaged and full of foul-smelling remnants of very old fuel.

I filled and emptied the tank a couple of times with plain water, then filled it with water again before beginning surgery.
I spoke with a sheet metal professional about the "right" way to fix the tank. He told me to cut a couple of large openings in the top of the

tank, leaving enough connecting structure to maintain the integrity of the tank.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 21965679671_3325c27083_b

When I cut the openings, I used at the locations of visible spot welds to determine the position of the baffles and reinforcements. I cut along

beads and radii to provide the best surfaces for welding the access panels back in place after the repairs are complete. Here is the tank after

cutting the access openings:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 21768048818_e7005e8502_b

The entire interior was covered with either a gooey, tar-like residue or "crust" that appeared to be rust, but turned out to be a heavy layer of
deposits. Luckily, it looks like the interior metal is solid under all this junk.


I also removed the rear seat and the rear compartment and load floor.
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 21881009371_83f815f559_b

The floor pans are worse than I thought; found more rust under the deadener pads.
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 21880481161_8d8e014eb7_b

More patching and welding in my future!
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phantom 309

phantom 309


Posts : 5848
Join date : 2008-12-28
Age : 114

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PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeMon Oct 05, 2015 9:19 am

It looks remarkably good for its age,. i,m sure you,ve seen the pics of some of our b-body wagons,.
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Andebe

Andebe


Posts : 3323
Join date : 2013-02-20
Age : 54
Location : Centerville, IN

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeMon Oct 05, 2015 11:01 am

phantom 309 wrote:
It looks remarkably good for its age,. i,m sure you,ve seen the pics of some of our b-body wagons,.
Thats what I was thinking... Shocked
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JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

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PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeMon Oct 05, 2015 8:58 pm

phantom 309 wrote:
It looks remarkably good for its age,. i,m sure you,ve seen the pics of some of our b-body wagons,.

Yep, this car is great.
It's so solid, I wasn't expecting to find any rust damage in the floor pans.

Love these clean, dry cars!
It came from Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Wagoninabox

Wagoninabox


Posts : 509
Join date : 2011-07-11
Location : Seattle Area

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PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeFri Oct 23, 2015 1:57 pm

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JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

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PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeFri Oct 23, 2015 8:22 pm

Thanks for that link, Wagoninabox!
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JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeFri Oct 23, 2015 10:21 pm

October 23, 2015 update...
After bead blasting, here's what the exterior of the fuel tank looked like:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22170142678_eccd324a03_h

Badly dented corner where the differential case crushed the fuel tank:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22331852266_bfbb1e733d_h

The bottom of the tank is badly crushed; it is caved in about 3" in the center:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22344804062_9572c9b9d6_h
Looks like the result of an off-road adventure!

Luckily, the metal is excellent.
Baffles and internal reinforcements were badly bent, but easily straightened:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22170117438_8958651c42_h

I have started repairing the tank, but still have a long way to go.
Great training for panel beating skills...
This area had a 1/2" deep crease; turned out pretty well:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22171004599_98ccfd74da_h


Earlier this week, we were able to move the car to storage and prepare for removing the body from the frame.

Big day today: we pulled the body off the frame.
I didn't get a pic of the body on the body cart, but here's a photo of the body and frame after separation.
This was easy with a 4 post lift!

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22396967296_235c3542b3_h

In the next few days, I will bring the chassis home.
It's my winter project this year.
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Bert Slater

Bert Slater


Posts : 254
Join date : 2015-03-23
Location : Melrose Florida

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Oct 24, 2015 10:17 am

so is that quadrajet carb "preserved"? Great project, kudos...
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MG Davis

MG Davis


Posts : 216
Join date : 2015-09-13
Location : Orlando, FL

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Oct 24, 2015 11:12 am

The 57 and 66 Vettes in the background. My childhood. Grew up watching Dad restore vintage Corvettes.
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Andebe

Andebe


Posts : 3323
Join date : 2013-02-20
Age : 54
Location : Centerville, IN

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Oct 24, 2015 11:31 am

Thanks for the updates.
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JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeMon Nov 02, 2015 10:27 pm

Started by pressure-washing before disassembling the suspension/drivetrain to get to a bare frame.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22459010621_f646bd17e8_h

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22422092266_38146a6afc_h

Then, into the garage:

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 21857665294_000b89a39f_h

That pile of crud on the floor is the first wave of junk that came out of the boxed area of the frame. Yuck.

