Engine accessories come in the form of PML valve covers, air cleaner, valley plate, and a March Nostalgia series serpentine belt system. From here the gasses flow into a pair of stainless steel MagnaFlow mufflers that are wrapped with DEI Titanium wrap. To make sure all the spent gasses leave the Nailhead engine a set of Sanderson headers are used and plumbed through a set of 2-1/4-inch tubes. The ignition is provided by a PerTronix (Patriot) HEI system with ididit cloth-wrapped New Vintage plug wires. To add a bit more “go” the factory intake is fitted with a Holley-prepped Demon four-barrel and fuel pump. Hustling this Buick ’vert down the road is a 1959 vintage Buick Nailhead that began life at 325 inches, now it’s a 401. Read More: Hellcat Swapped 1955 Chrysler 300 Diamondback provided the service of grinding off the sidewall lettering for a smooth and clean appearance. To this the wheels were wrapped with 245/35R18 Diamondback tires. As such they came up with the 18×6 Rocket Fire model wheel in gray. The brake system is operated by an underfloor-mounted Wilwood master cylinder.Ĭhris spoke with David Coker from Rocket Racing Wheels and together they opted for a hot rod–style wheel rather than wires. In the rear Chris made his own triangulated four-bar for the 1953 Buick Special rear end that also utilizes airbags with Ridetech shocks and 1953 Buick big-fin drum brakes. The Independent Front Suspension also utilizes a ¾-inch Heidts sway bar. In front is a Heidts Mustang II Ind ependent Front Suspension with 2-inch drop spindles, airbags with Ridetech shocks, and Wilwood brake kits based on 11-inch rotors. The 1953 Buick Special convertible rests on a factory frame that Chris reworked, boxing it and smoothing it out for a better-looking appearance. To this the dark brown carpeting is more handiwork from Chris and the crew. The stitchwork is the combination of two-tone Camel Brown marine vinyl (soft leather feel) that covers the bench seats (front and rear) by Chris’ shop. An American Autowire hot rod wiring kit was used and installed by the team at the shop, which in turn brings everything to life.
Note the use of Lokar pedals and a custom center console equipped to hold cups, provide hidden storage, and house the air suspension controls. Also bolted to the underside of the factory dash is a tilt ididit steering column with a leather-wrapped banjo (three-spoke) steering wheel. From here a set of the latest Dakota Digital gauges were dropped in, followed by an underdash Vintage Air AC and heat system. The factory 1953 Buick dash was modified by the removal of the center speaker/grille, clock, and glovebox. Inside the drop-top Buick it initially appears to be the factory dash but with plenty of touches to give it a modern look. The bodywork was done at the shop, and according to Chris, “… we prepared a custom PPG mix with Concept Clear that has loads of blue crystal and glass to give the final color an old-school flake look but based on modern paints.” Also, while in back, the taillights were swapped out for a pair of 1954 Chevy tail lights and lenses but the headlights remained vintage 1953 Buick Special. In the back the decklid also received attention having all emblems removed. Beginning up front the hood was shaved and smoothed and from there the door handles were shaved.
To this rare 1953 Buick Special convertible there were a handful of modifications performed, but remembering all along not to destroy the already-beautiful factory lines. To this day he is still working in the shop and is the lead mechanic … must have that “hot rod” gene. At the time Chris’ youngest son, Wes, helped on the fabrication and the mechanical side. Handling the “heavy lifting,” primary work was managed by Chris and Drew. Back at the shop, the crew (all five, which included the bodyman, painter, and mechanic, along with Drew and Chris) all jumped in and began.
0 kommentar(er)
