67 skylark all original.. keep it that way or hotrod it

Discussion in 'Wet behind the ears??' started by MilehighBuick, Jan 17, 2017.

  1. MilehighBuick

    MilehighBuick Well-Known Member

    Hi, Im new but have a 66 Skylark Ive had stored for the last 17 years I just pulled into the garage to start on. Its rust free and all original including the paint but will be respraying it of course. Power seat, power windows, 66k orig miles and matching 340-4bbl, 4 spinners, and 4 T-3, air cond and all stock, even bias and jack tucked in the trunk as from factory with protecto plate warranty card . So since these arent Stage 1s or GNXs price wise, wondering if I should hot rod it or leave it original. I know its personal preference and yes they are only original once but Id like to burn some rubber..what do you think? Im new to the forum, thanks for creating and thanks in advance for thoughts. Take it easy on me, I know there
    are diehards but granny car or tire burner, Ill take the latter. If I should buy a body for hot rodding.. where are they? Thanks
    rsz_66_buick.jpg
     
  2. gsfred

    gsfred Founders Club Member

    While your car looks pretty straight, it is never gonna demand high dollars. That said do what you would like with the car. You can keep it very stock, but change the drive train and have fun. Keep the original drive train in case you would like to go back to stock some day. If I were to build a race car I would start with a Skylark, not a GS.
    Bottom line is that you should do what will excite you. Good luck.
     
  3. NZ GS 400

    NZ GS 400 Gold Level Contributor

    x2. I agree with Fred. Make it the car you want it to be, but keep all the original parts.
     
  4. MilehighBuick

    MilehighBuick Well-Known Member

    Appreciate it, just needed some validation or confidence I guess that I wasnt messing with a Picasso. Nope they arent worth a lot but hard to find in orig condition. Ok I have the frame mounts, the exhaust manifolds, pedals new TA Radials and new rally wheels. Off to find a warmed over 455 somewhere.. Oh has anyone seen a Shell Beige body with a Sahara Mist top? Im thinking black vinyl.
     
  5. Mr. Sunset

    Mr. Sunset Platinum Level Contributor

    Hot rod that baby. 340-4 is a great engine, drop in some headers, have your carb tuned up by one of the guys here on the forum throw a black top and some Buick rally's and new rubber
    that car won't take much to be slicker then gorilla snot. thats my .02 life is short, drive it like you stole it :3gears::beer
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  6. Dr. Evil

    Dr. Evil Silver Level contributor

    I'm doing pro touring mods to a 65 so you know where I stand. Make it how you want it so you can enjoy it. If I made mine how someone else wanted it how could I enjoy it?
     
  7. Nailhead

    Nailhead Gold Level Contributor

    I'm of a different opinion.

    Project cars are easy to find, nice originals like this are not. This one has good options, low miles, and interesting color combo. I would keep it as is and start over with something less deserving of preservation.
     
  8. BillA

    BillA Well-Known Member

    I had no problem tearing into my 99% original '64. It's worth more now with it's 462, TKO600, aftermarket suspension, disc brakes, wheels, etc than it ever would be in stock form. More importantly the driving experience is far more enjoyable now. If I had an all original GS I would think differently but that is the joy of having something that is not very collectible in stock form.
     
  9. My3Buicks

    My3Buicks Buick Guru

    There are those of us that find the original driving experience far more enjoyable, it's all in what you want out of a car. So saying the driving experience is far more enjoyable once jacked is very subjective.
     

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