1948 BUICK

1948 BUICK

Models:

Buick Special, Series 40, 8 Cylinder

Buick Super, Series 50, 8 Cylinder

Buick Roadmaster, Series 70, 8 Cylinder

Buick Special, Series 40 8 Cylinder:

Body Data & Pricing:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model 41, Body #48-4409

Base Price: $1,809; Shipping Weight: 3,715 Pounds; Production Total: 14,141

2 Door Sedanette, 6 Passenger, Model 46, Body #48-4407

Base Price: $1,735; Shipping Weight: 3,635 Pounds; Production Total: 11,176

Buick Super, Series 50, 8 Cylinder

Body Data & Pricing:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model 51, Body #48-4569

Base Price: $2,087; Shipping Weight: 3,855 Pounds; Production Total: 53,447

2 Door Sedanette, 6 Passenger, Model 56S, Body #48-4507

Base Price: $1,987; Shipping Weight: 3,770 Pounds; Production Total: 33,819

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger, Model 56C, Body #48-4567

Base Price: $2,518; Shipping Weight: 4,020 Pounds; Production Total: 19,217

4 Door Station Wagon, 6 Passenger, Model 59, Body #(Ionia)

Base Price: $3,124; Shipping Weight: 4,170 Pounds; Production Total: 2,018

Buick Roadmaster, Series 70, 8 Cylinder

Body Data & Pricing:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model 71, Body #48-4769

Base Price: $2,418; Shipping Weight: 4,160 Pounds; Production Total: 47,042

2 Door Sedanette, 6 Passenger, Model 76S, Body #48-4707

Base Price: $2,297; Shipping Weight: 4,065 Pounds; Production Total: 20,649

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger, Model 76C, Body #48-4767

Base Price: $2,837; Shipping Weight: 4,315 Pounds; Production Total: 11,503

4 Door Station Wagon, 6 Passenger, Model 79, Body #(Ionia)

Base Price: $3,433; Shipping Weight: 4,460 Pounds; Production Total: 350

Major Specifications, Buick Special, Model 40:

Wheelbase: 121", Model 40

Engine Type: Overhead Valve In-Line 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 3-3/32" X 4-1/8"

Engine Displacement: 248.0 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 6.30:1

Torque: 206 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,000 RPM

Taxable Horsepower: 30.63

Horsepower: 110 @ 3,600 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35 PSI

Carburetor: Carter, Model 608 or Model 663; or Stromberg Model AAV-167, #380225

Rear Axle Ratio: Not Available

Tire Size: 6.50 X 16 Inches; Pressures: 26 Front & 26 Rear

Major Specifications, Buick Super, Series 50

Wheelbase: 124"

Engine Type: Overhead Valve In-Line 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 3-3/32" X 4-1/8"

Engine Displacement: 248.0 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 6.60:1

Taxable Horsepower: 30.63

Horsepower: 115 @ 3,600 RPM

Torque: 212 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,000 RPM

Carburetor: Carter, Model 608 or Model 663; or Stromberg Model AAV-16, #380106

Rear Axle Ratio: Not Available

Tire Size: 7.60 X 15 Inches; Pressures: 24 Front & 24 Rear

Major Specifications, Buick Roadmaster, Model 70

Wheelbase: 129"

Engine Type: Overhead Valve In-Line 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 3-7/16" X 4-5/16"

Engine Displacement: 320.2 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio:

Standard Transmission: 6.60:1

Dynaflow Ttansmission: 6.90:1

Taxable Horsepower: 37.81

Horsepower:

Standard Transmission: 144 @ 3,600 RPM

Dynaflow Transmission: 150 @ 3,600 RPM

Torque:

Standard Transmission: 276 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,000 RPM

Dynaflow Transmission: 289 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,000 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35 PSI

Carburetor: Stromberg AAV-267, Number 382226 or Carter Model 609 or Model 664

Rear Axle Ratio: Not Available

Tire Size: 8.20 X 15 Inches; Pressures: 24 Front & 24 Rear

Capacities, Buick Special, Model 40:

Cooling System: 13 Quarts

Fuel Tank: 19 Gallons

Engine Oil: 5-1/2 Quarts

Grade of Oil: +32 Degrees F & Above, 20

+10 Degrees F & Above, 20W

- 10 Degrees F & Above, 10W

Transmission Capacity: 1-3/4 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer, 90H; Winter, 90H

