**Skylark Guy's 1965 Buick Skylark Coupe Progression Thread** [Archive]

skylark guy

10-10-2017, 04:58 AM

Hello everyone!

I'm Drake and I recently purchased my first classic. Unless you count my 1990 Honda Civic Wagon RT4WD beater from college as a classic. Here is the rundown on me, the car's current status, and my plans for the car in the future.

Me:

25 years old
Engineer
Washington State University Alum (Go Cougs!)
Car fanatic

1965 Buick Skylark Coupe

Engine

SBC (355)
Mild cam
Mild compression
Not sure on specifics because it was built by another owner

Transmission

TH350
B&M Quick Silver Shifter
3.55 Rear End

Suspension

Stock as far as I have seen

Brakes

Stock (Powered drums, front and rear)

Exterior

Shaved moldings and emblems
Pin stripe tape

Interior

New synthetic leather upholstery
Grant steering wheel
New carpet
Sony head unit
Equus gauges
Custom stainless steel dash panel
Aftermarket heater core
Two 10" subwoofers (Installed in trunk)
Polk Audio woofers (Installed in kick panels)
Polk Audio Tweeters (Installed in vent locations)

Wheels/Tires

Unknown 15" wheels
Starfire Tires, 205/70/R15

There is more that I have not listed but will post up later when looking at the car. Overall condition is very little surface rust, perfect interior, decent paint, and some small mechanical issues.

I will be updating this post with pictures and current status later today.

One teaser pic.

145010

Buick Future Plans (Near Term)
Engine
EFI Conversion (Most likely a self-tuning throttle injected setup)
Transmission
Limited Slip Differential
Kilduff Lightning Rod Shifter
Suspension
Ridetech CoilOver System
Front and Rear HQ Series CoilOvers
Front Upper StrongArms
Front Lower StrongArms
Rear Upper StrongArms
Rear Lower StrongArms
Drop Spindles
Rear CoilOver Conversion
Front Swaybar
Rear Swaybar
Brakes
Kore3 Bracket Kit (Front)
Kore3 Brake line Kit (Front)
Kore3 Billet Hub Kit (Front)
C6 Front Calipers
325mm Corvette Front Rotors
10lb Residual Pressure Valve (Rear)
Exterior
Replace Skylark Fender Emblems (Aluminum Reproduction, Anodized Black)
Minor Body Work
Respray Black
Painted Red Pin Stripes
New window felts and exterior seals
Interior
New Black Leather Steering Wheel
Aftermarket Air Conditioning
Wheels/Tires
18x9.5 CCW SP500 Wheels (Black)
255/40/R18 Tires (Red Striped)

77thor

10-10-2017, 06:19 AM

Ooooooo.... I love the sinister look!

Good luck & have fun!!

1989GTA

10-10-2017, 06:58 PM

Onboard for the thread.

skylark guy

10-11-2017, 03:47 AM

Ooooooo.... I love the sinister look!

Good luck & have fun!!
Thank you!

Onboard for the thread.
Welcome aboard!

I will find some time for some decent pictures of everything this weekend most likely and jot down the plan for the build. Basics include full suspension overhaul, seals/weatherstrip replacement, fuel injection, steering upgrades, and general cosmetic/style things.

Edit: Here is the near term plan for the car. More updates coming soon.

Buick Future Plans (Near Term)
Engine
EFI Conversion (Most likely a self-tuning throttle injected setup)
Transmission
Limited Slip Differential
Kilduff Lightning Rod Shifter
Suspension
Ridetech CoilOver System
Front and Rear HQ Series CoilOvers
Front Upper StrongArms
Front Lower StrongArms
Rear Upper StrongArms
Rear Lower StrongArms
Drop Spindles
Rear CoilOver Conversion
Front Swaybar
Rear Swaybar
Brakes
Kore3 Bracket Kit (Front)
Kore3 Brake line Kit (Front)
Kore3 Billet Hub Kit (Front)
C6 Front Calipers
325mm Corvette Front Rotors
10lb Residual Pressure Valve (Rear)
Exterior
Replace Skylark Fender Emblems (Aluminum Reproduction, Anodized Black)
Minor Body Work
Respray Black
Painted Red Pin Stripes
New window felts and exterior seals
Interior
New Black Leather Steering Wheel
Aftermarket Air Conditioning
Wheels/Tires
18x9.5 CCW SP500 Wheels (Black)
255/40/R18 Tires (Red Striped)

skylark guy

10-12-2017, 06:55 AM

Here are some more pictures of the car. Actual build updates to come.

