2012-09-25 56X Buick

56X BUICK SESSION SEP 25 2012

Volunteers Jim Baker, Al Batts, Del Carpenter, Dick Chambers, Ron Elzinga, Don Feutz, Don Mayton, Art Meidema, Dick Saddler, Chuck Snow.

As usual Al did his outstanding job of recording our progress on the restoration of the BUICK 56X CENTURY. These photos are then catalogued into a computer by Chuck Snow. Then at any time when we need to review them they can be brought up.

We have finally found the evidence of what the original blue colors of this car. We had noted that the bottom of the front and rear bumpers were painted blue. When we uncovered the bumpers from the special trim on these bumpers we discovered the original two tone blue. I took the bumper to the local paint show and their master paint mixer pointed out that these blue colors has a very light hint of metallic. He has mixed the two special colors. Later we are going to paint the two blue color tones on the deck lid to look it under artificial light and then under sun light to make sure it is what VP Bill Mitchell would have done. Photo # 8 & 9

Photos # 5, 6, 7. Here we show the original light fixture that floods light on the ground when the door is opened. We were missing one of these fixtures. These photos show Chuck's masterpiece of reverse engineering and constructing the one light fixture that was missing. The part is 90% done.

Photos # 2 & 4. Here is one of the special bumper bombs that Ron is preparing for chrome plating. A lot of hand work is required to obtain a finish suitable for chrome plating.

Photo # 3. Here are the two front fender pieces having all their attachment studs soldered in place as they are in final preparation for the chrome plater. Also the 75" long sweep spears have just had their attachment studs soldered in place. These will also go to the chrome plater. Lots of folks have worked on these pieces.

Also being worked on today was the narrow trim that separates the two tone blue colors. They take #5-40 studs. I went to 2 hardware stores and 1 industrial supply store to find a # 5-40 die to chase the rusted threads on the original trim pieces. I purchased the last two dies from the oldest hardware store in town.

Jim has discovered a way to slow the powered rotating seats down as well as increasing their power.

Don Mayton