Make:
Buick
Model:
Roadmaster
Country:
USA
Region:
CA
City:
San Jose
Zip:
95164
Body Style:
Convertible
Year:
1957
Mileage:
62150
Miles
Transmission:
Automatic
Fuel:
Gasoline
Doors:
2
Color:
Blue/White
Engine:
364
Condition:
Used
Here is everything I know about the car's condition and history, based on what I was told and what I have learned myself:
The person I bought the car had it since around 2008 before I got the car in 2015 in IL. Before that, it sat in garage of previous owner for many years and was inherited from seller's father, who I believe brought the car up from TX (has TX inspection sticker on windshield) and probably started life in Nebraska, due to Linder Motors sticker on trunk. Linder Motors was a Chrysler dealer that opened in the early 1950's, but had a HUGE property with a vast used car business. So, this car was sold used there at one time - most likely as a trade in from the original owner in the late 1950's or early 1960's. The mileage of 62,xxx is surely original, judging from the overall condition of the car and service stickers in the door jamb from decades ago when the mileage was 5X,XXX. This car even has its original battery holder and jack.
Here is all work that's been done in past 2 years that I can think of:
· Engine removed, completely painted and reinstalled
· New oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, rocker cover gasket, intake gaskets, and belts.
· Professionally repaired left exhaust manifold and installed gaskets on both sides.
· All new ignition parts - spark plugs, ignition wires, cap, rotor, ignition coil, vacuum advance (NOS)
· Rebuilt carburetor, new dash pot (NOS)
· Replaced water pump and thermostat
· Replaced fuel pump and fuel lines
· New radiator hoses and coolant
· New hood insulation
· Rebuilt generator
· New battery
· Entire new dual exhaust system including the resonators at the rear and baffles in the rear bumper ends
· Wonderbar radio and foot switch professionally repaired and tuned
· Speedometer professionally rebuilt and new cable installed
· New brake lines and hoses
· New top motor/pump
· New rear view day/night mirror
So, the car runs, drives, and stops well right now and can be enjoyed and driven as it is. However, if the car doesn’t sell and I keep it I will work on doing the following; this is everything that I think would need to be done to the car (at most) short of a complete cosmetic restoration (which this car is too nice for):
· Replace shocks (a bit bouncy)
· Repair transmission fluid/torque ball leak
· Repair tear and seam separations in front seat and partially re-dye leather (too nice and original to completely redo)
· Replace carpet with proper padded cut loop style
· Clean top (maybe dye), and polish rear plastic window
· Clean trunk mat
· Touch up paint on trunk and possibly front fenders and repaint passenger lower door that was previously repainted, then buff rest of car lightly. I already have acquired the paint to do this in the original lacquer
· Replace fuel sending unit
· Fix headlights; most likely headlight switch or bad connection somewhere
· Tires still presentable, but should be replaced in next couple years simply because of age (previous owner installed them)
· Exhaust needs to be adjusted; there is a small rattle where it is hitting something up front. Slight exhaust leak is coming from somewhere; I think the exhaust manifold on passenger side needs to be re-torqued.
· Rebuild wiper motor and replace vacuum lines, if desired. I don't think this car will see much rain so this may not be worth doing.
The person I bought the car had it since around 2008 before I got the car in 2015 in IL. Before that, it sat in garage of previous owner for many years and was inherited from seller's father, who I believe brought the car up from TX (has TX inspection sticker on windshield) and probably started life in Nebraska, due to Linder Motors sticker on trunk. Linder Motors was a Chrysler dealer that opened in the early 1950's, but had a HUGE property with a vast used car business. So, this car was sold used there at one time - most likely as a trade in from the original owner in the late 1950's or early 1960's. The mileage of 62,xxx is surely original, judging from the overall condition of the car and service stickers in the door jamb from decades ago when the mileage was 5X,XXX. This car even has its original battery holder and jack.
Here is all work that's been done in past 2 years that I can think of:
· Engine removed, completely painted and reinstalled
· New oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, rocker cover gasket, intake gaskets, and belts.
· Professionally repaired left exhaust manifold and installed gaskets on both sides.
· All new ignition parts - spark plugs, ignition wires, cap, rotor, ignition coil, vacuum advance (NOS)
· Rebuilt carburetor, new dash pot (NOS)
· Replaced water pump and thermostat
· Replaced fuel pump and fuel lines
· New radiator hoses and coolant
· New hood insulation
· Rebuilt generator
· New battery
· Entire new dual exhaust system including the resonators at the rear and baffles in the rear bumper ends
· Wonderbar radio and foot switch professionally repaired and tuned
· Speedometer professionally rebuilt and new cable installed
· New brake lines and hoses
· New top motor/pump
· New rear view day/night mirror
So, the car runs, drives, and stops well right now and can be enjoyed and driven as it is. However, if the car doesn’t sell and I keep it I will work on doing the following; this is everything that I think would need to be done to the car (at most) short of a complete cosmetic restoration (which this car is too nice for):
· Replace shocks (a bit bouncy)
· Repair transmission fluid/torque ball leak
· Repair tear and seam separations in front seat and partially re-dye leather (too nice and original to completely redo)
· Replace carpet with proper padded cut loop style
· Clean top (maybe dye), and polish rear plastic window
· Clean trunk mat
· Touch up paint on trunk and possibly front fenders and repaint passenger lower door that was previously repainted, then buff rest of car lightly. I already have acquired the paint to do this in the original lacquer
· Replace fuel sending unit
· Fix headlights; most likely headlight switch or bad connection somewhere
· Tires still presentable, but should be replaced in next couple years simply because of age (previous owner installed them)
· Exhaust needs to be adjusted; there is a small rattle where it is hitting something up front. Slight exhaust leak is coming from somewhere; I think the exhaust manifold on passenger side needs to be re-torqued.
· Rebuild wiper motor and replace vacuum lines, if desired. I don't think this car will see much rain so this may not be worth doing.
Vehicle Features
Leather Seats
Power Seats
Power Windows