1977 Buick Regal 4AJ57 coupe review from North America

I rebuilt the upper engine and carburetor. I replaced a leaking radiator, rebuilt steering and front end. Then I had it repainted, re-chromed and reupholstered (in original pattern velour seat cloth that cost $80 a yard). I installed a new exhaust, tires and generally fixed lots of little things. I died the carpet and reused it.

This car is like the one I drove in high school and college. It is the same light yellow color. I joined the Buick Club of America in 1999 with the intention of finding a nice old Buick to drive. The Regal was advertised in the Buick Bugle magazine and was very near my home. I contacted the owner (the original owner!) and a couple of weeks later we arrived at a deal.

When I test drove the car I knew there were issues, but I also knew how well the Buick 350 V8 holds up. The car was worn mechanically, but in good original physical condition (it was a bit shabby here and there). The camshaft was worn and caused a rough idle. A new timing chain, camshaft, valve lifters, push rods, rocker arms and valve springs did the trick. I didn't even do a valve job! After the upper engine repairs the issues with the leaking carburetor became more apparent. I rebuilt the 4 barrel Rochester. This made a huge improvement in performance.

The steering linkage was really in bad shape and I replaced it next and rebuilt the front suspension. Next the muffler rotted out and the exhaust system was replaced at the same time I had new tires installed.

Next I repaired the leaking A/C and converted it to 134A (a big mistake!). 134A just doesn't cut it in an old car for Florida. Now that the mechanicals were better I turned my attention to the cosmetic stuff.

The car has an electric factory sunroof. The entire headliner is different because of it. Good thing there was nothing wrong with it. I removed the interior including the dash. Then I painstakingly dyed and repaired everything as it went back together. I had the front seat reupholstered and the guy took six months doing it. What a nightmare that was. I had the rear seat done by somebody else and he did it four days! The car has a factory rally steering wheel that was skinny to the grip. I hate skinny wheels so I bought a matching leather steering cover and padded it. I now have a factory look padded wheel. At the Buick judging meet I convinced them it was factory!

The car has one problem now that I think is related to the torque converter. I need to pull the transmission and check it. If I do that I may as well pull the engine and rebuild it. You see how one thing leads to another.

The Buick scored 390 points out of a possible 400 at the Buick national meet last year. I had no idea it would do so well and it would have done better had I removed the chrome valve cap covers (they aren't original factory accessories).

If you keep theses cars dry and otherwise treat them right they will last a lifetime.