Enjoy!

145125

145126

145127

145128

1989GTA

10-12-2017, 06:42 PM

Interior looks good. You can spend your money elsewhere.

skylark guy

10-13-2017, 04:14 AM

Interior looks good. You can spend your money elsewhere.

That was one of the top things I was looking for in a starter for the project. I want to sink my money into functional upgrades and mild exterior restoration. Very happy with the interior apart from the gauges, seat belts and finish on the glove box door. I will be replacing the seat belts, gauges, and refinishing the door.

Here is the missing interior shot.

145167

813Demon340

10-13-2017, 06:18 AM

RMMiller

10-13-2017, 06:28 AM

Great looking car! Power windows are not a common option, pretty cool find. There was a 65 GS not far from me, it needed a bunch of work but was not rusted out thanks to our east side dry climate. I showed my wife but she was absolutely against it, said I had a big enough mess with my Maverick.

skylark guy

10-13-2017, 06:57 AM

Looks like a great car to start with! Looking forward to this one. A guy down the street has mean looking pro touring 65 also, if I ever see it stopped I get some pictures for you for some inspiration.

Thank you!

Great looking car! Power windows are not a common option, pretty cool find. There was a 65 GS not far from me, it needed a bunch of work but was not rusted out thanks to our east side dry climate. I showed my wife but she was absolutely against it, said I had a big enough mess with my Maverick.

Thank you! The power windows need a little help at the moment but they are there and they work for the most part. One of my first projects will be sorting out window felts, seals, and tracks/motors.

Crazy coincidence but my girlfriend lives in Kennewick! I've spent a lot of time out there but currently live in North Carolina.

1989GTA

10-13-2017, 12:15 PM

Someone made a custom dash for your car. Interesting. I did that with mine. Let me see if I can find a picture of it.

skylark guy

10-14-2017, 08:35 AM

Someone made a custom dash for your car. Interesting. I did that with mine. Let me see if I can find a picture of it.

That looks great! Where are your wiper controls? The guy who made mine reused 2 of the pull/twist knobs that were originally on the car. One is for the headlights and I think the other is for wipers. However, the wipers aren’t working and I’m making sure the knob in there is supposed to be a wiper control.

Artisan Motoworks Club

10-14-2017, 09:03 AM

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/83933-1966-pro-touring-skylark-turbo-Buick-nailhead-build?highlight=turbo+nailhead
here is a link to my 66skylark build. Did The whole Ridetech setup and love it!! Have alot of pictures on the Kore3 swap . Have coilovers on the Nova and shockwaves on my skylark. Look into Fi-Tech for your efi needs. real nice setup.good luck with your build and love your car.

Paul

skylark guy

10-14-2017, 10:11 AM

1989GTA

10-14-2017, 03:01 PM

The wiper switch is the one 2nd from the left. I have since installed a Detroit Speed wiper kit. It has like 8 different speeds. Much, much better than the original that came with the car. I think the main wiper box is out of a Cadillac. The gauge on the far right is an outside air temperature gauge. The sensor is actually installed in my custom made air filter box which is located in the left front fender area. Remember I have a LS3 based 427 motor.

Edit: Right now I am installing a sequential LED tail light set up. The 1157 light bulb sockets that were on the car when I bought were causing me problems. So I decided to go all out. hahaha

RMMiller

10-14-2017, 03:40 PM

Crazy coincidence but my girlfriend lives in Kennewick! I've spent a lot of time out there but currently live in North Carolina.

Small world and getting smaller by the gigabyte!

Sad story to add, when I was in 4th or 5th grade a guy on my dads crew had a 66 two door Skylark and the mighty V6 died. He was kind enough to allow my brother and I to go at it with sledge hammers. I remember the car well, nice body, bucket seat with console....I earned a special place in hell for those actions.

skylark guy

10-16-2017, 04:20 AM

I have since installed a Detroit Speed wiper kit. It has like 8 different speeds. Much, much better than the original that came with the car. I think the main wiper box is out of a Cadillac.

Edit: Right now I am installing a sequential LED tail light set up. The 1157 light bulb sockets that were on the car when I bought were causing me problems. So I decided to go all out. hahaha

Very interesting on the wiper system. I will need to look into that.

