My '78 Skylark (before starting the project)

Discussion in 'The "X" bodies' started by noraarm, Jun 28, 2010.

  1. TheSilverBuick

    TheSilverBuick In the Middle of No Where

    Looking at the picture you posted of your oil sending unit, the wiring for '78 changed from the '77 wiring I'm familar with, my oil sending unit only has one wire, so yours could be wired in such a way that unplugging it resulted in the light coming on. Though I don't know that for absolute fact. You could also at some point run a tee fitting and install the OE sensor and the gauge to have both.
     
  2. noraarm

    noraarm Well-Known Member

    I was thinking that i could just put it a T also.

    And does anyone know what happened to the Vancouver show thread? looks like it was taken down. did it fill up?
     
  3. noraarm

    noraarm Well-Known Member

    Took the buick out today to get a radiator hose for my jeep, and i noticed when i got to the auto parts store my oil pressure was at about 10psi, is that low? I was in gear but stopped.
     
  4. TheSilverBuick

    TheSilverBuick In the Middle of No Where

    Warmed up, at idle in gear, that is about normal. Yes it's low, but somewhat a "Buick" normal.
     
  5. noraarm

    noraarm Well-Known Member

    alright, thank you. i was a little panicked when i noticed it.
     
  6. noraarm

    noraarm Well-Known Member

    Parked under some power lines and some crows decided it was a good place to poop... it left a haze on my paint, any suggestions on getting it off?
     
  7. noraarm

    noraarm Well-Known Member

    Found out that my glove box lock doesnt lock with my keys i have, so my question is, is there a way to reset the pins myself so it does work with my keys?
     
  8. TheSilverBuick

    TheSilverBuick In the Middle of No Where

    Hmm, probably, but I've never tried. Search or post the question on the interior board to see. You may be able to take the lock cylinder out and to a lock smith and they would almost certainly be able to make it work I'd think.
     
  9. noraarm

    noraarm Well-Known Member

    on my triple gauge i have my lights hooked up just to the accessory plug on my fuse box, it probably isnt the smartest idea but i didnt have a splitter to put it to my dimmer, one of the bulbs burnt out so i went and bought a new one and the second i turned my car on after installing the bulb i heard a pop and all 3 lights went out on the gauge and my radio stopped working, did i just blow a fuse?
     
  10. wormwood

    wormwood Dare to be different

    yeah, sounds like you blew a fuse. hooking up the lights on the gages to an accessory fuse should be ok.
     
  11. TheSilverBuick

    TheSilverBuick In the Middle of No Where

    Yup, popped a fuse. Make sure none of the wires on the lights are pinched or shorting out. Typically there should be enough fuse capacity to run those lights from the accessory fuse. The fuse could of been too old if your wiring is good.

    Also, isn't there a connector for lights on your fuse panel? Should be right next to a small fuse at the bottom of the fuse panel. My '77 has one.

    The bottom left wire and small fuse is the proper spot of lights. It'll even dim and brighten with your dash lights when turning the headlight switch knob. (a generic google picture)
    [​IMG]
     
  12. noraarm

    noraarm Well-Known Member

    oh, i didnt even know that there was a spot on the box for lights! my instructions just said to slice it into the dimmer, i will get on that after the Vancouver show!
     
  13. noraarm

    noraarm Well-Known Member

    Was just wondering if anyone knew where the build sheets for our cars is? i read something that they hide them in the springs of the seats or something like that?
     
  14. noraarm

    noraarm Well-Known Member

    Was just reading on Wikipedia and found this

    "Beginning with the 1978 model year, Chevrolet's 5.7*L (350*cubic*inch) V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor, which produced 170*hp (130*kW) at 3800*rpm, also was available. Also in that year, the Skylark Custom replaced the Skylark S/R."

    So 78 came with a chevy 350 not a Buick? I'm still trying to find a Buick 350 but if I can only find a chevy it would actually be correct?
     
  15. TheSilverBuick

    TheSilverBuick In the Middle of No Where

    Yup, that is correct. You don't want to find a Chevy. A Buick 350 will bolt inplace of the 231 with the only modification being to the removing the extension on the fan shroud.
     
  16. noraarm

    noraarm Well-Known Member

    I've been looking for a Buick 350 and there is zero in western Washington. I'm still saving up for it because I know it's going to cost a lot once I do find one. What mods would a chevy 350 need since it was an option?
     
  17. TheSilverBuick

    TheSilverBuick In the Middle of No Where

    You'd have to get new frame mounts for the motor mounts (removing the lower control arms to swap them), a new transmission or an adapter plate for yours, which a new transmission may warrant a new transmission crossmember (maybe?), all new accessory brackets (alternator, power steering, etc), the metal fuel line that runs along the crossmember to the fuel pump on the drivers side of the engine would have to be modified/replaced because Chevy's fuel pumps are on the passengerside. These are what I know off the top of my head.
     
  18. wormwood

    wormwood Dare to be different

    why go with a buick 350? it would cost about the same to do a 455, which i happen to have one on my garage if you want it. did you give up the 231 idea? oh, and also i have that washer bottle you wanted, just pm me and i will get it to you.
     
  19. noraarm

    noraarm Well-Known Member

    im not going with a 455 because i still need someone of gas mileage since i do drive it everyday.
     
  20. TheSilverBuick

    TheSilverBuick In the Middle of No Where

    Engine displacement and fuel mileage can be managed. I got 23mpg on the highway regularly with an 8.5:1 compressioned all stock '72 455 with a small .450" lift cam and an overdrive. I'm guessing you "may" get 25mpg with a similarly small cammed 350. I was getting 19mpg on my medium'd cammed 455, and will be interested to find out on my new combo. Your mileage may vary.

    Then when you are making the big bucks or have a second car you can start playing with the 455. My only advice on that is, if you are going to be buying new pistons to rebuild the 455, go with something forged and something with valve relief's.
     

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