65GS.com - Buick Gran Sport Enthusiasts!
Projects & Restorations => Projects & Restorations => Topic started by: Buick_65 on September 12, 2015, 08:08:58 PM
-
Okay, here goes. This journey begins 20 years ago this year. I really wanted an LS6 Chevelle. Couldn't find one so I thought I settled on a beautiful 72 Hurst Olds Indy Pace Car. Turned out it had the wrong motor and the seller was misrepresenting it. When my father in law heard I was struggling to find a project, and that I was preparing to spend an inordinate amount of money on something, he decided to offer up his 65 skylark. Truth be told, he had no idea what this thing was. He was convinced that the dealer put the 401 in the car at his request. When in fact what happened was, he walked into the dealer in late 64 and drove a wildcat and a skylark. He told the dealer, "if I can get that car (skylark) with that motor (wildcat) I'll buy it. "Sold!" the dealer said. Of course he simply ordered up a 65 GS for the old man and the rest is history. From 65 to 85, this was the only car he had. He drove it every day for everything. My wife was brought home from the hospital in it and learned to drive in it. Spokane Wa is not the most forgiving environment, but the car held up quite well. In 85 he bought a pickup and parked the car.
-
The day we picked up the car. No idea what I was in for....
-
Disassembly begins. We made a sweet 4x4 wood dolly with casters on it to roll the body around. Welded some braces in the doors to keep it sturdy. Worked exceptionally well
-
Off to media blast. The guy that did it was a real stud. He picked it up, blasted it all with sand and beads where appropriate, and delivered it to the body shop for $850. Very little rust on the quarters, the trunk was rotten from all of the nefarious things the rats were doing in there.
-
The guy that did the frame was bat shit crazy. Too many paint fumes I think. He had a motorcycle helmet painted with the paint used on the frame and proceeded to bash it on the floor like a crazy person to show how tough the paint was. It was pretty tough.
-
Motor. We got a lot of help from Russ at Centerville auto. We tried to put hardened seats in and effed the heads up. Russ found me replacements. We were going to lower the compression so we ordered some custom made forged pistons which Russ talked us into not using due to the 401's notoriously bad flame spread. (if you want some blower pistons, hit me up) It's almost done. We got a couple of bad oil pumps so that is holding me up. The carb I had restored at Vintage Muscle Car Parts back east. Came out beautiful. I will post photos of that in the coming days.
-
More motor pics
-
Thanks for the pictorial summary, Todd. I love the history of the car and that it's still in the family. You're well on your way to completion and looking great! Keep the updates coming and thanks for starting this thread. We all learn from each project that we follow.
Cheers!
Chuck
-
Dear Todd, Chuck and mid-60s Buick fans,
Thanks Todd for sharing the story of this car. It is a very different situation from my trusty wagon. My wagon has been in continuous service from 1968 to basically 2010 with down time for engine rebuilds and routine maintenance. Also, my wagon is a born and raised California car. She hasn't needed the frame off restoration because she has been mostly garage kept so she remains remarkably rust free.
Your GS indeed needs a lot more luv' than my wagon does. However, you seem to making good progress and what you don't know - you now know where to ask! As you have learned the hard way, it is a lot of work. Still savor the project and don't try to rush it. It is like trying to push on a rope - it just won't werk!
Cheers, Edouard
-
:headbang:
Nice story Todd, keep the posts coming.
Loren
-
Looking good Todd .
Looking for to following along .
-
Nice job and great story! Thanks for sharing!
-
Very very cool story. And such a awesome car. This isn't the 65 thats at pats shop in Bremerton is it? Pat had called me about some 65 taillights about 6 months ago. Just curios. He was telling me about a 4 speed convert. And there definitely not to many around Washington. I live in Bremerton Washington and I have two 66 Gs's and my dad has two 65 Gs's . Very nice Gs
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Very very cool story. And such a awesome car. This isn't the 65 thats at pats shop in Bremerton is it? Pat had called me about some 65 taillights about 6 months ago. Just curios. He was telling me about a 4 speed convert. And there definitely not to many around Washington. I live in Bremerton Washington and I have two 66 Gs's and my dad has two 65 Gs's . Very nice Gs
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
One and the same. We found some tail lights in Oregon, perhaps based on your tip?? I will post some pics of them, they were quite nice.
