1976 Buick Century Free Spirit - PLUS Mad Max & a 383 with 450 HP?

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that the flares on the fenders of the Buick are not original. Never came with flares from the factory.

[@SOU6900]

Still looks good Nick.

[@onetwistedredneck4073]

So much for keeping all stock and original...

[@scowell]

Stickers? At 03:33 ... 'Paint by John Booth'. Is that on the sticker?

[@moparedtn]

@@scowell You can't get the decals from anywhere. I don't blame the owner (previous owner?) having to get them painted on, if that's what happened.

[@MrPappysCobra]

It just needs you to detail it under the hood!

[@OldeCarrGuy]

The Buick is beautiful no matter what! Classic 70’s!

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Olde., Right on Jason.

[@1980bwc]

How can anyone give any of Nick's videos a thumbs down? He is one of the nicest, most positive people on youtube. It takes a lowdown scumbag to hate on this channel, and that is a fact!

[@DeliciousDeBlair]

AGREED! It is always a joy to watch Nick's amazing automotive adventures with some of the GREATEST iron to ever grace roadways! Who could possibly thumbs down Nick's Garage? ~( ,m,)~

[@DeliciousDeBlair]

They COULD be CCP trolls who HATE FREEDOM. ~( 'w')/

[@davidson2004fatboy]

Bryan Wayne WORLD s FULL of IDIOTS

[@hallucinatedovens8414]

So tired of whiny babys that cant handle the slightest sign of criticism, I'm voting dislike just cause of you

[@rickeybullington68]

It takes a stupid dum ass is what it takes .some people are jealous .

[@CZ-kz7ug]

Add a vacuum reservoir can for the 383 car. Cheap fix. And you can always add an electric vacuum pump with a regulator to get the brakes working really good.

[@samheckman5517]

Hey Nick, beautiful 76. In 76 I had just entered the military. Have a great Monday. Turn Monday into fun day. Peace and love be with you bro. Be safe

[@NicksGarage]

Thank you, Sam.

[@jimmyraythomason1]

I worked for a Ford dealer in 1976 and can still remember the smell of the exhaust from that era's cars. That Buick's body style reminds me of the countless LTD II and Thunderbird II cars that I worked on back then.

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks for sharing your memories.

[@wolftmfg]

Been to Montréal in 2006 and swam in the Olympic Pool and won some medals too 😁👍

[@70stunes71]

I was Mopar oriented in the 70s and still am today, but I can appreciate other people's love of different vehicles such as this Buick. I remember seeing one back in the 70s but until seeing one here on your video, it is the first I have seen one since the 1970s. Thank God I was raised a Mopar guy. LOL

[@2264ish]

Im also looking forward to the 383 build, that was the bread and butter mopar engine for a long time.

[@davel2119]

My dad owned a 76 Buick Regal and watched it rust out within 3yrs from new. He was a loyal Buick guy until that car. Broke his heart

[@christhomas1708]

My guess is that the province/state was using a lot more salt on the winter roads in 1976 than was being used ten years earlier with your dads previous car.

[@davel2119]

We lived in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Dealer refused to help him. That was his last Buick.

[@christhomas1708]

Dave L I'm not sure if Ft. Lauderdale has the same salt-air rust issues like the panhandle or SE Texas but yes, that Buick had definite factory rust prevention defects and a crook for a car dealer.

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Nick in 76 I was 13 years old I know you are younger than me I would not doubt you worked in your teens, I did. Glad to see things picking up. Thanks for the ride Central California watching

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Theodore. I was 20 years old when working at the Dealership. In 1976.

[@1972mercurycougar]

I know that is not a 400hp screamer, but I just love that Buick!!! That is very rare!

[@OldTimerGarden]

I love that era of GM cars with T-Tops. I know they eventually leak but I still love them. Mine was a 1980 Olds Cutlass.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

somewhere lucky some weren't it seems I had a friend he had a Grand Prix it never leaked it all 77 t-top.. then another buddy of mine had a Cutlass supreme his t-top leak like sieves

[@Knightmare-gz9ls]

Apply a little Vaseline to the rubber seals. It seals out the water and helps keep the seals soft and free of dry rot. Little goes a long way.

