1958 Buick Caballero

Bellissimo!

 

This is going to be great!

 

I am in total awe and respect of your amazing talent and dedication. There is so much to be said of doing a car right and there is no way anyone could do it any better than the way you have been. I followed your thread thus far and look forward to the finished beauty. I have always loved 58 Buick's and dream of owning a 58 Limited hardtop. Continued good luck with the build and waiting for that completed beauty. Cheers. George

 

Thanks, George.
I was very fortunate to find this car on this forum (thanks to moparandfomoco!) and equally fortunate to be able to restore this car at this level.
I never thought I would be able to own one of these; I consider the 1957-58 Caballeros to be among the most desirable wagons ever built.
I'm doing the best job I can do; I appreciate the feedback.

 

You are indeed doing a fantastic job. I appreciate people like you who take the time to bring a car like this back to it's former glory. You will get an immense amount of enjoyment out of owning it, but for an enthusiast like myself, seeing it come together and being privileged to be along for the ride is very enjoyable. The finished product will certainly bring joy to countless others who encounter you and your car. Well done and keep up the good work.

 

Thanks; I'm very much looking forward to putting this one back together!

 

Random question for you jmt455:
Does your 58 have the gas pedal starter switch?
Our 56 Roadmaster has it. We actually had to rework it this week to get the car to start and it just got me to wondering about your car.

 

I believe it!

 

Yes, it has the accelerator starter switch on the carb. When I rebuilt the carb, i cleaned and tested the switch. It appears to work correctly, but I haven't used it yet.
I did the camshaft break-in run with a separate pushbutton starter switch.

 

Right on.
I always thought it was a neat little kitschy 50's thing. I wasn't sure how long they used it.
Ours hadn't been started in a while and the linkage on the carb was all boogered up. We had to leave it in solvent overnight to get things to loosen up. It's all back together now and works like it's supposed to.

 

Details, details.

 

It's painted!
These photos above show the paint on the body as it came out of the booth; not polished yet.








Here are two of the doors after polishing:




After polishing, the paint shop will install the doors, lift-gate and tailgate.
Then I will bring the body to my garage for assembly.

 

Looks pretty dang good for not being polished. Comparing the first photo to the one in your avatar is pretty impressive.
At this rate you'll be done by Christmas!

 

Christmas of what year?

 

Haha well played.