Do you have any information available on how you did the sequential tails? I think the Skylark tails or meant to have sequential LEDs haha.

Small world and getting smaller by the gigabyte!

Sad story to add, when I was in 4th or 5th grade a guy on my dads crew had a 66 two door Skylark and the mighty V6 died. He was kind enough to allow my brother and I to go at it with sledge hammers. I remember the car well, nice body, bucket seat with console....I earned a special place in hell for those actions.

haha I'm sure restoring a few old cars will help atone for those sins.

skylark guy

10-18-2017, 09:48 AM

Hey guys. I need some help identifying/sourcing some seals for the Buick.

In the image below I believe the following to be true. Can someone confirm?

A = Window Felt (Example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-Buick-Skylark-2-Door-Hard-Top-W-O-Spec-Molding-Window-Felt-Weatherstrip-Kit-/331198954031?hash=item4d1cfefa2f:g:T3cAAMXQeW5TbMS F&vxp=mtr)
B = Window Felt (Example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-Buick-Skylark-2-Door-Hard-Top-W-O-Spec-Molding-Window-Felt-Weatherstrip-Kit-/331198954031?hash=item4d1cfefa2f:g:T3cAAMXQeW5TbMS F&vxp=mtr)
C = Vertical Window Channel (Example: https://metrommp.com/?f=detail&ModelNumber=VR%202010&VehicleYear=1965&Make=BUICK&Model=SKYLARK)
D = Vent Window Seals (Example: https://metrommp.com/?f=detail&ModelNumber=WR%202013&VehicleYear=1965&Make=BUICK&Model=SKYLARK)

I know I have what is considered a two door hardtop variant of the 1965 Buick Skylark. However, the window felts ask you to specify if you have the "special molding". Do these window felts act as the seal that keeps water out of the doors?

145401

1968CamaroSS_Sam

10-18-2017, 10:24 AM

Pretty awesome looking car to start up with.

skylark guy

10-18-2017, 10:43 AM

Pretty awesome looking car to start up with.

Thank you Sam!

markrieb

10-19-2017, 12:26 PM

1989GTA

10-19-2017, 02:04 PM

Very interesting on the wiper system. I will need to look into that.

Do you have any information available on how you did the sequential tails? I think the Skylark tails or meant to have sequential LEDs haha.

haha I'm sure restoring a few old cars will help atone for those sins.

I agree. I think the 65 Skylark was made for sequential tail lights. The modules I have are not working out. It maybe that the Sylvania Zevo 1157 LED bulbs are drawing too much current and shorted out the module. It just so happens I am going over to the manufacturer tomorrow at 10:00am and go over the problem. We shall see.

skylark guy

10-20-2017, 03:28 AM

I'm in Kennewick also and have a pile of '65 Skylark parts, including a full dash insert (no gauges), trim and bunch of other small parts. PM me if you think I might have something you need.

I've got very similar plans for my '65 Skylark convertible.

Mark
'65 Skylark Convertible

Small world! You may have some things I need. PM coming your way.

I agree. I think the 65 Skylark was made for sequential tail lights. The modules I have are not working out. It maybe that the Sylvania Zevo 1157 LED bulbs are drawing too much current and shorted out the module. It just so happens I am going over to the manufacturer tomorrow at 10:00am and go over the problem. We shall see.

Excellent! I can't wait to see the end product!

1989GTA

10-20-2017, 02:12 PM

No luck on getting the sequential tail lights to work.

skylark guy

10-23-2017, 03:45 AM

No luck on getting the sequential tail lights to work.

Bummer. What are you trying to use to get it done?

1989GTA

10-23-2017, 10:08 AM

There are sequential tail light modules sold by Summit Racing and also places like Speedway. For some reason the sequential part does not work. All three lights flash as once. I have decided to make them myself using 2 on delay relay modules per side. I just order 2 of the modules to play with. If this works like I think it will I will order two more for the other side. The concept is pretty straight forward.

1989GTA

10-23-2017, 11:06 AM

skylark guy

10-25-2017, 05:34 AM

Here is a link to how I think this is going to work. Notice at the very start of the video when the brake lights first come on. Both sides go sequential for one pass and then the lights stay on as long as the brake pedal is depressed. I think my setup will work the same way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=em-upload_owner&v=jcSVxEgv194&app=desktop

I will be looking into doing this soon as well. I'll let you know if I find a solution.

