Skylark from Belgium

[Pro-Buick]

Hello,
I have a 72 Buick Skylark Coupe, i bought it 6 years ago in CA, i was looking for a 69 Camaro but i didn't find a car in my price, so i went for a Chevelle or a Skylark. And it's how i found this car with no rust, some small dents, paint differences but in good running order.
The car had early 90's alloy wheels that i replaced by Cragar Street Star.
BUT now, it's time for a serious improving job....
The frame will be sandblasted and powdercoated in satin black, all the rubbers will be replaced by urethane bushings(supension and body). I though about fitting tubulars arms but as i don't need a race car, i wil leave the stock ones.
I have an Eaton LSD to fit into the rear axle (2.73), front and rear Hotchkiss sway-bars, a TCI pan for the TH-350. (some will say it is not the ideal gearbox and axle but i can still improve further if needed....US parts are not cheap around here, so i have to make some choices).
Concerning the braking, i ordered BAER zinc washer/cross drilled Track for the front and Touring for the rear. I have Eibach springs with KYB shocks.
The wheels are also ordered (still waiting) American Racing polished/painted Salt Flat in 8x17 and 9,5x17.
The engine will be left stock for instance, i will clean it, repair the oil leaks!!, and paint it black and grey. Black valve cover and Black Moroso air filter. The firewall will be smoothed, no more A/C with an American Graffiti delete system, painted body color as well as the inner arches (Burnished Copper) and the underside of the body.
The simple exhaust will be replaced by a Flowmaster dual Super 40 mufflers.
In the interior i'm replacing the slipperry bench seat by 2 Recaros, they will be recovered in the same vinyl as the original seats, as the rear seat. I have a B&M Pro-Stick shifter, an Autometer Sport Comp monster tach in the dashboard with a shift light, 3 Sport Comp gauges (oil and water temperature and oil pressure) under dash.
I d like to have a center console with 2 cup holders, but i still haven't find a nice one...
Well, i hope to have all the parts for the end of the year and to do the frame job during this winter. And if funds allow it, i will have the rest of the body repainted.
I hope that this will please you, if you have any advices or comment to help me, don't hesitate...
David

[derekf]

Welcome aboard, David.

[rickk]

welcome david . you need to talk to wick .

rickk:)

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Welcome to the site, David.

[wantahertzdonut]

Wow, that's a great car to start with and looks like you have a lot of good ideas for it. One thing though, DO NOT DITCH THE BUICK ENGINE!!! They're a tad more spendy for parts but they're very light compared to other GM smallblocks (I'm assuming you have a 350). If you want some go fast goodies, check out www.taperformance.com. Also www.v8buick.com will be a good resource for help.

Good luck and welcome to the site!

[slowcamaro]

Ive always wanted a 70-72 skylark/gs..just a tad different than youre everyday chevelle

[Pro-Buick]

Hello guys,

Thanks for your comments, tonight i'm very excited because tomorrow i will receive some parts from California: especially the wheels "American Racing Salt Flat"..., aluminium radiator with dual fans, headers, ...
I will post pics asap...

Wantahertzdonut: thanks, i will ask a buick engine specialist what he can do for me!!! (In fact id like to have a centrifugal blower like the one from XS Performance...)

Why was my "post wheel" burning before i post this thread??????:dunno:

[Pro-Buick]

Bad news:
My Baer discs have decided to take some holidays on the West coast, as they have missed the container, they will have to wait for the next one in January. during that time they will enjoy the sunny days and visit some nice places....:)

Good news:
i have received my wheels... 8x17 and 9,5x17 American Racing Salt Flat, i'm now searching for tires, i have found some Michelin Sport Pilot 2 in 235/45/17 and 275/40/17 at 800$, but first i will fit cheaper tires to feel and try the handling without any reserves so the Hankook will do it at 360$....
Here is also my TA Performance radiator (in fact a Ron Davis).
I also have the black ACC carpet.
In project:
a friend of mine has a 380hp 350ci in his 72 Skylark, he sells it to make a big block...i will probably bought it and change the cam to suit my gear axle ratio... i can have it for 1600$ with headers and carburator on TA Performance intake.
I will only start the rebuild of the car at the end of the year, i prefer to have the brakes before starting the mods and fittings....
See you soon.................
David

[Johnny Blaze]

Sounds awsome! Love your choices, great rims, can't wait to see it done!

