1950 Buick Specifications / Specs

There aren’t many source to find out the original 1950 Buick Specifications. The following facts & figures can be found in the 1950 Buick Facts Book that was given to dealers and salesmen to get in touch with the new model line. The spcs reflect the knowledge at the start of the sales period and may have changed after the date of publication.

This 1950 Buick Specification section tells you how the 50 Buick models came from the factory. Learn how the V8 engine was tuned, the type of chassis springs, shock absorbers, brake materials and much more! With these specs you can restore your 50 Buick back to its original condition. If you want to win a car show for originals, this is the info to read!

General InformationSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Wheelbase121.5"121.5"126.25"
Wheelbase - Models 52 and 72-125.5"130.25"
Tread - Front59.1"59.1"59.1"
Tread - Rear62.2"62.2"62.2"
Overall Length with Bumpers204"204"208.8"
Overall Length with Bumpers - Models 52 and 72-208"212.8"
Overall Width - at Widest PointFront BumpersFront Fender MoldingsFront Fender Moldings
Overall Maximum Width79.4"80"80"
Height (at Normal Load)62.2"62.2"62.7"
Height (at Curb Weight)63.9"63.9"64.4"
Minimum Road Clearance6.8"6.8"7.3"
Location of Engine NumberStamped on a raised boss on right side of crankcase below push rod cover.Stamped on a raised boss on right side of crankcase below push rod cover.Stamped on a raised boss on right side of crankcase below push rod cover.
Location of Serial NumberPlate on left front door pillar and stamped on left side rail - near front.Plate on left front door pillar and stamped on left side rail - near front.Plate on left front door pillar and stamped on left side rail - near front.
Estimated Curb Weight (4-door Sedan)3,9073,9214,304
FrameSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Side Member - Maximum Depth5 9/16"5 9/16"5 9/16"
Side Member Stock7/64"7/64"5/32"
Side Member Stock - Models 52 and 72-1/8"11/64"
Maximum Flange Width2 1/4"2 1/4"2 1/4"
Chassis SpringsSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Type - Front & RearCoilCoilCoil
Material - Front & RearHigh Carbon Silicon Manganese SteelHigh Carbon Silicon Manganese SteelHigh Carbon Silicon Manganese Steel
Approx. Loaded Height - Front9 1/4"9 1/4"9 1/4"
Approx. Loaded Height - Rear9 9/16"9 9/16"9 9/16"
Shock AbsorbersSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
MakeDelcoDelcoDelco
Type - Front & RearDouble ActingDouble ActingDouble Acting
Fluid Capacity - Front & Rear165 CC165 CC165 CC
StabilizerSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
FrontYesYesYes
Radius RodSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
RearYesYesYes
LocationRear Axle to FrameRear Axle to FrameRear Axle to Frame
MountingIn RubberIn RubberIn Rubber
TypeTubular BarTubular BarTubular Bar
Rear AxleSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
MakeMade by BuickMade by BuickMade by Buick
TypeHypoid - Semi-FloatingHypoid - Semi-FloatingHypoid - Semi-Floating
Gear Ratios - Synchromesh Transmission - General & Models 52, 56C, 56R4.1:14.1:1-
Gear Ratios - Synchromesh Transmission - Model 46, 51, 53, 56S3.9:13.9:1-
Gear Ratios - Dynaflow Transmission - General & Models 51, 53, 56S, 71, 73, 76S3.9:13.6:13.6:1
Gear Ratios - Dynaflow Transmission - Models 52, 56C, 56R. 72, 76C, 76R, 79-3.9:13.9:1
Drive Torque Taken ThroughTorque TubeTorque TubeTorque Tube
Oil Capacity4 Lbs.4 Lbs.4 Lbs.
