Buick 40 Series 1948 Install guide

1948-1949 BUICK SHOP MANUAL
GROUP INDEX
GROUP ..
0< 1
NO.
SUBJECT
1948-1949
. NO.
0
INTRODUCTION -
0-1
BUICK
GENERAL INFORMATION
LUBRICARE AND
1\-\
SHOP
MANUAL
BEARING SERVICE
2ENGINE
2-1
~
1948 Series 40 -50-70 and 1949 Series 50-70
3ENGINE FU
EL AND
3-1
EXHAUST SYSTEMS
4
CLUT CH, TRANSMISSION,
4-1
UNIV ER SAL JOINT
5
REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY
5-1
6
CHASSIS SUSPENSION
6-1
This shop m anua l fu rnishes service information on
the 1948 and 1949 model Buicks shown above. The S
TEER ING GEAR
informatio n app lies equally to all models of both years
7AND
TIE RODS
7-1
except where adifference is indicated by specifying a
particular model or series.
A su
mmary of th e.fea tur es which ar e new for 1949 8
BRAKES
8-1
is given on page 0-6 for quick reference.
This manual does
not give service i nf or matio n on
Dynaflow Drive except
for ex te rna l a dju stm ent swhich9
FRAME AND BUMPERS
9-1 affect th eservicing of other uni ts. Compl et e in forma -
ti on on Dynaflow Drive is given separately in the
"1948 Buick Dynaflow
Transmission Ser vice Manual"
(B.P.S. 1.3
0).
10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
10-1
ATTENTION IS DIRE CTED TO THE INTRODUC-
TION, page 0-1, which describes the completely new
a
rrang ement of th is manual and how it should be used
11
RADIO AND OTHER
11-1
to locate desired informa tion .
ACCESSORIES
For complete service i nform ation, reference also
should be made to B.P.S
.b ulletins which are issued to
dealers
whenever product changes are made, or sup-
12
CHASSIS SHEET METAL
12-1
plement ary service information seems necessary.
SERVICE DEPARTMENT 13
BODY
13-1
BUICK MOTOR DIVISION
GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
FLINT 2, MICHIGAN
14
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
14-1
B .P .S. 1 .31
LITHO IN U .S .A .

(1)
1948-1949 BUICK SHOP MANUAL INTRODUCTION 0-1
GROUP 0
INTRODUCTION-GENERAL
INFORMATION
CONTENTS OF GROUP 0I
Subject
Introdu ction ..... . .
1948-1949
Car Mod els .
General Sp ecifications .
Car and Engine Serial Numbers . .
Page
.. . 0-1
0-3
0-3
0-3
Su bject Page
Product Report ............. 0-4
Manufactur ers Warr anty. ........... 0-5
New Features of 1949 Seri es 50-70 0-6
The arrangement of subject matter within
major groups also ha s been changed, with the
objective of making all information easy to find
and easy to use. When the grouping and general
arrangement are understood it will be evident
that the manual is largely self-indexing, so that
reference to the alphabetical index is reduced
to a minimum.
IN TRODUCTION
This 1948-1949 Buick Shop Manual departs
from the past practice in regard to the contents
of major groups and their numerical order in
the manual. The purpose of this change is to
bring related subjects more closely together
and in accordance with the usual methods of
performing service . operations, and conse-
quently to present information in a logical and
easily understood order.
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.
2. SECTIONS. Large Groups are divided into appropriate Sectionsas shown on first page of the
group .Sections bear the Group number and letters A, B, C, etc., in alphabetical order.
The first pag e of each Section lists the conten ts of section.
3. PARAGRAPHS.
Each Group is divided into appropriate Paragraphs which are numbered
consecutively within the Group, whether or not th e 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.
4. SU
B-PARAG RAPHS. Where necessary for clarity, or distinction between models, Paragraphs
are divided into appropriate ly titled Sub-paragraphs. These are usually lettered in alphabetical
ord er within the paragraph.
