65 Skylark Down Under Restoration

[dsags]

Very nice. Lookin’ very good. Thanks for the updates.

Dan

[GS66]

Nice progress!!

[Rollaround]

Marcus,
Very nice, your restoration is so impressive. I’m falling behind, I need the fireplace and dog to recalibrate my focus.

[Aussie Skylark]

Hi Guys,
The Downunder restoration is  progressing. We think its cold here, this morning we are experiencing an "Antarctic blast" 28 degrees F in your units. I was looking at a post recently and noticed thick snow on the ground and realized its not cold here at all when you see that thick white stuff on the ​ground.
The Engine rebuild is dragging on but is in the assembly stage, I'm hoping to get it home in the next week or so....its only been 9 months.
I'm after some shopping advice from those who can help, I have looked at a few catalogues and know what I need, however after the great advice I received when buying springs thought I would call for help first.
I'm after, radiator hose kit, Radiator support bushes ( think you guys call it a core support)  Body mount bushing kit, Rallye wheels (15"x 7" any thoughts I'm guessing Wheels Vintiques) and complete Wiring harnesses.
I've relocated the brake line brackets on the diff to give the clearance needed on the shock absorbers. Had to make up new tube brake lines as well, couldn't quite stretch the original ones I made enough to fit. Also have the steering box restored and back in, and am cleaning up the radiator support panel ready for paint.
Thanks In advance
Marcus

[elagache]

Dear Marcus and mid-60s Buick caregivers,

The Downunder restoration is  progressing. We think its cold here, this morning we are experiencing an "Antarctic blast" 28 degrees F in your units. I was looking at a post recently and noticed thick snow on the ground and realized its not cold here at all when you see that thick white stuff on the ?ground.

Wow!  That's really cold!  I hope you have clothing to cope with it.

The Engine rebuild is dragging on but is in the assembly stage, I'm hoping to get it home in the next week or so....its only been 9 months.

I don't know why, but engine rebuilds take forever.  It appears to be some sort of curious tradition.

I'm after . . . .  Rallye wheels (15"x 7" any thoughts I'm guessing Wheels Vintiques)

I can't help you with most of your questions, but I can affirm that Wheel Vintiques is a safe choice for the Rally wheels.  They definitely look great on my trusty wagon!

Thanks for the update!

Cheers, Edouard 

[option B9]

  Hi Marcus, considering where you are located I would say that your build is going well, but the 28 degree weather is not something I like. It was 93 degrees here in New York City yesterday and I don't like that either. The 60s to the mid 80s is my type of "work on the Buick weather" I can help you with a few of those Items that you need for your build. The Radiator hoses can come from Centerville Auto Repair in Grass Valley CA @ www.centervilleautorepair.com Russell is the owner and is a wealth of information regarding nailhead motors. I agree with Edouard about the Wheel Vintiques Chrome road wheels. I just put a set on my GS convertible and they look great and are really made well right here in the USA.  For the Wiring Harness I would go with M & H electrical fabricators at www.wiringharness.com  And the rest of the items OPGI will have.
   Your doing a great work on your build, Keep posting !

         Tony 
   

                                                 

[Aussie Skylark]

Hi Tony, Edouard and other readers,
Thanks for your comments, I will send some emails today and get the ball rolling.
It makes such a difference when it comes to purchasing parts from another country, when you can get a little local advice.
I will keep you posted on my progress.......engine still in workshop...
Marcus

[Aussie Skylark]

Hi Fellas,

It took a while, my engine is back in my shed after 12 months in the workshop for the rebuild. I?m hoping on getting it painted tomorrow. I?m not sure if I should paint the timing cover, water pump and AC/ alternator bracket. Looking at photos I see its common to paint them, think I will do the same.