[Torbjorn]

Definetly agree with your rim choise. Represent a different style!

Torbjorn

[streetrod77]

I agree also with the rims. Looks like yourstarting with a nice body too.

[Pro-Buick]

Hello,
I have some new pics; the 350ci that will go into the car, it's not a new one but it is in very nice condition, i will paint it in silver with satin black head covers and air filter, with ceramic coated headers.
The wheels are on it as well as the Eibach springs and hotchkiss sway bar... Look how much the frame has to receive some cosmetic!! Fortunately there is no real rust on it...
I can't make an "outside and sunny" pic for now, as i have another car in front of the Buick waiting to get repaired:dunno: , so asap i will start it an make somme nice pics...
Next step is to go to the bodyshop do show the car and agree on a price!!!. I will start the full resto at the end of january, for now, i have no place in my shop so i must do everything at home without any facilities...
I have made the frames to fit the Recaros, i'm now thinking to design a console between the 2 seats, with a storage box, 2 cup holders and a place to hold the B&M shifter. I looked on e-bay but still haven't find one, so i will have to build it myself.
Thanks for your comments, good to have you oversea as here we are very few and it's not a real support!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/)

[Pro-Buick]

Hello,
I finally managed to get the Buick out of the garage...
I road tested the suspension and wheels, everything seems to work fine, except the brakes!! can't wait to receive the Baer (in 2 weeks)!!
Next step: full restauration, body off and so on...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/)


I hope you like it as much as i do?:woot:
I was wondering if the rear is not a little bit too high??
David

[slowcamaro]

I agree the rear should come down a hair...but not too much at all.

[Bob Johnson]

Hello,
I have a 72 Buick Skylark Coupe, i bought it 6 years ago in CA, i was looking for a 69 Camaro but i didn't find a car in my price, so i went for a Chevelle or a Skylark. And it's how i found this car with no rust, some small dents, paint differences but in good running order.
The car had early 90's alloy wheels that i replaced by Cragar Street Star.
BUT now, it's time for a serious improving job....
The frame will be sandblasted and powdercoated in satin black, all the rubbers will be replaced by urethane bushings(supension and body). I though about fitting tubulars arms but as i don't need a race car, i wil leave the stock ones.
I have an Eaton LSD to fit into the rear axle (2.73), front and rear Hotchkiss sway-bars, a TCI pan for the TH-350. (some will say it is not the ideal gearbox and axle but i can still improve further if needed....US parts are not cheap around here, so i have to make some choices).
Concerning the braking, i ordered BAER zinc washer/cross drilled Track for the front and Touring for the rear. I have Eibach springs with KYB shocks.
The wheels are also ordered (still waiting) American Racing polished/painted Salt Flat in 8x17 and 9,5x17.
The engine will be left stock for instance, i will clean it, repair the oil leaks!!, and paint it black and grey. Black valve cover and Black Moroso air filter. The firewall will be smoothed, no more A/C with an American Graffiti delete system, painted body color as well as the inner arches (Burnished Copper) and the underside of the body.
The simple exhaust will be replaced by a Flowmaster dual Super 40 mufflers.
In the interior i'm replacing the slipperry bench seat by 2 Recaros, they will be recovered in the same vinyl as the original seats, as the rear seat. I have a B&M Pro-Stick shifter, an Autometer Sport Comp monster tach in the dashboard with a shift light, 3 Sport Comp gauges (oil and water temperature and oil pressure) under dash.
I d like to have a center console with 2 cup holders, but i still haven't find a nice one...
Well, i hope to have all the parts for the end of the year and to do the frame job during this winter. And if funds allow it, i will have the rest of the body repainted.
I hope that this will please you, if you have any advices or comment to help me, don't hesitate...
David
a good looking console with cup holders..try looking for chicken teeth..at least there's a rumor of them existing...

