Non GS Vin

[sodak65]

Hello everyone I'm new to buicks in general and just picked up a 65 Skylark GS clone? My question is could this be a real GS with out the correct Vin? the Vin# is 444275K****** the car has been off the road since 1972 and is suposed to be all original paint and the previous owner pull the motor and tranny to fix and never finished but the block and trans are long gone. The car has all the GS emblems and trim inside and out and has buckets console and 3 speed console with tach intact and all the underhood crome and engine parts minus the acutal block. Is it possible that the car was built as a GS but as the Skylark V8 vin# (44)??? any help guys would be very apreciated. right now my plan is to drop in a  low mile 1970 455 and 4 or 5 speed and drive it as a crusty barn find with new supsension unless it turns out to be a real GS. Thanks.

[schlepcar]

VIN does not mean much in 65, post some pics of under the hood and possibly the frame rails under the rockers and most of the members will be able to tell you what you have. I screwed up several years ago when I looked at the vin. It basically just tells you that you have a v8 car,not necessarily which v8.

[sodak65]

Ok thanks, I'll get some pics when i get a chance. Should have a convertable style frame correct? what would that look like?

[WkillGS]

Welcome to the site!
The standard frame has a 'C' type rail under the doors... it's open on one side.
The convertible frame has a reinforcement welded on, which closes that 'C', boxing it in, more like an 'D'.... although a very oddly shaped 'D'.

The GS had it's own unique model number, or VIN, starting in 1966.

Can you list the codes at the bottom of the cowl/firewall data plate? Those may confirm whether it was built with the GS package.

[sodak65]

Data Plate reads: ( going off of a grainy picture i have so i think this is correct)
050 85
65-44427 KAN 2111
198-8              R-R
1  28FP   3H   4S   5W

[WkillGS]

Good news.... it's a real GS!
The details are somewhat of a board secret. But your codes do show it has the GS option.
Congrats!

[sodak65]

Well that is great news and thank you WkillGS but could you give me anymore details?

[sodak65]

Well now i'm going to have to adjust my plans. Maybe i should be searching for a 401 and 3-speed instead of a 455 and 4-speed.

[WkillGS]

Data Plate reads: ( going off of a grainy picture i have so i think this is correct)
050 85
65-44427 KAN 2111
198-8              R-R
1  28FP   3H   4S   5W

Here's how it decodes:

05C = build date of May, 3rd week
85 = Body buck number?
65-44427 = Buick Skylark V8 Coupe
Kan= Kansas assembly plant
2111= 2111st car of that body style off of the line (includes non-GS Skylarks)
198-B = Black bucket seats
R-R = Fire Red paint
Option codes:
1
2B, F, P = 3 speed manual (B), short console (F), Back-up lights (P)
3H = Belt reveal moldings (chrome trim along window/door edge)
4S = Gran Sport package
5W = Custom seat belts

Neat car!
Original would be nice, but it will be tough finding all the GS-specific stuff such as engine mounts, exhaust manifolds, rear sump oil pan, bellhousing, and especially... the clutch linkage.
There are aftermarket options for headers, bellhousings, and hydraulic clutch/release, and even engine mounts, so it is do-able!

[sodak65]

Thanks for the help, now i'm really excited about the car. As far as I know the only missing pieces are the actual engine block/crank/cam and transmission I have every other part with the car but I don't think I have the resources to do a full restoration at this point so I may just put in the 455 i'm after and get it road worthy four now. I access to a super t-10 or muncie m20 so not sure wich i'll go with yet.

[WkillGS]

.....As far as I know the only missing pieces are the actual engine block/crank/cam and transmission...

If that's all you're missing, just find a running 401 and put it together!..... the Muncie or T-10 will work well with it.
The 455 swap might be more work.... you'll need to change:
-engine mounts
-headers
-bellhousing & flywheel
-different clutch linkage (pedals will work, but you'll need a new z-bar and a bracket welded to the frame)
-radiator (inlets and outlets are on different sides)
-move battery to the passenger side (starter on different side)
-engine wiring harness.

The choice is up to you, of course. I'm just giving you some guidance as what the 401 vs 455 will require. If you already have the specific GS 401 parts, you're that much closer to driving it.
I'm all for 'get-em together and drive-em' vs a full resto.... which can take years and LOTS of $$$.

Where are you located? maybe we can find you a 401.

[dsags]

If that's all you're missing, just find a running 401 and put it together!..... the Muncie or T-10 will work well with it.

Agree with Walt. If you have all the necessary parts to install a 401 in the car that would be easier and less expensive than the 455. The restoration can take place later or just over time.

Great find and welcome to the site. 

[Chris]

Thanks for the help, now i'm really excited about the car. As far as I know the only missing pieces are the actual engine block/crank/cam and transmission I have every other part with the car but I don't think I have the resources to do a full restoration at this point so I may just put in the 455 i'm after and get it road worthy four now. I access to a super t-10 or muncie m20 so not sure wich i'll go with yet.

What state do you live in?  I have a 401 sitting here on a pallet and a GS auto transmission if you are interested?  I'm in Ohio so getting them home can be challenging the farther away you live.  Private message me for a price if you are interested and welcome to the site.

Chris

[rwg65]

I may be interested in motor if he's not Chris. If he passes pm me info on motor. By the way got lenses last week and they are slick.
Thanks bob

[mdkd]

sodak65

Welcome

If you haven't noticed this is a great place for everything 65 GS.

The people and information has been first rate for me.

When I need information I usually start with the search function in the upper right corner of the Forum.

This will bring up documentation on information that has already been passed along in the past.

There are a lot of people on this site that are very willing and able to give you suggestions for your consideration.

If I remember correctly your three speed car is rather rare with a build of about 600.

Perhaps someone else can fine tune the number for you.

If sodak stands for South Dakota there are several of us right next door in Minnesota.

Once again welcome to the group and congratulations on your rare find.

Milton mdkd