Hello all!
I purchased this 1957 Buick Special just under a year ago. I was told that it had 2 pans replaced and it had little rust. After the car arrived and got it on the lift, I realized that the back of the frame was rusted and not repairable. I found a replacement frame (rolling chase) here in Minnesota from a Century. I had the frame delivered and replaced everything back to original specs with the exception of the springs (-2 inches front and back). I will have some spare parts as the replacement frame had a rear-end and all front suspension. I was told that only 20, 4 door standard trans were ever made in 57. Anyone know if that is true?
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What I have done in the past 10 months.
- Made small repairs to the replacement frame.
- Had everything powder coated.
- New front and back springs (-2”)
- New ball joints “$1500.00”, REALLY???? Bastards!
- Engine (364) and heads have been done. Will post a picture when I get done painting it.
- Transmission was sent out and looked at. Nothing was needed, very nice!
- Rear-end was pulled apart, all bearings were replaced and it was resealed. Took it apart so I can get it power coated.
- Everything else is new, brakes, wheel bearings, brake lines to name a few.
- The replacement frame has been all put together and rolling now.
- Currently disassembling the original car and getting it ready for body shop for metal work and paint (ETA 2 weeks or mid Nov).
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Issues and concerns at this point-
- Wiring harness – Will need to replace all wiring including fuse panel. Looks like I might just get a newer alternator so I don’t need the voltage regulator. Should I just get a $500 GM standard replacement unit or replace with the more expensive harnesses? Any ideas or comments are appreciated.
- Looking for parking light and head light wire replacements. Anyone?
- Looking for replacement flexible snap-in window channel, looking for cheap replacements. Ideas?
- I found a front bumper replacement (didn’t need all of it but the place would not part it out). If you need some front bumper parts let me know.
- Rear bumper, not able to find one. I am looking for both lower side fenders with brackets and the driver’s side corner. I think the one can be repaired but it might cost around the same.
Next steps
- Once I get the car stripped it will go to the body shop.
- Pull the body off the old bad frame.
- Start replacing the bad (2) pans and some minor metal repair in the truck area.
- Send all parts to be chromed.
- Bring the new frame with engine, trans and rear-end to shop and mount to the body.
- Paint
- Reassemble
- Drive by spring time in 7 Months!
2% of all production 2 door, 4 door were almost always auto. Not that this is a 1 off car but from my understanding it is a rare car (have been told Buick members 1 of 20). If anyone has any solid info on the number of 4 door standard trans that would be great. Would also like to see if anyone can answer the other concerns, questions I had.
Wanted to share an updated image, Engine, trans and rear-end are all back together. Body will be put on the restored frame in the next 2 months.
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