Rear suspension:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22292700838_0f8a8c70c7_h

Front:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22467019962_45b9e95d43_h

Front shocks still have the sheet metal push-nuts:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 21962760214_9a3d79c997_h

I was surprised to learn that the rear bumper brackets are attached with larger bolts than the front brackets.

Also surprised to find that the driver's front shock tower is welded to the frame. Got some work to do here...
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22666337471_6189b09b66_h

I only broke two fuel line clips! Yee Haw!
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22541922260_b0b8b9a0e6_h

Desert cars are great! All the brake lines came apart without breaking any fittings or tubes.
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22703886506_3c282b822c_h

Got the call today (November 2); engine assembly starts tomorrow!
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Andebe

Andebe


Posts : 3323
Join date : 2013-02-20
Age : 54
Location : Centerville, IN

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeTue Nov 03, 2015 10:04 am

What a difference location makes...Wow.
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brokecello
Moderator
brokecello


Posts : 3478
Join date : 2009-05-28
Age : 45
Location : Greenville, SC

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeTue Nov 03, 2015 11:33 am

Very cool and a solid frame too! I wonder how old those shocks are....thanks for posting the updates!
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http://www.ChrisPowellmusic.com
JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Nov 14, 2015 11:14 pm

We unwrapped te block and spent most of a day washing it.
We discovered that the oil galley plugs had not been replaced. The block was hot-tanked but the original oil galley plugs were not removed because the machine shop couldn't locate the proper diameter plugs.

Luckily, Russ Martin (Centerville Auto Service) has the right diameter plugs.
We removed all the old plugs, cleaned out the oil galleys and installed the new plugs.
It will be a few weeks before we can get back to engine assembly due to travel and work conflicts.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22141019314_5a4fc1f671_b

In the meantime, I continued disassembling the chassis to prepare the frame for sandblasting and powder-coating.
This picture shows the junk that came out of the boxed areas of the frame. No rust; just lots of dried mud, gravel and (apparently) mouse fur.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22787044036_94ff031a13_b

Removed the steering gear and made a temporary tie rod to allow the frame to be moved.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22394674538_35d7d92136_b

Lifted the frame off the rear springs.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22943362926_d945053750_b

Made up a small caster cart to be able to easily move the frame:

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22968170735_8f9cfd348b_b

All components removed; bare frame resting on the cart:

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 23031042871_345b6cb528_b

More to come...
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JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Nov 14, 2015 11:17 pm

In a previous post, I showed that the driver's side front shock tower had been welded to the frame.
Time to cut it off and repair the area properly.
After removal:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22374250354_ae12d58e46_b
LOTS of weld!

Cleaned up the frame and made up a small patch panel:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22983572162_a05ddcca0d_b

Welded a nut and a reinforcement to the patch, then welded that subassembly into the frame rail.
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It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 23020776671_d86d4a6054_b

After cleaning up the welds:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22389357283_a77e34a52d_b

Looked over the entire frame for other issues.
Straightened out a few dents and dings in the cross-members. Somebody must have taken this thing off-roading in the desert; lots of rock damage!
Found that one of the mounting holes for the steering gear had some cracks around the bolt head. For some reason, the bottom bolt had no washer under the bolt head. Looks like the bolt head cracked the outer frame wall when it was torqued down.
I ground the cracks open and welded them up:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22594099838_ed5f25c1d6_b
After clean-up:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 22390007394_ac86f7363e_b
This bolt will get a correctly sized washer when the steering gear gets installed!
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buickestate
Moderator
buickestate