In other news, the small block isn't behaving all that well. I will be seeing someone about a timing issue, possibly a carb tune and valve adjustment too. This car is my current daily driver so I want it running tip top. Once that is sorted out I will be tackling the wheels/tires, wipers, and seals.

skylark guy

10-25-2017, 07:38 AM

The wiper switch is the one 2nd from the left. I have since installed a Detroit Speed wiper kit. It has like 8 different speeds. Much, much better than the original that came with the car. I think the main wiper box is out of a Cadillac.

Which motor style did you pick for your detroit speed wiper kit? I want to order one but am not sure if I should get the box style or can style motor. Or if it matters.

1989GTA

10-25-2017, 09:51 AM

Which motor style did you pick for your detroit speed wiper kit? I want to order one but am not sure if I should get the box style or can style motor. Or if it matters.

I don't think Detroit Speed sells the exact kit that I installed in my car. I believe it is out of like a 1979 Cadillac. I will see if I can find a picture of it.

skylark guy

10-25-2017, 11:18 AM

I don't think Detroit Speed sells the exact kit that I installed in my car. I believe it is out of like a 1979 Cadillac. I will see if I can find a picture of it.

Excellent, that confirms that I want the box style as far as packaging goes. Thank you!

skylark guy

10-26-2017, 10:23 AM

Here is the current working list of things to do. Red is high priority, orange is medium, green is low.

I will be doing all of it but the safety and reliability come first. I am also undecided on an LS swap in the future. That may replace the fuel injection conversion. :headbang:

Corbeau Forza Sport Seats
Corbeau Seat Brackets w/ Double Locking Sliders
OE Wheels 18x9 C7 Z06 Replica Wheels
Tires
Detroit Speed Selecta Wiper System
Detroit Speed Washer Pump Kit
8 Point Roll Bar with low profile door bars
Harnesses
Seals
Tire Stickers Red Line Walls
Engine Fix
Audio Fix
Kore3 Corvette Brake Kit w/ hubs
Fi-Tech Go EFI 4 System
Fi-Tech Fuel Commander System
Heater Control Valve
RideTech CoilOver System
Vintage Air A/C System
Gauges
Random fixes
Body/Paint
Head Unit
Backup Camera

1989GTA

10-26-2017, 12:32 PM

Back to the sequential tail lights for a moment. The two relay modules came in today and I bench tested them to see if this will work. They worked just fine. So now to install them in the car and order two more for the other side. You need two modules per side. Here is a link to the modules I bought. By the way I have Sylvania Zevo 1157 LED tail lights installed.

https://www.amazon.com/GEREE-Delay-Relay-Module-Button/dp/B01DDCLC1W/ref=pd_sim_469_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=35WBJR9PFCFEKV65AHZQ

skylark guy

10-26-2017, 01:05 PM

They worked just fine.

Awesome! How are you planning on hiding the boards?

1989GTA

10-26-2017, 01:55 PM

skylark guy

10-27-2017, 04:35 AM

In my car they will tuck up under the tail light assemblies. Also my car is carpeted in the trunk and there is a board/carpet piece to hide them. Here is a picture to get a better perspective on the size of the relay modules.

haha way smaller than originally percieved!

Could you do me a favor and take some pictures of your window seals/felts? I am trying to get an idea of what it should look like.

1989GTA

10-28-2017, 09:58 AM

haha way smaller than originally percieved!

Could you do me a favor and take some pictures of your window seals/felts? I am trying to get an idea of what it should look like.

Yours will be different than mine as I have a 2 door post car. I can post some up anyways if you want.

skylark guy

11-06-2017, 12:00 PM

It would still be nice to see what healthy window seals look like. Can you get a picture of the window seals with the windows closed at a downward angle?

Project update: I have a wiring issue with the taillights. I'm ordering a new harness for all of the rear lighting and converting to LED bulbs as well. Depending on 1989GTA's results, I may also convert to sequential turn signals.

1989GTA

11-07-2017, 07:54 PM

My window seals are the ones that came with car. I will try and remember to get a picture.

skylark guy

11-08-2017, 11:43 AM

Thank you!

1989GTA

11-09-2017, 11:20 AM

Here are a couple of pictures. Not sure if they will do you any good.

