Quick, Cheap, Skylark for Xmas???

[74PanteraGTS]

Long time lurker, rare poster saying hello,
My significant other has a father who isn't in the best of health, diabetes and a long history of issues. Not sure how long he will be with us. He is a fantastic guy that took us in when we needed it and times were tougher. When her parents come to visit, he always asks to take a trip to our local muscle car dealership which I happily oblige. He keeps talking about wanting a muscle car. Nothing really special needed, he just wants it to be comfortable, and to quote "Go Vrooom when he hits the gas pedal!" No need for the latest and greatest here, just something for him to buzz around in on Sunday afternoons with his wife. I'd like to make this happen for him and to see the old man smile before he passes. I came across a 71 Skylark, automatic, 350, that looks like it may fit the bill. The guy is asking 1 grand and a case of MGD. Says it runs and drives, the interior is trash as is the suspension, wheels and craptastic tires. He send me a ton of pics and while the driver's side fender looks to be a bit out of alignment, it doesn't look too bad. He said that there was possibly a driver's side "tap" in the car's history. Not sure what a replacement frame would run if needed? Has bench seats which are perfect for her dad. Not looking for anything to lower the car at all as he has trouble getting in and out of low cars and won't even think about getting into my Pantera. The car is a cream color with a black vinyl top and a tan interior. I'm thinking a quickie clean up paint job at the local Maaco, adding some GSX stripes and spoiler just because I think those cars have always looked good. Some cheapo rims and tires that don't look terrible and a front disc brake conversion, and maybe an interior kit from a vendor. Here is where you guys come in. I am into Panteras and other exotic type cars far more than a GM A body and need some ideas as to how to make this happen for him, possibly by Xmas/New Years if I can get it done. Need cheap ideas for sourcing disc brakes, wheels, tires, interior, etc and am open to any suggestions that you guys may have. Obviously VERY open to used/Ebay parts, I am talking about a 5 grand total budget including the purchase price. I am also open to ANY other suggestions for cars, projects, etc. I am located in San Diego. Thanks in advance for all the responses.

Terry

[rfalker1]

Well... its according to exactly what you mean by cheap and what exactly are you trying to accomplish with this car. I know a lot of us are attempting to get rid of parts and stuff from builds and pieces. So I say u find a lot of used studd on here that could work..
I mean personally,
I have used 19" racing wheels with frsh rubber I am getting rid of
plus a 350 tranny, stock control arms and a whole disc brake kit.

So i guess its just a matter of what u want, and what u need to be exact. I propose getting a list of what u need and what you want. then go from there. with that u might be able to find what u can get in your budget!!

Visit the for sale section!!!! and good luck, and I wish the best for him as well.

[74PanteraGTS]

OK, fair enough. I have been looking around and CPP has some tall spindles with Corvette sealed bearings and C5 brake components for 649.00. Ebay upper and lower control arms by Racersauctions out of Iowa for 299.99 (anyone heard of them or have reservations about control arms from Ebay?) What springs front and rear to use, not looking for a drop in ride height, just maybe a better spring rate? What OEM type wheels will fit on an A body? Looking at possibly some Corvette or Camaro wheels, or anything used. My budget for used wheels and tires 17"+ is going to be around 1300.00. I am also looking at an interior kit from OPGI for about 1600. The engine and trans on the car seem fine, the seller just sent me a video. Since the body looks straight and rust-free, a quick scuff and shoot paint job should be fine. As far as goals for the car, just something comfy that he can buzz around in. The car will eventually be willed back to me, so any upgrades I'd like to gear a bit toward a pro-touring type car, 99% street, maybe some light autocross, but since I have my Pantera, I doubt it will see much action. BTW Randal F, PM me with prices and pics of your wheels and brakes please. I spent some time in the for sale section, lots of great parts there, but looks like a lot for Fbody cars.
Thanks again in advance. If this project moves forward, I'll keep everyone posted on the progress as it should go quickly.