I have a question regarding the exhaust manifold valve. I?m using headers on my engine. My factory exhaust had a crack where the exhaust valve sits, someone has attempted to repair with exhaust putty that didn?t work.  Exhaust valves are not common here, I?ve never seen one before, we don?t experience winter freeze. From what I can see the valve is passive and relies on temperature to activate the bi-metal thermostat to operate. If I remove the valve will it have any additional effect on the engine? I?ve had my headers ceramic coated, they claim to reduce radiant heat by 40%, hope this is correct as the coating cost as much as the headers. Given we don?t experience absolute freezing conditions here I?m hoping the valve will not be required, it might just take a little longer to warm up in winter I can live with that.

My wheels, interior, radiator hoses ect are on their way, I?ve been working on the wiring I need.

I?ve attached two photos, a dry fit of exhaust, starter and alternator and the frame on wheels.

Regards

Marcus

[cwmcobra]

Hi Marcus,

Good progress after a long wait.  Regarding the exhaust valve, here we call it a heat riser valve and wish that they had never been installed on these cars.  They chronically fail closed, causing abnormal backpressure in the exhaust stream on that side and eventually causing problems in the engine.  If you can install your headers without it (I assume using custom exhaust pipes), I'd recommend that approach. You can't buy replacements, so to use factory manifolds and exhaust, some either make a spacer to replace the heat riser or either pin the internal flapper open or remove the flapper from inside the valve.

Lookin' good...keep us posted!

 

Chuck

[Aussie Skylark]

Hi Guys,
Chuck thanks for your help with the exhaust valve. I'm guessing mine was like most and failed in the closed position leading to the cracked exhaust manifold.
I managed to get the engine painted yesterday. I'm very happy with the result, time consuming but worth it.  Tilly's eyes reflected in one of the photos so I thought I would put it in.
Apologies' for all the question marks instead of commas in my last post. note sure how that happened, might get confused in translation into Northern Hemisphere....
Marcus

[cwmcobra]

Nice job with 65 Buick green!  And Tilly just adds more color....

 

Chuck

[elagache]

Dear Marcus, Chuck, and mid-60s Buick lovers of "nailhead" green!

I managed to get the engine painted yesterday. I'm very happy with the result, time consuming but worth it. 
. . . .

Thanks for sharing!  My poor wagon ended up with her engine painted chevy blue not once but twice!  So I can never get enough pictures of engines painted that beautiful "nailhead" green! 

Cheers, Edouard 

[Aussie Skylark]

Hi Readers,
While I haven't posted for a while I'm still making progress with my Skylark build. Last week I had an exhaust system fitted, I hope I haven't gone too big for the little 300. Its now got a twin 2-1/4" system with some nice shinny 2-1/2" stainless steel tips. I refitted the shell for the exhaust fitting just to make sure it all fitted in properly. I have the shell off again now to finish off the mechanical system, its very close to starting now. All that's left is to apply sealant and fit the exhaust headers  ( I had them on as dry fit for the exhaust) Fit the alternator and power steering pump, fit the radiator support and radiator, distributer and plug leads. I have all the parts required either brand new or reconditioned, just need to get it all together, Oh and then some wiring so I can start it up. I had a few minor problems, I slightly cross threaded one of the automatic transmission cooling lines where it fixes to the brass coupling that's screwed into the auto trans. I tried to buy a replacement coupling here and found one very close however it had a male tapered thread instead of the parallel thread where it screws into the auto. The damage on brass fitting was minimal so I managed to clean it up for reuse. My fittings hadn't been removed from the gearbox during the rebuild and I'm guessing have been there since factory. When I applied thread sealant to the parallel male thread and screwed it back into the auto most of the screwing I could do with my fingers then I used a spanner to tighten the few remaining threads, as the brass washer started to compress against fitting and auto the thread didn't take up, it was firm however I knew the thread was stripped. At this point I walked away, Im sure it will be ok and will seal.....It was just one of those moments. I'm thinking it could have possibly been stripped from Factory, who knows.
Hope you enjoy the photos.
Marcus

[Aussie Skylark]

Few progress shots

[Aussie Skylark]

Stainless steel tips