[@joshualowery6285]

You should have no problem getting 450 Horsepower out of that 383 because back in the 80s my dad had a 383 built for his 1968 Dodge charger that had almost 500 horsepower

[@myviews7882]

I OWN one! My second one. The first one, in 1981, I yanked the motor out and dropped in 455 with Kenne-Bell parts. It was a beast. That is not original but still nice.

[@myviews7882]

I also have most of FS parts I pulled off my first one. And a 77 century I was going to make a clone with but I found a real one. I will probably list it soon on EBAY so keep your eyes open if looking for one.

[@damxgopak457]

Older guy in my neighborhood had a free spirit as a teenager then I thought it was lame I only wanted a cuda looks really cool now.thanks Nick.

[@Pgcmoore]

outstanding!!! the 383 magnum was a powerful performer that was often highly underrated

[@marioncobaretti2280]

i have the same exact car , orange color , 383 4 speed ,coupe /post owned it 40 yrs

[@roryvonbrutt7302]

Remember when they used to be many mechanics and so many maestros of the trade what has happened......This man is a national treasure of Canada I guess wow

[@trentdawg2832]

Arthritis

[@larryc1964]

Yes, the new generation millennials are not interested in the trades in Canada. Auto body repair has also a need for new apprentices but nobody wants to do dirty work anymore. These trades are now very high paying due to lack of tradesmen. That’s what’s crazy, they can make excellent money in the trades.

[@sgarn1]

In the US, public education has been financially gutted since the Reagan years. This has caused cuts in Shop classes. Shop classes are now considered PORK SPENDING. Pretty soon, if you want to have a car restored, you may have to ship it to China.

[@ducky1496]

We are retiring out of the business. We are worn out. We are DONE with cars!!

[@jerrygiovengo1927]

Computers.

[@davidbaures1256]

Yes, finally a 383 buildup! Will be exciting to see this one on the dyno.

[@bicylindrico]

Very cool Buick. Reminds me of the Pontiac Can Am my dad bought new back in the 70's

[@classicmusclecarexhaust1988]

Nick, what I love about you the most is that although you're a Mopar guy at heart, you know, love, and appreciate ALL cars, no matter who made them. I love when you take a car out for a ride- I feel like I'm going on these road tests with you every time I watch your videos!

[@plumcrazy_trackpak2545]

Thanks Nick and George for posting this video! That Buick Century is amazing and historical! The wheel flares, mag rims, T-Tops, horse shoe shifter, comfy interior, A/C and cockpit dash panel makes this the ultimate grand touring car. Excited about the 383 build! Hope you find that M-1 intake so your able to duplicate the build.

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks Plum!

[@MrPappysCobra]

We called them leak tops!!! My father in law had a Chevy Olds dealership. I worked there in 1977-1978 Huebner Chevrolet in Carrollton Ohio . He was a Yenko Dealer in the 60's. He sold # 69 ZL-1 Camaro. He also sold many Hurst Olds cars. Neat video Nick.

[@rickhardorff7938]

Nick and crew always keeping muscle roaring. Stay save Brothers

[@ervingoertzen7233]

I had a 71 Torino just like that black, with window louvers, 351, automatic . I wanted a four speed , never found the clutch pedal assembly. Still I smile when I see one today.

[@Andreas_D-Greek]

In 1981 my uncle came from Greece and was looking to buy a cheap car. We lived in NYC so he went out to PA and stumbled upon an old man that had an old closed oval racetrack and had 3 Buick Century's decked out for racing in the late 70's, He bought one, put the glass in and replaced the slicks with the widest street tires he could afford at the time.. SOO much fun growing up in that car.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Always liked a big ol 70s car like this with some super wide slotted mags,they looked right that way.

