i have a standard rear bumper off a 70 skylark hard top and it had a "buick" badge on it i also have a rear bumper off a 70 skylark post coupe and it didnt have the "buick" badge nor does it have the holes to mount one ? is this the way the post coupes came? are they rare? or desirable? o No:
the bumpers w/o the badge were used on non-"Custom" cars (so base model cars) mostly 6 cyls but there are a few v8's that didnt get the "custom" package. now i think my convertible (all convertibles were "customs" btw) has the one w/o the buick plate. it could have also been replaced from a minor rearending (possible with my car) though the factory sheet metal is fine on my car. now I think mine had the incorrect bumper installed at the factory since the sheet metal in the rear is fine. and it was actually built in 69 so it could mean they were waiting on the plates or something. I personally prefer the blank bumper w/o the buick plate. and not put any markings visible on the rear of the car. but thats my personal opinion. nate
Am going from memory here, so don't quote me 100%. Here is what I recall. There were 3 models of Skylarks in 70. The base model was the Skylark 350 series (why it was called a 350 is anyones guess). The base engine was the 250 six and the 350 V8 was optional. Most were 2dr post coupes or 4 dr sedans with little trim and plain interiors. The bumper had no holes and no plate in it. Next was the Skylark series. If my memory is correct, they had the six standard with the 350 optional. They were available as 2 dr hardtops and 4 dr sedans and had nicer interiors along with more trim. The bumper had holes and had a Buick plate that was Argent (gray) in color. Last was the Skylark Custom. The 350 was the standard motor and they had more plush interiors available. There were 2 dr and 4 dr hardtops, 4dr sedans and convertible models. The bumper had holes and had the black Buick plate in it. As with any production car, there could have changes based on what was available to get the cars done and shipped. I know of one GSX that had the Argent Buick plate instead of the black one. So, anything is possible. Mark
Question... Wouldn't that bumper be correct for a 71 then, since there was no Buick name plate? o No:
Mark and Dan, here is what I have learned by dismantling these cars in the last 20 years. They are 4 series for 1970 1. Skylark ----this was the bare bones car, basically a Special from 69 carried forward to the 70 models, plane Jane, sometimes no carpet (rubber flooring), sometimes no stainless trim on drip rail, standard interior, minimal interior lighting 2. Skylark 350---- better interior, more lights (ash tray, sail panels, foot well), stainless drip rail trim, etc 3. Skylark Custom----basically one step below a GS, has GS rocker panel covers but stripes are black instead of GS red. All Skylark convertibles are Skylark Custom as indicated by model designation in VIN as 44467. 4 GS Series----we all know this one Rear bumpers w/o nameplate were found on #1. I have never, ever found one on #2-4, these are indicated by VIN 43337 Dan, no, the 70 rear bumper is different than 71 since the opening for gas tank filler is lower then 71. If you put the 70 bumper on the 71 you will have to "bend" the gas filler neck down to access it to add fuel. If you put a 71 on a 70, you will have to bend the neck up to do the same.
Hmm, my 70 Custom Convert has no plate, nor holes for one. It must have been in an accident or something before I got it. Maybe its b/c this is the way my car has been for years, but I kind of prefer it without the plate... though with one people might stop calling it a Cutlass.
Thanks, Doug, for starting yet another "unsolved mystery". :laugh: I also have one of these "non plated" rear bumpers, and I'm going to have it Dechromed and Painted the Body Color of my GS, for the "High Tech" look (and having Custom Taillight Lenses made, too, by a local Plastics shop!). Late '70 must have started removing the nameplate (between the Taillights), as '71 had the "BUICK" LETTERS on the TRUNKLID (as did some '70 Post Coupes!)! :Smarty: :TU:
George, You are correct. I had it bass ackwards. :Brow: Skylark was the base and Skylark 350 was next up. That's what I get for posting after 11 pm. :laugh: I didn't mention GS as it is not a Skylark, actually. All GS's were supposed to have the black Buick plate. However I have seen the argent silver ones on some over the last 35 years. Mark
Actually 70 had 4 models--Skylark, Skylark Custom, GS and GS 455. Skylark 350 didn't come around til either 71 or 72
