65GS.com - Buick Gran Sport Enthusiasts!
General Discussion => GS Questions => Topic started by: sodak65 on January 16, 2014, 10:19:51 AM
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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.
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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.
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Ok thanks, I'll get some pics when i get a chance. Should have a convertable style frame correct? what would that look like?
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Welcome to the site! :occasion14:
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.
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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
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Good news.... it's a real GS! :hello2:
The details are somewhat of a board secret. But your codes do show it has the GS option.
Congrats!
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Well that is great news and thank you WkillGS but could you give me anymore details?
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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.
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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!
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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.
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.....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.
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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. :cheers2:
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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
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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
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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
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Hey thanks again guys. I'm located near brookings, as. I just picked up the GS down in Nebraska today along with a great running low mile 1970 LeSabre 455455 that I'm going to transplant. The car has been in a barn since 1972! It's filthy but straight and very little rust in trunk pan and lower quarters. I really love all the trim theses cars have. I'm going to box up all the original parts and hot rod it for now,. Might leave it barn fresh but drivable.
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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
PM sent Bob
Chris
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So, where in NE did you find it?
I did the 455 turbo 400 swap on one of my 65's once. Took a lot to find the headers at that time. If I remember correctly, I had to add to the frame bracket where the trans cross member attaches.
Best of luck with the project and don't forget to get it in the registry.
Loren
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North Platte, I'm trying to post pics but it didn't seem to work.
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Craigslisting? options? Inquiring minds want to know.
Hope you got some pics of it all dirty too. It helps when you get to a point that you think you've not made much progress.
Loren
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North Platte, I'm trying to post pics but it didn't seem to work.
This might help
http://65gs.com/board/index.php/topic,103.msg638.html#msg638 (http://65gs.com/board/index.php/topic,103.msg638.html#msg638)
Chris
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Trying post pics off my cell but it says file size to big. As far as options its a post car 3-speed manual with short console/teach, posi (greats?), full chrome air cleaner/valve cover and fender mounted side mirrors.
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Looking over the posts. All you need is a block? Long or short?
Loren
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Trying post pics off my cell but it says file size to big. As far as options its a post car 3-speed manual with short console/teach, posi (greats?), full chrome air cleaner/valve cover and fender mounted side mirrors.
Give it a try now.
Chris
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Here it is as purchased.
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Here's more.
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I guess all I'd need is a short block but like I said I'm going to go with the 455 fur now. I could use a good steering wheel and a hood ornament though.
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Sodak65
Your pictures confirm what you have been saying.
All you have to do is wash this barn find up and you will be way ahead of where most people start.
Wheels and tires are available.
Steering Wheels are always bad on 64-66 but are reproduced or newer Buick wheels can be used.
We are all looking for the Hood Ornament but the hood does look OK without it if need be.
If your Armrest Supports look bad on top you may be able to flip them over and reverse which door they are mounted on and have them look like new.
If you have a good title this sure looks like a car worth working on.
Good Luck
Milton
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Treasure in the trunk!
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What a cool find! Where are you located? S. Dakota.? I may have some parts.
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That chrome air cleaner and valve covers are pretty rare pieces if they were from the Dealer / Factory when the car was new. Considering the condition they are in and the mileage on the car, I would bet they are factory parts.
Cool car and well worth the effort for restoration.
Chris
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Thanks I'm very excited to get started on the car. I'm near brookings, sd. What parts do you have gs66? Can anyone think of any parts worth saving off the 70 LeSabre I'm robbing the motor from?
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Great find. That shift boot in the consolette is quite rare. Most of them are hard and brittle but nobody makes a really good reproduction. Lots of other nice extras. Definitely a sweet piece.
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I used to get to Brookings all the time. I will be getting a complete 65 GS to part out in the spring.
Jim
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I guess all I'd need is a short block but like I said I'm going to go with the 455 fur now.
Just a reminder, the 455 will not fit the nailhead bellhousing, flywheel, frame and engine mounts, exhaust manifolds, oil pan, wiring harness, or even the radiator.....so you're likely looking at over $1200 just to make that 455 fit. Take a look at the TA Performance web site and make a list:
http://www.taperformance.com/ (http://www.taperformance.com/)
It's a neat car, congrats on the find! Did you find any more time slips in there?
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Wow. Neat car. With the bellhousing, shifter, and motor mounts you've already got the hard to find parts. My uncle has a spare 401 in Carson City NV if you'd prefer to keep it a NH. I believe it's out of a 63-64 big car. I could give you his email if you're interested.
I believe it's a complete motor carb to pan.
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No I didn't find anymore timeslips but there are dragstrip trophy stickers on the quarter glass lol. And thanks for the tips guys I don't mind the work to install the 455 and I'm familiar with TA, I'm a HP junkie. I will definitely keep all the original parts though. Do you think I could install a repop 67 GS 400 engine harness? Also what do you guys think of Doug's headers?
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All
Any guesses on what Dragstrip this car campained at in the 60's and early 70's.
TROPHY WINNER ????Y DRAGWAY
Milton
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Well the time slip in the glove box said Kearney Drag Way in Kearney, NE. No e.t. but it said 80.14mph .
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Hi,
Definitely a neat find, nice to see its a post car.
The harness you could just find one out of a 65 Skylark or Special as they would be the right lengths for the later 455 not sure if 67 has the same plug or if the pins are the same between years either way I would sit down with a electrical schematic for anything you go to swap in, you could just lengthen the wires on the coil and starter wires as I did the opposite doing my nailhead swap I just shortened the wires from my original 300 harness and had no issues
Good luck with the project again, not sure if you have had a nailhead with a stick before, but you would be pleasantly surprised at the power and smile factor you will have even from a stock engine and depending on your area and how rare nailheads might be in you area, you will also strike lots of interst at the car shows as I know my flaking paint car does (my wife still doesn't understand)
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Thanks Jim, nailheads are def not something I'm familiar with and I can only imagine the extra cost to find a machine shop and engine builder able to build it for me. 455 has 370hp 500lb stock that sounds fun to me.
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I may have a Skylark engine harness around.
Loren
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All
Any guesses on what Dragstrip this car campained at in the 60's and early 70's.
TROPHY WINNER ????Y DRAGWAY
Milton
Maybe it will make it to Thunder Valley Dragway when finished! Not that far from Brookings.
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Hi,
Definitely a neat find, nice to see its a post car.
Good luck with the project again, not sure if you have had a nailhead with a stick before, but you would be pleasantly surprised at the power and smile factor you will have even from a stock engine and depending on your area and how rare nailheads might be in you area, you will also strike lots of interest at the car shows.
Sodak, welcome aboard! :occasion14: :occasion14: As another one of those nailhead, stick shift owners, I can unequivocally say there's nothing like it when you mash the go pedal. :icon_biggrin: :icon_biggrin: Add to that, the wow factor the nailhead provides at shows or cruise ins. :thumbsup:
Looks like you have a winner with that car. My preference would also be to drop a nailhead in there, but it's your car. If you go the 455 route, glad to see you'll retain all the original parts, just in case. :headbang: