1939 Buick Special 40
This Gangsta Car comes with a STRAIGHT 8, 3 on the tree and 4:44 rear end. The goal is to resolve overheating issues., convert from 6 volts to 12 volts and add A/C. I will post progress as I move along.
06/08/24 Initial inspection. Remove water pump and verify impeller operation. Block bypass to force water through the radiator. Road testing. Install visor. Remove carb and repair fuel leak.
06/15/24 spent the week talking, studying & learning about 1939 Buick ONLY straight engines and common overheating problems. IN 1939 this was a non-pressurized system and consequently anytime the temp goes beyond 212, the coolant boils and spills on the ground. This was common at the time. Our challenge is to use technology to improve the system and remove the obstacles so we can add A/C.
06/22/24 The work begins. Remove fan & water pump, Remove old radiator, Remove the grill for access to the lower pulley and engine assembly.
06/24/24 Fit the new radiator. Modify bracket kit so that the compressor can be mounted.
06/26/24 Modify radiator mount points and location so that the new radiator provides clearance for fans, belts and access to fill.
06/28/24 Re-install radiator for fan fitment, water hose fitment and belt clearance check.
07/05/24 Install alternator and fabricate brackets as necessary. Connect 12 volt source and run-test new cooling system configuration.
07/07/24 Remove original dash and gauge assemblies. Install new sensors in the engine block for new gauges.
07/09/24 Install new dash and wiring harness, replace ignition coil, and all bulbs.
07/11/24 Install new "halo halogen headlights" and test. Individual circuit connections and test each as progress.
07/13/24 Run test of new system. Install fan controller and set.
07/16/24 1rst Road test.
07/18/24 Replace rear parking brake cables, Adjust brakes, Check for pull
07/20/24 Replace front wheel cylinders, bleed, adjust and road test.
07/24/24 Add rope lighting, finish wiring and road tests.
07/31/24
Successful project completion. After several road tests and some long drives, the temperature maintains below 200, the system maintains pressure, and the 12 volt system with headlights performs well!
1st step was the removal of old radiator and remove the front grill section to gain access to the front of the engine. I found a 4-core aluminum that fit 39 trucks that gave enough clearance for the extra thickness of the core.
The 248 engine in 1939 used pulleys that were 5/8" wide. I needed to locate pulleys that were compatible with todays' alternators and a/c compressors. The lower pulley is part of the harmonic balancer.
After removal of the lower pulley, the next challenge was mounting the a/c compressor as shown above. The engine will drive the compressor and the 2nd groove on the compressor will drive the alternator.
The 4 blade fan was removed and dual electric fans have been installed. The new alternator and belts fit with barely enough room for everything to clear.
Staggered fan placement to provide clearance and access for accessories.
Harmonic Balancer repair sleeve was required before installing the correct balancer and pulley.
Old dash before removal.
New dash installed using antique style autometer gauges.
Installing the new wiring harness.
New style fuse panel with horn relay, turn signal & emergency flashers.
"Halo Halogen" headlights installed working. Halos double as turn signals.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN!