Rear Axle Capacity: 4 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer, 90H; Winter, 90H

Capacities, Buick Super, Model 50

Cooling System: 13 Quarts

Fuel Tank: 19 Gallons

Engine Oil: 5-1/2 Quarts

Grade of Oil: +32 Degrees F & Above, 20

+10 Degrees F & Above, 20W

- 10 Degrees F & Above, 10W

Transmission Capacity: 1-3/4 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer, 90H; Winter, 90H

Rear Axle Capacity: 4 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer, 90H; Winter, 90H

Capacities, Buick Roadmaster, Model 70

Cooling System: 16-3/4 Quarts

Fuel Tank: 19 Gallons

Engine Oil: 7 Quarts

Grade of Oil: +32 Degrees F & Above, 20

+10 Degrees F & Above, 20W

- 10 Degrees F & Above, 10W

Transmission Capacity:

Standard Transmission: 2-1/2 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer, 90H; Winter, 90H

Dynaflow: 22 Pints

Grade of Oil: Dynaflow Transmission Oil

Rear Axle Capacity: 4 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer, 90H; Winter, 90H

Tune-Up Data, Buick, Special, Super, & Roadmaster; Series 40, 50, & 70:

Spark Plug Gap: .025"

Spark Plug Type: AC 48, Champion UJ-18Y or J-18Y or equivalent

Ignition Point Gap: .015"

Cam Angle: 25 Degrees

Ignition Timing Mark & Location: "ADV" Mark on Flywheel

Firing Order: 1-6-2-5-8-3-7-4

Tappet Clearance, Hot:

Mechanical Lifters: Intake: .015" Exhaust: .015"

Hydralic Lifters: Intake: Zero; Exhaust: Zero

Cylinder Head Tension: 65-70 Ft Lbs

Idle Speed:

Manual Transmission: 450 RPM

Dynaflow Transmission: 450 RPM

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 112 PSI

Valve Data, Buick Special, Series 40 & Super Series 50:

Tappet Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake: .015"

Exhaust: .015"

Tappet Clearance for Timing:

Intake: .015"

Exhaust: .015"

Valve Timing:

Intake Valve Opens: 13 Degrees BTDC

Exhaust Valve Closes: 22 Degrees ATDC

Valve Seat Angle:

Intake: 45 Degrees

Exhaust: 45 Degrees

Minimum Valve Spring Pressure (New Spring):

Inner Spring: 51 Pounds @ 1-5/16"

Outer Spring: 77 Pounds @ 1-19/32"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake: .0015"-.0035"

Exhaust: .0021"-.0039"

Valve Data, Buick Roadmaster, Series 70

Tappet Clearance, Running Hot:

Mechanical Lifters: Intake: .015" Exhaust: .015"

Hydralic Lifters: Intake: Zero Exhaust: Zero

Tappet Clearance for Timing:

Mechanical Lifters: Intake: .015" Ehaust: .015"

Hydralic Lifters: Intake: Zero Exhaust: Zero

Valve Timing:

Intake Valve Opens: 14 Degrees BTDC

Exhaust Valve Closes: 25 Degrees ATDC

Valve Seat Angle:

Intake: 45 Degrees

Exhaust: 45 Degrees

Minimum Valve Spring Pressure (New Springs):

Inner Spring: 51 Pounds @ 1-5/16"

Outer Spring: 77 Pounds @ 1-19/32"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake: .0015:-.0035"

Exhaust: .0021"-.0039"

Piston & Ring Data, Buick Special, Series 40 & Super, Series 50:

Pistons Removed from Above

Piston Clearance (Minimum):

Top Land: .023"

Top of Skirt: .0021"

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness to Use: Should fall @ .0015" and hold @ .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: Use Shim Thickness Data

Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression: .010"

Oil Control: .010"

Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:

Compression: .0015"-.003"

Oil Control: .0015"-.003" Flex-Fit Oil Rings: .0015"-.0035"

Piston & Ring Data, Buick Roadmaster, Series 70

Piston Removed from Above

Piston Clearance (Minimum):

Top Land: .026"

Top of Skirt: .0023"

Fitting Pistons with Sring Scale:

Shim Thickness to Use: Should fall @ .0015" and hold @ .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: Use Shim thickness Data

Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression: .010"

