1956 Buick Special Build Up

[Jaymz]

Thought I would share whats been on the "back burner" for me, for a couple years now.

 

I'm the 3rd owner of this car. My grandfather being the 1st, my father being the 2nd.

 

Some basic specs..

 

1956 Buick Special Rivera 2 Door Hard Top

42,309 ORIGINAL MILES

322 Nail Head V-8 (small cam, carter carb, flowmasters/duels )

2 speed Dynoflow tranny

power steering

power brakes

I've completely rebuilt the front suspension, and lowerd it 3"

It runs and drives like it's brandnew

 

one of the neater features is to start it, you just turn the key to the "on" position, then depress the gas pedal all the way to the floor. This chokes the carb, and engages the starter at the same time. Dad joking used to call it "factory theft protection"

 

a lil' history on it..

 

After my father had restored it, he passed away a few years later.. it sat in a barn for about 5 years. I had inherited it when he passed but just couldn't fathem taking it. I had sort of planned on just letting it be the way he left it.

 

My wife talked me into getting it, I made the 6 hour trip and about passed out when I opened the barn doors... it took alot of looking to even realize what I was staring at. Under dozens of paint cans and various garbage/items sat the car. You could just hardly make out the roof and truck line. The loader of a tractor was pushed into the truck and left rear quarter. Wheels were missing, multiple dents and dings. The renters of our farm had complete dis-regard of its value apparently. After 2 hours of digging and moving junk, the car revealed itself again. Took alot of muscling to get it on the trailer, its plenty wide.

 

I did not have this car sand blasted, or chemicaly stripped. I wanted to do it by hand, since my dad did years ago, so I began. 3 complete rolls of da paper and 2 air compressors later ( had to re-ring the 80 gal ) I made it to bare metal. Ever thing on this car is and will be hand blocked, no air files from this point. I will be going with fill primer, sand primer, block primer, then dodge viper black on top, and chevy caprice white on bottom and roof...3 coats of clear. I should be able to re-cut and buff it after it seeps, about 4 months after I'm done.

 

I'll post some more pics as I go.. hope you enjoy

[Bear]

Very cool car. I'm sure your dad will be looking down on you to give you all the encouragement you will need to get her done.

[yttaf]

wow D.J. that's gonna look awesome when it's done!!! I've always liked those as you don't see very many of them...

[Wizard]

Very Cool, lets go cruising sometime. Maybe they will be done about the same time. Maybe not? You look a bit farther ahead than me.

BTW: good year! 56

[Fireman31]

awesome! keep us updated on your progress.

[mcmahan]

nice ride d.j cant wait to see it finished

[Jaymz]

Thanks everyone

 

Posting this got me a lil' fired up, I've got it set to where I'll be painting it this sunday. My buddy has a heated shop, with heated floors. I've got it sitting in there warming up.

 

I'll get pics up early next week when its finished