Suggestions? - a free 58 Buick Caballero

This is one of those once in a life time deals that someone needs to get off their butt and check on before it's scrapped. Those have gone at high prices in far worse shape. I can almost afford this one at the present price.

I'm thinking this is one of those "if it's too good to be true" stories. Some bikers ride without wearing a helmet.

 

its true

Guys:
I am going to look at this wagon on Sunday. I will get some pics. it is for real. Got me to thinking if someone did not have the testicular fortitude for a full-blown restoration, this could even be a "pro-touring" type of vehicle....it sure beats getting scrapped. Assuming this isn't too bad of a car, would anyone be interested in it? Hey, you guys know what I am paying for it - nothing. I hate to see stuff like this wasted and its beyond my expertise or time. I just have to pay someone to get it from there to my house, about 40 minutes....

Anyone interested if its for real? We can hook this deal up.

 

Just my two cents as I think with a keyboard........I love the LS idea! That body looks straight. I don't see rotten rockers, missing lower quarters.........these things are worth a lot of money......and rare.
Is the side glass flat? That would be easy, and I suspect the windshield would be easy.
I have enough projects already, but that is the kind of car I could easily load up on my trailer and take to the Pomona swap meet and see what kind of activity it creates. I'm betting some Buick lovers would be thinking about an all Buick drive train, hotrodders are thinking LS...........could be interesting and lucrative.
Don't let it be scrapped!
If you pass on it, let me know, and I'll come snatch it.
Wonder if there's a title anywhere?

 

"How Stuff Works" reports only 3420 58 pillarless hardtop Buick wagons built. The 57-58's are the Holy Grail of wagondom in my book.

I just read where Gooding and Co. report selling a "tastefully customized" 57 with a 401/700R4 to replace the orig 364/Hydramatic for $132K.

 

Yes, yes, yes - grab it!

Those 4 door hardtop wagons are BIG, rare and beautiful.

 

If it were me who was offered the wagon I would take it, then decide what to do. At least I have it in my possession and can decide on my time line and not the givers who obviously wants it gone. I'd buy a couple sacks of beer to thank him, it is quite the gift even if it is a major project.

Again, if it were me, I would go find a later model GM wagon with all the power options and a decent power train and put the two together. Move the power train, interior may fit, power windows in the doors and locks and anything else that I can fit. Take my time, rebuild what needs to be but stuff that is working fine I'd clean, paint and use it until it reaches its end of service life. As for glass there are companies that provide most anything, you need to spend some time on the Buick Forums asking once you have it in your hot and sweaty hands.

It might not win awards at shows but it would be a reliable and fun driver, salable if you choose, and unique.

That's what I'd do. I know of three of them, similar condition, and one day I might grab one but for now I'm just enjoying my Safari. And when I got it, it was a wreck, more complete for sure than yours, but we got creative with how we put it together and have been using it for 33 years.

 

Glass and Parts?

Here you go! The door glass won't fit, but the rest is there. I've dealt with him, and he's a straight shooter!

http://www.callingallcars.ca/General_Motors/GM_Info/1958%20Buick%204DR%20wgn181.htm

 

I like all the chrome on this model, especially the grille.

I hope one of us "snags" this NM classic and puts up a Brandon(vetteman61) like resto thread. :confused:

 

So.........what's the latest on the '58? :confused:

 

coming up!

Looks like one of our own might be getting it. It's the real deal - only one little spot of rot on it AND it does have its Nailhead V-8 but no tranny.

Its not in too bad of shape.....I'll let you know more if one of "our big posters" gets it...he's really excited....and I am for him too!

Stay tuned for further developments. It will keep you on the edge of your seat!

 

I'll let you know more if one of "our big posters" gets it...he's really excited....and I am for him too!

Is it me? I'm a big poster and I'm really excited!:banana:

 

Perfect! He can have the 364 rebuilt to factory spec and source a 700R4 to use behind it? Will it fit? :confused:

 

I wondered about the same thing.
And there is a 700R4 sitting on my garage floor!

 

I found Bendtsen's in MN that says they make a $850 adapter for the Buick 57-63 364/401 to hook it to a Chevy trans. :confused:

http://transmissionadapters.com/

 

Or you can bolt up a 64-66 ST400 trans without an adapter.
It's only a 3-speed trans, but it's the pre-cursor of the THM400.

Might be a better choice than a Dynaflow...