2012-10-16 56X Buick

VOLUNTEERS: Jim Baker, Al Batts, Del Carpenter, Connie DeJong, Ron Elzinga, Don Mayton, Art Meidema, Dick Saddler, Chuck Snow.

Again, Al has done an outstanding job of takine the photographs for our on going record of this restoration.

Photo #1 shows Art and Connie again sanding down a another coat of primer removing all imperfections.

Photos #2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 show the work going on to prepare the bumpers, both front and rear, plus the front bumper bombs for chrome plating. Here you see Dick S. and Ron Elzinga doing all the intensive labor to create a very smooth surface for plating. These parts had been damaged with dings over the years, as well as a lot of surface rust. Due to the fact that they were one of a kind items they have to be repaired. Also, we have yet to make some major repair work on some rust through areas.

Photos 7, 8, & 9 show the work being done to match the holes in both the rear 1/4's where the script "CENTURY" emblem was located. We did locate the original holes in the left 1/4 panel but at one time the car was wrecked on the right side and we could only find the production holes in the right 1/4. So a carboard template was made transferring the left hole location to the right 1/4 panel. Holes were then drilled and then the right and left script "CENTURY" emplems were installed for a visual check.

Photos #10 through 13 show Chuck doing the engineering and design of the rear console between the rear bucket seats. He has constructed a console frame out of wood based on the discussion which took place when we visited the Buick Gallery and looked at Buick concept cars of this year along with a advice from a retired stylist.

Photo #14 shows the engineering work of Jim Baker and the mechanism to rotate the front swivel power seats. He has been upgrading his design to allow the seats to turn at a reduced speed while adding power.

Photos #15 & 16 show some work being done by Del to add clearances and at the same time to anchor the exhaust to prevent any movement and noise.

Don Mayton