Andy Forget

Santa Cruz, CA

buickguy@adilop.com

General Guidelines

• Must look stock on the outside
• Should look stock on the inside
• Will be a daily driver
• Must last “years and years” and withstand Santa Cruz salt air
• Must run and feel like a new car
• Cadillac ride
• Not a low-rider!

Contacts

Grant Peuse GMP Automotive Machine & Tune 66 Old El Pueblo Rd. Scott’s Valley, CA 831 438-5211 831 438-5525 (fax)	Eric Salas Salas Customs 2640 17^th Ave #1 Santa Cruz, CA (831) 477-0766
Eldon Gomes Delta Auto Glass 2701-B Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz, CA (831) 475-1312

Engine

• 350 Ram Jet Crate
• Ramjet? What are the implications of fuel injection? Electric pump in gas tank? Pressure gas tank cap?
• Must use pump gas
• Currently have 15 inches between top of engine block and hood.
• Electronics? Computer? Transmission? Gauges?
• Electric Fan with automatic thermostat. I don’t want to have to manually turn it on.
• Sell old engine. This has got to be valuable to a collector.
• Power steering pump

Frame

The Frame is to be modified to accept the Chevy engine in front and the Ford rear-end.

Font-end

• Disk brakes
• Master cylinder
• Brake lines
• Power Steering – too much play in existing system
• IFS – new “hub to hub” system. Mustang II?
• Drop 1 inch. No more than 1 inch! This is not a low-rider.
• Air Ride for adjustable drop.

Transmission

• Automatic 4-speed w/OD. 460LE?
• Column shift
• Electronic?
• Speedometer? Electric vs. original?
• Computer?

Exhaust

• Dual
• No Catalytic Converter
• No 55 Buick had dual
• Need crossover.
• Flowmaster 50 Series mufflers? Too loud? Remember, Cadillac.
• Will any custom work be required to fit dual exhaust? Modify trunk well?

Rear End

• Drop 1”
• Ford rear end
• Drive ratios?
• Disk brakes
• Shocks – have existing knee action. Replace with air bags.
• Air Ride for adjustable drop – with 2 compressors in trunk – one compressor for front adjust one for back.

Wheels

• Current tires are 7.60 X 15
• Wire Rims – more than 40 spokes.
• Use a spinner from a 53 Skylark. This same style spinner was also available as an option on 55 Buick wire wheels. It has 3 blades colored red, black, and white (I think).
• Tires – whitewall 2.5 to 3 inches
• What is the largest tire we can put on it?
• BFGOODRICH SILVERTOWN® RADIAL 3" WHITEWALL P255/70R15?
• Do we need to modify the wheel wells?
• What wheel do I need for this tire? What is the stud pattern for Mustang II hubs?
• Remember – there is a full size spare. Will new spare fit in trunk well? Full size spare to have wire rim.

Air Conditioning

• Yes
• Cadillac style “Climate Control”?
• Incorporate air duct vents into center console. Possibly use old 55 Buick portholes in console to flow air. Alternately, use Limo-style directional chrome vents.

Interior

• Speedometer – note that existing speedometer cable is a mess. Also, the interior chrome “hat” has tarnished. This should be re-chromed.
• Voltmeter
• Gas
• Clock
• Tachometer - Incorporate into new center console.
• Send all gauges out to be refurbished. Consider D & M restoration: http://dandmrestoration.home.mindspring.com/products.htm.
• Wiring harness – GM 18 circuit fuse? Must accommodate power windows/locks
• Flasher – control in new console.
• Existing radio – Refurbish and use as input to new stereo as ALT source.
• Stereo –Place headset in new console. Probably an Alpine unit. Maybe Kenwood.
• Consider new kick panels with integrated speakers.
• Utilize existing dash speaker bay for new front speakers. Both left and right should be incorporated into this bay.
• Extra 12v Supplies
• Lighted sunshade mirror. Can we also incorporate an external microphone for my cell phone into driver’s side?
• Power windows
• Power locks
• Ignition
• Power antenna
• Hood/Trunk/Gas Door releases – fabricated?
• Use sound deadener fabric, such as TacMat http://www.dynamat.com/auto_tacmat.htm to reduce heat and road noise under carpet and on interior firewall. See, http://www.dynamat.com/auto_floor.htm, for instructions for floor. Consider doors, roof, and rear deck.
• Vapor barrier inside all door panels (like new cars have – plastic sheet?).
• Night Vision Safety™ Mirror. Remember wiring for mirror and lighted sunshade visors!

• Incorporate foldout armrests into both front and back seats. It may be possible to have the front seat armrest have an opening compartment to store junk in.
• Incorporate “magazine holders” into the back of the front seat. Make sure the “Panic strap” on the back of the front seat remains intact for original look.
• Incorporate “open door” lights into all 4 door panels. Consider the door lights that come on new Volkswagens.

Exterior

• Close to original exterior – two tone. Deep. White (or cream) over Green.
• Will survive Santa Cruz salt air
• Interior matching – dash, window sills, etc.
• Engine Compartment
• Fame - dipped
• All chrome re-chromed
• Center brake light – possibly built into the trunk lid and incorporated below the emblem. Check out http://www.lambertenterprises.com for LED lenses and bulbs.
• Side mounted turn signals mounted near front wheel wells. Perhaps those on new Volkswagens.
• All exterior lights should be refitted with either halogen or LED (brake).

Extra

• Tow package – frame mounted. Wire harness ready. Sits below bumper? Trick license plate frame?
• Sound deadening fabric in doors and firewall
• Strengthen hood – take out flex.
• Install “Jack points” on Frame. Get rid of stupid bumper jack. Acquire a scissor jack and fabricate such that it can be bolted inside the trunk.
• Seat belts? I am sitting on the fence here. Don’t do it if it will look bad.
• Front seat adjust?
• Windshield wiper motor. Variable speeds.
• Windshield wipers. – Can we do something here? The wipe pattern from the old set is from the center out. It does not cover much windshield.
• Integrated “Emergency Kit” with flares, Road hazard Triangle (perhaps mounted on interior of trunk lid like new Mercedes), wheel lugs, and specific tools.

Glass

• Delta Glass to handle – remove, store, and install.
• All new except rear window. The rear window is priceless. Do not break it!
• Factory green tint. No gray.
• Power windows – power locks

New Console

A new console will be crafted that sits on the transmission hump. This will incorporate new head unit, AC ducts, AC control, monitor (for map system), and extra 12V power supplies. Rich had the idea to use 55 Buick portholes as the AC vent covers. Must discuss placement of air ride gauges and tachometer.