Buick greenhorn.

Discussion in 'Wet behind the ears??' started by Rustyh1, Apr 3, 2016.

  1. Rustyh1

    Rustyh1 Member

    I was given a 1967 skylark convertible about 10 years ago from a family member. Car has been in storage since about 1988 has 82,000 original miles. Besides interior seats with rips no rust and a good wax job would have it looking new. Convertible top was replaced right before storage but rear plastic window has yellowed and probably needs replaced.

    So I have decided to start a pro touring type build and of coarse on a budget. Picked up a 1971 455 complete with all brackets, trans, carb, and even wiring harness attached. The engine has definitely been repainted at some point so I'll take it apart and see how oversized the Cylinders are and if it would be a good candidate for overhaul. I have been a machinist in the aerospace industry for 24 years, but have no experience in automotive so I'll be looking for a local machine shop to do the work. After reading all the inherent problems with this block I am a little nervous of starting the 455 build, but understand what to look for anyway. Anyway, thanks for the great site it was reassuring when I first started research to know that there is a bunch of great people willing to help. Please be patient with all the stupid questions I'm sure I'll ask over the next year or so.

    Thanks,
    Rusty
     
  2. BrunoD

    BrunoD Looking for Fast Eddie

    Welcome from Long Island,NY,Rusty,and where are you from?Ask away,there's a long list of guy's that know the ins and outs of these cars.Bruno.
     
  3. Rustyh1

    Rustyh1 Member

    Bruno, thanks for the welcome. Northern Utah...
     
  4. JoeBlog

    JoeBlog Platinum Level Contributor

    Rusty, welcome. And there are no stupid questions as long as the asker is sincere.

    Joe
     
  5. Bad Boattail

    Bad Boattail Guest

    Rusty:

    [​IMG]

    What about a few photos of your Skylark :kodak: ?




    If you can find the time, put yourself and the ragtop on the V8BUICK BOARD MEMBERS MAP OF THE WORLD :bglasses:



     
  6. Rustyh1

    Rustyh1 Member

    I'll try to get pics this weekend and learn how to post them.
     
  7. Bad Boattail

    Bad Boattail Guest

    It's been a while now, still no photos... :Do No:
     
  8. Rustyh1

    Rustyh1 Member

  9. Rustyh1

    Rustyh1 Member

    Finally got it out of storage. First real daylight in a long time.
     
  10. 2001ws6

    2001ws6 last of the v8 interceptors

    Nice looking ride! :)
     
  11. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    That’s a nice looking car! Before tearing it apart, try fresh fuel, tune up, maybe a carb rebuild, go though the brakes, and see what you have. At 82k it probably needs a timing chain (especially if it has nylon on the top gear), but it otherwise should rehab pretty well. I would think very hard before I took apart a sweet, pretty, comfy lazy convertible to build a pro touring car. You’ll have to spend a lot of money to make it almost as good as a third or fourth gen f body. Instead, drive it, build a mild 455, T400 or 200-4R and gears, add quicker steering, bigger sway bars, and maybe better brakes. Use the leftover money you didn’t spend going full out protour and buy a modern handling toy.
    Patrick
     
  12. Rustyh1

    Rustyh1 Member

    I’ve changed plans since then. Right now it has mystery oil down plugs getting ready to see if it will turnover and I’ll go from there. Probably get it running and slowly do upgrades as necessary. Ordered some bearing and studs for front wheel hubs today. Rims and tires on order and hopefully be driving by spring.
     

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