Paul
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Posts: 1,930
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Apr 16, 2023 20:13:07 GMT
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Spring season does odd things to me - I find myself reviewing the fleet and getting itchy feet as the evenings get longer and the weather warms up. Having squirreled away some money over the colder and darker months I found myself window-shopping. I test drove a Reliant Robin, nearly snagged a Saab 900, and had an idea to buy an old Rover 75 and go full VIP style with big rims and silly lows. Now I wouldn't normally do this - I haven't actually got the car yet. It never ceases to amaze me how the car insurance companies (especially the smaller, classic, niche ones) don't run weekend opening hours. Surely that's prime car shopping time? I was about 10 minutes too late to sort out my insurance over the weekend, so collection will be later in the week.Then entirely by accident I found Betty in the small town of Hutton - cue the first message "Hutton in Essex or Hutton in Lancashire" "Essex mate" Dammit - it's local. No excuse for not taking a look. Hastily arranged loop around the M25 and M11 and it was love at first sight. There's the ridiculous big block V8 burble that turns into a roar with the merest dip of a pedal, the lack of a B pillar with the windows down and the hidden petrol cap behind the rear plate. Underneath is remarkably solid too, having been in California until 2017 - and it's had a recent transmission rebuild so it's clean and dry underneath. It's been resprayed, but it's a decent job - no obvious overspray and I couldn't find any of the original paint in the door shuts, boot, engine bay etc. that are often the hallmarks of a cheap job. "Betty" comes from the previous owner's daughter who christened it Betty the Buick. I like it. She stays Betty. The previous owner put the wheels and tyres on and I think they suit the car perfectly...he also had some custom headers made up and there are a pair of magnaflow boxes supplied, although it sounds awesome with the twin OEM boxes. It's a job I'll consider for the future but not straight away. Deposit left, it was time to make space (and cash!) quickly...something had to go. Sadly this meant the CROWN Victoria had to be moved on - I just couldn't justify running two big beefy Americans. I genuinely don't have the space either. Miraculously that went within 24 hours so that stumbling block was gone almost immediately. In time-honoured style I'll let the pictures do the talking.                      |
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Last Edit: May 20, 2024 11:53:31 GMT by Paul
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Paul
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,930
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Apr 16, 2023 20:18:46 GMT
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Now like any motor of this vintage she's not perfect and I've got a few jobs to do - I really need to get that driver's bench repaired or recovered as it will only get worse The dash has some ugly holes where a stereo used to be and a bunch of loose wiring to tidy up - I might fit a stereo, or a couple of gauges (oil temp, tacho?) There are a couple of bolt holes in the bumper from when I think it would have had overfenders that I need to do something with...and I think a bolt's missing from the bumper as it sags slightly. Washer jets don't work - there's a lovely push button on the dash but nothing happens so that needs investigating. I like the OEM steering wheel but it's a bit tired...I'm thinking a neat polished wood or similar The previous owner fitted LED headlamps. I'm in two minds...they're bright and (quite) smart, but the beam pattern on these things is usually questionable at best and they're screwing around with the indicators (as they always do). So it's either soldering in some resistors, replacing the relay, or going back to stock bulbs. I'm not sure yet. I could really do with finding oil in the back garden. Estimates vary wildly but the general consensus is that mpg might get close to 20 on a gentle run, and into single figures around town. And with that noise when you hit the loud pedal I can't see it being good. But, come on, just look at her...just look! Will update on collection day  |
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Last Edit: Apr 16, 2023 20:19:55 GMT by Paul
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adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 4,902
Club RR Member Number: 58
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Apr 16, 2023 20:44:23 GMT
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The CROWN Vic was cool, but that's on another level! Very cool looking car
For me personally, those LED headlights look awful, hopefully there should be a halogen conversion available for the headlight size that gives a more inkeeping look, but a better performance than original sealed beams?
