GROUP 0 – INTRODUCTION – 1958 BUICK INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION

This manual is divided into major Groups, Sections, and Paragraphs as explained below. The purpose of this arrangement is to bring related subjects closely together in accordance with the usual methods of performing service operations, and consequently to present information in a logical and easily understood order.

Any desired subject in this manual may be located by reference to the alphabetical index at back of manual.

Any desired subject also may be located by turning to the first page of the appropriate Group where contents of the Group are listed. Where the Group is divided into Sections the first page of each Section lists the contents of the Section.

  1. GROUPS. The manual is divided into the consecutively numbered major Groups shown on the preceding title page. To locate the first page of a Group, bend the manual until the black tab on first page of group can be seen in line with the Group title on title page.

The first page lists the contents of the Group.

  1. SECTIONS. Large Groups are divided into appropriate Sections as shown on first page of the group. Sections bear the Group number and letters A, B, C, etc., in alphabetical order.

The first page of each Section lists the contents of section.

  1. PARAGRAPHS. Each Group is divided into appropriate Paragraphs which are numbered consecutively within the Group, whether or not the group is divided into sections.

Paragraph titles and page numbers are listed on the first page of each Section if used, or on first page of the Group if sections are not used.

  1. SUB-PARAGRAPHS. Where necessary for clarity, or distinction between models, Paragraphs are divided into appropriately titled Sub-paragraphs. These are usually lettered in alphabetical order within the paragraph.
  2. PAGE AND ILLUSTRATION NUMBERS. Pages and illustrations are numbered consecutively within each Group. The number consists of the Group number followed by the Page or Figure number. Page numbers are printed in the upper outer corners of all pages. The small folio numbers at inner edges of pages are for printer’s use only and are not used for reference in the manual.
  3. CROSS REFERENCES. All references to information in other parts of manual made by Paragraph Number, to avoid the necessity of first referring to the alphabetical index for location. Paragraph references are usually given in parentheses, for example: (par. 7-15) refers to the 15th paragraph in Group 7, “Chassis Suspension”.
  4. SPECIAL TOOLS. Unless otherwise indicated, all special tools identified by tool numbers in the manual are available through Kent-Moore Organization, Inc., General Motors Building, Detroit 2, Michigan.

 

MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY

It is expressly agreed that there are no warranties, expressed or implied, made by either the Dealer or the Manufacturer on the Buick motor vehicles, chassis or parts furnished hereunder, except the Manufacturer’s Warranty against defective materials or workmanship as follows:

“The Manufacturer warrants each new motor vehicle, including all equipment or accessories (except tires) supplied by the Manufacturer, chassis or part manufactured by it to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service, its obligation under this warranty being limited to making good at its factory any part or parts thereof which shall, within ninety (90) days after delivery of such vehicle to the original purchaser or before such vehicle has been driven 4,000 miles, whichever event shall first occur, be returned to it with transportation charges prepaid and which its examination shall disclose to its satisfaction to have been thus defective; this warranty being expressly in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and all other obligations or liabilities on its part, and it neither assumes nor authorizes any other person to assume for it any other liability in connection with the sale of its vehicles.

“This warranty shall not apply to any vehicle which shall have been repaired or altered outside of an authorized Buick Service Station in any way so as in the judgment of the Manufacturer to affect its stability and reliability, nor which has been subject to misuse, negligence or accident.

The Manufacturer has reserved the right to make changes in design or add any improvements on motor vehicles and chassis at any time without incurring any obligation to install same on motor vehicles and chassis previously purchased.

 

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

1958 Buick General Specifications

1958 Buick General Specifications

 

1958 BUICK IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS

The vehicle identification number (car serial number) is on a plate welded to the body on the left front door hinge pillar. The first digit of the number indicates the series: 4 for Series 40, 5 for Series 50, 6 for Series 60, and 7 for Series 70. Next is a letter designating year (C for ’56, D for ’57, E for ’58). The third prefix is a digit (1 through 8) identifying the plant at which the car was built 1-Flint, 2-South Gate, 3-Linden, 4-Kansas City, 5-Wilmington, 6-Atlanta, 7-Framingham, 8-Arlington. The remaining group of six digits is the individual car serial number.

This number is also stamped on the top surface of the crankcase, just forward of the valve lifter cover on the left side, and constitutes the legal engine number.

Toward the right side on this same surface will appear the production code number, (stamped upside-down from the front of the engine) this number, along with the vehicle identification number (car serial number) will be used to identify the engine on product reports etc. The production code number does not constitute a legal engine number for registrations, titles, etc. A stamped letter X before the production code number indicates a 60-50-70-700 series engine equipped with 9.5 to 1 compression ratio pistons. A 1/4″ long dash (-) after the production code number indicates a .010″ oversize cylinder bore engine.