65 Skylark Down Under Restoration

[Aussie Skylark]

Hi Guys,

I've received my dash pad back from the trimmers, time for some questions...

Is it best to fit the dash pad before windscreen is installed?

Should hood liner (you guys might call it the roof?) be installed before or after the front and back glass?

Thanks Marcus

[Jimbo]

I would definitely do the headliner with the windows out. Easier to stretch towards the rear window. When I did mine, I wish the glass was out.
The dash pad goes in fine with the windshield in.

[Aussie Skylark]

Thanks Jim,

I had better order those headliner bows I should have purchased much earlier.

Currently working on insulating the shell, should have done the roof while it was still on the rotisserie.

Thanks Marcus.

[Aussie Skylark]

Hi Buick Men,
Progress has been slower than I would have liked, but it's still moving forward.
The Skylark is currently in a mechanical workshop finishing off the brakes. Master cylinder will be attached and brake lines to be made connecting the master cylinder to main brake lines.
The steering column is in, and the power steering pump has been commissioned.
Heater and fan is installed, AC ready to go in when it returns from workshop
I have received my new headliner and a few internal trim sections I didn't have, hoping to have it installed soon.
Yesterday I got brave, pushed the Skylark out of the shed, started it in neutral then clicked it into gear and drove across the yard ready for the truck to collect this morning.  it was a great feeling to move it under its own power, brakes will be very reassuring though
Few photos of current state, I have bolted the driver's seat in just so I can move it around. seat still needs upholstery fitted.

Thanks again for support and reading my post.
Marcus

[cwmcobra]

Looking good, Marcus! What a feeling the first time you drive it, even if only around your yard. Sounds like you're going to be busy when it returns from the workshop. Enjoy the ride!

 

Chuck

[Aussie Skylark]

Hi Buick Men,
I reached a milestone last week finishing the brakes on the Skylark, now I can move and stop it from the driver's seat.

I have two questions regarding the AC and heater box

AC - is there a gasket between the firewall and AC unit?. I don't recall one and the service manual has no reference to one. It looks like the mating face on the AC unit has ridges moulded into it that hold the AC slightly off the firewall.

Heater box - is there a seal between the heater box and steel duct directing air to the dash vent?

Thanks in advance

Marcus

[Aussie Skylark]

Photo of under dash heater box.

Forgot to mention, I've found a new upholsterer who is coming to my shed on Saturday to fit the replacement headliner, hopefully I will have some nice photos to post when its installed.

Thanks Marcus

[Rollaround]

JEGS and OPG and several other venders have gasket kits available for both AC and non AC Skylarks.

https://www.opgi.com/gaskets-seals/engine-gaskets-seals/heater-box-seals7/1964-1972-gm-a-body-and-grand-prix-heater-box-seal-set-without-air-conditioning-CH17264.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19562697745&gbraid=0AAAAAD1PleoIhOlUk1MaahbIKHwQAiVSM&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuvrBBhDcARIsAKRrkjctH7Pjf8PsmEJ38ra0WBfffdaOaxrQVpCFMM1I1saMEiN_OGb7g4gaAi80EALw_wcB

[WkillGS]

I don't have any knowledge with the AC cars, however heater box covers were sealed to the firewall with caulking. 3M strip caulk I'd expect to be avail to you locally. It can be used on the door panel water shields, and to seal various trim hardware where it goes thru a body panel. It's a good item to have around.

For custom gasket making, a sheet or roll of 1/8" sponge neoprene is another useful product to keep in stock. I've used it for vent door seals, heater box seals, and qtr panel extensions on my 66's.

Your car looks great!! Congrats on the progress, it's coming together very nicely!