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Some of the parts needed since the last article have now been found, such as the chrome-plated bows which stretch across the interior roof. These were located in California, but arrived in the UK via Denmark with a fellow customer to save on shipping costs. Speaking to the chap in Denmark, Paul was told that the bows were in excellent order, ready to be fixed straight to the car. However when they arrived, such was their sorry condition, Paul found himself wondering if they'd swam all the way! At any rate, they are at least, here now.
Although the engine and transmission were rebuilt some five years ago, Paul will be dismantling them to check all is ok before final fitting. A transmission specialist with experience in these units has been enlisted to tutor Paul in the finer points of the '49 transmission, should he ever need to dismantle it again (heaven forbid!). As the future of leaded fuel is uncertain, Paul has decided to rebuild the engine for the use of unleaded fuel - no point doing a job twice!
The Buick Club of America have confirmed that, of the 3200 Roadmaster Coupes manufactured, only 25 are registered with the club, and believe that Paul's is possibly one of around 30 still in existence. The closest, residing in Norway (hardly likely to park next to that at a show!). However, in his quest for greater knowledge of these rare beasts, Paul will be travelling to (and reporting back from) the Buick Nationals, in Richmond, Virginia - the one guaranteed place where he'll find fellow '49 Coupe owners.
The body is expected to be on the rolling frame with suspension bolted, some time this year. Before this, the front shocks, located in Heathrow, must be checked, collected and fitted, and so on... This restoration will indeed be something far and away from what we have grown used to here in the UK. There are many ways of 'restoring' a car. For many of us, it involves doing what we can ourselves, then, inevitably, chucking wads of notes in another's direction (strenuous enough!). Paul however, believes restoration should mean just that, and avoids the replacement of any part with new if it can possibly be revitalised: evidence of this thinking is everywhere on the Buick. For instance, cadmium and zinc plated parts can often be cleaned and re-plated. Yet apparently, some plating is not as it use to be, such as zinc, which now uses a different process, resulting in a modern two-colour finish - unless you specify otherwise.
For the interior, it'll be back to night school for Paul, on the understanding that he is permitted to take in his own work. (This was how many of the removable body panels were restored). The codes so far deciphered do not confirm whether the interior was finished in a cloth/leather mix, or leather only. All leather seems to be preferred option at this time... Yet another skill for the owner to master before the Buick hits the road. Paul has learned a great deal restoring the '49, and so much practice, he admits, has improved his lead-loading skills no end! But the secret of not ending up with a unfinished project, advises Paul, is to methodically take each task through to completion before commencing the next, and deciding where your time can be most effectively spent... Sometimes this can even mean paying another to perform a menial task, so you can utilise your own time and expertise on something far more cost effective. Sounds like great advise to me. |
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