1953 Buick Super – Tom McIntosh

By Customs -N- Classics on January 24, 2020 • ( Leave a comment )

A USMC Combat Veteran, Tom McIntosh is definitely up to the challenge of restoring a car. So, with that said, read below to see what he has done to this beautiful 1953 Buick Super!

Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom to see all of the pictures.

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What type of vehicle is this?: Car

Make, Model, Year of Project

1953 Buick super

What stage is this in?

Somewhere between complete and not sure if it will ever get finished

When did you purchase it and for how much?

I bought it towards the end of the spring of 2019.

I paid $5800 for it off of a friend who had just picked it up to flip it.

Why did you choose this vehicle?

I was looking for a bigger cruiser.

I have been building a 53 Chevy Bel air Gasser, and after seeking my 63 ford, I needed something “older” to cruise in and possibly drive daily during the summer months

What sort of condition was it in when you started the project, what was wrong with it, etc.

It was stock, with 71,000 miles on it.

Most of the paint was peeling

Both motor mounts were shot

This thing had been sitting for 3-4 years, so it needed a full tune up.

What, specifically have you done, or had done to it?

I replaced the engine mounts, as well as the transmission mounts.

I did the typical fluids/ignition system tune up, did what I could to get the 2bbl Carter carburetor cleaned up and running smoother.

I had the whole body cut with 4k grit paste to level the paint off, and had it satin clear coated to preserve what was left of the original paint.

I replaced the rusty portholes with some fresh ones, cleaned up a little bit of wiring, and added 3 inch drop springs to the rear.

Can you list any and all parts that you have put in?

So far just basic maintenance, with the edition of the 3 inch lowering springs, electric ignition, and a non oil bath air cleaner.

I have recently purchased a 4 barrel intake manifold so I can swap it to a more modern carburetor come spring time. I’m also thinking about adding a clean set of lake pipes to it.

Where have you purchased your parts?

Centerville auto repair seems to not only carry every Buick/nailhead part you could ever need, but Russ and Matt are very kind and are willing to answer questions as well.

What about you?

I’m a OId USMC combat veteran.

I lived out in California while I was in the service, which really opened my eyes to the vintage car scene.

Now that I’m back in New Hampshire, I’m slowly trying to cross some cars off my list that I’ve wanted to own, as well as trying to keep as many of these cars on the road as possible.

Any stories regarding this project?

No real good stories. I managed to put just over 3k miles on this Buick in the few months I was able to enjoy it before putting it away for the winter. I can’t wait for the spring to bring it back out.

Any garages, parts stores, fabrication shops, etc you want to call out specifically?

Centerville auto and their site nailheadbuick.com.

Having never owned one of these cars before, it’s been a real life saver having people like them willing to offer parts and advise.

Check out the pictures below, make sure to click on the picture to see the full version.