[@nomoremr.niceguy4778]

After staring at the Buick for a while it hit me that the last time I saw one was waiting in a line of traffic for the Pocono Indy car race in 1977. I was 16. I'd forgotten the trip. Riding shotgun in my brothers massaged 1977 Scout SS-2 with the 304 IH V-8, chromed headers, Thrush Pipes, no sound insulation, no carpets, floor shift Chrysler automatic with a BM shift kit, (A904) and a full rag top and doors. So loud no wonder we've all lost part of our hearing, because that started it. Thanks for the flashback Nick. Great show!

[@CZ-kz7ug]

I highly appreciate how everything on that Buick Free Spirit works flawlessly. Well built car.

[@gerrygamache5677]

Learn to drive on a 76 Buick free spirit my dad had one I was 16 back in 86 car was bought and lived most of its life in Northern Manitoba.

[@TonyMarony73]

Highlight of the week, Nick's Garage. Can't wait for the next one. Greetings from Finland.

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Tony. Thanks for watching Tony.

[@brianmaynard7320]

Love seeing all of the unique cars that come in to your shop!! Thank you, Nick!! Stay safe! Peace and love my friends!

[@79tazman]

1976 Buick Free Spirit never heard of it but it looks cool love the t tops and the interior what a cool rare car

[@NicksGarage]

The video does not capture how quiet and comfortable that car is. They don't make seats like that anymore.

[@yambo59]

You said it Nick, I loved the really nice century Regals they made in the early mid seventies, really nice interiors and quiet as a a church - im sixty and I really miss the big cars with full body on frame design that rode so smooth and quiet, now everything is unibody built to handle like a gokart with no frame and you feel every dang pebble in the street.

[@robertpoudrette4483]

@@yambo59 very right, well said. I like a good handling car, but I also appreciate a quiet and confortable body on frame car!

[@chevelle-pi1bn]

Never seen one if them , thanks for sharing .its a cool car for what it is . Definitely rare . 👍

[@0004612]

Looks like an Olds Gutless from 76-77. My first car in 1986 was a $250 Chev Malibu ‘77 with swivel buckets that were so, so comfortable.

[@DARElove60]

Bringing up Car magazines makes me think of my collection I'd accumulated throughout my teen years. I liked Hot Rod and Car Craft and had a few, but my favorite that I had many years worth as well as end of the year specials was Super Stock and Drag Illustrated. That was the coolest magazine to have!

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Darell. I have a many old magazines. Lot's of history.

[@DARElove60]

@@nickpanaritis4122 That magazine had pretty much mostly drag racing. I loved it when the picture taker would catch the wrinkling of the slicks when photographing a car leaving the line. Such beautiful memories! I hope soon to get one of those Kowalski t-shirts. Dreamy shirt for sure. Stay safe and keep having fun with Detroit's steel artwork!

[@rickhardorff7938]

Nick really looking forward to the 383 build as I am an owner of one with 11 1/2-1 cr and 484 cam. 😀

[@awh5773]

my father had that free spirit back in 1978, one that looked like it , the t-tops would always leak and he sold it because of that, man i wanted that car

[@theanomalous1401]

The Buick is gorgeous and very well maintained for its age. I kinda wish he would forego the pace car decals but that's my opinion, although the fender flares are a nice addition. While it lacks the traditional Buick Venti-ports on the front fenders, it does have the stainless steel roof strip, which is period correct and thankfully short lived. It looks like you're getting back to business as usual at Nick's Garage and it's been a long time coming. Thanks as always for the great content!

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Greg. Thanks for watching.

[@anti7928]

What a beautiful Buick..

[@robertpoudrette4483]

What a cool Buick Century! I think that was the best looking "Colonade" style GM cars. Even the interior is cool, nice seats and dash, it even has the basket handle auto shifter. What a nice survivor car! With a Buick 350 too!

[@iamnoone.]

Wow 76 just got out of high school and look how far we came. Coop up in are homes waiting to see what comes next. Have a great day

[@timcoffman8010]

In the original 383 build the heads were extensively modified. If Buck wants 450 from stock heads he might not make it. Could be a prime opportunity to try aftermarket aluminum heads as a comparison

[@shanewilson9250]

Absolutely beautiful Buick.