5. PAGE AND ILLUSTRATION NUMBERS. Pages and illustrations are numbered consecutively
within each Group. The n umber co nsists of the Group number followed by the Page or Figure num-
ber. Page numb ers are printed in the upper outer corners of all pag es. The small folio numbers at
inner edges of pages are for pri nter's use only and are not used for reference in the manual.
6. CROSS
REFERENC ES. All re fere nces to info rm ati on in other parts of manual are made by
Paragraph Numb er, to avoid the necessity of fir st referring to the alphabetical index for location.
Paragraph references are usually given in parentheses, for example: (par. 6-15) refers to the 15th
paragraph in Group 6, "Chassis Suspension".
7. SERVICE BULLETIN REFERENCE. Space is provided on first
page of each Sect ion (or single sec-
tion Group)
for insertion of a reference to any B.P.S. bulletin which relates to the subjects covered
by
the section. All B.P.S. bulletins issued to Nov. 1, 1948, are covered in the manual and references
to these are unnecessary.
8.
SPE C IA L TOOLS. Unless other wise indicated, all special tools identified by tool numb ers in
the manual are available through Kent-Moore Organization, Inc., General Motors Building, Detroit
2, Michigan.

0-2
CHASSIS
1948-1949 BUICK SHOP MANUAL
(2)
..
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..
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(3)
Mode'
1948-1949 BUICK SHOP MANUAL
194 8- 1 94 9 CAR MODELS
De.lgnation
MODELS
Wheel Ba.e
1948 1949
0-3
lIIu.trated
on Page No.
41
46-S
51
56-S
56-C
59
71
76-S
76-C
79
SPECIAL-SERIES 40............................................... 121"
6-Passenger Special 4-Door Sedan .
6-Passenger Special Sedanet .
*SUPER-SERIES 50 .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . .. . ..... . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124" 121"
6-Passenger Super 4 -Door Sedan .
6- Passenger Super Sedanet .
6-Pa ssenger Super Convertible Coupe , ..
6 -Passenger Super Estate Wagon
"Dynaflow Dr ive optional on 1949 models .
**ROADMASTER-SERIES 70................................... .. 129" 126"
6-Passeng er Roadmaster 4 -Door Sedan .
6 -Passenger Roadmaster Sedanet .
6-Passenger Roadmaster Convertible Coupe .
6-Pa ssenger Roadmaster Estate Wagon .
** Dyn aflow Dri ve Optional on 1948 models and standard equ ipment on 1949 m odels.
2-52
2 -52
4-42
6-34
7-12
8-22
9-10
10-120
11-38
GENERAL
SPECIFICATIONS
Serle. 40 Seri e.5 0S.r
ie.70
Item.
1948 1948 1 94 9 1 948 1949
Wheelbase . ..... .. . . ... .. . ... .. .. .... .. . . .. .. . .
12l" 124" 121" 129" 126"
Tread-Fron t ... ....... .. .. .. . .. .. ... ..... . .. ..
58W 59 78" 5978" 59
78 "59 78 '
Tread- Rear . .. . .. ... ....... .... . . .. . ........ .611% " 62Yt6"
62%" 62%" 62%"
Over -all Leng th of Car, With Bumper s . .. ... .... . . 207 }1"
212%" 209 Ys"
217 78 "214
78 "
Over -all Wid th of Car . . ... . .. .. . . .. . . ..... .. .. .77% " 79" 78}1" 79" 78 }1"
Over -all Height , R oof to Road , at Curb Weight . . . . 662Va2" 65"
651~~
65Vi6"
62 %"
Front Ov erhan g (C.L. of Wheels to Front of Bumper )35W 36}1" 36
1\.{6"
36}1" 361\.{6"
Rear Overh an g (C.L. of Wheels to Rear of Bumper )50 %" 511%"51
1\.{6"
51
1%"
51
1\.{6"
Ground Cl eara nce at:
Front Car Bum per . . . . .... ... ... ... .. .. . . . . 101\.{6" 10 %" 105~"
11W 11'!{6"
Steerin g T ie R od . . . . .. .... .. ......... .. ... .
