Hello all! I just got my dream car, a 69 Skylark with a 350, just a couple days ago. It’s pretty rough and needs a grill (wish me luck) and lots of other things I’m sure. I know a good bit about cars and have access to an extensive automotive library at work, but not a whole lot about Buicks. Any help or spare parts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Welcome from West Texas! Whereabouts in Texas are you? Looks like a solid project, what are you starting on, what questions do you have?
We’re in San Antonio. It’s a project with my girlfriend and I, it’s her dream car, she posts on here as well. I’m waiting on an HEI carb since the points and advance can are shot. Gonna see what all it needs to run. Do y’all have any advice on the oil pump situation, been reading about a plate to increase pressure/flow. What are y’all running to make sure there’s no oiling issues? Also, is there any interchange for a 69 grill? It looks similar to a 71 Chevelle shape but not sure. I’m guessing we’re SOL other than a repop?
HEI is a good upgrade, check out the "Power Timing your Buick" thread around here somewhere. Recurving the distributor and running 12-14 degrees of static timing will really wake up the 350. As far as the oil pump, get a good gauge on it, get it running, and see where it's at. Stock oil pumps (in good shape) are fine for street driving, imho - I put hundreds of thousands of miles on my old 350 with one - the problem comes when the housing wears - which you won't know until it's running. The '68 Skylark is a twin of the '69, other than that I have no idea about other interchanges - but all things are possible with a sawzall and a welder, haha
Thanks guys, will be pulling some stuff apart to make sure everything is lubed and primed. Looking forward to getting her running.
Cool old Buick, lots of people here can help you with parts and tips on fixing that up to your liking. Welcome aboard
Welcome from DFW, lots of good infos here... the 350 Community is growing and performance parts are more available than ever.
