Moving inside was a team effort, with Denny upgrading the Buick faux wood grain dash with a multi-function Classic Instruments gauge in the stock location along with new vents for the Vintage Air. Read More: Detroit Born 1957 Buick Special was Just That–Special Teamed up with a 700R4 transmission, the 502 Big Block puts out an estimated 440 hp with more than 510 lb-ft of torque capable of creating a true holy-whoa moment! The big block V8 creates an old-school baritone rumble that’s become an essential element for every hot rod experience. “It’s not only easier than building one from scratch, it comes with a warranty.” Induction upgrades began with the Fast EZ-EFI 2.0 Self-Tuning Eight Stack System with K&N filters, a combination with high efficiency and attention-getting good looks.Įxhaust is channeled through a set of Doug’s stainless steel headers, flowing through 1-3/4-inch stainless piping to a set of Flowmaster mufflers and polished tips. Choosing the right blend from the endless aftermarket menu can be daunting, but with 60 years of experience, Denny chose to work smarter rather than harder, opting for a Chevy 502 Big Block crate motor. Once the frame was complete, it needed a powertrain-and tweaking the original Buick fireball straight 8 engine was not the answer.
#1950 buick skylark upgrade#
The final chassis upgrade was transforming it into a roller with a set of Billet Specialties Fury rims, 18×9 up front and 20×10 in the rear, fitted with Cooper rubber. Hidden in the trunk, the reserve tank and compressor share space with the stereo amplifier and second battery. The ShockWave air springs on all four corners create “high for the highway” and “low for the show” at just the touch of a button. One of the mandatory additions for all of Denny’s cars is a low profile, achieved on the Buick Sedanette thanks to a RideTech air suspension. They are the biggest big brake kit Baer makes, capable of bringing the big rig to a stop in an impressively short distance. The same theory applied to the huge set of Baer brakes with six-piston calipers and 14-inch rotors. In order to eliminate future parking woes, a modern Flaming River power rack-and-pinion steering wheel ensured the heavy Buick Sedanette could be guided with just one finger. The original frame rails were reinforced then upgraded with a Nova clip and a GM 10 bolt rear end with 3.73 gears. The first step was separating the body from chassis and having both dipped to ensure a rust-free future. Read More: Pieced Together ‘34 Ford Highboy Coupe Only the wheels and low-slung silhouette hint at the transformation while the impressive exhaust burble underscores the power lurking beneath the side-opening hood. The customizing process took another four years with virtually everything under its vintage metal upgraded to new millennium standards while keeping the exterior deceptively stock.
Acquired in 2012, Denny kept it until 2016 when planning was complete and work began. When Denny discovered it in Louisville, Kentucky, he was happy to find it was a California hot rod with virtually no rust.
From the toothy grille and fastback rear, the Buick Sedanette’s silhouette is immediately recognizable as the embodiment of ’50s styling. This 1950 Buick Sedanette is a good example of finding unique raw material where the “De-Merritt” touch could fuse art and technology. He takes his individualistic approach one step further, smiling when he says, “Everything I do eventually expands into something that I wasn’t planning on doing!” The results always seem to justify the extra effort since his cars regularly find their way to the winner’s circle. His latest is part of a long line of customs to include a 1970 Barracuda, a 1940 Ford, a 1971 El Camino, 1972 Avanti, and a 1948 Studebaker pickup. While Denny enjoys building custom cars for clients, he likes it even more when he has time to create unique additions to his own collection, like this deceptively stock-looking 1950 Buick Sedanette. That’s the philosophy that has evolved over the years for Denny Merritt, owner of Merritt Auto Repair in Georgetown, Indiana, established back in 1987. By Joe Greeves – Photography by the Author
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