Author Topic: 65 Skylark sport coupe  (Read 388 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Jimbo

  • Crazy about Buick!
  • *****
  • Posts: 175
65 Skylark sport coupe
« on: January 06, 2020, 06:14:30 PM »
Sorry for not doing this sooner... I talked to Loren on the phone back in the summer and we had a nice conversation. I mentioned when I have time I would post some pictures of my plain old skylark.
I found this car in February of 2019. I'm the third owner. The car was originally purchased in Phoenix Arizona in early 65 by a women and passed to her son,whom sold it to a gentleman in 2005.  He wanted to change it doing a project with his son. They changed out the bench seat for 66 buckets and rear seat. Added a 1965 GS 10 bolt posi rear end with a 342 gear. Also changed the transmission to a 200-4R BRF out of a grand national.The engine is the original 300 but was a 2bbl,so they found a cast iron intake and added a edelbrock 500 carb. I have most of the receipts since it was new. It had 55,214 miles when I picked it up in a south suburb of Chicago. It was painted in 2008 to a color change (originally VV code) and the owner passed away shortly after, It sat in his sisters garage for a little over 10 years. His son drove it a couple times a year putting on around 3000 miles in that time. The son gave me a full console,a shifter, and a few other parts that were never added. I bought it and started going through it back in mid March. I've done everything myself. All fluid changes,axle seals and bearings,all new brake parts,springs,shocks,ball joints,tie rods,etc. Intake gaskets,valve cover gaskets,hoses,belts. Interior...change all the foam in the seats,carpet,headliner,dash pad, epoxy the cracked steering wheel,changed seat belt material and added rear belts. Painted the rust free interior floor and added sound deadening/insulation. Changed the column to floor shift along with wiring harness for factory tach that my Brother found (need to calibrate and install this spring).Custom Autosound radio and 6X9 speakers added to rear shelf. Plus a ton of little stuff. It's a pleasure to drive,runs great, has ice cold air that was converted to 134A, power steering,power brakes. Been to several car shows last season.
« Last Edit: June 14, 2023, 11:25:31 AM by Jimbo »
Jim
Chicago

Offline GS66

  • Crazy about Buick!
  • *****
  • Posts: 2311
Re: 65 Skylark sport coupe
« Reply #1 on: January 06, 2020, 07:30:50 PM »
Very nice! What color is it now? Want to join us on the Power Tour?
Jim
North Mankato, MN

65 Gran Sport HT auto
66 Gran Sport Conv. 4 speed
66 Gran Sport Conv auto
66 Gran Sport Post auto
66 Gran Sport HT auto

Offline yachtsmanbill

  • Crazy about Buick!
  • *****
  • Posts: 968
Re: 65 Skylark sport coupe
« Reply #2 on: January 07, 2020, 06:09:04 AM »
Shes a sweety alright! Where abouts in Chicago are you? Thats my old stomping grounds (SW around Darien and Lemont). I like the factory AC for sure!  Bill
Nothing comes alive like a 455 !

Offline Jimbo

  • Crazy about Buick!
  • *****
  • Posts: 175
Re: 65 Skylark sport coupe
« Reply #3 on: January 07, 2020, 09:20:26 AM »
Bill,
I'm just west of Midway and work at O'Hare.

Jim,
I had the color scanned for some touch up, it matched up to a Toyota/Chrysler code.
Jim
Chicago

Offline yachtsmanbill

  • Crazy about Buick!
  • *****
  • Posts: 968
Re: 65 Skylark sport coupe
« Reply #4 on: January 07, 2020, 11:18:57 AM »
Im sorry Jimbo! My bad... we chatted about the ridge a while back; Curie and Dukes etc...I worked at the Crawford Generating Station, well whats left of it!    Bill
Nothing comes alive like a 455 !

Offline elagache

  • Crazy about Buick!
  • *****
  • Posts: 3033
  • Caretaker of one assertive "billy-goat" wagon
Thanks for sharing! More pics? (Re: 65 Skylark sport coupe)
« Reply #5 on: January 07, 2020, 01:30:24 PM »
Thanks Jim for sharing!

A very interesting story!

When you have a chance, could you take a few more pictures of the interior? Always interested in seeing how other mid-60s Buicks are decked out!

Cheers, Edouard  :occasion14:

Offline Jimbo

  • Crazy about Buick!
  • *****
  • Posts: 175
Re: 65 Skylark sport coupe
« Reply #6 on: January 07, 2020, 04:44:44 PM »
Here are a few more.
 Still have to paint dash pad,package tray,and interior rear window trim. I just wanted to get it together to hit some cars shows last season. She's in storage right now.
« Last Edit: January 07, 2020, 04:48:57 PM by Jimbo »
Jim
Chicago

Offline Jimbo

  • Crazy about Buick!
  • *****
  • Posts: 175
Re: 65 Skylark sport coupe
« Reply #7 on: January 07, 2020, 05:03:02 PM »
Engine pic is when I changed the leaking intake gaskets.
The tachometer was found by my Brother online in Virginia out of a 1962 and paid $80 shipped. (7000 RPM) I cleaned it up and needs to be checked/calibrated before I install it in the console.
Side shots are from the day I buffed it out.
« Last Edit: January 07, 2020, 05:12:32 PM by Jimbo »
Jim
Chicago

Offline yachtsmanbill

  • Crazy about Buick!
  • *****
  • Posts: 968
Re: 65 Skylark sport coupe
« Reply #8 on: January 07, 2020, 06:59:10 PM »
MAN!!! You are like sooo lucky!!  Any tips on the headliner job? Ill be doing mine next week, then re-installing the back glass in prep for painting... Bill
Nothing comes alive like a 455 !

Offline Brian

  • Global Moderator
  • Crazy about Buick!
  • *****
  • Posts: 1096
Re: 65 Skylark sport coupe
« Reply #9 on: January 08, 2020, 06:52:35 AM »
Where are you located Jimbo? 
'64 Skylark 2dr ht 4 speed, 300-4
'65 GS ht, 4 speed,2-4s,AC,PS,PB,PW,Pseat,Tilt
'66 Skylark 2dr ht 300-2 automatic
'78 Yamaha DT 400 2 stroke
'88 Ford F-150 4x4 (used to be 4x2)
'89 Ford F-350 4x4
'03 Honda Accord Coupe V6 6-speed manual (daily driver)

Offline dsags

  • Administrator
  • Crazy about Buick!
  • *****
  • Posts: 1813
Re: 65 Skylark sport coupe
« Reply #10 on: January 08, 2020, 09:19:02 AM »
Where are you located Jimbo?

See reply # 4

Dan
1965 Special Convertible, L33 LS, 4L60

Offline Jimbo

  • Crazy about Buick!
  • *****
  • Posts: 175
Re: 65 Skylark sport coupe
« Reply #11 on: January 08, 2020, 10:05:58 AM »
Thanks guys, I looked for a car for months. Did not want the usuals, always liked Buick so when I saw this I knew this is the one.

Bill, headliner tips, I have alot of them. Send me a PM with your number and a good time to call.
« Last Edit: January 08, 2020, 10:09:28 AM by Jimbo »
Jim
Chicago