[Ralph LoGrasso]

I hope you like it as much as i do?:woot:
I was wondering if the rear is not a little bit too high??
David

I think the stance is spot on; it looks great.

[Bob Johnson]

I think the stance is spot on; it looks great.
I think it needs to come down in front and more in the back.. so see, it's personal preference..do what suits you..."in the weeds" is where it's at for me..low as you can get it and still be driveable

[Ralph LoGrasso]

back.. so see, it's personal preference..do what suits you..

Exactly. Personal preference is what it's all about with these cars. That car is sitting nice and low for me, but some guys aren't happy unless the bottom of their rockers are stripped of paint by the time they've driven around the block. If ya think it needs to be lowered, lower it; if not, keep it as is. To each his own, it makes the world go round.

[Tom K]

Nice choice of car. I had a 70 a few years back that was going to get 'the treatment'. Same color as yours and even from Cali. Sold it to buy an 87 Turbo Regal. Foolish me, it was a pile. 70 went to a good home though.
As for the stance, a slightly taller taller tire or a slight drop would look good. The rake is spot on. If only the front tires could be centered more in the wheelwell...

[rickk]

looks good .
rick k

[Bob Johnson]

send us some chocolate for all this fricken advice

[Pro-Buick]

"Hello Pro-Buick it appears that you have not posted on our forums in several weeks, why not take a few moments to ask a question, help provide a solution or just engage in a conversation with another member in any one of our forums? "

Was noticed at the top of the screen, so i take a moment to say hello...i was busy with my shop (that i have now stopped) but now i have more time for my hobby and my family.
The parts to modify the Buick are coming slowly, i prefer to take time to choose the right part before ordering oversea...
For example i had bought Baer brakes but i can't buy AFX spindles because they won't match the calipers and discs...:crying:

I have bought a rechromed bumper (from Bumperboys), in UK on e-bay...but i missed a rear one in CA :scared:
Tomorrow i will have my front tubular arms from CPP. (they come in a container to lower shipping and taxes costs, so there is a 1-2 month delivery time...)
Next parts will be:
-steering box short ratio
-baer tracker rods
-rear boxed arms
-transpack or other kit for the gearbox (do you have something to recommend for street use?) th-350 auto.
-package tray
-dynamat



I hesitate to buy a chevy oil pan with extra contenance and inside traps to avoid oiling problems when corenering, to cut the bottom and weld it back to the original Buick oil pan. Could be better than nothing?!
also perhaps a front dam air spoiler??
i m searching for a front hood chrome trim in good condition (mine is broken), a GS grille, clamps to hang the dual exhaust, ....

I continue to read threads everyway to gain infos and ideas, but mostly to see your very nice cars....:yeah:

David

[wantahertzdonut]

You'd have to do some investigating on the oil pan. Virtually nothing is interchangable between Buick and Chevy engines so making one match up might be tough. Perhaps it would be better to just take the baffeling out of the hevy pan and weld it to the inside of the Buick pan? Sounds like a question you could get answered on V8Buick.com.

Sounds like the rest of the plan will make a screamer of a car, keep us posted!

[Pro-Buick]

it's a pan similar to this one (used for circle track?) i plan to use but i don't know if it is appropriated for road racing? are the baffles only one way cornering?? i still can inverse them if so!....
not easy to decide without seeing the part in hands....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2DG3507X&N=700+400304+115&autoview=sku

[Pro-Buick]

I just picked my front CPP tubular arms, ordered black by the way (not by CPP) it seems they are grey? no?:pat:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

i will have to paint them satin black.....

[Pro-Buick]

The front bumper bought on ebay.UK
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

The rear bought on ebay.com
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

A GS grill bought on ebay.com an an old one found in a scrapeyard here in Belgium, the car (an ordinary Skylark) was equipped with a GS grill and hood and was too far gone for any restoration!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


A quick ratio AGR powered steering box

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Edelbrock upper and lower arms and tubular brace

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


Edelbrock fuel/air ratio

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


A gearbox radiator

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Pro-Buick]

But the cherry on the cake will be the XS-Performance supercharger.
It is under construction and i should receive it asap...
The kit contains:
1BA100-15H P-1SC Supercharger System
3FASS-00X Pro Flo Bypass Valve Kit
FV004A-7 Holley Carburetor Modification Kit
FP001l-6 Aeromotive A1000 Fuel Pump
FPV001lBST Aeromotive Boost Sensitive Regulator
3" Intercooler 24" x 12" x 3" Intercooler
ME001G-0016 oz. SC Oil Pack (3 bottles)

Here is the intercooler (or will be in this style)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

the system in a Chevelle...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I will post pictures as soon as i will receive it.

