2014-09-30 56X Buick

Subject: 56 X BUICK SESSION SEP 30 2014

Photo #1 shows Ron's hands as he prepares one of the most difficult part that needs repaired for chrome plating. This part runs the length of the hood and as it was made in 1956 it is spliced approximately in the center. The joint is the two ends butted together with a intermediate sleeve that had been soldered. The width is so narrow and the part so long that any variation along its length stands out. Connie did the soldering as they worked together.

Photo #2 again shows Ron's hands as he continues to repair trim. A slow tedious process.

Photo #3 shows Dick Chambers preparing the inside cowl piece for final installation. Yes, we have the original, and yes it had been painted blue. However, it had deteriorated to the point we were able to purchase a reproduction piece and match the blue color. I believe at this point we have identified 6 different shades of blue on this car.

Photo #4. Doesn't that inside fire wall, or cowl look stunning with the black painted pieces against the blue of the insulation pad. VP Bill Mitchell really liked the blue colors. This installation was done by Dick C. and Dick Saddler.

Photo #5 &6. Bob Boorsma's hands removing rust on the back side of the upper padded instrument panel in preparation of some rust inhibitor paint.

Photo #7 shows Don Feutz's hands as he prepares the master driver's door switch for chrome plating. We discovered on the original GM SO list of parts the evidence of this 5 gang switch. The dimensions of this switch matched the hole , Photo #8, on the driver's door cut (torched) into the door to house this switch. After consulting with Larry Faloon we agreed that the 5th electrical switch had to operate the driver's seat head rest. Likewise, the right front seat passenger's door has a opening that the 2 gang switch fits perfectly for the right front passenger's powered head rest. Although we have the original SO list with this switch listed as well as a part number I believe it is a one-of- one switch.

Photo #8 shows the rotating seat mechanism that Jim Baker has designed and built all the components and is now assembling. Ken Tuinstra and Jim Baker worked out a electrical – mechanical problem of where to run the electrical wires. They came up with a engineering change to run the wires down a center shaft with a hole in the center large enough to accommodate the bundle of wires that made up a cable. Ryan DeVries did some machine work on this piece in order to increase the size of the center shaft.

Art Meidema's neuropathy has continued to slowly affect Art's ability to work. Art feels he is concerned about falling so he is backing off of weekly visits. We will greatly miss him along with his skills and mostly the fellowship we have with him. Although he does plan on stopping and checking on our progress.

Del and Jerry continue to try to solve and ongoing problem with a 66 Buick wagon that simply will not run. Finally the carb came off and it will be taken to Dean who lives in NC. I will meet him at Hershey this coming week.

Again Al Batts is our faithful photographer covering our complete restoration. These photographs show how the restoration is progressing and document some of the steps that once the car is complete will never be seen again.

As the only thing I accomplished today was run around, go get parts, and get in the way. Don