-
Sweet. Yep you guys got them from my buddy john in oregon. They were in really nice shape. Awesome , glad I could help ya out. Can't wait to see more pics of your vert and in person. Nice to see another one in town.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
The cost of paint and bodywork really took the wind out of my sails. When we started, I thought we'd redo the top and interior, scuff and shoot the body, and rebuild the mechanicals. Then I'd be driving it. Thankfully, the owner of Moslanders Rod and Custom new how important this car was to the family and in general and would not let me take the short cut. This did mean however that I didn't really know what I was getting into from a cost perspective. This means that the car sat painted with interior done for 7 years while I went motorcycle racing. Everybody complained about the cost of motorcycle racing and were shocked when I told them it was cheaper than my previous hobby...... It was nothing more than a spider house until I broke it out and sent it to Pat at Those Guys Rods & Customs for wiring.
-
So, Pat has the car now. He has installed some disc brakes for me. I was planning on going 100% original until I remembered how well my 64 Malibu wagon stopped on drums.
-
Todd and Dan,
You guys seem to be at least a part of our "Washington Connection". I'm wondering if you know Dave Knutsen? He's an old-time Buick fan from way back and the former owner of my 4-speed car that I'm restoring. Great guy; I still keep in contact with him.
My 4-speed car was originally sold and driven in Washington. Dave says one of his high school classmates drove it. Dave bought it, restored it, changed some things, including swapping the auto for the 4-speed and enjoyed it for awhile. About 10 years ago he sold it to a friend of the family in Arizona, where it lived for the first time outside of Washington. Of course, now it's in Michigan and about to receive an "Extreme Makeover". :icon_thumright:
:cheers2:
Chuck
-
Todd,
Thanks for sharing more pictures. You have a lot of REALLY nice parts going into your car! Did you have some rechroming done, or are the taillights and wheels original? If so, they were quite a find!
Do you have a timeline in mind to finish, or just taking it as it comes? I salute your painter for convincing you to "do it right"! It will be stunning when complete.
Chuck
-
That's awesome. Yep I know Dave. I've met him a few times And I remember your car. I always wondered were it went. The Buick world is sure a small world. [emoji3]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Todd,
Thanks for sharing more pictures. You have a lot of REALLY nice parts going into your car! Did you have some rechroming done, or are the taillights and wheels original? If so, they were quite a find!
Do you have a timeline in mind to finish, or just taking it as it comes? I salute your painter for convincing you to "do it right"! It will be stunning when complete.
Chuck
The wheels are aftermarket. The tail lights are survivors. Mine were horrible. I plan to send them to Paul's Chrome in PA one of these days.
-
As previously mentioned, I did Eric at Vintage Muscle Car Parts a dis-service by not taking any before pics of this carb. It was really awful. Here it is renewed!
-
Dear Todd and mid-60s Buick caregivers, . . .
The cost of paint and bodywork really took the wind out of my sails.
. . . .
This did mean however that I didn't really know what I was getting into from a cost perspective.
Yup, been there and suffered d'at! . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek-sign.gif)
At least I saved some money by doing the instrument panel restoration myself. Of course what I saved in money I lost in time! . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)
I was planning on going 100% original until I remembered how well my 64 Malibu wagon stopped on drums.
(http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/wink.gif) . . . Your wagon would have stopped just fine . . . . if it was a Buick wagon!! . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/big_laugh.gif)
Seriously, front discs or 4-wheels? My wagon has front discs right now and I'm getting needled to go with discs on all 4 wheels, but I'm not sure I need that extra stopping power right now.
As previously mentioned, I did Eric at Vintage Muscle Car Parts a dis-service by not taking any before pics of this carb. It was really awful. Here it is renewed!
(http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/wink.gif) . . . What do ya' mean carb? . . . my trusty wagon has an EZ-EFI fuel injection system!! . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/big_laugh.gif)
Seriously, your 65 was in need of much more luv' than my wagon. I'm glad you sticking through with it to bring it back to life!! :thumbsup:
Cheers, Edoaurd :occasion14:
-
Instruments and dash bits, all restored by my pops. They turned out beautiful. Bumpers all straight and re-chromed by Art Brass Plating in Seattle. Sooooooo expensive. But they were hammered, now they are pretty again.
