This view shows the high level of detail in the engine compartment. All the original fasteners (nuts, bolts, washers) were stripped to bare steel and re-cadmium plated. I developed a cataloging system as I disassembled the engine compartment that allowed me to return each fastener to its original position! New original style "tower" hose clamps were used, and of course all belts and hoses were replaced with correct new ones. The battery is the correct Buick spec "3EE."
GM offered optinal air suspension on all passenger car lines in 1958, and Buick's version was called "Air Poise." A compact air compressor shared a common shaft with the power steering pump. The compressor fed air to rubber bellows which took the place of all four coil springs. The system seemed like a good idea, but was a major maintenace headache and prone to frequent leaks. Factory service bulletins abounded on Air Poise. It would not be unusual to see a '58 Buick down on all fours or grossly tilted after a night in the garage. An unlucky owner would hopefully be able to drive the car after idling the engine for several minutes to build up enough air pressure to raise the vehicle to ride height. A more severe leak resulted in an off kilter stance or a call to a tow truck.
Although Air Poise was optional on all 1958 Buicks, apparently it was a "mandatory option" on the prestige Limited series. Every one I'm aware of was so equipped from the factory. But near the end of the model year, Buick and its customers were so fed up with the disaster that a recall was issued and most Air Poise equipped '58 Buicks were converted to conventional and utterly reliable coil springs. This Limited was no exception and Air Poise is a distant memory although a sticker on the air cleaner still lists Air Poise maintenance instructions. Very few '58 Buicks were not converted to coils. Air Poise is one option I would NOT want! Fortunately, it wasn't offered on Buicks after 1958.
