1973 Buick Century Luxus Wagon

[BCZEE]

New to this forum. I found a 1973 Buick Century Luxus Wagon with a 350-2 and TH350, It had been in a garage in San Francisco for 8 year. The owner had passed away and the daughters had decided it was time to get rid of it. I was lucky to come into contact with her at a local High School and invited me to come and look at it. We worked a deal for $500.

It was complete, but not running. many of the items were disassemble and the could not find all of the keys. It was a effort get it out of the garage and onto the trailer. But we were able get it done and back to my house.

The old guy loved that wagon, but he was not the best DIY wrench. I put it this way. He is the mechanic you don't want to be the mechanic after him. .LOL

I worked on getting this

 

[Bob]

Post a picture

 

[BCZEE]

Here are a few. Check out the picture of the timing chain. Before, it would not start. Would backfire through the carb. Once I replaced the timing chain and gears. It fire up and ran ok. But smokes a lot. I cleaned and painted everything I touched.

Rebuilt the carb, distributor, complete turn up. Had to replaced the ignition lock set cause i didn't have the key.

I found and picked up some Buick rally wheels with tires.

Once I get it moving over to the garage, I will tune it up with my Snap-on MT3000 Counselor II Analyzer. Will run a complete diagnostic on it.

I will continue post as I move along with the project.

Thks, BC

 

[Bob]

Looks like a nice find!

 

[bob k. mando]

well, the engine looks purty. and it looks like you've got a nice set of wheels as well. i think the rears were standard posi in the wagons? is it an 8.5 or a 9 3/s?
you know, a 455 would fit in there.

 

[BCZEE]

Update..
I Got the engine running with the new timing chain. I had primed them oil pump for about 8 mins. I put a lot of oil in to the top end. When it started up. I had a smoke screen. I then took the valve covers off the clean and paint them. When I pop the left side off. about a 1/2 qt came flooding out. I found the drain hole in the left head plugged. I was able to clear it out. sealed up and restarted. The smoke had died down but still smoking. I must have flooded the valve seals.. LOL..

Now the next problem. The oil pump cover is leaking. I was able to drill and Helicoil a few of the threaded holes. But I could not get clearance to do the rear one. I might have to removed the timing cover to be able to Helicoil the rest of the threaded holes.

Yeah.. a 455 would be great.. but I would need to find one cheap or free !.. I would also need to find one complete from front to back and intake to oil pan.. But, never know what will pop up.