First build - 1970 Buick Skylark

[PTbuick]

Hi all. I’ve been lurking on this board for a few years, but finally started my first pro touring build after wanting to do one for 6-7 years. I’m a 24 year old Buick enthusiast. My other cars are a ‘70 GS, ‘87 GN, and ‘70 Dodge Charger factory 6 pack car.

This build is a 1970 Skylark that will be a stage 2 GS clone. The purpose of this car will be something I can enjoy cruising 2 hours to the track, run it all day, and then drive it 2 hours home. I worked with Matt @ MCB to spec the suspension and brakes. The first step is getting the car to the track spring/summer ‘19. This includes stock interior and stock ‘73 Buick 455. It will also have a 2.56 posi rear. Those upgrades will happen way down the road.

Suspension: Ridetech Stage II coilover Kit
Brakes: Baer 4 piston setup - 13” front , 12” rear
Wheels: Forgestar F14 - BFG Rivals 275/35/18 Front
315/35/18 Rear

Some pics of the progress so far. I’ve had the car since March, I started doing the suspension in August.

Louie

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[67GTO4SPD]

Awesome build! I've always loved those cars. I had a '70 2 door Skylark 350 2 bbl car many years ago.

[PTbuick]

158788158789Thanks! I love your build as well.

Found a crusty 2.56 posi rear local. It’s a 71 BOP 8.5 rear which I planned on using. It will be temporary until I can afford to build a 3.73 setup w/ an overdrive trans. I did a quick clean up and sprayed it black. You get an idea of how pitted it was looking at the rear cover. Also laid my rear Baer setup out. I need to get new bearings pressed on the axles and longer wheel studs, so this should all get done in a couple of weeks.

For now, I’ll focus on buttoning up the front end. I still need to plumb the new brake lines / hoses, and get a stripped bolt figured out on the sway bar. The front hubs will also need new studs pressed in.

[64G-lark]

Nice build. Love the Buick’s.

[ed1le]

That Skylark looks like it's in excellent condition making it a great foundation for your build. I look forward to updates along the way. I have a '70 Skylark convertible in storage right now and am hoping to have it out and back in my garage by this next summer. Maybe your build will provide me with some additional motivation! LOL

[Josh@Ridetech]

Car looks great man, one of my favorite ones!

[PTbuick]

Thanks for the kind replies. It’s been a fun project so far. I can’t wait to get it back on the ground and get an idea of initial stance.

[PTbuick]

The rear is back together and ready for installation. I couldn’t be more impressed with the Ridetech and Baer components. The quality is outstanding. New bearings were installed on the axles. I also had longer studs pressed in. The only real issue I ran into was getting the old air shock stud mounts broken free. A little heat and anchoring from the 350 did the trick..

I’ll install the rear on Thursday and get it back on the ground to get an idea of ride height Friday. This has been the most fun I’ve had doing a project car so far, I can’t wait to get it back on the road.
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[csouth]

Nice start... Can't wait to see what it looks like on the ground.

[Darron72Skylark]

Wow, the car looks fantastic already! Love what you are doing to it! Here's to Buick Power!

[PTbuick]

Thanks Chris and good to see another Buick guy, Darron. I saw your post on v8buick- beautiful car!

That rear end installation was one of the easiest I’ve done. Ridetech’s rear coilover kit is outstanding to work with. I need to adjust the coil overs to get the ride height dialed in at some point.

Plumbing the brake lines are next. Then I will move onto the engine. This project is called “Stage2R” an ode to Buick’ stage 2 race program in 1970. It will be a combination or modern performance, driveability, and handling with a look/personality of day-two modifications.

If it stops raining over the next couple of days, I’ll push it outside for a few pictures.159408159409159410159411159412159413

[PTbuick]

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[csouth]

Very nice!... You look ready for action...

[PTbuick]

I wish!

My goal is to get everything done by spring. We’ll see..

[1100kaw]

Nice Build. Love that color. I think its the same I chose for my Vega. GM code KK? is that original for that car?

[PTbuick]

Nice Build. Love that color. I think its the same I chose for my Vega. GM code KK? is that original for that car?

Hi Darrell,

Thanks! It’s code 34 for Buick, Aquamist. The original color was burgundy mist. It looks very similar to your Vega. The best part about the color is how it changes in different light. Nice car!

[PTbuick]

It’s been a while since I’ve posted. Happy spring!

Brake lines are done. Working to get the Baer calipers spaces correctly over the rotors. Switched gears to the 455 installation:

73 455 bored .30, decked and balanced. Crank had .010 ground. ‘70 455 iron heads, Edelbrock B4B, 800 CFM q-jet. I just needed something mild to get me through the year before I drop money into a real build.

Some pics:
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