65GS.com - Buick Gran Sport Enthusiasts!
Projects & Restorations => Projects & Restorations => Topic started by: schlepcar on April 21, 2015, 02:15:00 PM
-
It is actually warming up enough to get something done. I finished the underside in semi gloss and am working out the quarters after installing the alpha lower sections. The body was in my shed most of the winter and we plan on keeping it right in our way until it is white. It seems that there were a lot of days that we worked without seeing any light,but I think I am over the proverbial hump on this one. I will probably have tons of annoying questions, but I consider this to be past the half-way point with the driveline done and the body totally de-rusted and epoxy primed. Just a brief update....This is the car that my dad had written inside the quarter panel with his greasy fingers in 1965 at the Flint plant. They would smear something in grease and spatter paint over it. He said they used to do that all the time on 3rd shift....anything to override boredom.
-
Nice progress! Maybe it'll be done by the time I get there the first week in May!
-
Looking good , can't wait to get back on mine .
-
Thanks,
I look forward to seeing you in May Jim, and thanks to everyone who has been giving me input on this project. I really wish I had more time to throw at it,especially with the 50th anniversary coming up. I would like to go if at all possible with or without a car. Ten years ago,I would work on it until 4am,but I have gotten a little slower. We might see that green manual trans car done before mine.....did you find a roof yet?
-
No roof yet , haven't had to much time to look . Won't have much time to work on it till October now .
It's encouraging to watch other people's projects in progress though.
-
Lookin really good
Loren
-
Very nice! What was the original color?
-
Nice job. Looking good
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Thanks guys,
The car was originally white with white interior. I thought it was supposed to have a white top also,but it does say C2 on the cowl tag,so apparently someone had put a white top on it at some point. I think I will have to go back to the black top as original. I like the looks of white,but the canvas is hard to keep white on these convertibles. I have raised a few questions as to dash color and I think I have the correct gray in hand. I restored the steering column and steering wheel last month and it came out very clean. I got lucky and found a nos delco turn signal switch because I was not too happy with the aftermarket one I had earlier purchased. When I took this car apart it had white overspray on the floor here and there. I did not know if I should leave it clean and black or paint it like the factory did. Dan
-
Very nice ,looking good !!!!keep posting progress
-
Wow, great progress! It will be quite a while before mine is in that shape. I can understand your excitement about having the end of the project in sight!
-
Yeeeeeo! :headbang: LOOK"N GOOD Dan!!! ThanX for keep'n us updated!
Wheelz, Tampa Bay
-
Dan, check your PMs.
-
It was back to the dirty work this weekend. I was going to stay on the body,but decided to de rust as many pieces as I could while the weather was cool enough to blast. It hit 80 degrees today,so I am hoping to finish all the pieces before it gets any hotter. You used to be able to find kids to do this type of work.....lol.
-
Looking good. That is some nice sheet metal.
Dan
-
Seen it in person, Dan is making progress and a great project!
-
Looking good. That is some nice sheet metal.
Dan
:thumbsup:
X 2
Loren
-
Thanks for the compliments guys,
I had a hole in the one fender that did not belong...It had some pink stuff filling it. It looked like the same stuff you find in all of the cab corners, rockers and other lower areas of Michigan vehicles. So,I ground it all out and got an education here. Someone had put on a new GM fender back in the day. It still had the sticker on the inside. This is where it gets interesting, if you take the portivent and lay it over the factory elongated holes of a skylark fender moulding,they line up perfectly with no modification. The only difference was the extra hole that they bondooooeeeed in. Having said that,you would not need a template to cut the three holes in because you can simply trace around the vent after you line up the three studs. You would have to start with a skylark fender that had factory side trim if you wanted this to work. The only real issue is just welding up the extra hole. Dan
-
Back on it today....painting most of it in pieces because I can get away with that with white.
-
Looking great Dan. Finally got a sunny, dry, warm day in Michigan? We're visiting family near Cleveland and looking forward to summer starting when we return on Monday! Keep up the good work and the pictures coming :whip2:
Happy Fourth!
Chuck
-
"Back on it today....painting most of it in pieces because I can get away with that with white."
