my grandfather's 1966 Buick Wildcat

[hotelstationery]

Due to the difficult economic climate of our times I'm having to sell my truck and my grandfather has offered up his old Buick to replace it.

IMG_20150202_140052301 by JeremyIllingworth, on Flickr

It's not the ideal vehicle for a carpenter but I will gladly take it. Being the only son of the only son it was only a matter of time until it fell into my hands, although I was always hoping it would be as a fun weekend hobby car, not a daily driver.

IMG_20150202_140103273_HDR by JeremyIllingworth, on Flickr

That is a terrible looking photo and I have already washed off 98% of the moss. It looks much better now. It's been sitting idle for nearly ten years and is at the mechanic awaiting a safety inspection before I can register and insure it.

I've downloaded the manual from the internet and am getting well read up on it. It originally had a 401 but the engine has been replaced at some time, as this is a high mile car.

IMG_20150204_150342857 by JeremyIllingworth, on Flickr

I did some reading on the internet to try to determine exactly what engine is in it, although I presume the replacement would have been the same or as close as possible. I checked for the two numbers in front of the valley cover.

IMG_20150204_150336061 by JeremyIllingworth, on Flickr

There is the serial number on the right as expected.

IMG_20150203_164205028 by JeremyIllingworth, on Flickr

On the left I was expecting to find the production code, probably starting with an M or maybe L but instead there are just six numbers.

IMG_20150203_164210657 by JeremyIllingworth, on Flickr

How can I determine what engine is in the car? Is there another place where it says?

It was painted and got a new top twenty years ago but time has not been kind to it. The large hole in the top is of concern. I'm hoping to get it fixed as I currently cannot afford a new one.

IMG_20150203_114338820_HDR by JeremyIllingworth, on Flickr

There are also a few of these.

IMG_20150202_140131949 by JeremyIllingworth, on Flickr

I hope I can get them fixed rather seamlessly.

I'm looking forward to getting the car up and running and driving this baby around. I'm cleaning out the garage right now but even wit it empty it will stick out six inches. The interior is pretty not bad, all things considered. I'm going to start cleaning it out tomorrow.

jeremy

[bob k. mando]

The large hole in the top is of concern. I'm hoping to get it fixed as I currently cannot afford a new one.


as Red Green would say, "Duct tape is the handyman's friend."



http://www.teambuick.com/reference/n...tification.php


http://www.teambuick.com/reference/c...s_nailhead.php

[Dr. Frankenbuick]

Canadian built cars had different coding. I think there is something on that in our reference section. It looks like the original paint on the engine. The 401 was green and the 425 was red in 66 (other then the red 401 in the GS Skylark). So, it is highly likely to be a 401. ,

[Buford26]

The 425 wasn't built in Canada. Here is how the engine number decodes:

B9240296

B = 401 nailhead V8 with from 4400 series (LeSabre)
9 = automatic transmission
240296 = sequential number, range for 1962 was 239,724 to 248,976


The other number looks like a production code:

4I 2011

4I = 1962 401 V8
2011 = build sequence code

Was the car built in Canada? Do you have a picture of the body tag (on the firewall) or the serial number plate (in the door)?

[hotelstationery]

B9240296

B = 401 nailhead V8 with from 4400 series (LeSabre)
9 = automatic transmission
240296 = sequential number, range for 1962 was 239,724 to 248,976

Is there an online chart that contains all of this information? I looked but could not find one.

I don't currently have a picture of the body tag but will get one. I know for certain that the car was purchased new in Canada. My grandfather bought it new although it was a last year's model, as the 1967 cars were out. He bought to replace his 1959 Electra 225 convertible with continental kit, in yellow. It shows 25,000 miles so the question is how many times has it been rolled. My father, who drove it a lot during high school, says that once doesn't seem like enough and thinks it's twice. My grandfather has a friend that runs a wrecking yard so he would have got he replacement engine for nothing, making it far more economical than doing work to the worn out original.

Hopefully it will be in my 'garage' next week and I can post some pictures of it cleaned up a bit.

jeremy

[Buford26]

Here is some info on Canadian cars:


http://www.teambuick.com/forums/cont...bers-1935-1964
http://www.teambuick.com/forums/cont...bers-1965-1966

[Century]

Have a complete parts car for you. If you need anything let me know. I'm in Victoria as well.

Cheers
Einar

[hotelstationery]

Einar

It's nice to see someone else from Victoria. If you have a parts car I'm guessing you live a bit further from downtown than I do. Off the top of my head the only things I think it's missing are the courtesy lights, which might be better off reproduction, and the hood ornament.

jeremy

[Century]

Yes I'm on the penninsula near Sidney. It might be worthwhile to take a look at my car. It's actually a 67 but appears very similar.

[Century]

Also Try Stan Thompson Auto Upholstery on Caledonia for repair of top. He replaced one on a Mustang for me and repaired the driver seat, looked great and was a reasonable price.