Posts : 3301
Join date : 2008-11-04
Age : 59
Location : Chatham Ontario

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PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Nov 14, 2015 11:26 pm

it's coming along great, I understand the travel and work conflicting with car plans far too well sadly
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Andebe

Andebe


Posts : 3323
Join date : 2013-02-20
Age : 54
Location : Centerville, IN

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeMon Nov 16, 2015 10:58 am

Love the updates...
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Mark 96 Roady




Posts : 806
Join date : 2012-06-30
Age : 65
Location : Cleveland/Ft Myers Beach FL

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeTue Nov 17, 2015 5:12 pm

I know its been mentioned before, but you gotta love desert cars! I can't believe even the brake lines came apart. That is amazing. Do you have any kind of time table to get it running and driving? And, are you doing any of the body/paint/interior yourself as well?
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JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

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PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeTue Nov 17, 2015 7:01 pm

Mark 96 Roady wrote:
I know its been mentioned before, but you gotta love desert cars! I can't believe even the brake lines came apart. That is amazing. Do you have any kind of time table to get it running and driving? And, are you doing any of the body/paint/interior yourself as well?

I hope to have the car done for its 60th birthday. Ideally, I would like to bring it to the Buick National meet in June of 2018. If I get it done early enough, I'd like to show it at Detroit Autorama in March, 2018...wishful thinking.

I will do most of the metal work myself, but I plan to have it painted by a pro.

I will probably get a professional to sew the seat covers, trim out the seats and install the headliner.
I can do all the rest of the interior trim work.

I've done seats on several cars over the years, but only when I could purchase pre-sewn covers. So far, I have not found anyone who manufacturers OEM reproduction seat cover kits for these cars.
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JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

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PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeWed Dec 30, 2015 2:48 pm

December 30, 2015 update

We have been traveling again, so there hasn't been a lot of progress lately.

The frame is at the sandblaster's shop. It is being cleaned and then powder-coated satin black (excellent match to GM chassis black).
I got the ball joints and control arm bushings apart before we left on our trip, so the upper and lower control arms are also being powder-coated with the frame:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 23122592335_1a842bf220_b

Here is the rear axle assembly, as removed from the frame:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24043799426_92158766c5_b

Disassembled the rear brakes and radius rods:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24069898305_671d578407_b

Removed the front section of the torque tube and the front prop shaft.
There is a U-joint behind this bearing. This torque tube design certainly was beefy!
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 23443097663_95ef267cfa_b

Hard to tell from the photo, but this front section of the prop shaft is almost 4 feet long:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 23443099103_1b1f249690_b

The rear axle and torque tube housing assembly is being media-blasted, then I'll take the rear end to a local shop for assessment and rebuild.

"Sparky" (the guy at the radiator shop) bumped the dents out of the radiator tanks.
The radiator looks GREAT!
Here it is, with it's new core and freshly-painted tanks:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 23702084499_9558d8bab0_b


Until the frame and suspension parts are done, I will be cleaning and re-finishing chassis and suspension parts.

Frame and suspension assembly should begin soon.

Happy New Year!
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Andebe

Andebe


Posts : 3323
Join date : 2013-02-20
Age : 54
Location : Centerville, IN

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeWed Dec 30, 2015 3:20 pm

Happy New Year...Thanks for the updates.
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JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeWed Jan 27, 2016 9:10 pm

Frame is back from the powder coater; looks SWELL! (There's a word you haven't heard lately!)

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 23918147223_b865daabf6_b

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24177255609_7510e842cb_b

It's so pretty, it seems a shame to put a body on it!


Used the 88 Electra Estate to tow the trailer; all in the (Buick) family!