Looking really good. Definitely an advantage to painting a solid color, opposed to a metallic.
Keep the inspirations coming!
Loren
-
Thanks,
We finally did get a nice day to spray. It has been too wet or humid to do anything. I usually paint everything twice because it never goes together as smooth as I like. I will scratch or chip something eventually. I like to put it all together and block sand it with 800 grit and put on two coats of clear. It gives it more of an original lacquer look while maintaining a harder urethane finish. I can sometimes get away with just sanding and wheeling,but this is a lot of metal. We will see how it goes once the fenders are lined up. Happy 4th to all,and I will get back to work...Dan
-
Looking good Dan!
-
WOW! :headbang:Looks great haven't made that much progress
On mine! By fall you'll be ready to runner down the road!
Dan thanks again for the tip on the driveshaft! It worked
Perfect, I found a almost new one and putter in!
-
Glad it worked out...I am already putting chips in her trying to align front end by myself. I knew it would happen that way, so I only put on a little clear coat. I will finish it all once bolted together. I also have noticed a tag on the bottom of the core support,but I do not know why it is on there.
-
I put the final touches on the dash today. I picked up a used pad on eBay awhile back and it was previously painted. I cleaned it with acetone and was very surprised at its condition.This was one of those "never happens" type of find. Mark posted a pic of the correct throttle spring and I actually had the right one. I better take a break things were going too smooth,Dan
-
Very impressive Dan! Can't wait to see the final product.
Cheers!
Chuck
-
Looking good Dan! :thumbsup:
Cheers, Edouard
-
Looking good. Assembly is the fun part and will go fast. Enjoy the ride! John
-
looks great. Keep us informed with your progress.
Glenn
-
Very nice Dan, you got a lot done since I was there!
-
Thanks to all,
I hit it hard last week but I think I will regroup. I still have to fit up my tail lights and block out the fenders. Every time I think I have them ready I find more work. I sent the portivents to the chrome shop in Brillion,Wisconsin,and waiting to get them back together. Dan
-
Dan,
Looking great. On your post July 8, I have a pic of a tag like that on another car.
I'll find it. It was spot welded to a fender, not the core support.
Mark
-
Mark,
I believe the number is too long to be a vehicle identification,but possibly an id tag used for assembly purposes. It could even mean that it was a replacement core support at one time or another? It looked pretty original when I took it apart,but who knows......it sat for 15 years before I bought it. Dan
-
Looking really good. It's always much more fun to be on this end of a restoration then the teardown side.
Looking forward to more progress.
Loren
-
Dan,
Saw this on a 65 GS fender at a show 2-3 years ago. Fremont built car. Never saw another like it until your post.
Have no idea what its for or why it is there.
Mark
-
Maybe this was a tag for the early replacement fenders with the gran sport only ventiport holes in the fenders. 😳
-
The tag is the same size and nearly the same number. I think mine started out 137.... they may be gs specific replacements or original I'd tags from the assembly bins. I haven't seen any regular skylarks with them,Dan
-
Looking really good Dan , Do you have any kind of a dead line to have it complete ?
-
Dan,
Saw this on a 65 GS fender at a show 2-3 years ago. Fremont built car. Never saw another like it until your post.
Have no idea what its for or why it is there.
Mark
I have one of those tags on my conv., spotwelded to left fender on my conv. have owened since 1969, never had accident, never replaced. my # is 1370311. Flint built, feb. second week build.
Al :dontknow:
-
Here's one from my 66. I just assumed it was a replacement fender.
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f229/bigblock4speed/66%20GS/IMG_1438.jpg) (http://s48.photobucket.com/user/bigblock4speed/media/66%20GS/IMG_1438.jpg.html)
-
The plot thickens.
Post #1000
Mark
-
Woohoo!! Congrats Mark, you've made the big time. And we are all the better for the info and help contained in those 1000 posts. Now counting down to 2000!
Cheers! :cheers2:
Chuck
-
Looking really good Dan , Do you have any kind of a dead line to have it complete ?
I think it is going to start costing me more money than time at this point,so I am limping along. I have several chrome issues to deal with and am not sure how scary it will get. Right now I am just content that Mark made his 1000 post number on MY project......do I get any bragging rights?