[@itsclyde1]

I see your doing a 383 up. Years ago I found a trick on building a 383. I bored the block .070 and used the low compression 440 pistons. Pin height was real close to 383 magnum piston but 12 grams heavier. I got most of the weight off by shortening the wrist pin. That made it a 396 Magnum. I worked great

[@shawnewaltonify]

The Buick is amazing! Some of us have never seen more than a handful of original condition cars in our entire life, and this one is like new. What a gift to the viewers! The Falcon may not be pretty to some, but it sounds beautiful and stock, and has enough original condition to put others to shame. Well done.

[@NicksGarage]

Right on! Glad you enjoy the fantastic rides that our customers allow us to share with everyone.

[@twlvhrs]

Good Morning Nick, I'm excited about the 383, great show

[@NicksGarage]

Morning!

[@terrysansom6054]

@@NicksGarage Morning nick from Louisiana! I know the 383 will make great hp number with the right parts I remember seeing the hot rod built up it was a great article! acouple of my friends drag race with the 383! I'm eager to see what you get on the dyno with it! My 70 superbee I had came with the 383 that was punch out 60 over with 13 to 1 pistons and a hot cam I never knew what the hp number were , all I know it was a drag car. I replaced the motor tried to put the car back to oem condition! I really miss that car!

[@MikeJBlues]

Happy monday Nick, wow thats a great 76 buick. Saw one new at a dealership back then, never forgot it. Way cool

[@DisabilityExams]

The '70s - when high performance meant a factory sticker package.

[@NicksGarage]

Got to admit.. they are nice stickers.

[@johnnyappleseed6415]

Yeppers, a '76 Chevy SS meant that it came with SS decals...

[@theuglybiker]

Just like the riceboys thirty years later. Neuspeed, NOS (NAWWS!!!) and some unknown Japanese characters were good for at least 300hp!

[@Brock_Landers]

@@NicksGarage This brings back memories of when Buick built powerful cars. Well, at least prior to 1974...lol After the emissions crisis all American cars became gutless gas guzzling turds, but there were still some cool cars sprinkled in.

[@CJColvin]

Yep they sure where due to all the smog from the disco era.

[@bohemialite6371]

Wow Nick now that's a luxury sports car that is really nice I love the seats and that console I've never seen one I've seen a lot of Buicks of that era but not one like that one beautiful thanks Nick for the ride😲😎

[@FFSKevin]

Fuel injection has been in production cars for decades. tuning carburetors Is a novelty for mechanics who failed to continue learning. A relic of the past when cars were heavy and didn’t make much power compared to displacement. I’m sure he’s a nice guy.

[@CarsandCats]

What a great looking Buick. I have never seen one of these before! My first car was a 70 Skylark 350/4bbl so I have a soft spot for Buicks.

[@cfmechanic]

I'm surprised to see you modifying a motor for performance. It puts a smile on my face im new to channel and got the idea your an all stock kinda guy.

[@jeffreyrubish347]

That Buick is a time capsule. And good to see Mad Max again.

[@gardemisegades7299]

Nick you have confirmed my beliefs about keeping my 2019 392 shaker challenger all stock forever

[@erikturner8687]

My first car, 77 Buick Century. Great car!

[@francfurian8215]

Nick I’m looking forward to that 383 build. I think they were unappreciated & a mostly overlooked Mopar bb engine. Cheers😊

[@rocketrandy3744]

What about the rear spoiler tail flip you restore cars . Know where to look?

[@tamiyafrog3220]

Nice car☺️👍

[@pontiacgrandprix733]

When you speak, DrNick, you invoke such confidence within your followers that I’m mad that your not closer to NY to work on my 455 Grand Prix, cause I know you’d get it rite

[@albertgaspar627]

Look up Nunzi's in Brooklyn, they are the East Coast Pontiac specialtists.

[@pontiacgrandprix733]

Albert Gaspar Thanks I got a vacuum leak or problem no one can figure out, we did smoke test can’t figure it out

[@leninmi7579]

545 lift, that's a bunch of pressure on the cam with dual springs. Can't wait to hear her run! Stay safe! ✌️

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Len. According to the installed height of the exhaust, way to much pressure for cam break-in. Removing inner spring for break-in.