-
Not sure why all my pictures are sideways or upside down. They're right side up when I pick them off my PC.
-
Lookin' great!
-
Dear Todd and mid-60s Buick caregivers,
Things are coming together nicely. You have to make that choice of are you going to devote the time to restore something yourself or pay someone else to do it. If you have the time and skills you can restore some components, but you'll have a very hard time matching the work of a professional.
Not sure why all my pictures are sideways or upside down. They're right side up when I pick them off my PC.
You might try taking a look at your images using a simple image processing program. Sometimes image viewers correct the view, but not the actual image. You might need to turn some of the pictures. Unfortunately, I'm a Mac guy so I can't give you better advice than that.
Cheers, Edouard
-
Picking up the motor today. Hope to install in a week or so. Anybody have a real correct engine bay they can share photos of? Looking to get a shot of all the details. Thanks in advance. Oh, I've heard you can't get the exhaust manifolds in/out with the motor in the car. Any truth to that??
-
There are quite a few members with really correct engine bays but here are a couple of pics of Mark Ascher's car. This was before some final details were taken care of (like the decal). Very authentic and a BCA Senior Gold.
Dan
-
Thanks. How about minus the air cleaner?
-
This is a 4 speed car.
-
Great pics Dan, It looks perfect!
.... I see a rubber boot on the battery cable junction block/horn relay. I've never seen that before. Was that originally on our cars?
-
I've had a couple of 65 Gran Sports that have had that. I put it back on my Champagne / red hardtop, since it was there originally.
Loren
-
.... I see a rubber boot on the battery cable junction block/horn relay. I've never seen that before. Was that originally on our cars?
Have to credit Mark Ascher for that find. Fusick Olds sells them. They are for use with the Little Fuse horn relay.
-
Thanks guys! Found the repo on the Fusick site:
http://www.fusickautomotiveproducts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=BCC648 (http://www.fusickautomotiveproducts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=BCC648)
Added it to my list!
More research:
Original pn is 2984681, group 2.815, 'COVER, HORN RELAY AND JUNCTION BLOCK INSULATING', 1965-68 ALL (Olds)
I don't see it listed in my '66 parts book, but it is listed in the '73 parts book for '64 Buick 40-41-42-4300 series.
-
This is a 4 speed car.
Perfect! Thanks. Interesting that your coil is horizontal. Mine is vertical in the same location.
-
Thanks guys! Found the repo on the Fusick site:
[url]http://www.fusickautomotiveproducts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=BCC648[/url] ([url]http://www.fusickautomotiveproducts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=BCC648[/url])
Added it to my list!
More research:
Original pn is 2984681, group 2.815, 'COVER, HORN RELAY AND JUNCTION BLOCK INSULATING', 1965-68 ALL (Olds)
I don't see it listed in my '66 parts book, but it is listed in the '73 parts book for '64 Buick 40-41-42-4300 series.
Well, I guess I have another part to order from Fusick. Just got my washer fluid jug the other day. I bet I could've built another car just on shipping charges.
-
Here are a couple pics of the near finished engine. Should be in the car next week. Progress......
-
Don't forget to order the inner fender wire harness straps - WHF05 on page 35. Need 3 of these.
Dan
-
I find myself in need of a fuel filter bracket. The one that goes on the water neck. Anybody know where they can be obtained?
Thanks.
-
You'll need to find a used one, but they are not hard to find as they are not GS specific.
Engine looks great. Spray bomb the PS pump fill cap and fan spacer dull aluminum.
Mark
-
Todd..I have an extra fuel filter bracket I will 'donate to the cause'!!! :cheers2:
Wheelz, Tampa Bay
-
PM Sent! Thank you sir.
-
Engine in place. Hasn't been in the car since '95!
-
Looking good!!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Looks great Todd. I bet you're looking forward to firing it up! :hello2:
Chuck
-
Todd..I have an extra fuel filter bracket I will 'donate to the cause'!!! :cheers2:
Wheelz, Tampa Bay
Strange, I have PM'd you twice, but it doesn't show up in my sent messages. Did you get them?
-
Looks great Todd. I bet you're looking forward to firing it up! :hello2:
Chuck
Absolutely. It's been silent since 1985.
