Not to long ago, I purchased a Bamboo Cream 1970 Buick Skylark 350-4 AC car in need of of some TLC. The car is all original, numbers matching with all the AC inlace and pressurized, not working. The intent was to buy the car, fix it up and drive it through the process of cleaning it up and making it a cool cruiser. I like the GSXs, so one of the approaches was to make it into a GSX type clone. To date the project has been a success. I have fixed the rusting trunk with a replacement pan, replaced the flat came with a Crower Stage III, and replaced and installed the chain, pump and thrust plate all at the same time. Also, I found a set of 15 inch Buick Rally wheels, the car now it has 245s on the front and 295s on the back. Since the single exhaust was beat, I also decided to install a 2.5 Magnaflow with an X pipe from stem to stern. The car drives great and is fun, been my daily driver for a few weeks now. The little 350 purrs and has a bit of a growl to her even though shes a bit tired. While working on this project I stumbled across a 1971 455 which I traded for a Mopar 383. Like I said, the intent is to make a GSX type clone. With the clone approach in mind, I like the idea of lightening the car up and using the 455 and possibly eventually going to either a 4 or 5 speed. Before starting anything, I had the car weighed it at one of the local scale yards, which weighed in at 3620 with no driver and a about an 1\8 of tank of gas. To lighten the car, I plan on buying a VFN GS(X) bolt on hood and fiberglass bumpers. Bumpers need to be re-chromed and straightened, so I will do this while they are off and place them into storage for safe keeping when completed. Other items for lightening are removing the AC and adding disc brakes, possibly all around. AC will be removed when the 455 is installed and placed into storage for future safe keeping. Since the car is a drum brake car, installing a 98-02 F-Body brakes should drop a few pounds and improve the safety, especially when the 455 is installed. Here are the specifications on the 455. Many of the items I already have in my possession or am in the process of working on. Intent is to make a budget .30 455 with making HP to cubic inches. I am in no rush for the 455 but have learned need to have an objective and stick with the objective or projects, funding and enjoyment start fading. Block - 1288861 VIN - 41H475156 TR Date Code - E28 Head - 1237661 Intake - B-1236403 Date code E1 Heads rebuilt, bronze guides, squared, match ported and springs set to cam Hemi Killer Lunati cam - http://www.lunatipower.com/Product.aspx?id=1499 Cloyes True-Roller - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/clo-9-1144 Factory rods reconditioned with ARP bolts and bronze bushed for floating pistons Weisco forged flattop pistons - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wis-pt054a4 Balanced rotating assembly Edelbrock B4B intake Holley Ultra HP 750 DP Crane XR-i with factory distributor Oil pump, thrust plate, gaskets, rings, and bearings will also be replaced. All remaining parts will be factory parts if not specifically listed. Will need to purchase pads and shroud for install. The 455 will bolt up to the TH350 and use the BOP 8.2, while I do the conversions and upgrades, I plan to use what is with the car. When I do the 455 conversion, I will install a 2200 converter and replace the front seal on the transmission since it wears a bit. As for the 8.2 BOP rear-end, well the intent is to keep is for as long as practical. I have stumbled across an Auburn Posi-traction unit which will be installed with the factory gears for now. I plan on keeping my eye out for budget 12 bolts for the 4/5 speed conversion. At this time I am in no hurry and am enjoying the car as it sits and will continue to fix small items until the engine is complete and ready for install, doing this project in stages. Thanks for the therapy session, nice to express the project and to share with other like minded people. Any insights, please share. V/r Charles
Really cool project, this should turn out well. Look into the fiberglass fenders and trunk lid too, im happy with mine.
I saw an add the other day for Paul's Chroming?? I think thats it... and they have a process to chrome fiberglass... I think that would be pretty trick and keep it a complete sleeper. Great looking project. My old Skylark started life as the same color combo. Keep us posted.