[@jordanwiley4582]

Fun fact: The 75 Buick century pace car had a 455 Buick and had trouble keeping ahead of the cars on track. The next year in 1976, they dropped in a TURBO v6 with no intercooler, a quadrajet carb, and 20psi of boost. Those that drove it said it was an absolute rocket, at least compared to the ~200hp 455 of the previous year. even though the street versions of these cars only had the 150hp BUICK (not chevrolet, olds or pontiac) 350, they Buick 350s are very stout engines. Buick folks regularly turbo them and make a reliable 1000+ hp due to the very strong deep skirted blocks.

[@robertchinnock8017]

Hey nick, hope things start picking up over there.. hello from Australia.. im a 1976 baby so yeah 44yrs ago wow.. its great to see a aussie icon the falcon.. its a shame the blower doesnt fully work with the motor

[@tomnekuda3818]

I always liked that body style......GM used it one several cars but I think Buick did the best job with it. What a beauty! Also, spring looks good in your area, Nick......enjoy it all you can!

[@pensive69]

Glad to see you are well and enjoying life Nick. I'd have sprung for the 200mph speedometer on the Free Spirit.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Engines with flat tappets ALWAYS need oil with ZINC in it if you want it to last....Some thing l learned the hard way in racing back years ago....WOW that Buick looks like new on the inside and out....What a find....As always thanks very very much...!

[@ZedThirtyOne_Z31_]

Variation for the Win. Thanks for the Vid.

[@charger19691]

I remember seeing this limited edition Buick in a magazine when I was a kid. I also can swear there was one in my town like this but it was white with the same graphics and wheels.

[@DVSNTHERE]

Cant wait to see that 383 come to life!

[@toddmeltsch3797]

Looking forward to what that 383 pushes out! bummer no power brakes though but 450HP rocks!!

[@gt-37guy6]

Nick you are so right saying "good luck finding parts for this Buick Century..." I have a 74 Century Gran Sport 455....None of the body panels, or interior parts are available aftermarket, and used parts are pretty much picked over 15 or 20 years ago! My GS is still in original white paint (major patina) and still has all of the GS graphics..engine has been "helped out" -it is built to 1970 high compression specs, .490 lift Poston cam, 10:1 Poston pistons, Edelbrock Spreadbore w 800 CFM and Poston headers....she...ah....has some torque. Suprised being your Free Spirit owner has already modified the body on that car that they did not go for a 455 in that car! Forgot to say...strange part about my car is that it was built with green paisley bench seat fabric interior...Grandpa all the way! I would kill for that Bucket / Console interior in the Free Spirit you are driving!! Big bucks for that stuff if you could EVER find it!

[@melchristian1155]

Hello mr. Nick are you doing to you and to your crew and to everyone else please be healthy and safe God bless

[@Imnotyourdoormat]

love the stirrup-shifter.....

[@abolishwelfare]

All Nick needs is a pair of platform shoes and a KC & The Sunshine Band 8-track.

[@pauldaggett6759]

Thank you Nick!! I had no idea the Free Spirit existed!! And I thought I was a ‘car guy’!!

[@davecollins589]

One beautiful buick .. and so very rare

[@deanwharepapa8561]

Yes Nick the Buick is awesome, what a beauty

[@79tazman]

that 383 is going to sound great with that cam with 545" lift damn she going to breath real good

[@NicksGarage]

Stay tuned for that one!

[@tint661]

That Buick Body style is the same GM basic body style American NASCAR car ran in the mid 70's. Still not too bad to work on. Except the water pumps.

[@thebigpicture2032]

First time I’ve watched, love the old school shop filled with muscle cars!

[@NicksGarage]

Welcome.

[@abikerinpa]

Love these videos Nick , keep them coming ! You got a big like from me 😎

[@NicksGarage]

Glad you like them!

[@philsmidwestclassiccars150]

I never see one of the Buick Free Spirits before. Like Nick says, it's a beautiful car. That chariot belongs in a museum.