Oil Control: .010"

Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:

Compression: .0015"-.003"

Oil Control: .0015"-.003" Flex-Fit Oil Rings: .0015"-.0035"

Engine Bearing Data, Buick Special, Series 40 & Super, Series 50:

Camshaft End Play: .004"-.008"

Camshaft Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0035"

Connecting Rod Bearing Journal Diameter: 1.997"-1.999"

Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.002"

Connecting Rod End Play: .005"-.010"

Connecting Rod Bolt Tension: 40-45 Ft Lb

Main Bearing Journal Diameter:

#1: 2.3105"-2.3115" #2: 2.3735"-2.3745" #3: 2.4355"-2.4365"

#4: 2.4985"-2.4995" #5: 2.5605"-2.5615"

Main Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.002"

Crankshaft End Play: .004:-.008"

Main Bolt Tension: 90-100 Ft Lbs

Engine Bearing Data, Buick Roadmaster, Series 70

Camshaft End Play: .004"-.008"

Camshaft Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0035"

Connecting Rod Bearing Journal Diameter: 2.248"-2.249"

Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.002"

Connecting Rod End Play: .005"-.010"

Connecting Rod Bolt Tension: 60-65 Ft Lbs

Main Bearing Journal Diameter:

#1: 2.5605"-2.5615" #2: 2.6235"-2.6245" #3: 2.6855"-2.6865"

#4: 2.7485"-2.7495" #5: 2.8105"-2.8115"

Main Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.002"

Crankshaft End Play: .004"-.008"

Main Bolt Tension: 90-100 Ft Lbs

Brake Data, Buick Special, Series 40, & Super, Series 50:

Lining Material: Primary Shoe, Woven; Secondary Shoe, Molded

Length of Lining Per Wheel: 23-1/16"

Width of Lining: 1-3/4"

Thickness of Lining: 3/16"

Brake Pedal Free Play: 1"

Brake Data, Buick Roadmaster, Series 70

Lining Material: Primary Shoe, Woven; Secondary Shoe, Molded

Length of Lining Per Wheel: 23-1/16"

Width of Lining: 2-1/4"

Thickness of Lining: 3/16"

Brake Pedal Free Play: 1"

Wheel Alignment Data, All Series:

Caster: +3/8 Degrees

Camber: +3/8 Degrees

Toe In: 1/32"

Kingpin Inclination: 4-1/4 Degrees

Rear Axle Data, All Series:

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .008"-.012"

Drive Pinion Adjustment: Shims

Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: None

Axle Shaft End Play: .000"-.008"

Delco-Remy Distributor Specifications, All Series:

Distributor # 1110801

Cam Angle: 25 Degrees

Point Opening: .015"

Condensor Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds

Breker Arm Spring Tension: 19-23 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 250 RPM

Full Advance: 13 Degrees @ 1,500 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data

Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 5-7

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 10-13

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 5-1/2 Degrees

Delco-Remy Generator Specifications, Series 40 & 50:

Generator # 1102679

Brush Spring Tension

Main: 25

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 6 Volts: 1.75-1.9 Amperes

Maximum Cold Output:

30 Amperes; 8.0 Volts @ 1,825 RPM

Maximum Output: Controlled by Current Regulator

Delco-Remy Generator Specifications, Series 70:

Generator # 1102668

Brush Spring Tension

Main: 25

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 6 Volts: 1.75-1.9 Amperes

Maximum Cold Output:

30 Amperes; 8.0 Volts @ 1,825 RPM

Maximum Output: Controlled by Current Regulator

Delco-Remy Regulator Specifications, All Series:

Regulator Type: Voltage & Current

Regulator # 1118201

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage to Close Relay Points: 6.2-6.7 Volts

Amperage to Open Relay Points: 0-4.0 Amperes

Maximum Operating Amperage: 34-36 Amperes

Maximum Operating Voltage (Hot): 7.2-7.4 Volts

Delco-Remy Starting Motor Specifications, Series 40 & 50:

Starter # 1107149

Brush Spring Tension: 24-28 Ounces

No Load Test: 65 Amperes, 5.0 Volts @ 5,000 RPM

Lock Test: 525 Amperes, 3.37 Volts; Torque: 12 Ft Lbs

Delco-Remy Starting Motor Specifications, Series 70:

