I am thinking about cutting the rear wheel opening on a 1969 skylark convertible to look like openings on a 1970 to 72 like rear openings, has anyone seen this done or have pics on a car that has this done. I would also like input of what ya think about what i am thinking about doing (off my rocker so on, any welcome), i have thought about doing this off and on for the 10 years i've owned the car i just think this is probably the best body style for buick but that the back looks low maybe even draging the ground and i would like to give the rear a more muscular look. I think i will get some black costruction paper and cover the area i am thinking about removing and take a pic. Just a little history there are patch panels put on above this area and the car is not even a numbers matching car did a partial resto approx. 6 years ago and i'm about to tear her apart again, but will take pics of the car. Thanks Lewis
I don't think that would look good at all. If you look at the 68-69 body style vs. the 70-72, the wheel openings on both cars follow the lines of the car. You have to take into account the lines of the quarter panels above the wheel openings. I think it would clash if you did that.
The only real difference is the line which follows from the front to the actual wheel opening which intersects the mid point. i dont see this as a flow point where it intersects at such an odd point over the 55 body line which flows much better also if you pay close attention the wheel openings on the 68-69 are almost rectangular wheel openings the 70-72 are also a bit rectangular but the rear is a flared cut to the rear to give it a feel of movement, but keep the comments comming.
It's a little cold here moved to kentucky from florida but will still try to take some pics of the car in my garage its a little small so it may be difficult to get a descent pic of the construction paper deal but we shall see.
Try photoshop to see what it would look like. I always thought 68-69 looked like it had fender skirts on it. I don't mind the factory look but no matter what you do they don't have as aggressive of a stance as 70-72.
i agree on the stance but i think overall the 69 looks better on the front and the chrome cues on these cars are awesome just enough not overkill, IMO 70 was the best looking year for this muscle car but thats just my opinion.
I think G.M. nailed all the mid-size cars on design in 70 Cutlass, Chevelle, Gran Sport GTO even Grand Prix and Monte Carlo.
I think i have pretty much talked myself into doing this, but am suprised that no one has'nt seen this done before, i am still going to do the construction bit to see what it looks like on the car itself though.
I think it looks good after the mod. To be honest though, I think the 69 needs the chrome wheel well moldings. It adds so much. I see you are molding delete, but especially after modding the rear opening you'll have to create a new molding if you want one I suppose. I think without cutting the rear wheel well you could still drastically improve your look by lifting the rear even as little as an inch or two with a good set of springs.
I like the "tucked under" tire look myself. Like the 68/69 has. I'd say mini tub it and put some big tires under it if you are wanting the modification.
Ditto 100%. I would not cut the visual sheet metal. Mini-tub for sure and get some fat meats. That will make the car look a lot meaner if that is your intention. Otherwise it will look like a hack job imho.
You might be able to cut the wheel lip from a pair of bad front fenders and graft them onto the rear to produce the larger opening.
I was thinking of doing exactly what you said wkillgs, then i can use a set of front chrome wheel trim set to finish her off and keep all the stock chrome, mini tube will not accomplish the look that i am after the wheel will not be visible except from the rear not building a racer shes a convertible, i want the car to have a whole different look,if nothing this car will set itself apart i'm not looking for a stock look thats for sure, just something different.
You will have to make your own or maybe be able modify a later model outer wheel well because once you move up the outer part, you will have to move the inner part up as well. I like the idea since changing tires on one of these can prove trying at times. One thing I would change as well if I was to do this, would be to remove the upper rear body line. It doesn't lend itself to defining anything on the body and really kills it if you wanted to do a two tone or stripe.
As you know, this is a pretty major project, and a big project to reverse if you don't like it. If I were going to try this I might try finding a parts car to do the project on first. You can work out how to make the edges look good and how to blend to the body lines of your car on the parts car, see how you like it and then decide if you want to move forward with the project.