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24435941322_69df196beb_b


It's a great feeling to start putting things back together. Here are the front brake lines and junction blocks. The pretty, new lines are from Inline Tube; they fit quite well with only a little "massaging" required. I didn't even need the tubing bender. Junction blocks are the original parts.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24568938351_f7393f7307_b


Been experimenting with white vinegar for rust removal. Certainly worked well on these parts!

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24241174199_844ed71fe9_b

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24019370093_cfc3a0f22c_b


Rear axle is at "The Ring and Pinion Shop" in Mt. Clemens, MI for assessment and refurbishing. Should have it back in a couple of weeks, as long as there are no major surprises or big delays in part availablility.

Power steering pump is going back together with new seals, o-rings and gaskets.
Shaft and bushings checked out okay.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24289577549_537f235fce_b


Details, details, details....

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24435938562_0e9e5bdc24_b

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 23831231339_c6f77ccaeb_b

This is when all those labels and zip-loc bags earn their keep!
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buickestate
Moderator
buickestate


Posts : 3301
Join date : 2008-11-04
Age : 59
Location : Chatham Ontario

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeWed Jan 27, 2016 9:24 pm

looks awesome!
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Andebe

Andebe


Posts : 3323
Join date : 2013-02-20
Age : 54
Location : Centerville, IN

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeThu Jan 28, 2016 11:03 am

Love this project.
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brokecello
Moderator
brokecello


Posts : 3478
Join date : 2009-05-28
Age : 45
Location : Greenville, SC

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeThu Jan 28, 2016 12:16 pm

Thank you for the update!!

Chris
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http://www.ChrisPowellmusic.com
Sprocket

Sprocket


Posts : 6123
Join date : 2008-11-04
Location : Palm Beach County

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeThu Feb 04, 2016 11:58 am

Wow, been awhile since I checked in, amazing progress!
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JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeMon Mar 14, 2016 10:15 pm

Pulled the Dynaflow transmission out of the parts car for rebuild.
It was well protected by years of oil leaks...
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24695129676_b23bf1f08e_b

Pressure washed and ready for the attention of Jim Hughes in Perrysburg, Ohio:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24094505973_6f78517793_b

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24153155454_356fec77e5_b


Jim has the cases and all parts chemically stripped before beginning the rebuild process.
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24779359572_dbe4fd3c55_b

Continued working on other items; here is the assembled and painted power steering pump:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24270413123_dbdccd0cc3_b

I tried painting the backing plates to look like the original zinc plating:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24804427971_020fc0eea4_b

But I found I could get the parts plated locally so I had the backing plates, fasteners, hood hinges and hood latch components plated to match the original finishes.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24807422564_d86f546347_b

Picked up the rear axle and assembled the torque tube, brakes and brake lines.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 25612821582_69e03afcdd_b

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24936822694_716a6e6016_b

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 24936820264_b8bc4cd8d8_b

Meanwhile, the nailhead is getting assembled.
All main, thrust and rod bearing clearances checked out great.
Currently waiting for new rocker shaft assemblies.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 25014556003_8f6cc9214b_b

I've also been preparing the body for media blasting. Almost ready!

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 25702321481_98fdba3108_b

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 25170784443_9cec740d9a_b

Busy times!
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buickestate
Moderator
buickestate


Posts : 3301
Join date : 2008-11-04
Age : 59
Location : Chatham Ontario

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeTue Mar 15, 2016 8:53 am

you've been keeping busy
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Andebe

Andebe


Posts : 3323
Join date : 2013-02-20
Age : 54
Location : Centerville, IN

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeTue Mar 15, 2016 10:48 am

Somewhere theres a neighbor saying,"The wagon kook is at it again." What a Face
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JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Mar 26, 2016 9:27 pm

March 26, 2016

These inner fender covers were all split and not saveable. It appears to be a grained vinyl sheet that was vacuum formed, then bonded to the inner panel. I'm not sure what I'm going to use to replicate them, but they had to come off in order to clean the inner panels.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 25790883806_8001a7b51a_b


A heat gun, a small putty knife and one hour of scraping....