Starter # 1107929

Brush Spring Tension: 24-28 Ounces

No Load Test: 60 Amperes, 5.0 Volts @ 6,000 RPM

Lock Test: 600 Amperes, 3.0 Volts; Torque: 16 Ft Lbs

Stromberg Carburetor Adjustments, Series 40 & 50:

Carburetor Model: AAV-167

Carburetor Part # 380225

Code # 7-69

Repair Kit # RK-140

Fuel Level: Fuel should be at level of sight plug hole, engine idling

Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: Controlled by manifold vacuum

Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .022"

Throttle Valve Location for Vacuum Spark Control: .080"

Fast Idle Setting: 53

Choke Unloader Setting: 11/64"

Stromberg Carburetor Adjustments, Series 70:

Carburetor Model: AAV-267

Carburetor Part # 380226

Code # 7-70

Repair Kit # RK-141

Fuel Level: Fuel should be at level of sight plug hole, engine idling

Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: Controlled by manifold vacuum

Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .022"

Throttle Valve Location for Vacuum Spark Control: .055"

Fast Idle Setting: 53

Choke Unloader Setting: 11/64"

Carter Carburetor Specifications, Series 40 & 50:

Carburetor Model #WCD

Carburetor Part # 663S

Casting # 546

Repair Kit # 1391

Float Level: 5/32"

Idle Screw Setting, 3/4-1-1/4Turns to Open

Metering Rod Gauge: *

Pump Travel: 21/64"

Anit-Percolator Setting: None

Unloader Setting: 3/16"

Fast Idle Setting: .015"

Choke Lockout Adjustment: None

* With throttle valves seated, press down on vacumeter link until metering rods bottom in bowl casting. With rods held down, revolve metering rod arm until lip contacts vacumeter llink. Tighten metering rod arm set screw.

Carter Carburetor Specifications, Series 40 & 50:

Carburetor Model #WCD

Carburetor Part # 664S

Casting # 573

Repair Kit # 1392

Float Level: 5/32"

Idle Screw Setting, 3/4-1-1/4 Turns to Open

Metering Rod Gauge: *

Pump Travel: 21/64"

Anit-Percolator Setting: None

Unloader Setting: 3/16"

Fast Idle Setting: .015"

Choke Lockout Adjustment: None

Fuel Pump Data:

Pump Model: AJ

Maximum Pressure: 4 PSI

Dash Gauge Manufacturer:

Gasoline, Oil Pressure, Temperature, & Ammeter: AC

1948 Buick Beginning Engine Numbers:

Series 40: 4-4999881

Series 50: 5-4999881

Series 70: 7-4999881

1948 Buick Beginning Serial Numbers, All Series:

1-4801266, Flint Michigan

2-4820001, Southgate, California

3-4824001, Linden, New Jersey

4-4830001, Kansas City, Missouri

Popular Options, All Series:

Sonomatic Radio, Weather-Warden Heater & Defroster, Side View Mirror, EZI-Non Glare Rear View Mirror, Prismatic Inside Rear View Mirror, Vanity Visor Mirror, Spot Light, Auxillary Driving Lights, Multi-Purpose Trouble Light, Back-Up Lights, Tissue Dispenser, Rear Window Wiper, Polaroid Visor, Power Pak Fire Extinguisher/Tire Inflator, Breeze-Ease Draft Deflectors, Seat Covers, Dynaflow Transmission on Roadmaster.

1948 Buick Paint Codes & Colors

Code Color PPG #

4801 Carlsbad Black 9200

4804 Verde Green 40140

4807 Royal Maroon Poly 50014

4814 Sequoia Cream 80118

4815 Seine Blue Poly 10305

4817 Calvert Blue Poly 10413

4818 Regency Blue Poly 10417

4823 Nickel Gray Poly 30504

4824 Honolulu Blue Poly 10109

4825 Axtec Green Poly 40567

4826 Allendale Green Poly 40568

4828 Cumulus Gray 30503

4830 Royal Maroon Poly 50125

Two Tones

4822 Allendale Green Poly Upper & Nickel Gray Poly Lower

4829 Nickel Gray Poly Upper & Cumulus Gray Lower

1948 Buick Historical Data:

1948 Buick Model Year Production: 213,362, including those built for export.

Dynaflow Automatic Transmission first offered as an option on Series 70, Roadmaster.

Promotional Model Cars:

Metal: 4 Door Sedan