7 ~6 "
7%" 7%"
8116" 8 116"
Lower Cr ankc ase . . . . .. ... ..... .. .... .. ..... . . . . 7% " 7%2"
7 ~ 32 "
8W 729/ "
.'32
Flywheel Lower Housing ... . . ... . ... .. .. .. . . .. ..
7 Ys" 7 Ys" 7
%"
7% " 71%'2"
Frame Side Rail , Lowest Point ........ .. ... .. . . . . 6 W 7" 7
1§.{6"
7Ys" 71
Yt6"
Rear Axle Housing , Center ....... .. ... .. . .. ... . .
72 ~ "
8§{6"
1 %" 9W 9W
Rear Car Bumper ... . ... ......... .... . .... . ... .1178"
11 ~ "
1 ~ 1%;" 113 ~ "
12 2 ~"
CAR A ND ENGINE SERIAL NUMBERS
The car s eri al number is on a plate attached to rig ht side of cowl, under the hood, and also on
left front body h ing e pill ar. Th efirst digit of se rial num ber indicates wher e car was built. "I "indi-
cates Flint, "3" indicates Linden, "6" indicates Atlanta, etc.
Duplicate Serial Numb er Plate.In order to obtain a new serial number plate, when the original
plate is mutilated, lost or stolen in the field, it will be necessary to submit a notarized affidavit on
a
form which will be furnished upon application to the Servce Department, Buick Motor Division,
Flint, Michigan.

0-4
PRODUCT REPORT 1948-1949 BUICK SHOP MANUAL
(4)
The engine serial number is stamped on a boss on right side of crankcase below push rod cover.
Engine serial numbers have no Flint or other assembly plant identification; however, they carry
suffix "4", "5", or "7" to indicate use in Series 40, 50, or 70 respectively.
A
stamped dash mark (-) about 1,4." long directly following the engine number indicates a
.010" O.S. production
standard engine.
PRODUCT REP ORT
Product Report Form S-75~-4 is furnished to all Buick Dealer Service Departments to enable
them to
report product difficulties.
These
forms should be filled out in duplicate and forwarded to Zone Offices each week. Zone
offices
forward the reports to the factory. The factory Engineering and Inspection Departments
analyze the Reports and use same to improve product quality.
Unless a
Product Report is made on each service difficulty and each difficulty reported each
time
it occurs, it is impossible for the factory analysis to be correct.
Dealer Service
Department cooperation in supplying reports is appreciated by the factory.
Service
Departments are repaid indirectly for time spent on these reports in that it enables the
factory to build the product so as to require the minimum of service when cars ar ereceived by
Dealer Organizations. .
BUICK 8 ·758 ·.
~ ' III "' T& DU • •• A . :11 00 Ilol • •• (1 PRO
DUC T
REPORT
DEALER
DATE
ZONE
COMP LAINT -DO NOT LIST MO RE THAN ONE TYPE ,
(STA TE CAUSE IF POSSIBLE)
W H AT WAS T H E REMED Y (IF A NY)
DO YOU HEED AO olTlONAL SERVICE I N F O R M A T I O N ON T HISl
-
E NTE R BE L OW TH E INFOR MAT ION ON EACH CAR
ON WHI CH THiS COND IT I O N
HAS
BEEN FOUND .
SERIAL NU MBE R.
BOD Y
MODEL A N D
NU MB ER S
SERIES MIL EAGE
DES IGN ATION
~
-
.-
--
-~
-
..........
-
~
SIGNED
DETA ILED DESCRIPTION OF BOTH CO MPLAINT AND CORRECT ION W ILL
DEF IN ITE LY ASS iST THE FACTORY IN IMPROVEMENT OF THE ,.RDDUCT .
ON ENGINE
OR CARBURETOR
R E PORTS
PLEASE IND ICATE
MAKE
O.
CARB URETO'" AND ENG INE N UMBER .