Oil Grade RecommendedGM 4655MGM 4655MGM 4655M
BrakesSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
TypeInternal ExpandingInternal ExpandingInternal Expanding
Foot Brake MechanismHydraulicHydraulicHydraulic
Brake Drum MaterialCast IronCast IronCast Iron
Brake Drum Diameter12"12"12"
Brake Lining - Primary TypeMolded ExtrudedMolded ExtrudedMolded Extruded
Brake Lining - Secondary TypeMolded Dry MixMolded Dry MixMolded Dry Mix
Brake Lining - Width and Thickness1 3/4" x 3/16"1 3/4" x 3/16"2 1/4" x 3/16"
Total Lining Length Per Car92 1/4"92 1/4"92 1/4"
Total Brake Area Sq. Inches161 1/2"161 1/2"207 1/2"
Parking Brake Lever OperatesRear Service ShoesRear Service ShoesRear Service Shoes
Parking Brake TypeStep-OnStep-OnStep-On
Engine - General InformationSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
MakeMade by BuickMade by BuickMade by Buick
Number of Cylinders888
Valve ArrangementIn HeadIn HeadIn Head
Cylinder ArrangementIn LineIn LineIn Line
Bore and Stroke3 1/2" x 4 1/8"3 3/16" x 4 1/8"3 7/14" x 4 5/16"
Piston Displacement - Cubic Inches248.1263.3320.2
Taxable Horsepower30.6332.5137.81
Firing Order1-6-2-5-8-3-7-41-6-2-5-8-3-7-41-6-2-5-8-3-7-4
Engine - General Information - Synchromesh equipped CarsSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Maximum Brake Horsepower - Bare Engine115 @ 3,600 RPM124 @ 3,600 RPM-
Maximum Torque (Ft.-Lbs.) - Bare Engine212 @ 2,000 RPM220 @ 2,000 RPM-
Compression Ratio6.6 to 16.9 to 1-
Compression Pressure - 1,000 RPM140150-
Compression Pressure at Cranking Speed114118-
Engine - General Information - Dynaflow equipped CarsSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Maximum Brake Horsepower - Bare Engine122 @ 3,600 RPM128 @ 3,600 RPM152 @ 3,600 RPM
Maximum Torque (Ft.-Lbs.) - Bare Engine216 @ 2,000 RPM225 @ 2,000 RPM280 @ 2,000 RPM
Compression Ratio7.2 to 17.2 to 17.2 to 1
Compression Pressure - 1,000 RPM160160160
Compression Pressure at Cranking Speed120120120
Power Plant MountingsSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Power Plant MountingsHi-PoisedHi-PoisedHi-Poised
Cylinder CrankcaseSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
MaterialCast IronCast IronCast Iron
Cylinder BareAccurite Bored and HonedAccurite Bored and HonedAccurite Bored and Honed
Main BearingsReplaceable LinersReplaceable LinersReplaceable Liners
Bearing MaterialSteel Backed DurexSteel Backed DurexSteel Backed Durex
Thrust BearingCenterCenterCenter
Camshaft Bearing MaterialSteel Backed BabbittSteel Backed BabbittSteel Backed Babbitt
CrankshaftSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
MaterialSteel ForgingSteel ForgingSteel Forging
Number of Counterweights8 Integral8 Integral8 Integral
Torsional BalancerSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Torsional BalancerHarmonicHarmonicHarmonic
TypeLaminated Steel Flywheel Supported on Steel Leaf SpringsLaminated Steel Flywheel Supported on Steel Leaf SpringsLaminated Steel Flywheel Supported on Steel Leaf Springs
LocationFront End of CrankshaftFront End of CrankshaftFront End of Crankshaft
CamshaftSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
MaterialForged SteelForged SteelForged Steel
Camshaft Drive TypeChainChainChain
Make of ChainLink BeltLink BeltLink Belt
Width of Chain13/16"13/16"13/16"
Pitch of Chain.500".500".500"
Number of Links494950
Cam Sprocket - MakeLink BeltLink BeltLink Belt
Cam Sprocket - MaterialCast IronCast IronCast Iron
Cam Sprocket - Number of Teeth383838
Crank Sprocket - MakeLink BeltLink BeltLink Belt
Crank Sprocket - MaterialCold Drawn SteelCold Drawn SteelCold Drawn Steel
Crank Sprocket - Number of Teeth191919
Pistons, Pins and RingsSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Piston MaterialAluminum AlloyAluminum AlloyAluminum Alloy
Piston Skirt TypeFull SkirtFull SkirtFull Skirt
Piston Surface TreatmentAnodizedAnodizedAnodized
