1958 Buick Caballero

Fantastic JMT , Do it right and do it once . Cheers from Downunder

 

It wasn't even listed, in that brochure I posted, strangely enough. That might be the reason they were so rare. How could anyone place an order for something they didn't know was available?

 

Very true.

 

I agree, nice detail work and photos of the build.
The next Caballero should be easier!

 

No, the engine was completely rebuilt and it required a .030" bore, due to cylinder wall damage. That's in some of the early pictures on this thread.
Thanks for the link to the brochure; I've already got that one!

 

It's shown in the full-line Buick showroom catalog.
I don't know why it isn't listed in that brochure.

They built 4456 of these cars; no idea how many are left.
Luckily, many parts are common with the 4 door Special and Century hardtops.
But the wagon-specific parts are generally one-year-only items, so it's a good thing the car was almost complete.

 

I'm surprised at how you were able to get your hands on so many original Nailhead and chassis parts. It seems, for most other GMs, part stocks have long exhausted.

Okay, I found that on the second page. A complete rebuild would have involved more than just replacing bearings which were already within tolerance. Which is of course mandatory, if you're going that far. I can't say you were lucky, from that standpoint. Only, not unlucky, which is to be expected from a vintage Nailhead.
Are you planning converting your electrical system to an alternator powered or are you valuing a vintage look? The generator does look better. But, is the inherend handicap worth it?

 

It's going to have a generator, and the generator is already rebuilt. With only the original electrical loads, I think the generator will be adequate. Essentially, the only loads are exterior & interior lights, instruments, horn, radio, blower motor and ignition system. There is no AC nor any power accessories.

I was able to get a lot of aftermarket replacement "hard parts" like body mount bushings, tie rod ends, control arm shaft kits and bushings, etc from suppliers like CARS, Bob's Automobilia, Fusick and Kanter.
I also have a few connections with folks who have parts cars, so there were a few unusual pieces that I was able to find through the Buick Club of America, previous restoration business contacts and other networking efforts.

This car is going to be as close to showroom correct as I can make it, with the exception of adding lap belts.
The tube radio is working well, and every system on the car is being restored to as-new condition.

I plan to show it for a while after it is completed, then begin driving it regularly.
I think it might be a trailer queen for the first year or two.

 

Very nice! I like the way it is going to be all original right down to the tube radio and the generator. Thanks for all the detail of the work.

 

I hope, you mean it'll ride on a trailer and not be pulling one?

 

It's getting so factory original is rare. A generator has worked well for many years and without overloading it with useless junk they do fine. Old Ford generators can be bought with an internal alternator for a stock look. Any old engine with a big chrome alternator looks out of place.
I'd guess a Buick generator could be modified if really needed.
We've spent many a lonely winter nite listening to the tube radio and running the heater in old cars. Can only think of once running the battery down.

 

These people will convert yours, when you send them the core:

http://www.ejwhitneyco.com/automotive.html

 

Yes, it will be riding for a while.

 

Thanks; I will keep this in mind for the next project!