Tips for keeping old Buicks reliable?

[rockin-bones]

Just wondering what you guys have learned over the years to keep an old car (specifically old Buicks) running & starting reliably. I was hoping we could have a good exchange of tips and advice for straight eights, maybe focusing on common problems & solutions.

Perhaps we could start with the electrical system...how many of you have kept your cars 6V? Have you had much trouble with starting or other related issues? How have you overcome any nagging problems that have arisen? Do you keep a trickle charger on the battery between drives? Have you upgraded the battery cables? Installed an alternator? Switched over to electronic ignition? Adjusted the regulator?

Both my previous old cars (a '54 Meteor mild custom and '29 Ford Model A hot rod) were converted to 12V, so this is the first time I've had to deal with a 6V system. I'd like to keep it 6V, but obviously want to avoid continual electrical problems (run down batteries, etc.), which I've already run into...

So, feel free to chime in with any tips!

[theoldguy]

I have owned my 40 since 1972. It has been driven by me over 107,000 miles and still has the 6 volt system. I have replaced the generator once, and the voltage regulator 3 times. I carry a spare of both with me ,also a water pump, belts, hoses and a fuel pump.
I have never had a problem starting my Buick , but after running for 3-4 hours, it doesn't turn over very rapidly.

[Johnny Stylus]

I'm still very very new to this, and so far my old '60 Invicta has spent half its time in the local Classic Car Garage being looked at by the experts... But I do keep a trickle charger fixed to it. I turn the engine over every week or 10 days if I haven't driven anywhere. Perhaps I should look at investing in some key spare parts to take around with me in future? Sounds like a fuel pump might be top of the list - but I'm open to suggestions.

[39CENT]

I like to carry a tool box ,buick manual, fuel pump, water pump, flat fix,belts,points set,water,tubes of silicone and epoxy, the rest is up to luck. Can,t always get that stuff when you need it.