1959 Buick Body Introduction

The Style Number is a combination of the year, the division number, the series, and the style of the 1959 Buick body. In figure ,13-1, 59 represents the model year 1959; the first digit 4 indicates Buick Motor Division; the second digit 4 indicates Series 40; 37 indicates the 2-Door Hardtop body style. An X following the body style indicates that the body is equipped with electric power assists.

The 1959 Buick Body Number is the production serial number of the body. The prefix letter denotes the plant in which the body was built. In figure 0-1, FB indicates the Flint plant.

The Trim Number furnishes the key to trim color and material. Trim colors and materials specified for each trim number are given in The Buick Master Parts List.

The Paint Number furnishes the key to the color combination and paint specifications. Paint colors and the manufacturer’s numbers specified for each paint combination number are given in the Buick Master Parts List.

 

1959 BUICK BODY STYLE NUMBERS

In the service procedures given the last two digits of the 1959 Buick body style numbers are used where necessary to distinguish differences between bodies. Body style numbers of all 1958 Buick models are as follows:

 

LA SABRE 4400 SERIES
4411                                      2 Door Sedan
4419                                      4 Door Sedan
4435                                      4 Door Estate Wagon
4437                                      2 Door Hardtop
4439                                      4 Door Hardtop
4467                                      Convertible

INVICTA 4600 SERIES
4619                                      4 Door Sedan
4635                                      4 Door Estate Wagon
4637                                      2 Door Hardtop
4639                                      4 Door Hardtop
4667                                      Convertible

ELECTRA 4700 SERIES
4719                                      4 Door Sedan
4737                                      2 Door Hardtop
4739                                      4 Door Hardtop

ELECTRA 225 4800 SERIES
4829                                      4 Door Riviera Sedan
4839                                      4 Door Hardtop
4867                                      Convertible

 

CARE OF 1959 BUICK BODY FINISH, PLATED PARTS, AND TRIM

Care of Paint

Care should always be used in applying polishes. Particular care should be observed when the car is new and in using preparatory cleaners which have abrasive properties, regardless of age of the car, because unskilled application of such cleaners will result in rubbed through or thin spots in the paint. Polishes containing wax should be applied sparingly and thoroughly rubbed to remove any surplus. Excessive coatings of wax tend to cloud the paint and destroy its natural lustre, besides acting as a binder for the accumulation of dirt.

When retouching of paint is required in service the paint should be the same number as specified for the paint combination number on the 1959 Buick body number plate (fig. 0-1). Unless the new paint contains the same pigments in the same proportion as the original paint, the new paint may weather out off-color even though it appears to blend with the original paint at time of application.

Care of Chrome Plated Parts

Chrome plated parts rust or corrode, because chemical agents present in road silt and traffic film seep through pores in the plating and attack the underlying base metal. A plating of nickel is applied underneath the chrome to seal the plating and protect the base metal.

Deterioration of chrome plated parts can be avoided by keeping the parts clean and by periodic application of a preservative which will aid in retarding seepage of destructive agents through the plating. Plated parts should be washed with clear water only, using a mild detergent such as Du Pont Car Wash when necessary. Do not use scouring powders, cleaning compounds, or stiff brushes. An application of Buick Chrome Preservative (group 8.800) every thirty days as instructed on the container will materially aid in maintaining lustre and retarding deterioration of chrome plated parts.

Cleaning 1959 Buick Body Trim Fabric

The cloth headlining has a long nap, therefore, a great deal of care must be used to prevent damage when cleaning it.

A soft brush should be used to remove lint or threads from the headlining and the nap should be brushed in even strokes, brushing from the rear to the front.

It is not recommended that air under pressure be used for removing threads or lint because of the danger of matting and streaking the nap. If an air hose is used, however, it is extremely important to hold the nozzle at least 12 or 16 inches away from the headlining with a moderate air stream flowing from the rear to the front.

There are basically two different types of fabric cleaners on the market:

• Volatile cleaners such as naphtha, gasoline, carbon-tetrachloride and many others that are colorless liquids having great solvent powers for grease and oil.
• Alkaline cleaners, soaps, and water mixtures which generally emulsify stains satisfactorily but at possible risk to the removal of the color or finish of the fabric.

For the removal of spots caused by ordinary soilage, we definitely recommend the “volatile type cleaner,” preferably a mixture of carbon-tetrachloride and cleaner’s naphtha.

Do not use any gasoline which is colored or which contains tetra-ethyl lead. Do not use volatile fire extinguisher fluid.

Careful application of the following procedure is a prime factor in obtaining satisfactory results and if followed closely will prevent the appearance of unsightly rings. The evident slowness of the method is compensated for by the superior results obtained.

1. Obtain, cut and fold several small swatches of clean cheesecloth or other fabrics suitable for this purpose.
2. With a brush or whisk broom of medium stiffness, brush away all loose particles of dirt and soil.
3. Immerse the small cloth swatch in cleaning solution, wring out and allow medium evaporation.
4. Place cloth on soiled spot several times, using no friction and only slight tapping pressure. This will pick up loose particles which are too embedded to be removed in the brushing operation. This operation should be repeated several times-in each instance using a new clean area of the cloth. Remember the solvent power of the cleaner does the work and only a minimum of pressure should be applied.
5. Immerse a new cloth in cleaner, wring out thoroughly, open and allow to evaporate until barely damp. Apply increased pressure and rub soil area in a backward and forward motion (not circular). The cleaning cloth should be reversed several times in this operation.
6. Immerse third cloth, wring out, allow evaporation and apply to both the soil and area surrounding same, using a light brisk motion.
7. Repeat brushing operation.

Cleaning Folding Top and Back Curtain-Convertible

The top should be washed frequently with neutral type soap suds and lukewarm water. A brush with soft bristles should be used. Generous quantities of clean water should be applied over the entire top to remove any trace of soap which might remain. If the top requires additional cleaning after using soap and water, a mild foaming type cleanser can be used. A small hand brush having soft or nylon bristles should be used for scrubbing. Add water to the cleaner until a soapy consistency is attained and clean approximately two square feet of the top at one time. After scrubbing, remove the cleanser with a sponge. Care must be exercised to keep the cleanser from running down and across the body finish which may cause streaks. After the entire top has been cleaned, rinse the top generously with clear water to remove any trace of cleanser which might remain. If desired, the top can be supported from the underside during the scrubbing operations.

The flexible plastic window in the back curtain is susceptible to scratches and abrasions, therefore caution must be used in cleaning it. When removing road dust use a soft cotton cloth moistened with water and wipe cross-wise of the window. DO NOT USE A DRY CLOTH.

If further cleaning is required, use cold or tepid (not hot) water and mild neutral soap suds. After washing rinse with clear water and wipe with a slightly moistened clean soft cloth.

CAUTION: Never use solvents or cleaners of alcoholic or other chemical content as these liquids may have a deteriorating effect on the plastic window.

Care and Cleaning of Leather Seats

Care of genuine leather is a relatively simple but important matter. If dirt accumulates on the surface, this generates into a hard grit which under pressure will cut the finish and cause the leather to crack or bleed color. The surface should be gone over occasionally with a dry cloth and if dirt should accumulate, the following cleaning instructions should be used:

1. Using lukewarm water and a neutral soap, work up a thick suds on a piece of cheesecloth and apply it to leather surface.
2. Go over leather surface again using only a damp cloth and no soap.
3. Wipe leather dry with a soft cloth.

NOTE: Polishes and cleaners used for auto body finishes, volatile and other clear cleaners, naphtha, furniture polishes, oils, varnishes or household cleaning and bleaching agents should never be used on leather seats.