Started the tear down process on my 69 gs350 and ran across this (see pics). I noticed after i got the car the front bumper was crooked and when i crawled under the car i noticed the radiator core support was bent. Not sure if car was in an accident previously. Do i need to replace the whole core support? If so, any tips, it'll be my first. Thanks in advance.
I would think it can be straightened. Usually rust is the biggest problem! The bumper attaches to the frame so its not related unless the frame is bent... Post some pics when you get it out by itself.
Pulled the radiator core support today. Went pretty smoothly. I can see the support is definitely bent on the bottom, most have cracked and was cracked and welded together. There is also a crack and weld repair on the top cross bar. The passenger side also had some rust under the battery tray. Here are some pics. You still think it can be straightened or do i need to find another? If i have to find another, do they make repops? What years of the gs350/skylarks should i be looking for a a replacement?
They sell repair panels for the rusted area under the battery, but you would be better off with a "not-bent" one. Post under the "parts wanted" for a new used core support. Post under the bench if anyone knows of a repop. I would think any 68/69 skylark/gs/wagon could be used, but I am not an expert. Look for cars being parted out. Check ebay & BCA Bugle also.
I bought a core support from Year One back in 2012 and wasn't installed until 2018, but I believe they all come from AMD Auto Metal Direct. Still putting the car together, but my body shop guy said it was good and had no issues on install. https://www.yearone.com/Product/196...9-1970-1971-1972-buick-skylark-gs-parts/ak648 Just need to search and see who has them. I got at Year One because at the time, it was discounted during their sales. V8 Buick Thread https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/parts-place-71-72-skylark-gs-core-support.297895/
Frame looks fine from what I can see. I crawled under, from front to back, no cracks or welds anywhere that's visible. I'll post on those forums and check around on the internet see what i can find. Any ideas on price? I saw one on ebay that had it listed for $1650. Seems pricey but for an original who knows. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Skylark-Radiator-Support-/132824582814
There are no repops for 68-69 Skylark/GS core supports, and really good ones are extremely hard to find. (As you could tell from looking at the price of the nice used one.) You might be able to get another used one and make 1 out of 2. I have done that before. Good luck on your quest. Duane