-
Todd...yes, I just saw your message and now that I have your address, I will be mailing the bracket tomorrow~!!! :occasion14:
-
Tail light center bars re-chromed and installed, some center caps by Mitch, and a few photos of the dirty bits. Only a horn relay and exhaust away from firing it up, and a windshield away from a break in tour of Kitsap County. With no top it will be a bit chilly.
-
And the beat goes on.....won't be long now!
Looking great!
Chuck
-
Can't wait to see her cruisin town. Looks great!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Dear Todd, Chuck, Dan, and 1965 Buick fans,
You are making great progress!
Tail light center bars re-chromed and installed
Which outfit did you turn to to rechrome the tail light bars? Was it straightforward or did they have repair some of the pitting? I'm curious because I might have a project that would required a skilled pot metal restoration crew.
Thanks and congratulations on the progress thus far!
Cheers, Edouard
-
Good job on continuing progress! Looks great!
-
Dear Todd, Chuck, Dan, and 1965 Buick fans,
You are making great progress!
Tail light center bars re-chromed and installed
Which outfit did you turn to to rechrome the tail light bars? Was it straightforward or did they have repair some of the pitting? I'm curious because I might have a project that would required a skilled pot metal restoration crew.
We used a local company, Art Brass. Quite costly at nearly $400 for just the bars. I hear Pauls Chrome is more affordable if you have the time for them to work you in. They are in PEnnsylvania.
-
Dear Todd and mid-60s Buick caregivers,
Which outfit did you turn to to rechrome the tail light bars?
We used a local company, Art Brass. Quite costly at nearly $400 for just the bars. I hear Pauls Chrome is more affordable if you have the time for them to work you in. They are in PEnnsylvania.
Thanks for the two pointers! Realistically, this sort of restoration is labor intensive and requires experts. So if you want a good job, you should be prepared to pay for it. Fortunately, in my case, there are only two small pieces that would need restoration. I just need to find the time to get that project underway.
Thanks again,
Edouard
-
Got it running today!! Lets see if this video link will work. Super excited to hear the mighty nailhead roar to life after 30 years of silence. One more heat cycle and we go for a ride. Maybe next Wednesday, we'll see.....
https://www.facebook.com/todd.sparrow.7/videos/1071836096194205/ (https://www.facebook.com/todd.sparrow.7/videos/1071836096194205/)
-
Nice! Wednesday can't get here fast enough! :thumbsup:
Chuck
-
Looks and sounds great!
-
Congratulations! :thumbsup:
That engine is running real smooth from the first turn of the ignition!
Cheers, Edouard
-
Nice shirt Todd. Oh yeah, that engine sounds sweet too.
Dan
-
Nice shirt Todd. Oh yeah, that engine sounds sweet too.
Dan
My youngest had his on too. Gotta represent. I hope to take the car for a break in ride this Saturday. Should have some video with the idle down then.
-
Dear Todd and 1965 GS fans, . . .
I hope to take the car for a break in ride this Saturday. Should have some video with the idle down then.
I hope the weather cooperates and you have a great first drive! :icon_thumright:
Cheers, Edouard
-
Maiden voyage complete, what a blast. Should have some video in a few days. We had a rubbing transmission inspection cover to spice things up, and the power steering pump is junk. Otherwise it was pleasantly uneventful.
-
What's a maiden voyage without a few bugs ? Glad you got it in and had a good time. Looking forward to the video.
Dan
-
Sweet! Someday I hope to have that same experience with my restoration. Minus the bugs, of course! :icon_thumright:
Chuck
-
Great, looks like it's pretty nice there too!
-
Sweet! Looks great. It was a nice day today in kitsap county.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Glad it went well!! :thumbsup:
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
-
Here it is. I think I have a spring that isn't quite in the pocket, car leaned to the driver side 2" upon departure, and about 1" after a lengthy test drive.
Anyone have any feedback on the OPGI power steering pumps??
https://www.facebook.com/todd.sparrow.7/videos/1076135232430958/?pnref=story (https://www.facebook.com/todd.sparrow.7/videos/1076135232430958/?pnref=story)
-
Looks like fun! Hope you get the bugs worked out soon so you can REALLY enjoy it!
Todd, what exhaust system did you install? From what I hear in the video, I like the exhaust notes.