I also have on command:
-a fuel pressure gauge
-a boost gauge
-an A-pillar pod (for the 2 gauges )
-an Automotive fuel filter
-Holley 650cfm carburetor model 4150

I have started to remove the old front suspension, to clean parts and fit the tubular arms and Baer discs.
Next step is to remove the rear end to install the detroit locker, the Baer discs and the upper and lower arms...
I prefer to build the car first and restore it later, so i can modify or trial fit every parts...

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

thats a lot of parts!

gonna be a nice buick!.. good to see more of those in here.

[larknut]

Damnit now I'm having sellers remorse. I just sold my '72 Skylark 2 days ago.

I too was looking into the XS-Performance kit or the Burton Machine twin turbo kit for mine. Can't wait to see it come together.

[Pro-Buick]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

out the drums and stock arms...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

a little bit of cleaning ...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

The CPP tubular arms are in place with the EIBACH springs.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

The BAER Track front discs brakes.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Next step is to fit the rear discs and the Eaton differential....


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Cleaning of the engine place...

[wantahertzdonut]

Looks good! I just did the same (sort of) suspension swap on my Mustang with tubular control arms, you'll love the difference.

[Code Red]

looking good

[Pro-Buick]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

The front of the car is on the left side of the picture....
Has the axle between the upper and lower ball joints the right angle ? For me, the upper ball is too far on the front of the car....
Will the caster be good?
The tubular arms are from CPP....

[Pro-Buick]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/URL][/IMG]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/URL][/IMG]

I still have to order the carburetor, some AN fittings, boost vacuum and fuel pressure gauges, and some other little parts...:drive1:

[Martin71RS]

Very nice David!!!

[SUPERSTITIOUS]

I particularly like the stance with a slight rake forward, but thats your decision. The wheels look cool!

[rickk]

looks good.:twothumbs :twothumbs :twothumbs
rick k

[BaddestBuick]

Looking good...Did you get aall the suspension parts in? any recent pics??

[chaz75]

i like it, i was thinking of going with those wheels on my 71 skylark but i couldnt decide, looks great. chaz

[ed1le]

Loving the buicks on here!:twothumbs

[icebird84]

very nice Skylark

[1971CHEVELLE]

very nice:1st:

[Roadbuster]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

The front of the car is on the left side of the picture....
Has the axle between the upper and lower ball joints the right angle ? For me, the upper ball is too far on the front of the car....
Will the caster be good?
The tubular arms are from CPP....

I think you are right. That is negative caster shown and you need positive castor. My guess is that the upper arms are swapped right for left. Either that or you have a lot of shims in those upper arms!

Here is a magazine article about that suspension system: link (http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tech/0705phr_front_end_rebuild/index.html)

Good looking project! I like the wheels and stance!

Jon

[55chevyman]

I just put a set of cpp a-arms on my 55 chevy. I love them! I agree with roadbuster, i to am thinking that your uppers are swapped right for left. Not positive though

[Pro-Buick]

so watch the oil mess from a damaged seal...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
my Buick is originally from California, so a no-rust car , but a little ride on our fuc--- salty road can make some damages. Fortunatly only surface rust.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
i had to make some cleaning, i used brake cleaner to remove all the oil:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
the new parts are ready to be fitted,
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
the rear arms are ready to be bolted to the rear axle, i used some rust paint to have a nice working place...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[windsor]

hey man, nice car and work! I lived in Belgium about 10 years ago in Evere, close to NATO, and still go back a few times a year.

Keep us updated and look forward to following the build.

