JacobJ

The factory radiator support is this big U shaped piece that pushes the radiator towards the engine while leaving all of this dead space. I used that as a template to create a radiator support that holds the radiator in the middle of it. I need to finish welding it and figure out a way to more securely hold the radiator in there, but so far so good!

wesmigletz

iTrader: (6)

Excellent work. I’ve enjoyed reading about your swap and complementing mods.

JacobJ

Thanks for the kind words!I am starting on cleaning up the floor and trunk. an angle grinder and die grinder with wire wheels do wonders! This floor is surprisingly solid.

JacobJ

Another day, another day closer to this car's first speeding ticket in 40 years. Cleaning up the floor, removing interior (shockingly good original door panels!) and figuring out some plumbing for the intake.

























This factory opening can work something like a cold air intake. I will fab up a surround for the air filter to shield it from the hot engine bay air. I think realistically this factory opening can feed the engine ok enough. Prefer not to cut, I don't like modifying these old Buicks

BigBlockLover454

Very NIce Work! And thanks for the really good photos showing how you did things, much appreciated.

Kermitt47

I have looked at this AC link as this person has the new AC compressor working with the correct wiring. I am not far enough along to try this but I did bookmark the info so if you guys want to verify it works that would be great. Love the Buick! you do great work and it is well documented

Kermitt47

helps if I include the link.... https://www.standaloneharness.com/gen5-faq-videos.html

JacobJ

Thanks guys! and thanks Kermit, that's some really great Gen V info there!

I fabbed up a passenger side air box replacement with a heater and AC line bulkhead. I made it out of 12 gauge- complete overkill but it makes for easy welding and no warping. Those huge factory air boxes sure are handy. I won't have to do any cutting and maybe just a little drilling. I plan on going the vintage air route.

JacobJ

Painted my new firewall plates and radiator bracket. I made a new driver side brake bracket- I moved the brakes 1/4" to the passenger side for better firewall clearance.





I barely remembered at the last minute, but I painted my bolts!

JacobJ

The firewall brackets turned out great, I even started some plumbing for the AC





The radiator bracket blends right in, you don't really see it. I used 3/8" weatherstrip from home depot on the radiator bracket on all the surfaces the radiator would otherwise touch.





Mounted my condenser and power steering cooler. I'm not sure if the PS cooler is necessary but the hydroboost may contribute to more heat. I was actually going to use that cooler for ATF in conjunction with the radiator ATF cooler. I have another one of these swaps in an F250 and it has only the ATF cooler in front of the radiator. Even when towing the ATF temp doesnt get very hot so this car should be perfectly fine with only the radiator cooler.



I'll order some plumbing for the drier and condenser now that I have measurements.

JacobJ

oat of paint. I will weld up the floors soon and then paint it all.











Wire wheel work done on the right, not done on the left.







I bought a vintage air dummy test fit piece. these are really handy, they dont weigh much, theyre cheap and they let you mock up the system. I'll have to do a little bit of cutting on the firewall but I should be able to mock it up and make sure it clears the dash soon.

BigBlockLover454

My Dad had one of these Specials like yours, 2 DrHdtp and all. Had a 264 CI engine and Dynaflow. Dad like to go so he traded it off in '62 for a new Olds with 4bbl 394 CI which really went. But he really missed the old Buick. He would love yours and your swap and mods if he was still alive and would appreciate your beautiful, detailed work. (And he would bug you to drive it!)

Thanks for the great pics showing your build and your commentary. I'll stay tuned.

JacobJ

That's nice of you to say, thank you. Sounds like your dad had good taste in cars.

JacobJ

Plumbed in the air intake, made a little shroud for the air filter. Made a block off plate where the factory heater core was and also where the heater valve was.