Chuck
-
It's just a temp system with some flowmaster 40 series dumping before the axle. We're doing the quieter 50 series out the back next week.
-
Sounds good I like the colour. Check your tail lights ( If you haven't already) .Brake lights aren't in the same place . I wouldn't want some jealous patrolman to hassle you.
-
Looks and sounds great , Nice job .
-
Sounds good I like the colour. Check your tail lights ( If you haven't already) .Brake lights aren't in the same place . I wouldn't want some jealous patrolman to hassle you.
We fixed them right after we pulled in the shop.
-
Sounds great!
-
Love it!! :occasion14: Watching your video makes me want to get one.
-
Todd,
Really great looking car. I have not tried the OPGI power steering pump, but when mine bit the dust I sent it to Lares, in Cambridge Minnesota. Nationally known re-builder of power steering pumps. They did and excellent job but it takes awhile. I recall about 4 weeks. The good news is that they were accurate in their prediction on how long it would take and i am told turnaround time varies throughout the year. I had mine done in summer.
http://www.larescorp.com/ (http://www.larescorp.com/)
Rob
-
Nice. Very NIIIICCE! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
-
Top is on, need to locate the retainer strip for the well liner. Can find it anywhere. Interior going in then maybe I can enjoy it for 2 or 3 weeks before summer runs out.
-
Looks great!
-
Dear Buick_65, Jim, and mid-60s Buick ragtop fans, . . . .
Top is on, need to locate the retainer strip for the well liner. Can find it anywhere. Interior going in then maybe I can enjoy it for 2 or 3 weeks before summer runs out.
Looks great! :icon_thumright:
(http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/wink.gif) . . . The only thing that worries me a bit is that basketball hoop just behind the car. If one of those kids tries to make a slam dunk, you might end up with a hole in your convertible roof! . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek2.gif)
. . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/big_grin_triangle.gif)
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
-
Headed to a local show on Saturday. Still got some top issues to work on, but got the interior in it to show it off a little. Looks like rain, but this is Washington. So..... :headbang:
-
Nice!
-
Beautiful Paint! Really like that color, don't see many dark blue '65's.
Real nice job on the interior too! Like the retro tach, what kind is it?
-
Todd
Really love that dark blue paint and I'm always a sucker for that white interior.
Congratulations on a great job.
Milton
-
Beautiful Paint! Really like that color, don't see many dark blue '65's.
Real nice job on the interior too! Like the retro tach, what kind is it?
Tach is a Bosch FST8050. It's a retro knock off of the old sun tachs. Keeping my eye open for an original Buick after market tach, sun tach, or kenne bell branded one. By for $100, the Bosch is a good stand in.
-
A beautiful job! Congrats! :icon_thumright:
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
-
Got this gem from the in laws. Note the lack of wheel mouldings and spoked wheel covers.
-
Dear Todd and mid-60s Buick nostalgia fans,
Got this gem from the in laws. Note the lack of wheel mouldings and spoked wheel covers.
Thanks for sharing! :thumbsup: There is something about those old original pictures that really take you back! Sometimes it is hard to believe I was actually alive all that far back! . . .
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
-
Todd, I think we have the same Becker Buick license plate frames. Anything else available from that dealer out there?
-
Sorry, missed this question. Becker is several hundred miles away, but will be within spitting distance this weekend. I will see what they have.
-
Re-chromed shifter and consolette back where they belong. New air cleaner decal in place. I still have a lot of decals to go.
-
Dear Buick_65 and mid-60s Buick caregivers,
Re-chromed shifter and consolette back where they belong.
Looking nice! :hello2:
New air cleaner decal in place. I still have a lot of decals to go.
That looks nice also! Unfortunately, if you are really trying to get a 100% stock restoration, you'll have to put a decal in every place Buick did so back in the da' day!
Even so, if you keep pluggin' . . . . you'll eventually get there! :icon_thumright:
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
-
This car is really looking good! Mine came from the same Washington dealer.
-
This car is really looking good! Mine came from the same Washington dealer.
I saw that Jim. I will see what kind of doo dads they have for sale. Did you need a new set of license plate frames?
-
No, I would only be interested in something old from back then. Actually my frames are in very good condition. I sent the owner a picture of the car and email but I never heard back.