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Paul
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,930
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Apr 16, 2023 21:09:12 GMT
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The CROWN Vic was cool, but that's on another level! Very cool looking car For me personally, those LED headlights look awful, hopefully there should be a halogen conversion available for the headlight size that gives a more inkeeping look, but a better performance than original sealed beams? The owner is giving me the OEM lights as well - tempted to give them a damn good polishing and some upgraded bulbs. Would also fix my indicators automatically. I'm pretty sure they're a standard size round unit - will measure and do some research. A set of 4 halogens on the CROWN Vic only cost about £100 EDIT: Well that was easy 😂  |
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Last Edit: Apr 16, 2023 21:12:34 GMT by Paul
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 But I can still type. No idea what the price difference was between this and the CROWN Vic, but this is on another level, as mentioned. I find fuel consumption easy to justify, within limits (you may have a bigger problem) asI add the cash saved on cheap classic insurance vs moderns, and the possibly up to £400.00/year in free road tax, offsetting the consumption…. Easy maths. This is a magnificent looking car from all sides. I am sure akku will be along to drool in a bit. |
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Apr 17, 2023 17:27:47 GMT
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The CROWN Vic was cool, but that's on another level! Very cool looking car For me personally, those LED headlights look awful, hopefully there should be a halogen conversion available for the headlight size that gives a more inkeeping look, but a better performance than original sealed beams? The owner is giving me the OEM lights as well - tempted to give them a damn good polishing and some upgraded bulbs. Would also fix my indicators automatically. I'm pretty sure they're a standard size round unit - will measure and do some research. A set of 4 halogens on the CROWN Vic only cost about £100 EDIT: Well that was easy 😂 Hi, American cars from that period had simple a strict headlight laws, either 5. 3/4" or 7" round. Colin |
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Apr 17, 2023 19:05:27 GMT
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Nothing says excess like excess. That is 70's awesome.
Should we do a sweepstake on MPG (Imperial not US).
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Needs a bigger hammer mate.......
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brachunky
Scotland
Posts: 1,326 
Club RR Member Number: 72
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Apr 17, 2023 20:04:01 GMT
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Paul, that is simply stunning and I for one know you made the right call! Smiles, smiles, smiles!! My little "thing" I do when I find holes like in your bumper is to fit those rubber grommet/bungs until a more permanent fix is made. Silly I know.
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v8ian
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,802
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That Sir, is a nice looking motor, well done!!
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Atmo V8 Power . No slicks , No gas + No bits missing . Doing it in style.
Austin A35van, very different------- but still doing it in style, going to be a funmoble
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Paul
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,930
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Paul, that is simply stunning and I for one know you made the right call! Smiles, smiles, smiles!! My little "thing" I do when I find holes like in your bumper is to fit those rubber grommet/bungs until a more permanent fix is made. Silly I know. Not silly at all - I've been pondering the best thing to do. That seems a very sensible solution in the short term - thanks! |
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Nath
Part of things
Looking for a Retro
Posts: 302
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Apr 20, 2023 12:48:35 GMT
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THAT is awesome!! Can we hear a cold start please?
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I had a 350 cubic inch 1969 Buick Skylark many years ago and got 9mpg so good luck with 20!
Other than that, that is superb! The 455 Buick was a torque monster.
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Proton Jumbuck-deceased :-(
2005 Kia Sorento the parts hauling heap
V8 Humber Hawk
1948 Standard12 pickup SOLD
1953 Pop build (wifey's BIVA build).
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Paul
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,930
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I had a 350 cubic inch 1969 Buick Skylark many years ago and got 9mpg so good luck with 20! Other than that, that is superb! The 455 Buick was a torque monster. I would think I'd died and gone to heaven if I ever saw 20...the best I got on my old 302 was 23, and that had EFI and other 'modern' trinkets. Thanks for all the kind comments - I've been like a kid waiting for Christmas this week. Colleting tomorrow - will update with fresh pics ASAP. |
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Paul
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,930
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THAT is awesome!! Can we hear a cold start please? Top of my 'to do' list for sure. The seller is supplying a couple of magnaflow back boxes that are as yet unfitted - I'm going to see about getting them in place of the stock ones ASAP. That should sound even meaner |
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Paul
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,930
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Apr 22, 2023 16:46:33 GMT
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She's home and she's beautiful 😍    Observations on the drive back... Handles as expected...big, wafty, a bit of play in the steering, plenty of grunt and noise when you push the loud pedal tho. And it's hard to resist pushing the loud pedal hard because the noise is just beautiful. I've never seen so many passengers in the fast lane crane to have a look. There's no rear view mirror😂. I have a cheapy sucky pad one I can use for now as it's definitely needed. The O/S wing mirror adjusts by hand and it's way loose and kept pointing at the floor...I expect there's an easy way to tighten it up. Putting the filler neck under the rear numberplate LOOKS cool but is desperately impractical...I was basically on my knees putting fuel in. Speaking of fuel; she already had about a half tank when I put in £30 and drove her about 65 miles...what I put in is gone for sure 😀 There are some faults of course - she's 50 years old. The interior needs work, particularly to the bench seat which has a split. I'd like to recommission the old analogue clock if it's saveable as it's not working, and there's a big ugly hole in the dash that needs a stereo. The OEM bacolite steering wheel is original and patina'd accordingly but the P/O has supplied a boss kit for a Grant wheel and I'm tempted to get a wooden one like I had in the CROWN Vic. Washers don't work. None of these have dampened my enthusiasm for the old girl - I'm now just looking for excuses to drive somewhere 🙂 |
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ChrisT
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,646
Club RR Member Number: 225
Member is Online
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Apr 22, 2023 17:19:08 GMT
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Looks stunning  |
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glenanderson
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 4,190
Club RR Member Number: 64
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Apr 24, 2023 14:39:44 GMT
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Excellent. I am in.