Weight - Piston Only (Pounds).861.8071.121
Weight - Piston, Rings and Pin (Pounds)1.2311.1731.601
Piston Rings - CompressionSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
No. Of Compression Rings per Cylinder222
Type of Compression RingsInside Bevel TypeInside Bevel TypeInside Bevel Type
Piston Rings - Oil ControlSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
No. Of Oil Rings Per Cylinder222
Type of Ring - 3rd GrooveHigh Duty-SlottedHigh Duty-SlottedHigh Duty-Slotted
Type of Ring - 4th GrooveSteel "U" FlexSteel "U" FlexSteel "U" Flex
Connecting RodsSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Connecting Rod MaterialForged SteelForged SteelForged Steel
Connecting Rod Bearing MaterialDurexDurexDurex
Connecting Rod Bearing - Diameter & Length2 x 1.212"2 1/8 x 1.030"2 1/4 x 1.306"
How are Rods and Pistons Removed?From AboveFrom AboveFrom Above
Intake ValveSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Material - Head and StemNickel Chrome Alloy SteelNickel Chrome Alloy SteelNickel Chrome Alloy Steel
Head Diameter1 17/32"1 17/32"1 25/32"
Overall Length5 7/64"5 7/64"5 1/4"
Valve Lift.348".348".347"
Minimum Intake Part Diameter1 1/8"1 1/8"1 3/8"
Exhaust ValveSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Material Head and StemNickel Steel AlloyNickel Steel AlloyNickel Steel Alloy
Head Diameter1 11/32"1 11/32"1 7/16"
Overall Length5 7/64"5 7/64"5 1/4"
Valve Lift.342".342".348"
Minimum Exhaust Part Diameter1 1/32"1 1/32"1 1/16"
Valve Lash - Equipped with Synchromesh Transmission.015"Hydraulic Valve Lifters-
Valve Lash - Equipped with Dynaflow TransmissionHydraulic Valve LiftersHydraulic Valve LiftersHydraulic Valve Lifters
Engine LubricationSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
TypeForced FeedForced FeedForced Feed
Pressure to - Main BearingsYesYesYes
Pressure to - Connecting Rod BearingsYesYesYes
Pressure to - Wrist PinsNoNoNo
Pressure to - Camshaft BearingsYesYesYes
Pressure to - Overhead Valve MechanismYesYesYes
Timing Gear - LubricationPositivePositivePositive
Oil Pump TypeGearGearGear
Location of Oil ScreenOil FloatOil FloatOil Float
Oil Filter MakeA.C.A.C.A.C.
Normal Oil Pressure (Pounds)35 @ 35 MPH35 @ 35 MPH35 @ 35 MPH
*Capacity of Oil Reservoir - Refill5 1/2 Qts.5 1/2 Qts.7 Qts.
Oil Level Gauge - Type and LocationDip Stick on Right Side of CrankcaseDip Stick on Right Side of CrankcaseDip Stick on Right Side of Crankcase
CoolingSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Type of Cooling CirculationWater PumpWater PumpWater Pump
Water Temperature ControlThermostat and By-PassThermostat and By-PassThermostat and By-Pass
Radiator Pressure Control Valve (Pounds)777
ThermostatSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
MakeHarrisonHarrisonHarrison
Opening Temperature at Atm. Pressure148 °F - 155 °F148 °F - 155 °F148 °F - 155 °F
Temp. Thermo. Fully Open at Atm. Pressure176 °F176 °F176 °F
Water PumpSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
TypeCentrfugal Ball Bearing - Spring Loaded SealCentrfugal Ball Bearing - Spring Loaded SealCentrfugal Ball Bearing - Spring Loaded Seal
Radiator Core - Equipped with Synchromesh TransmissionSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
MakeHarrisonHarrison-
Type of CoreVee CellularVee Cellular-
Frontal Area - Core (Sq. Inches)415415-
Core Thickness2"2"-
Radiator Core - Equipped with Dynaflow TransmissionSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
MakeHarrisonHarrisonHarrison
Type of CoreVee CellularVee CellularVee Cellular
Frontal Area - Core (Sq. Inches)485.4484484
Core Thickness2"2"3"
Cooling System Capacity - Synchromesh TransmissionSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Less Heater13 Qts.13 Qts.-
With Heater14 1/4 Qts.14 1/4 Qts.-
Cooling System Capacity - Dynaflow TransmissionSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Less Heater14 Qts.14 Qts.17 3/4 Qts.