145950145951

1989GTA

11-09-2017, 12:24 PM

Success on the sequential tail lights. The key is the Scott Drake LED flasher STL-EVF-13350. So with the 4 boards mention above and this flasher the total price is under $60.

1989GTA

11-09-2017, 05:59 PM

Okay, here is a link to the video of my sequential LED tail lights on my 1965 Buick Skylark. The 2nd half is with the brakes on along with the turn signals. This is my very first YouTube video. Hehehehe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdIpJqGInew

skylark guy

11-22-2017, 06:27 AM

Thank you for the pictures and the video!

That looks awesome! How are they wired up? Do you have pictures of the modified harness?

Are you using a load resistor for the LED conversion?

1989GTA

11-22-2017, 10:19 AM

Load resisters are not need with the LED's and the Scott Drake flasher. Basically you are only rewiring the center and outer lights stop lights. The running lights stay the same. Now the inner lights need a new 1157 socket with two wires because you need to add the stop light to the inner lights. On our cars the stop lights are only wired to the inner and outer lights. Here is a picture of the drivers side board in my car. This would be slightly different than what you need because mine was redone by the previous owner.

The left connector is the inner tail light, the 2nd from left connector is the center tail light and the 3rd from left tail light goes to the outer tail light. The far right connector ties into the harness. I used Molex connectors as that is what I hand on hand.

1989GTA

11-22-2017, 10:24 AM

Here is a link to the write up I did on another forum. Scroll down to post 686.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/1574678-my-1965-buick-skylark-l92-6l80-swap-35.html

tim222

12-18-2017, 10:58 AM

I love the Sequential Tail Lights, I may need to install the 1965 tail lights so I can do this!

skylark guy

01-23-2018, 01:38 PM

A couple of updates.

1. I have the LED bulbs and new rear exterior lighting harness
2. I have a leak somewhere behind the dash that is dripping into the driver side footwell
3. Picked up a Mercedes to daily drive so the Skylark can go full project

I will be restoring the taillights and doing the sequential mod as my next project. I'll post up my progress. The restoration should include the following.

Wetsand and polish the lenses
Polish the chrome
Repaint the black portions
New gaskets
LEDs
New lighting harness w/ sequential modification

64G-lark

02-15-2018, 05:33 PM

Just saw your thread. Nice to see more Buick’s joining the sight.

skylark guy

02-19-2018, 10:37 AM

Just saw your thread. Nice to see more Buick’s joining the sight.

If only we were all in the same state!

So I've been trying to research my car's origins. Maybe someone with experience in Buick data plates can help.

I've found the following so far.

VIN = 444375Z115696
Model: 1965 Buick Skylark Sport Coupe V8, Two door hardtop (444375)
Build Location: Fremont, CA (Z)
Build Date: March 1965 (Week 1) (3A)
Paint: Arctic White with Regal Black Wheels (CCA)
Interior: Ivory Vinyl with bucket seats (154)
Options: Two custom front seat belts with retractors (A49)

Here is the data plate.

149464

skylark guy

05-24-2018, 12:04 PM

Hello again!

I figured I should update this thread with the near term plans on the Skylark since small things are starting to move along.

The project is at a bit of a stand still because my plans are extreme to say the least. However, I will be doing some small things in the coming months to push it all along and not get too bored. First big update is that the Skylark is now garage stored! No more Seattle rain and car covers! The second update is that I just closed the sale on my motorcycle, opening up some cash in the process. I'll be ordering some parts and wheels with some of that money. Below is a list of small, near term parts and projects planned for the Buick.

American Racing Wheels 17x9 (VN50179034700)
275/40/17 Summer Performance Tires (All Four Corners)
Replica Front Turn Signal Lenses
Replica Back Up Light Lenses
LED Brake Lights
LED Turn Signals (Front and Back)
Blasting and Powdercoating Several Brackets and Assemblies
Repainting the Hood and Trunk
Refinishing the Brake Light Assemblies
Major Detail
Lots of sound deadening

There is more but I will save the details for when it gets done. I'm excited to start refinishing the entire car bolt for bolt. I've come to the decision that anything I touch will be cleaned, coated, or replaced as I touch it. That includes a lot of powdercoating and stainless hardware. Also, I have a new design in the works that I think will be quite the hit among the round headlight community.