Hello everyone! I just recently bought a 72 GS 350. Really excited to have such an awesome car finally! It's no 455, but I figure I can take comfort in thinking that I'll achieve marginally better fuel economy. . I also figure that, in this day and age, there is a lot I can do with a 350 to far surpass the original performance specs of 1972. Unfortunately, it isn't a manual transmission either, which is a bummer. But I suppose I can live with an automatic since the car is so cool. Trying to find an affordable Skylark in decent condition was hard enough, much less a GS, and Much Much less a stick shift. I won't lie, I know practically nothing about working on cars or rebuilding them. Luckily I have a friend who used to do it for a living, and he made me feel confident that he'll help me along with it. I imagine I'll be coming here a lot to ask advice about what parts to put on my car and where to buy things. My friend Knows a lot about building old cars (mostly Chevys I Think), but not necessarily Buicks (to my knowledge). I think he'll be my saving grace throughout this undertaking I've given myself, BUT I can see myself coming Here to double check his advice with Buick enthusiasts. I know I've got a good amount of money and time ahead of me to get this car where I want it, but as long as the car keeps running fine while I fix it up, all will be well. I bought it and drove it 260 miles home without a hiccup, so that alone was a pretty good mile marker I thought. I'm thinking this is the order I'll want to start tackling things: -brake components -completely new suspension components -engine stuffs (Once again, I'm a total newb. My buddy showed me many things like carb/manifold kits and other smaller modifications that would drastically increase Hp while still getting decent mpg) -exhaust -rebuild a/c - fixing odds and ends (cruise, wiper fluid pumps, glove box, etc.) -and finally, cosmetics. Bits of body work, new paint, new interior Oh yeah, I also would love to put a limited slip differential on this baby! Definitely want to do that. -all the weather stripping needs to be replaced. Idk if I should be doing that now, or wait until I get to the painting stage and just cover the car for now.. (trunk leaks a little and under the carpet felt wet) I'm sure I will be coming to you guys for advice on Every single step I take and part I need to buy. Hopefully I won't be too annoying and y'all will be willing to help me.. Sorry for the long post. Can't wait to start lovin' up my sweet new ride!! :laugh: Now let's see if I can figure out how to post some pictures for ya..... Looks like I can't do it for some reason..
I think I figured out posting pics! :TU: And just while I'm here again, I got a kinda funny story. I've been driving a Honda for the past 8 years. Had a Camaro before it though, but lost the feel for RWD. Tonight I was coming home from work, and the road was wet after raining pretty good. You can probably guess, but I turned onto a road wheels spinning 'unintentionally'. I let off and recovered, and drove home, down the street. Pull up in front (right behind my Honda which hasn't sold yet), and wouldn't you know it red and blue lights flashing behind me.. :af: Cop- "I saw you lose traction back there and spin your tires. Are you drunk?" Me- "No sir." (In my work uniform) "Officer, this car is brand new to me. I'm still getting used to it, and, I'm still trying to sell my old car" (as I point at it, with for sale signs, haha) It's only a funny story when they DON'T steal your money. Luckily, no ticket. He seemed to understand that sometimes it might take someone a little bit to get used to the rwd torque of these old cars. Especially on a wet road. Especially seeing as how I formerly drove a Honda, Ha
Hey congrats!! She's a beauty. You've definitely come to the right place. Read, ask and enjoy! And welcome!!
Looks like a very solid start. And lucky you TA performance is coming out with aluminum heads and high rise intakes, should help that 350 get out of its own way. Congrats have fun with it.
Congrats! Nice looking car. Do NOT fret about not having a 455 - the 350 will do just fine IMHO. I spent a small amount of time on my suspension and it paid big dividends. As for not having a 4speed: It would have been a close ratio box and that seems silly unless you're racing as it would be tied to a wide torque band engine. Enjoy!!!
That's a great looking 72 GS and from the sounds of it, a great platform for building a ride that will be your pride and joy! I started down that same path with my 71 skyark custom two years ago and have been really appreciative of the expertice , knowledge and insight that V8Buick members share freely. I think your plan of attack is spot on and will allow you to learn a ton about your car along the way. When I started my project , a friend suggested tackling the basics first; tune up, fluid changes , seal the fluid leaks and full brake service before I tackle the cosmetics and upgrades. The basics took me about a year and I could then clearly see how to prioritize the rest according time and budget. Good luck and enjoy that new ride; its a great classic! John
Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! I really can't wait to get moving on this project. It's been a while since I had a car I actually like. I kept putting money into the Honda just to keep it running, and one day I realized that Any car I own will be a money pit, so why not have a car I actually want to drive lol. Honestly, I don't really know what this means.. I know I'm a bit ignorant.. I just prefer stick because I enjoy shifting and being in control of what gear I'm in. And being able to downshift.. But the automatic isn't so bad, I'm already used to it and it's really no big deal I guess. Thanks again for the welcome! I look forward to squeezing advice and knowledge out of you all! :laugh:
That is a nice Buick to start out with. Congrats. With the way the 350 is starting to get attention, I think it is actually the better way to go. Welcome to the board. You'll find many knowledgeable people here more than happy to help.
