Back in the spring, my father managed to deliver his 1956 Roadmaster (76R) two-door hardtop up to what has become the family car compound (a.k.a. my garage/property). Why it was moved from its Connecticut location to Vermont is not a critical part of this entry, but part of it did have to do with Roadmaster being selected as one of the featured marques at this year’s New England Concours d’Elegance, which is just days away.
While there were never any plans to formally enter it for display on Sunday’s Concours (July 18) – it’s pretty much a driver – my father’s goal was to bring it to the open car show on Saturday (July 17). I’ve had the pleasure of driving it down to the office a few times earlier this year, which has also given me enough time to realize that I should spend a few moments under it before the journey up to Stratton Resort.
I know it needs an oil and filter change, perhaps a new battery (we’re unsure how old the current battery is) and investigate the origins of a few drips, as well as a loose-sounding exhaust system clamp. It would also give me the chance to see just how solid the underside is – the Buick was sold new in Canada, and its owner drove it until he was 88 years of age…my father is only the second registered owner.
The real plus to doing this work now is that Dad and I finally finished remodeling the loft of my garage – it’s now a nicely organized storage area for all our parts. Parts for all four vintage Buicks on the property, I might add.
So the other day, I backed the 1961 Invicta out of the “operations” bay, and attempted to roll in the ‘56. As suspected, the battery needed a jolt to turn over the V-8. Once positioned, I started to slide the grates out, giving me clear access to the underside.
Buick owners can tell you (jokingly) that the reason their cars do not rust is because of the oil drips (ever hear the phrase “What plumber at Buick devised this?”). So far as I am aware, the EPA does not have my address, which is a good thing, considering that the bottom of the ‘56 looks like the inside of an oil tanker.
I still have to finish removing the grates so that I can look at the rear suspension, but so far I’m pretty happy with the lack of corrosion. Aside from the upcoming – and much needed – oil change, it looks like I have my work cut out for me regarding that leak(s). And more terrifying (of sorts): Is that a Titanic-like “Rusticle” hanging from a freeze plug?
More to follow.