Where do I begin?!

Discussion in 'Chassis restoration' started by Jimbo0102, Feb 3, 2019.

  1. Jimbo0102

    Jimbo0102 New Member

    Hey all, new guy here tonthe forum scene as well as car rebuild scene. I picked up a ‘63 skylark a few years back and I’m finally getting around to doing something with it. The car sat for 20+ years with no love, it’s solid and complete car with all the trimmings. Got the Aluminun 215 in it hooked up to the 2 speed Dynaflow. It’s runs like a top but I’m needing to rebuild the trans and the driver/passenger floor pans. Seems it’s an odd ball transition year car so I’m just wondering where to look for parts or what others are compatible as far as floor pans. Found a rebuild kit for the trans but haven’t gotten it yet. Just looking for info from you all that have gone down this road before!
    Thanks in advance!
     

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  2. woody1640

    woody1640 Well-Known Member

    Welcome to the club lol. I also have a 63 Buick Skylark. We have what is referred to as the Y body cars. The Y body includes all 61-63 BOP intermediate sized cars. They all share the same platform, just different outer skin.

    There is very little after market support for our cars. Mainly steering and suspension and engine parts. There is no after market sheet metal produced for our cars. And the 63 Skylark is a 1 year only body style.

    Good luck with your project. I'd be happy to help you out any way I can.


    Keith
     
  3. GraySky

    GraySky Well-Known Member

    Reviving a slightly old thread...
    I just bought my 63 a couple months ago. I probably should have done more research, and bought something else! Hate to say it, but these cars are difficult to do anything with because of the lack of aftermarket support, and the oddities like the unibody and the multi-piece driveshaft and 4 lug wheels. I really like the car, but it's frustrating to research and come up against the same dead ends repeatedly. I'm sure you other Y-body guys know what I mean.
    The only path I see forward is to build a completely new custom frame with all new suspension and drivetrain to set the body down onto. Either that, or keep it bone stock and deal with repairing the issues that come up with the unique 2-speed Dual Path Turbine Drive and driveshaft.
     
  4. woody1640

    woody1640 Well-Known Member

    Sometimes you just have to think outside the box a bit. New steering and suspension components are available. Disc brake upgrade is available as well.

    The 2 speed dynajunk as I call it, is a problem, but can be overcome. Any 4 speed manual transmission will fit inside the small tunnel. I have heard guys say that a 4l60 fits also. Anything else will require a tunnel enlargement, which I have done to 1 of my 63's.

    Drive shafts can be fixed or replaced with a single unit, not a big deal.

    The 4 bolt wheel pattern is NOT uncommon, it's 4X4.5" same as early 6 cylinder mustangs, MGB, Triumph, Datsun 260&280's and the list goes on. I have 2 sets of appliance mags that are 14" with 4X4.5" bolt pattern.

    Hope this helps you out. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or problems or anything for that matter.


    Keith
     
  5. GraySky

    GraySky Well-Known Member

    Thanks, Keith. I'm glad to hear that a 4L60e does fit, as that was the direction I wanted to head.
    What I really want to do is to modernize the drivetrain while preserving the original look and light weight of the car. I don't want a chevy anything under the hood... it will either be Buick or Buick-derived (rover or 3800II)... modern electronic overdrive trans, probably Ford 9" and more modern coil-over suspension and steering rack. I don't want to go full G-machine with the huge wheels, but maybe close to that and toned down a little.
     
    woody1640 likes this.

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