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 25516304600_e973afddfa_b


Here's the body shell at the media blast shop. They are using walnut husks to remove the coatings, then more aggressive glass media as needed for corrosion removal.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 25276741413_0611efb229_b

Meanwhile, the rocker shafts arrived and the engine is almost ready for paint.
Oil pump has been run and oil flow and pressure verified.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 25357529113_2555db530a_b

Back in my garage, I've been working on the front suspension. New control arm shafts, control arm seals and bushings, new upper and lower ball joints and spring isolators should make this car drive like new.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 25453995273_1ae25c1655_b

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 26030661886_b52e7ab0d8_b

Spring installation was a challenge. I compressed the springs as far as possible, then used a 1.5T chain fall to pull the lower control arms into position.

Took me a while to get the compressor fingers out of the springs after the spindles were bolted up. I used one of those twist-in coil expanders to spread the coils far enough to sneak the compressor fingers out of the spring.

Next up: front brake assembly, then install the rear axle and torque tube assembly. Should have a rolling chassis in a few days.
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Andebe

Andebe


Posts : 3323
Join date : 2013-02-20
Age : 54
Location : Centerville, IN

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeMon Mar 28, 2016 11:21 am

Coming along...
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JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeFri Apr 01, 2016 11:12 pm

2016.04.01 update

Discovered something surprising when I began assembling the front brakes.
The adjusters for the front and rear brakes are not identical...
The front adjuster "yokes" have a wider slot to accomodate the thicker brake shoe plate. Had to disassemble both rear rear brakes to get the wider adjuster components for the front drums. Minor inconvenience...and a new lesson learned.

Front spindle with brakes installed and ready for bearing & hub installation.Each fastener is marked with a paint dot after final torque check is complete.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 25864793710_649b0072c2_b

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 25575336864_a337b84d8d_b

All buttoned up with bearings adjusted. I will adjust the brakes after filling the system with brake fluid and installing the e-brake system.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 26049612982_0f2253b2bb_b

New upper control arm shafts were installed with the same number of shims at each position; close enough to get it to an alignment rack.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 26113750141_94acd87cd8_b

Mounted wheels and tires to be able to move the frame as needed. No steering linkage is installed, just a length of tubing to keep the wheels parallel to each other.

Now for some fun...sliding the rear axle & torque tube assembly into the frame.

Connected to the winch and ready to roll off the ramps:

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 26158623315_649a0acd9d_b


Rolled the frame into the driveway and lifted the back end of the frame to clear the rear springs.

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 26158949025_be00d5d860_b


Jacked up the front end and pulled the wood cart out from beneath the suspended frame:

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 26133049756_42e7f6e542_b

A few minutes later, it's back on the rack and ready for fuel and brake systems:

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 25577436143_6c17d0f088_b

Changing the subject...pics from the media blaster:

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 26113819521_d7a56f0937_b

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 26180341515_a69fc69824_b

There are more floor pan repairs required than I anticipated, but I think it looks great!
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RedandBlack

RedandBlack


Posts : 564
Join date : 2016-01-19

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Apr 02, 2016 7:37 am

Wow. That is art.
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Andebe

Andebe


Posts : 3323
Join date : 2013-02-20
Age : 54
Location : Centerville, IN

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Apr 02, 2016 10:22 am

Do us a favor and clean up those tires,its bringing the whole project down. Suspect JK,of course...Love the progress.
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JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Apr 02, 2016 11:45 am

Andebe wrote:
Do us a favor and clean up those tires,its bringing the whole project down. Suspect JK,of course...Love the progress.