USE OT HE R 8 'DE FO R DETA ILS W H ER E NIECE.SARY
.:

(5)
1948-1949 BUICK SHOP MANUAL
MANUFACTURER 'S WARRANTY
WARRANTY
0-5
It is ex press ly agreed that the re are no warranti es, expressed or implied,
made by
either the Dea ler or th e Manufacturer on the Buick motor vehicles,
chassis
or parts furnished he reunder, except the Manufactur er's Warranty
aga inst defective materials or workmanship as follows :
"The Manuf acturer warrants each new motor vehicle, including all
equipment or accessories (except
tir es) supplied by the Manufactur er,
chassis or
part manufactured by it to be fr ee from d ef ects in material
and w
orkmans hip under normal use and service, its obligation under
this wa rranty being limited to making good at its factory any part or
parts ther eof wh ich shall, wit hin nin ety (90) days aft er delivery of
such
veh icle to the original purchaser or bef ore such vehi cle has been
driven 4,000 miles, whichever event shall first occur, be returned to
it with transportation charges prepaid and which its exam ination shall
disclose to
its satisfaction to have been thus def ective; th is war ranty
being expressly in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or impli ed,
and all other obligations or liabilities on
its part , and it neither assumes
nor authorizes
any other person to assume for it any other liab ility in
connection
with the sale of its vehicles.
"This
warranty shall not apply to a ny vehicle which shall have been
repaired or altered outside
of an authorized BuickService Station in
any way so as in the jud gme nt of the Man uf acturer to affect its stability
and reliability, nor which has been subject to misuse, negligence
or accident.
The Manufacturer has reser ved the righ t to mak e ch an ges in design or
add an yimprovements on motor vehicles and chassis at any time without
incurring any obligation to install same on motor vehicles and chassis
previously
purchas ed.

0-6
1949 FEATURES
1948-1949 BUICK SHOP MANUAL
(6)
NEW FEATURES OF 1949 SERIES 50-70
For ready campa rison between 1948 and
1949 models, the following summary lists the
new features of the 194,9Series 50-70 on which
information is given in the indicated para-
graphs of this manual. New features which are
apparent on inspection or do not require serv -
ice
information ar e not listed.
Afew of
the new f eatures were used in
the last cars of the 1948 model pro duction.
These
are included in the summary with proper
model identification.
. ~
Group 0, General Specifications.
1949 Series 50 wheel base is 121" and overall length is 2093 /8".
1949 Series 70 wheel base is 126" and overall length is 214%" .
Group 2, Engine.
Series 50 Dynaflow engine H.P .=120; Compression Rat io =6.9 to 1; Com pr ession Pressure
(cranking) =118 lbs.ysq.in.
Replaceable connect
ing rod bearings used after approx imat ely the first 5000 1949 engines
(par. 2-5 &2-21).
Hydraulic valve lifters used in last production 194,8Series 70 and all 194,9 Series 50-70 Dyn a-
flow engines. Includes new camshaft, push rods, rocker arms and ball studs ( pa r. 2-2, 2-15,
2-17) .
New oil filter and diffe rent element. Filter outlet piped to rock er arms to supply filte re d oil to
valve mechanism
(par. 2 -6).
Cooling system capacity of Series 50 Dynaflow cars increased one quart .
Group 4, Clutch, Transm ission, Universal Joint.
Dynaflow Dri ve is standard on Series 70 and optional equipment in Series 50.
Rubber boot used to re place torque ball outer retain er pack ing ( pa r. 4-20 &4-28) .
Group 5, Rear Axle Assembly.
Rear axle ratio for Series 50 Dynaflow is 4.4 to 1 (par . 5-1).
Starting in last 194, 8models and continued in 1949, two roller beari ng s support rear end of th e
pinion (par . 5-2) .
Strut rods attached to spr ing seats by 3 bolts, same as 1948 Ser ies 40 (par. 5-29).
Group 6, Chassis Suspension.
Eccentricity of upper pivot pin increased to increase camber adjustment (par . 6-16).
Model 79
ti re size increased to 8.20"-15" (par. 6-1).
Front and rear spring tr im dimensions changed ( par. 6-17 &6-20) .
Rear spr ing s moved to spring seats on rear side of axle housing, same as 1948 Seri es 40
(par 6-3) .
Group 7, Steering Gear and Tie Rods.