Terry

[ProTourGSX]

Welcome to the board, Terry! I've owned 15 Skylark/GS's (currently own 4), would like to try to help you with as much info as I can.
Tamraz auto parts has a 1 piece GSX spoiler, like the original, for around $240.
GSX stripes, I may have the original technical GM drawings for the measurements; otherwise a 3M stencil is around $250.
'82-'92 Camaro/Firebird wheels will fit on Skylark/GS; '93-current do NOT fit (I currently have a set of '97 17" Camaro mags that I tried to fit on my GS, now I have no use for them, since the bolt pattern isn't even close.)
A replacement frame, if you can find one, runs around $800 (bare, original/pre-blasted & unpainted). I'd think the frame should be good enough to use, as is, and wouldn't worry too much about it, otherwise.
I just upgraded my '70 GS to full UMI Performance suspension (all bolt-on improvements); tubular upper & lower A-arms, front & rear sway bars, non-adjustable rear upper and lower control arms with roto joints (to prevent suspension binding), support rods, tie rod sleeves, using Hotchkis 1" lowering springs (although 2" & 3" are also available, as well). Factory replacement springs (I recommend MOOG brand parts for springs & steering components) are still available at your local auto parts store, just specify '71 Skylark/350!
Brakes, keeping original AC Delco spindles/rotors/calipers, just rebuilding & replacing necessary parts (if the brakes could stop a 455 in '70, it should still stop the car 40 years later, too, with newer parts, and cheaper than disc brake conversion kits).
I'd recommend an interior from PUI interiors (search for instructional videos on YouTube, as OPGI is only a warehouse that buys the upholstery from PUI or other upholstery manufacturers, anyway!
For now, if you can get by with tuning up the Buick 350 engine, you may be pleasantly surprised at the power you may be able to get out of it, as it is, before considering an alternative powerplant that may be much more costly, as well as time consuming, especially if you're on a time crunch, already.

Your plan is not unreasonable, and sounds very doable, as I've done more than a few of these, the same way.
Good Luck, let me know what else you have in mind!
Scott

BTW, I also admire Panteras & exotics!

[BMR Sales]

My significant other has a father who isn't in the best of health

Not sure how long he will be with us.

He keeps talking about wanting a muscle car.

No need for the latest and greatest here, just something for him to buzz around in on Sunday afternoons with his wife.

I came across a 71 Skylark, automatic, 350, asking 1 grand and a case of MGD. Says it runs and drives, the interior is trash as is the suspension, wheels and craptastic tires.

I'm thinking a quickie clean up paint job at the local Maaco, adding some GSX stripes and spoiler just because I think those cars have always looked good.

Some cheapo rims and tires that don't look terrible and a front disc brake conversion, and maybe an interior kit from a vendor. Here is where you guys come in.

Need cheap ideas for sourcing disc brakes, wheels, tires, interior, etc

I am talking about a 5 grand total budget including the purchase price.


Terry

Great story Terry, I admire you for taking on this project for someone who sounds like a great man! I'd give anything to do something like this for my Father or Stepfather who have both passed.

Now on with the project; I tried to summarized your original post a bit hope you don't mind. With a total $5,000 budget I don't know if I would be worrying about tall spindles, tubular a-arms, or big brake kits. As far as the suspension goes for the budget you have ($5K TOTAL) I would advise putting a set of 1" lowering springs on it with a set of Billsteins($530) and possibly front & rear sway bars (which is our level 1 kit @ $829). In my opinion $829 for a Level 1 kit is more than I would set aside upfront for suspension with your total budget. Remember that you will most certainly sink alot of cash in interior/paint/drivetrain as the car comes together. It is better to prioritize what your end results are and give yourself extra $$$ and if you come in under budget add the sway bars last.

A decent driver can be made on a $5K budget, but only if you can put sweat equity into the project. I wish you all the luck with such a great notion of kindness!

[shep]

Have you seen the car in person is it local too you? Inspect the vinyl top really well especially around the rear window. Also check out the trunk and floor pans. The rest of the can can be pristine and the trunk be totally gone. If it isn't local maybe it is to somebody here that could go look at it for you.