Yeah, that is some true, vintage rubber, isn't it? Laughing
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JoeT

JoeT


Posts : 680
Join date : 2010-03-06
Age : 67
Location : 48098

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeWed Apr 20, 2016 10:25 pm

Update April 21, 2016

The passenger side rear shock mounting brackets were badly damaged; one mounting leg was completely severed from both the inner and outer brackets. Ground the mating surfaces to a "V" and welded the torn tabs onto the bracket body. Here is one of the repaired tabs.
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 26524265196_e435e40c66_b

Also found the beginning of a stress crack on another shock mount bracket. Ground out the crack and reinforced the part with weld. Here is the back side after welding.
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 25614420953_301d99fb5b_b

The body comes home! My grandson, Pete, helps check it out after it has been bead blasted and epoxy primed.
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 26270604426_45780f0de7_b

Floor pans and spare tire well are worse than expected. This is the left front floor pan:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 26332337735_736049da4b_b

The spare tire well is solid at the bottom, but has perforations where some parts and trash were laying in the well area.
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 25729579193_a91b5e7c6f_b

Passenger rear floor pan needs some serious help:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 26239916812_d1f166d9f8_b

There are several dents in the roof to be bumped out:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 26306399586_7cd46a4b11_b

Most of the body looks great!
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 26059489840_ba9f3e0c14_b

Found repair floor pans at Classic2Current Fabrication in Michigan. The parts are similar, but not identical to the original panels.
Rather than using the "close" parts, I chose to replace the bad areas.
Here's the portion of the driver's front floor that will be replaced:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 25866390214_1473be67e3_b

Cutting and trimming the replacement piece; the small circles indicate where holes will be punched for puddle welding in the same positions as the origional spot welds:
It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 26513736506_5fddbe1802_b

Stay tuned; more soon.
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Andebe

Andebe


Posts : 3323
Join date : 2013-02-20
Age : 54
Location : Centerville, IN

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeThu Apr 21, 2016 10:24 am

Do you offer apprenticeships? Lol,thanks for the updates.
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Lynol

Lynol


Posts : 768
Join date : 2010-06-29
Age : 40
Location : Central New Jersey

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeThu Apr 21, 2016 3:29 pm

Wow, Joe, this is coming along great. This thing is going to a be a brand new car!
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81X11

81X11


Posts : 9876
Join date : 2010-06-23
Age : 49
Location : Round Rock Texas

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeThu Apr 21, 2016 8:27 pm

Really enjoying watching this car be saved!!! Keep the updates coming please!
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Mark 96 Roady




Posts : 806
Join date : 2012-06-30
Age : 65
Location : Cleveland/Ft Myers Beach FL

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSun May 01, 2016 4:42 pm

An amazing build on an amazing car! Congrats on the great work.
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BigBlackBeaSSt

BigBlackBeaSSt


Posts : 4560
Join date : 2009-08-01
Age : 58
Location : Sanford, NC

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSun May 01, 2016 8:47 pm

WOW!
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Jdeshler




Posts : 46
Join date : 2016-04-15

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat May 07, 2016 2:03 am

Good work! That pine sol will sure clean a carb
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buickestate
Moderator
buickestate


Posts : 3301
Join date : 2008-11-04
Age : 59
Location : Chatham Ontario

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeFri Sep 16, 2016 9:46 pm

I visited Joe's shop today, and took some pictures

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 IMG_20160916_125711_1_zpsoijtfade

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 IMG_20160916_125722_1_zpsynilzaon

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 IMG_20160916_125737_zpsdpp0krdd

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 IMG_20160916_125747_1_zps74cpgr7t

his nice truck

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 IMG_20160916_130040_1_zps1yfuffgg

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 IMG_20160916_130054_zpsaih9winn
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Andebe

Andebe


Posts : 3323
Join date : 2013-02-20
Age : 54
Location : Centerville, IN

It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitimeSat Sep 17, 2016 11:10 am

Somebody get me towel,so much drool to clean up. What a Face
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It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Empty
PostSubject: Re: It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!    It's a Buick, but it's not something you see very often. Caballero!  - Page 2 Icon_minitime

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