Series 50 steering wheel can be raised from production setti ng , b ut not lowered. Series 70
wheel
can be raised or lowered (par . 7-5) .
Last of 194,8Series 70 stee ring gears have ratio of 23.6 to 1; sam e for 1949 (p ar. 7-1 ).

(7)
1948-1949 BUICK SHOP MANUAL
Group 9, Frame and Bumpers.
New frames (par . 9-1 and fig. 9-6 & 9-7).
New bump ers (par. 9-5).
1949 FEATURES
0-7
Group 10, Electrical.
Generator capacity increased (par. 10-24).
New generator regulator with screws for adjusting points (par . 10-25, 10-29, 10-30).
New distributor, eliminating breaker plate ball bearings (par. 10 -51).
New lighting switch with rheostat for controlling instrument panel lights. Instrument panel
light switch eliminated (par. 10-53).
New front parking and direction signal lamps. New tail ,stop, and signal lamps (par. 10-56).
Stop
lights protected by fuse instead of circuit breaker (par. 10 -58).
New mounting of map light switch (par. 10-57).
Luggage compartment light is independent of taillight (par. 10-57).
New circuits for direction signal lamps (par. 10-62).
Borg or New Haven electric clocks used. Reset and regulator knobs are on face of clock (par.
10-66).
New wiring circuit diagrams. Central fuse block (par 10-69).
Group 11, Radio and Other Accessories.
New radio, with different procedure for setting push buttons for des ired station (par. 11-13).
Installation of antenna lead-in wire changed (fig. 11-7 &11-1 0). New alignment procedure
(par. 11-5, h). New parts list (par. 11-7).
Heater and defroster installation is new. Same blower for heat er and defroster ,located in
outside air intake duct (par. 11-8).
Windshield washer controlled by a button in center of windshield wiper control knob (par.
11-9). Hose connections changed (fig. 11-34).
Back-up
lamps mounted in rear of body (par. 11-10).
Group 1 2, Chassis Sheet Metal.
New cast aluminum grille (par. 12-2).
New hood hinges and fasteners. Fasteners cable controlled from inside body (par . 12-2 & 12-6).
New rear wheel shields (par. 12-2 &12-15).
Fender extensions formed in door panels, eliminating separate extensions.
Group 13, Body.
A new layout of body mountings is used on 1949 models. Compare figures 13-2 through 13-5.
New
"U " type door locks and strikers which also ser ve in place of th edovetail bumpers and
wedge plates pr eviously used. Door outside handle an chor ed in lock by a set sc rew . Rear door
locks
may be set for "free-wheeling" (par. 13-6).
New spring-loaded counterbalancing door checks (par. 13-7) .
Door
weathers trips held in place along bottom section by scolloped flanges crimped over weath-
erstrip, in addition to cement (par. 13-8).
Front door hinges are box-type with gooseneck straps bolted to door innerpanels. Rear door
hinges
are concealed butt-type similar to 1948 front door hinges (par. 13-10).

0-8
1949 FEAlURES 1948-1949 BUICK SHOP MANUAL
(8)
Rear compartment lid weatherstrip composed of two sections. Top section is cemented into
gutter along top of opening. Side section is cemented to sides and lower edge of compartment (par.
13-11).
Rear compartment lid hinges, on closed bodies, have springs to hold lid in raised position, elimi-
nating the lid supports previously used, (par. 13-12).
Windshield
wiper cable tensioners are spring-loaded self-adjusting type. A new procedure and a
special tool
required for removal of windshield wiper transmissions (par. 13-14).
Windshield
glasses are curved and are set in a new type rubber channel which permits replace-
ment of glass from outside of body and without removing garnish molding. Special tool required for
installation of glass in rubber channel (par. 13-16).
Back window glass is mounted in same manner as windshield glasses except that center division
is
not used (par. 13-17).
Rear door ventilators are manually operated and are held in set position by a friction mecha-
nism. Ventilators have an inside locking handle (par. 13-19).
Door window
garnish moldings extend along front, top, and rear sides only; the belt finishing
panel replaces lower section of
garnish molding (par. 13-20).
