My screen name is a little misleading. Ive been into Oldsmobiles most of my life, grew up with a cousin thats into Pontiacs, so I know a good deal of those two brands. But now my woman would like to get a Buick(I would not mind having another high-end,high torque, high class car in the garage) but I dont know much about Buicks. She would like to get a Skylark GS. I need to know how to identify a true GS. Any books,sites,etc would help. Also need to know what years they range (65-72??) What motors were availible in what years? What to watch out for? Parts availbility? after market, sheet metal, gurus ,sites Basiclly GS A to Z Any help would be a great start, thanks Dave
www.buicks.net tells a lot of info on VINs, options, production, etc. by year. Parts availability is about like Olds --> OPG, Year One, CARS, Poston.
Dave, Welcome to the board. Here are a few sites to get you started. Included is information on production, vin decoding, etc. For performance the 455 is where the research is focused. The GS 455 began production in 1970, and continued thru 72. The 455 was produced in other than A-bodies after 72 and these engines are used as well for performance applications. Any Buick 455 can be made to run with the correct performance parts and modifications. A 455 can be placed in any GS model. In my opinion the 1970 GS big block is the most desirable in stock configuration. In general Buicks cost more for parts, and performance upgrades. The links on Marco's site will answer most of your questions with some searching. Most of the individuals who serve the Buick community with parts/service are members of this board. Good luck, Patrick Identifying a GS http://www.atlantabuick.com/Specs.htm#VIN Decoder This is a link from Marcos stage 1 registry site, it includes many reputable vendors and the service/parts they offer. http://www.stage1registry.com/linkspage.html
66 Skylark Gran Sport is easy to spot 1966 is a difficult year to clone/fake. First of all, all 66 Skylark GS cars had a full box frame. This is the same frame as a convertable and was used on the HT and Coupe. That fact does not help on evaluating a Skylark convertable. If someone puts that full frame on a fake they went through a lot of work and not many of those frames left. Up north they rust out faster that 3/4 rail type as dirt and salt did not collect as easy. VIN Model numbers are 44607 coupe, 44617 HT, and 44667 convertable. 443 and 444 are Specials and Skylarks. All 66 GS cars were BB Nailheads (401) and the last of that lot. Hoods are very rare for the 66. The scoops are almost impossible to find. Although 66 block GS emblems are reproduced today, they are not mass marketed. These block emblems were used for this year only. Can't run to Auto Zone for a set! :TU: The cove panel under the trunk is the same as a special and used the two stainless steel trim strips. The Skylark had a ribbed pot metal panel. Holes in the cove panel are very different. These panels are not reproduced and would be some work to switch out. Can be done, but like the frame, not many would attempt. Maybe if these cars reach the prices of the Hemi Cuda and Challenger will we see well done fakes. Very few 66 cars left. Less than 50 registered in the BCA book. :Smarty:
Thanks , this has started me in the right path. Ill save my build up questions for when iam Buicktised.
