To start this off, these are the areas that I know about:
* oval vs. round a-arm bushings
* axle differences between base models, the GS, and the wagons and to other 64-67's (like to know more about that one myself)
* 401 differences (what's it take to use a '63 401 for example)
* frame braces - if you want to stiffen a regular Special/Skylark frame, the braces used on the convertibles and GS's are under the wagons too; at least the Sportwagon. But--the Sportwagon has a longer wheelbase so you'll have to cut it down/reshape it a bit. The flat-roof wagons are the shorter wheelbase, but I don't know if they had the boxed frames or not. (length diff is in the back door area) -
You are correct about the extra stiffeners being on the convertibles and they should actually be easy enough to duplicate since they are really nothing more that corner braces. Remember that the most noticable difference is not just the braces, but actually the factory boxing of the frame. The boxed frame is shared with the GTO and 442 of the same year and was used on both the hardtop and convertible cars. The convertible and wagon are the onto two that I know of that recived the extra bracing in the rear. I have some pictures of this is anyone is interested?* there were different dashes used - padded all the way across vs. a smaller plastic surround.
Yes and be careful of the differences between the Special and Skylark.* 2-door hardtop doorskins are not the same as 2-door post doorskins
* rear quarter skins are not being reproduced. do four-door skins work or are they just a little different?
Yes with some trimming, the four door quarters can be grafted onto the car and look really nice. Remember that the dog leg will not be complete as it's much smaller on a 4 door panel and that the sail panels are different and will be unusable.* '64 front fenders will not fit the '65s (diff by bumpers)
Yes correct. The rear bumpers are the same however the fronts differ a lot. The parking lights are different and the bumper ends are much taller on the ends than on the 65 which mean that the fenders are physically different. The way I've always used to spot the difference is to look at how far up on the front of the fender does the bumber line go up. If it goes nearly up to the top, it's a 64, if it goes about 3/4 the way up, it's probably a 65 fender. * Special & Sportwagon use one front bumper, Skylark & GS another (different blinker holes; bigger on the GS)
Yes - the Special and Sportwagon used a shorter parking lens. The Skylark and GS used a much longer lens. Although the lenses themselves are different lengths, the actual lens buckets that the lenses attach to are the same and use the same gasket for 65 www.DamnGoodAutoParts.com* motor swap info for later sbb & bbb
* trans swap info for overdrives
* suspension/brake upgrade info
Anyone else care to take a stab at some of these? :)
