I need some advice. I've just inherited a 1956 Buick Special with 44,000 miles. It runs great and I want to keep it that way. This will be the first time I've changed the oil. Does anyone have any recommendations on the type/weight of oil and what I should use to lube the chassis? Also, what is the best lead additive?

Any recommendations would be appreciated! Thank you.
(p.s. my local buick dealer couldn't help)

Mike

The 56 Buick manual says 10w30 oil in engine to 10 below zero and type A auto trans fluid but I run DexronIII that I was told was OK. The manual says type A trans fluid in the power steering pump if you have PS. If you haven't check the heat riser on passenger side exhaust manifold and make sure it is free you can build up hot areas and crack manifold like I did. NAPA here had type A trans fluid still.

Judd Pease
sjmodels@datasync.com

I also inherited a 1956 Buick Super and I was wondering if you have had to rebuild or replace your brake master cylinder? I can not find one anywhere. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Gary

Use 10w30 oil. CHANGE THE FILTER EVERY TIME you change oil. Even if you drive your '56 very little, you have sludge build-up even from not being used. Besides OIL IS CHEAP INSURANCE. Also before you change your oil get the engine up to operating temperature. Easy way to accomplish this is drive it GENTLY for 10 minutes. Then drain out the oil.

Unfortunately lead additives are more complex. If I were you I would look up major oil companies on the internet. Contact more than one and get their recommendations. Analyze these carefully and then make your decision.