1963 Buick WildCat 2-Door

1963 BUICK WILDCAT COUPE

OVERALL:This was a local San Joaquin Valley car with very little rust. Our purchase took place in 2010, work started in 2011 and car was completed early 2012. The original 401 “Nail Head” motor had a large hole in the side of the block where a connecting rod decided to get some fresh air. However, it was a complete vehicle that was priced appropriately and it has unique appeal. We did not body-off this build, so it was not a rotisserie project. It was simply given a new lease-on-life by way of fresh paint, interior, wiring, engine and transmission. This car is mostly original. Very few modifications have taken place. Mainly the leather upholstery and AM/FM/AUX head-unit are the only alterations. The end result is a very nice, very presentable driver for parades, car shows, or just cruising. We have put about 3,000 miles on the car since completion of the restoration. Most trips were between our two locations of Corcoran and Bakersfield. Round trip is about 120 miles and it has always completed the journeys without fail.

BODY / PAINT: Areas of rust were surgically removed. Fresh sheet metal was welded in and body-worked properly.PPGOmni basecoat was applied along with one and a half gallons of PPG Deltron DC4010 clear. The color is 1963 Buick Burgundy Mist (WA3149). It was painted at our Corcoran location, then sanded and buffed after curing. Stainless trim was re-polished where possible. Emblems and lenses were either replaced or restored if not available. The bumpers were re-chromed and new glass was installed.

CHASSIS: The frame was in great shape, so it was just cleaned and re-painted at areas that were freshened up. The front suspension was rebuilt, including steering components and power steering pump. Rear bushings and shocks were replaced. After the new parts settled in, a four-wheel-thrust alignment was administered.

DRIVETRAIN: A replacement 401 core was located and dropped off atRPM Engine Machinein Tulare, CA. A completeELGINengine rebuild kit was purchased including cast pistons and a replacement camshaft. After the block was cleaned, magnafluxed, bored and honed, the entire rotating assembly was balanced to zero. Once the short-block was assembled, the heads were treated to some very light chamber work to improve breathing and remove sharp edges. Larger valves were used, new bronze valve guides, and three-angle hardened seats. Torquing these down completed the long-block, which then received the restored 4-barrel intake manifold and Carter carburetor. APERTRONIXelectronic ignition module replaced the points in the original distributor along with matching coil and new plug wires. Original exhaust manifolds, quiet mufflers and new galvanized pipes were professionally installed.

The DynaFlow transmission was also rebuilt, including the torque converter. The two-piece driveline was rebuilt with new heavy-duty U-joints, a robust carrier bearing and new transmission yoke. It was then balanced to zero, painted, and shoved back in its home between the trans and the diff.

The original rear differential had been rebuilt at some point and was still in good shape. We never peeked at the gear ratio, but it is whatever would have come with a 401 and DynaFlow transmission.

All four corners got new brake shoes, fresh wheel cylinders, and drums turned. All flexible brake lines were replaced. A remanufactured master cylinder and brake booster were also installed.

ROLLING STOCK:The original rims were sand-blasted and powder-coated using a solid color that compliments the burgundy body. Four 225/75R15ChampiroGT radials with period correct 1.25” white walls were utilized. The original hubcaps were restored and properly adorn each corner.

ELECTRICAL:NewAMERICAN AUTOWIREharnesses were used here and there. Since this was not a rostisserie build, only the damaged or unusable harness sections were scrapped and replaced. Everything has power where needed.

ACUSTOM AUTOSOUNDSstereo head-unit was installed, which looks original but provides AM/FM, auxiliary inputs (USB and 3.5mm) and CD changer controls.

The original gauges were sent toREDLINE GAUGE WORKSfor full refurbishing and calibration. New senders were installed for engine temp, oil pressure as well as a new unit in the gas tank. An original console-mounted tachometer was located, which was supposed to be a “good-used” piece. It has not worked once, so it is the only gauge that currently does not function.

An Optima battery provides the starting power and keeps the battery tray and cables free of acid damage.

This is a factory air and factory cruise-control car. However, most/all of the parts used for each system are obsolete. We have made minor attempts at making each system functional, but it became obvious it will take a major effort. We are dealers forDakota DigitalandVintage Air, so our next step would be replacing those factory antiquated systems with current fully-functional devices.

INTERIOR: The interior of this car is without a doubt its nicest feature.MARK’S Upholsteryin Visalia created some magical stitch work here. As with any of the other areas of restoration on this car, the materials are significantly better than was available in 1963. The leather used throughout is very plush and supple. The colors augment the paint job and overall theme of the car. The trunk is covered wall-to-wall in “trunk liner” carpet to maintain a clean environment for luggage or car show paraphernalia. The pictures of the interior really don’t do it justice.

ADDITIONAL INFO: The last couple of photos are from the day we purchased it. That was the vehicle we started with. The vehicle resides at our Corcoran, CA location.

AtDCC, we believe inmoving forward. We got tired of fighting classic cars in city traffic and on the freeways. Hard-starting carburetors, bias-ply tires, drum brakes, two-speed transmissions and no climate control can take all the fun out of vintage vehicles.Our wives would not travel with us without the cars being easier to drive, more comfortable to ride in, and climate-controlled. We had an epiphany and realized "WHY NOT"? Aren't vehicles more valuable in 100% factory-original condition? Some yes, some no.For decades, we were of the same old common opinion – “who needs all that new electronic stuff?? I can fix a carburetor with a screw-driver and pair of pliers”. Our NEW outlook is: After EFI is installed, you don’t even need the screw-driver and pliers!! With all of the trick aftermarket parts available today, we strive to make vintage/classic/muscle-cars as close to our daily-drivers in every respect.

But the bottom line is - -THEY CAN ALWAYS BE RETURNED TO ORIGINAL. At DCC, we want to enjoy our collection and our wives do as well. You can see other projects of ours on our websitediasclassiccars.com, whereas this car would eventually end up with similar equipment.

Our end result for this car was to be a comfortable cruiser to drive to car shows and whatnot. If we end up keeping it, we have plans to add EFI, disc brakes (probably four-wheel), overdrive transmission, Vintage Air Gen-IV A/C / heat, and Dakota Digital electronic cruise control.

Similarly, if the new owner would like any or all of these options installed to make it a true “drive-anywhere by-anyone” vehicle, we will be happy to oblige. We are in the business of making these classics and musclecars enjoyable to drive in todays traffic by ANY member of the family. No struggling, no tricks. All of the parts to do so are available these days, and nobody should have to "fight" their classic vehicle on todays roads.

Transportation to its new home is the responsibility of the new owner. We have contact information for a few companies - both enclosed and open - we have used in the past and will be happy to pass that along.Lots of information is on our website, so feel free to contact us via email/text/phone. Thanks for looking and good luck with the bidding.