1967 Skylark Project

[xs650shawn]

Figured I might as well start a build thread. Don't expect rapid updates, as this project will be slow in progress, time and budget permitting. Starting with a rough but near complete 1967 Skylark coupe. Always felt Buicks were a step above Chevys, and Skylarks had a bit more class than Chevelles, which look more sporty. Initially I was confused about the direction I wanted to build this, as I was torn between a "custom" and pro-touring influenced build. I love both styles; by custom I mean layed out cruiser, but I like the idea of modern handling that pro-touring brings. Everything I thought of had a bit of an identity crisis. Think I might call it that. I was watching "Fast and Loud" the other day, the episode with the 1965 Thunderbird, when inspiration struck. I am not a fan of T-Birds, but I thought that triple black with black wheels just looked awesome. So, here's my idea for my build. Black or dark green or gunmetal paint, keeping the factory vinyl top (for class, it is a Buick!) 17-18" black steel smoothie wheels, Ride-Tech air ride all around, full disc brakes, black interior. Drivetrain will consist of factory 340 V-8 (unless I can come up with a 300 or 455 Buick) with either single or dual turbos, and upgrading the ST300 2-speed to either a TH350 or 200-R4. I intend on driving the car more than any autocross, so it needs to stay streetable. Probably not going to do anything like 'vette brakes, just a disc upgrade. Want car to be more of a canyon carver than autocrosser. Haven't completed much yet, other than stripping out the interior, which led me to find that my left rear lower control arm mount is bent up, will probably have to take it to a body shop for some frame rack time, but doesnt look real bad. Bought new trunk floors and rear filler panel, which I have yet to put in. I have also started fixing some of the dents, which were really poorly fixed in the past. Will post progress pics later. Let me know what you think.

[1989GTA]

Good luck with your build. Sounds like you have a good plan. The turbo(s) will really put some power to the ground. You are going to love that car when it is done.

Doing a 65 Skylark myself but what I was wondering about is, what is a "pro-touring" car? I will be upgrading to probably 11" disc brakes all around with suspension upgrades. Installing a L92/6L80 transmission. The exterior and most of the interior will be stock. The dash gauges will be upgraded. Doing NT555 P255/45ZR17 tires in the front and 285/40ZR17 tires in the rear.

[Fl Buick]

I'm slowly getting into full build mode on a 67 Vert. I will be going the custom route after much debate with me, myself and I. Not too many Buick guys around; it will be fun! This is my first reply, or post if you will, to the forum so I'll need to figure out how to add the pics, cause everybody like the pictures

[xs650shawn]

Here is what I am starting with So far I have fixed some rust-outs on the trunklid, and removed a large amount of Bondo, which was over 1/2" thick on the right rear quarter. I have since roughed out the quarter, and though it is hard to see in the pics, the character line above the rear wheelwell was non-existent, I managed to work it back out. I have also stripped the old vinyl top adhesive off, which revealed a few small rust-outs, debating whether to replace the roof or patch it. Hoping to get started on replacing the rear filler panel and trunk floor soon. Nothing real exciting yet, have to work some extra shifts to start buying the real eye candy. just finalizing ideas and hoping to get a rendering of those ideas done.

[xs650shawn]

I wasn't kidding when I said progress was going to be slow on this. Today I went to the LA Roadster's Show and Swap in Pomona. Good sized swap meet. Anyway, I picked up these CPP A-Body tall spindles for $100, new. Don't know if they were a good deal or not. If I remember right, aren't "tall" A-body spindles just from another model, B-body maybe? Am I correct in recollecting that? If so, what else do I need to get to make these work? Not having much luck navigating CPP's website, as there are not many pictures now. I think they changed their site? Worst case scenario, I can re-sell them again.