[@tonyengland9744]

1976 Indy 500 pace car.had a V6 turbo. Some Indy race cars had the BuickV6 turbo in a March chasie.

[@Zachsmoparandmashedpotatos]

Morning nick ! I was standing at my coffee maker waiting for this to drop!

[@NicksGarage]

Good morning, Zach.

[@shawnewaltonify]

So true! Us too. See you here next week.

[@jhammy444]

Hey Nick. Great show again. You know what would look good at your shop, would be the 318 from Lunar Garage! Just saying!

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Hammy. I am waiting on Lunar outlaw, Bryan to come through the US-CANADA border for this coming Friday.

[@jhammy444]

@@nickpanaritis4122 Awesome news Nick. Glad to see you are doing well, I hope the rest of the family is well also. BTW, the shout out is from Priceville, ON.

[@trybriguy1357]

I'd be scared to death taking this car for a ride. What a beautiful car. You just don't come across these cars everyday. It must be nice to drive. I had a 1976 century, 350, nice cars. you look so at ease driving that car Nick, unlike me who would have been white knuckled, LOL!!!

[@rickynelson3222]

I've never seen one them before absolutely gorgeous

[@ericball6000]

Dr. Nick, that 1976 Buick is sweet,my friend had a 1970 RR,that had a 383 with a 3 quarter cam,can not wait to see that 383 with 450 hp,we shell see,cheers.

[@NicksGarage]

The dyno will be the judge. Stay tuned!

[@ericball6000]

@@NicksGarage I am all way's tuned in to Nick's Garage,it ROCK'S!

[@herbiederby3394]

Wow what a true classic that Buick century is and a t top at that....can forget the mad max car a cult classic.....be well Nick and crew....👍🤙🤘

[@chrisliberty1773]

Wow...a genuine Buick 350...nice!

[@n8rivera74]

That Century looks like a Magnum!

[@NicksGarage]

Yeah.. we can see a little Magnum in those lines.

[@douglasb9105]

I wish we could see that Buick V6 on the dyno. Thanks Nick!

[@CJColvin]

There's already 450 HP 383 Stroker Small Block Chevys as well.

[@jasonday9403]

Love the show nick and hi from Australia. The mad max car is nice but not the same as the 74 xb ford falcon hard top i grew up with with lol. Awesome job guys keep up the great work.

[@1926fordtv]

i think that noise in the buick is the fan clutch,350 and 305's were always makeing that noise ,i could be wrong .not to mention that your the expert,good show today ,you look happy to be outside again lol !!see you next week

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks for the info

[@NewBookz]

Top secret....that's got my attention, also really looking forward to the 383 build and dyno test.

[@DelmarToad]

The wheels on the Free Spirit are awesome, they look like Dukes General Lee style!

[@wallyg4445]

Wow, A free spirit. I haven't seen one of these .....well..... since forever!

[@NicksGarage]

They make a strong impression.

[@ChristopherHayniedd980]

Nick that intake is so badass. 👍🏻

[@brianballa3086]

thanks for sharing nick...

[@johnkangas8916]

Oh muh gawwwwwd! A 4 SPEED Falcon/Torino! How friggin cool is that! Mad Max custom is just plain ol fun icing!!

[@johnkangas8916]

Thanks for the heart.... Awwwwww...heh! I was a ASE Master with 20 years in the shop. Many of those years as a lead in a Mustang restoration shop, small and family owned. Perfect environment in the automotive repair world. I wish I could ask you for a job Nick, but medically I can't work at the pace to be a viable employee. I miss the restoration business often, every customer had love for their cars. It was never a chore to work on the vehicles, well the 40 year old grease and rust may have been, maybe. But when I did the reveal after the work was completed, the silence while the customer looked at their car, was all the thanks I needed. The smile on their faces, the look of a child's glee on Christmas morning, in their eyes. All the grease and rust made my efforts worthwhile. Ya.... I miss the business, but your videos lift my spirits, brings back some fantastic memories. So, THANK YOU Nick. Your fan, John Kangas.

[@jontisdall6248]

Good afternoon Mr P, and all at Nicks Garage. Greetings from Wales UK.

[@NicksGarage]

Hello there! Thanks for watching in Wales.