With Heater15 1/4 Qts.15 1/4 Qts.19 Qts.
Number of Drains and LocationSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Number of Drains and LocationTwo - Cock in Black and Cock in RadiatorTwo - Cock in Black and Cock in RadiatorTwo - Cock in Black and Cock in Radiator
FanSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Diameter of Fan18"18"18"
Number of Blades445
Fuel SystemSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Fuel Tank - MakeOwnOwnOwn
Fuel Tank Capacity - Gallons191919
Fuel Pump - MakeA.C.A.C.A.C.
Fuel Pump TypeA.H. Diaphragm Pump Variable StrokeA.H. Diaphragm Pump Variable StrokeA.H. Diaphragm Pump Variable Stroke
No. Of Fuel Filters222
Heat Control - TypeThermostaticThermostaticThermostatic
Heat Control LocationAt Exhaust Manifold OutletAt Exhaust Manifold OutletAt Exhaust Manifold Outlet
Choke Control TypeAutomaticAutomaticAutomatic
Air Cleaner - MakeA.C.A.C.A.C.
Air Cleaner - TypeHeavy Duty Oil Bath Cleaner and Flame ArresterHeavy Duty Oil Bath Cleaner and Flame ArresterHeavy Duty Oil Bath Cleaner and Flame Arrester
Intake Manifold MaterialCast IronCast IronCast Iron
Intake Manifold Diameter1 3/16"1 3/16"1 3/8"
Number of Intake Parts444
Muffler TypeStraight Through Resonance TypeStraight Through Resonance TypeStraight Through Resonance Type
Tail Pipe - O.D.2"2"2"
ClutchSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Clutch MakeBuickBuick-
TypeDry PlateDry Plate-
Make of DiscsLong or B&BLong or B&B-
Clutch Facing MaterialWovenWoven-
Clutch Facing Diameter - Inside6"6"-
Clutch Facing Diameter - Outside10"10"-
Total Frictional Area of Facings100.6 Sq. In.100.6 Sq. In.-
Synchromesh TransmissionSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Transmission - MakeOwnOwn-
Transmission - TypeSynchromeshSynchromesh-
Type of GearingAll HelicalAll Helical-
Number of Forward SpeedsThreeThree-
Transmission Oil Capacity1 3/4 Lbs.1 3/4 Lbs.-
Dynaflow TransmissionSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Transmission - MakeOwnOwnOwn
Transmission - TypeTorque ConverterTorque ConverterTorque Converter
Type of GearingHelical Planetary SetHelical Planetary SetHelical Planetary Set
Number of Forward SpeedsInfinite VariableInfinite VariableInfinite Variable
Total Oil Capacity9 1/2 Qts.9 1/2 Qts.11 Qts.
Converter Capacity6 Qts.6 Qts.7 1/2 Qts.
Transmission Capacity3 1/2 Qts.3 1/2 Qts.3 1/2 Qts.
Universal JointSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Number of Joints Per Car111
TypeCross TypeCross TypeCross Type
LubricationFrom TransmissionFrom TransmissionFrom Transmission
Steering GearSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Steering Gear TypeBall Bearing Worm and NutBall Bearing Worm and NutBall Bearing Worm and Nut
Steering Gear Ratio - Overall24 -124 -129 - 1
Steering Gear Ratio - Actual19.8 - 119.8 - 123.6 - 1
Steering Gear Lubricant Capacity13 Ounces13 Ounces17 Ounces
Steering Wheel Diameter18"18"18"
Steering Wheel TypeHard Rubber with Steel CareFlexible Banjo Type with Steel SpokesFlexible Banjo Type with Steel Spokes
Turning Circle Diameter (Ft.) Nominal - Right39.539.541.8
Turning Circle Diameter (Ft.) Nominal - Right - Models 52 & 72-41.543.0
Turning Circle Diameter (Ft.) Nominal - Left39.539.541.8
Turning Circle Diameter (Ft.) Nominal - Left - Models 52 & 72-41.543.0
Toe-in at Outside of Tire - Inches1/16 to 1/81/16 to 1/81/16 to 1/8
Toe-in at Inner Edge of Tire - Inches1/16 to 1/81/16 to 1/81/16 to 1/8
Caster - Degreees1/4 to 1 1/2 Pos.1/4 to 1 1/2 Pos.1/4 to 1 1/2 Pos.