Bookmarked with a capital B.
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My worst worry about dying is my wife selling my stuff for what I told her it cost...
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Apr 27, 2023 18:14:30 GMT
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Saw this for sale, a magnificent old example of full size Americana.. would love a bit of 70s barge action...
Re mpg debate, did manage nearly 17mpg out my 59 Plymouth last year down and back to Goodwood, which I was well impressed with.
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2014 - Audi A6 Avant 3.0Tdi Quattro
1958 - Chevrolet Apache Panel Truck
1959 - Plymouth Custom Suburban
1952 - Chevrolet 2dr Hardtop
1985 - Ford Econoline E350 Quadravan
2009 - Ovlov V70 2.5T
1970 - Cortina Mk2 Estate
2007 - Fiat Ducato LWB 120Multijet
2014 - Honda Civic 2.2 CTDi ES
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Apr 28, 2023 12:21:04 GMT
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This is fully awesome. 100% Akku Approved Choice. I do like the '73 Buick full size and the 2 door is a very slick looking car.
Should be that she floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee. The 455 is a mighty motor. Interesting to see one in a LeSabre as most people would have taken the Centurion which packed the 455 as standard fit.
I can weigh in on the MPG, although its not why we own these cars.... I am absolutely ANAL on the subject of fuel consumption, I fill up every time, I note my mileage, I calculate the MPG and I note if there was any variation in use, weather or modification etc. I have a spreadsheet that goes back years.... Lets look what full size Americans have gotten for me in real world use....
1969 Ford Country Squire - mildly modified 390 FE - 13.1 mpg
1971 Ford Galaxie sedan - 351 Windsor, 2 barrel, stock - 18.3 mpg (best was 21.2 mpg on a run to Mablethorpe)
1975 Ford LTD sedan - 460 4 barrel, - 13.0 mpg
1969 Mercury Marquis Brougham Coupe - 429 2 barrel - 15.7 mpg
1970 Buick Skylark hardtop - 350, modified - 15.2 mpg
1977 Ford LTD Landau - 460, all stock inc smog gear - 12.1 mpg
1970 Lincoln Continental Mark III, 460 with Holley carb - 12.2 mpg
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1941 Wolseley Not Rod - 1956 Humber Hawk - 1957 Daimler Conquest - 1966 Buick LeSabre - 1968 Plymouth Sport Fury - 1968 Ford Galaxie - 1969 Ford Country Squire - 1969 Mercury Marquis - 1970 Morris Minor - 1970 Buick Skylark - 1970 Ford Galaxie - 1971 Ford Galaxie - 1976 Continental Mark IV - 1976 Ford Capri - 1994 Ford Fiesta
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Paul
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,930
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Apr 29, 2023 20:15:39 GMT
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Fascinating information, huge thanks for that...and particularly pertinent given what happened today. Now I assume like a lot of y'all I'm a big fan of Derek over at Vice Grip Garage, so when hairymel came to visit and she wouldn't start and run even after half a can of brake cleaner we went to the boot which I hadn't even opened since I got her   So we have a fuel sender, an electric fuel pump (out of shot), a half-filled jerry can and a kid's fruit shoot bottle filled with petrol (I think) Now it doesn't take Sherlock to work out that maybe, just maybe down the line there's been a fuelling issue 😂😂😂 Half a jerry can of fuel later she started, ran just fine and purred like a kitten so my first thought is we have - how shall I say? - an untrustworthy fuel gauge 😂 Cue a trip to Tesco for a full jerry can, then another round trip in the Buick to put the dino juice in the tank, and another jerry can fill up in the boot just in case. The gauge is reading 3/4 full but I'm obviously not convinced. |
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