30 years ago I bought a 1963 Buick Electra convertible. It had
been sitting in a field with a rotted top, a rusted body, and a
transmission that would only go in Low and Reverse. Over the
course of a year, I rebuilt the engine, replaced the transmission,
repaired the body, had a new top put on, and repainted the car using
a Black & Decker portable paint kit. As I got more time,
knowledge, and money, I attacked the car in more detail: the
bumpers, grill, and all brightwork were replaced, the A/C was
completely rebuilt, all weatherstripping was replaced, the power
windows were removed and rebuilt, the interior was completely
removed, and the floorpan was derusted and repainted, new brakes
were installed all around, and the convertible top motor and the
entire top mechanism were rebuilt.
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In the time that I've owned these cars, I've picked up as lot of
repair techniques, a few busted knuckles, and some very inventive
language. You'll find a good assortment of the repair and
restoration techniques listed at the left. Of more concern to
me, you'll also find a list of parts that I
need to keep the wheels of progress moving. If you're trying to find something in particular, look for it here: |
Two years later I bought a 1964 Buick Riviera. It had a
robin's egg blue paint job that peeled off in the wind, but it
absolutely screamed. Over the course of several years, I rebuilt the
engine and carburetor, replaced the upholstery and carpeting,
rebuilt the power windows, replaced the weatherstripping, restored
the cruise control, rebuilt the power antenna, overhauled the brake
system, rebuilt the entire HVAC system (yeah, I replaced the heater
core) and converted it to R-134a, added a Pertronix ignition system,
rebuilt the power seat mechanism, and had it repainted in the
original Wedgewood Blue lacquer.