Camber - Degrees7/8 Pos. to 5/8 Neg.7/8 Pos. to 5/8 Neg.7/8 Pos. to 5/8 Neg.
Wheels and TiresSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Wheel - TypeDemountable Steel DiscDemountable Steel DiscDemountable Steel Disc
Rim - TypeDrop CenterDrop CenterDrop Center
Rim Diameter and Width15" x 6"15" x 6 1/2"15" x 6 1/2"
Tire Size7.60 - 15"7.60 - 15"8.00 - 15"
Number of Plies444
Tire Pressure - Cold - Front and Rear242424
Tire Pressure - Warm - Front and Rear272727
Tire Revolutions per Mile at 50 MPH722.2722.2712.1
Electrical - BatterySpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Make and VoltageDelco - 6 VoltsDelco - 6 VoltsDelco - 6 Volts
Capacity - At 20 Hour Rate100 Ampere Hours100 Ampere Hours120 Ampere Hours
Number of Plates per Cell151517
Which Terminal is Grounded?NegativeNegativeNegative
Location and Type of MountingClamp down type hanger under hoodClamp down type hanger under hoodClamp down type hanger under hood
Iginition SystemSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Distributor - MakeDelco-RemyDelco-RemyDelco-Remy
Spark Control AdvanceDuomaticDuomaticDuomatic
Timing Degree Spark Full Advance
Ignition CoilSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
MakeDelco-RemyDelco-RemyDelco-Remy
LocationRight Side of EngineRight Side of EngineRight Side of Engine
Spark PlugSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Make and ModelA.C. Model 48A.C. Model 48A.C. Model 48
Thread14 MM14 MM14 MM
Gap.023" - .028".023" - .028".023" - .028"
GeneratorSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
MakeDelco-RemyDelco-RemyDelco-Remy
TypeShuntShuntShunt
Maximum Charge Capacity (Hot) Amperes at 2,400 Generator RPM40 Amperes40 Amperes40 Amperes
Volate at Maximum Rate (Manually Regulated)888
Cutout Relay and Voltage & Current RegulatorSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
MakeDelco-RemyDelco-RemyDelco-Remy
LocationLeft Front Fender SkirtLeft Front Fender SkirtLeft Front Fender Skirt
Car Speed for Maximum Charging Rate25 MPH Appromimately25 MPH Appromimately25 MPH Appromimately
Starting MotorSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
MakeDelco-RemyDelco-RemyDelco-Remy
TypeSeries Consequent PoleSeries Consequent PoleSeries
HornSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
MakeDelco-RemyDelco-RemyDelco-Remy
TypeVibratorVibratorVibrator
Mounting LocationOn Radiator Mounting StrapOn Radiator Mounting StrapOn Radiator Mounting Strap
LightsSpecial SeriesSuper SeriesRoadmaster Series
Light Switch MakeDelco-RemyDelco-RemyDelco-Remy
Headlight - Parking & Tail Light Circuit - ProtectionThermo Circuit BreakerThermo Circuit BreakerThermo Circuit Breaker
Headlight MakeGuide or G.E. TungsolGuide or G.E. TungsolGuide or G.E. Tungsol
TypeSealed BeamSealed BeamSealed Beam
Parking Light MakeGuideGuideGuide
LocationIn Front Bumper GuardsIn Front Bumper GuardsIn Front Bumper Guards
Tail Light MakeGuideGuideGuide
LocationOn Rear FendersOn Rear FendersOn Rear Fenders
Instrument LightsRheostatRheostatRheostat