[CruizinKev]

nice skylark! :twothumbs

[tyoneal]

"Hello Pro-Buick it appears that you have not posted on our forums in several weeks, why not take a few moments to ask a question, help provide a solution or just engage in a conversation with another member in any one of our forums? "

Was noticed at the top of the screen, so i take a moment to say hello...i was busy with my shop (that i have now stopped) but now i have more time for my hobby and my family.
The parts to modify the Buick are coming slowly, i prefer to take time to choose the right part before ordering oversea...
For example i had bought Baer brakes but i can't buy AFX spindles because they won't match the calipers and discs...:crying:

I have bought a rechromed bumper (from Bumperboys), in UK on e-bay...but i missed a rear one in CA :scared:
Tomorrow i will have my front tubular arms from CPP. (they come in a container to lower shipping and taxes costs, so there is a 1-2 month delivery time...)
Next parts will be:
-steering box short ratio
-baer tracker rods
-rear boxed arms
-transpack or other kit for the gearbox (do you have something to recommend for street use?) th-350 auto.
-package tray
-dynamat



I hesitate to buy a chevy oil pan with extra contenance and inside traps to avoid oiling problems when corenering, to cut the bottom and weld it back to the original Buick oil pan. Could be better than nothing?!
also perhaps a front dam air spoiler??
i m searching for a front hood chrome trim in good condition (mine is broken), a GS grille, clamps to hang the dual exhaust, ....

I continue to read threads everyway to gain infos and ideas, but mostly to see your very nice cars....:yeah:

David
=================================
David:

You may already have this solved, but having parts that don't fit is a real bumme. This board is full of really knowledgeable people.

As you move through your build, you might want to ask (or Post) the parts you are wanting to buy for your car.

Ask the people here what parts will work together with other parts. As you have seen some parts won't fit with others.

Just verify everything before you buy something so it doesn't cause you problems overseas.

I think this would save you a lot of time and effort in your build.

Good Luck,

Ty O'Neal

[Pro-Buick]

Thanks Ty,
for sure, i always try to search on forums for the best infos and use people experience. It would be difficult for me to resale a wrong part as we are not so numerous here to play the Pro-Touring way...
I ll try to keep you updated as often as possible...
David

[EFI69Cam]

the leaks are designed in at the factory to prevent rust. My 69 camaro had both leaks on the trans output and the pinion due to a out of balance drive shaft. Under the gunk was the nicest set of floors I'd seen.

[Pro-Buick]

i just found anothet (big) toy to play with, while the Buick is undergoing work.
This one also needs some work must it's mostly a new paint...
It's a 71 El Camino, a CA car imported in Belgium in 2002, it had been driven for 2 years and then stayed still until this year when i bought it.....

The day of purchase:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

waouw look at the wheels!!!:1st:



a little bit of mecanic (new lowering coils, dropped spindles, arms bushings,...) some maintenance and nice wheels OZ 8.5x18" and 10x18".

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

the color is originally light green but i will repaint it white, with the matt black wheels it will look great. It also needs to get 1" lower at the front .

[CruizinKev]

very nice find! looks great with the OZ wheels! :twothumbs

[windsor]

hey, I'm coming to Belgium on the 12th, maybe I'll bump into ya ;)

[Pro-Buick]

the rusted rear window is repaired;
before;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
left side
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
right side
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
lower side
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

now
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

The right rear lower panel
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

On his wheels
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[ed1le]

Love those wheels! May have to look into them for my 'lark! What are they?

[Pro-Buick]

Love those wheels! May have to look into them for my 'lark! What are they?


the wheels are OZ but i don't know the model !

size is 8.5x18" and 10x18" with 235/40/18 and 285/40/18.

[Bad Bird]

Hi from Australia!

Great looking cars you have there and I enjoy your progress updates. I like seeing the lesser-known cars undergo Pro-Touring treatment.

[Pro-Buick]

Hi from Australia!

Great looking cars you have there and I enjoy your progress updates. I like seeing the lesser-known cars undergo Pro-Touring treatment.

Thanks Matt,

as soon as the Elky is painted, i will return to work on the Buick...i have to sandblast the rear axle before fitting the new EATON differential and all the bearings.