First run 1949 bodies have door trim pads held at sides by inter-locking binding strips and
retainers. Later bodies used barbed nails as in 1948 bodies (par. 13-20).
Headlining is supported by roof bows and also by support wires located between the bows. The
rear supports are of new design. The sides of headlining are secured by metal retainers having lanced
teeth to grip the material. Aspecial tool is required for installation (par. 13-21).
Front seat adjuster provided with ball bearing rollers instead of rack and pinion used in 1948
models
(par. 13-22).
Robe cords are attached by the escutcheon outer retaining screw. See figure 13-50.
Convertible coupe folding
top boot is attached with metal supports fitted into metal loops behind
rear seat back. See figure 13-55.
Convertible coupe
rear quarter windows are operated by the Hydro-Lectric Power System. These
windows are controlled by switches en left door and also by switches in rear quarter panels adjacent
to windows (par. 13-31).
Hydro-Lectric Power Unit is mounted on rig ht side of cowl, under rear end of right front
fender.
Estate Wagon doors are of steel construction similar to closed bodies, with wood covering on
upper section, and wooden inside trim panels. Door locks, hinges, windows, and ventilators are simi-
lar to closed bodies and are serviced in same manner (Section 13-G).
Estate Wagon lift gate supported in open position by two cables attached to spring-loaded sash
balances mounted behind rear quarter trim panels (par. 13-39).
...... -

(9)
LUBRICARE AND BE ARIN G SERVICE
LUBRICARE
1-1
SECTIONS IN GROUP 1
GROUP 1
LUBRICARE
AND BEARING SERVICE
Section
I-A
1 -B
Subject Page
Periodic Lubricare Instructions. . . 1-1
Other Lubri care Instructions . . . . . 1-8
Section Sublect
1-C Bearing Service .
Pag.
1-11 I
SECTION 1-A
PERIODIC LUBRICARE INSTRUCTIONS
The Lubricare Instructions in this section are arranged in accordance with the milea ge and t im e in terv als which
will insure proper lubrication protection to all working parts of the car. See p.gure 1-2.
CON TENTS OF SECTION l-A
Paragraph Subject Page
1-1 Every 1000 Miles-Chassis . . . . . . 1-1
1-2
Every 1000 Miles-Body. . . . . . . . 1-4
1-3 Every 5000 Miles-Chassis an d
Body . ... ...................... 1-5
Paragraph Subject Page
1-4 Every 10,000 Mil e s- Ch ass is . . . . . 1-6
1-5 Twice a ye ar- Chass is " 1-7
1-6
Once a Year -Hydro -Le ctricPower
System ..... .. . . ... . . . . . 1-7
Bulletin No. Page No.
SER VICE BULLETIN REFERENCE
SUBJECT
1-1 EVERY 1000 MILES-CHASSIS
1. Eng ine. Check engine oil level. The oil
level should be
maintained at all times within
1 quart of the "Full" arrow, or not lower than
the middle hole in gauge rod. The lower or
"Add Oil" ar row on gauge rod is a danger mark
and not a working level. The space between ar-
rows on gauge rod rep resents 2 quarts. See
figure 1-1.
Add oil, or
chang e oil if mileage or o perating
conditions indicate the need for change, as
specified
under "Changing Engine Oil" (par.
1-7) . An over-supply of oil must not be added.
Change original oil filter element at fi rst
2000 miles. See paragraph 1-3, item 4.
2. F ront Su spension,Brake, Clutch and
Transmission Controls. Wipe
dirt from lubrica-
tion fitt ings , then apply a good grad e of water-
r esistant ch assis lubri ca nt, under p ressure, at
the following poi nt s (fig. 1-2) :
Lower Control
Arms, inner and outer ends
Support Upper Pivot Pins
Steering Knuckle Bushings
~ .. . © fBI ~ c;:;
\'A;Q'\ ? ~
~
~ D O N O T
&\.<:0 OVER FILL
~~f}) ~ \.-- DANGER MARK
NOT A WORKING LEVEl
Figure l - l -Markings on Oil Gauge Rod