-
Well !!! If you slow down and and take your time we could both fire them up at the same time . LOL
-
Well !!! If you slow down and and take your time we could both fire them up at the same time . LOL
Alas I'm gaining ground on you John. It should be running tomorrow because I just got my radiator back from the shop and he made it all pretty again. It was cheaper than a repop and it looks like it is supposed to now. Dan
-
Running tomorrow, that's good progress!
-
is that mine?
-
Yes it is...I cleaned it up and it was a lot better shape than the one I had. The guy who recored it took one look at it and said, "old nailhead Buick". The one that was in the car when I bought it was not the original tanks and now it is back to correct. I bought some hoses from Russ and they were the correct molds with no issues. I found some heater hoses for a late 60's small block corvette that had the right bends for the firewall and water pump. Dan
-
Dan, do you have more information on those 'Corvette' heater hoses that fit the 65GS ?
Dan
-
Yes it is...I cleaned it up and it was a lot better shape than the one I had. The guy who recored it took one look at it and said, "old nailhead Buick". The one that was in the car when I bought it was not the original tanks and now it is back to correct. I bought some hoses from Russ and they were the correct molds with no issues. I found some heater hoses for a late 60's small block corvette that had the right bends for the firewall and water pump. Dan
Do you have part numbers or where did you get the two heater hoses? I am in need of some, thanks Bill.
-
Bill,
We can talk about that this weekend.
Mark
-
Maybe this set?:
68-82 Corvette with A/C
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-heater-hose-kit-with-air-conditioning-small-block-and-big-block-1968-1982.html (http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-heater-hose-kit-with-air-conditioning-small-block-and-big-block-1968-1982.html)
Or with GM logo:
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-heater-hose-kit-with-air-conditioning-small-and-big-block-1968-1982.html?crosssell=Product_Upsell (http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-heater-hose-kit-with-air-conditioning-small-and-big-block-1968-1982.html?crosssell=Product_Upsell)
-
Dan ,
I,m soooooo far behind you It ain,t even funny :crybaby2: .
But at least I,m making some head way on my engine rebuilds .
Can,t wait to see your car , its looking good .
-
Dan's car looked really good when I visited him a few months back. Can't wait to see the finished product!
-
I too would love the heater hose info. I'm dangerously close to needing them.
-
+1!
-
Maybe this set?:
68-82 Corvette with A/C
[url]http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-heater-hose-kit-with-air-conditioning-small-block-and-big-block-1968-1982.html[/url] ([url]http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-heater-hose-kit-with-air-conditioning-small-block-and-big-block-1968-1982.html[/url])
Or with GM logo:
[url]http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-heater-hose-kit-with-air-conditioning-small-and-big-block-1968-1982.html?crosssell=Product_Upsell[/url] ([url]http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-heater-hose-kit-with-air-conditioning-small-and-big-block-1968-1982.html?crosssell=Product_Upsell[/url])
I believe those are the ones I bought. It has been a couple months ago, but I used the tight bend at the firewall and the long bend was perfect at the water pump end. So,at the firewall there was one straight and one short bend.
-
IM really funcused here Dan.... :tard: HELP ME understand. The subject title "....seeing progress FINALLY....65 RESTO"...ok so far. Dan, the pix below (your engine I assume?) is correct Green for a 65, right? However, the valve cover appears to be a 66 with the angled PCV valve? Am I right? Or could that 'angle' also be for a 65??
REASON behind my inquiry is: I am converting for a customer, his 66 GS to a QJ intake, carb, air cleaner and SEARCHING for factory 66 ribbed style valve covers... I thot I understood the 'ANGLED PCV" is 66 only?? Am I wrong? or am I just incorrect? :tongue3:
Wheelz, Tampa Bay
-
Hey Dennis,
That is a good question..I did not build the engine in this car as it was an unfinished project started by the previous owner. To my knowledge,it is 100% oem as far as intake,carb,valve covers,etc...this is a straight PC'V . I know both my 65 cars had this cover on them. As far as color,I think there are closer matches out there. This is Detroit diesel duplicolor,but in reality,it is supposed to be a tad more blue-green. I think Bill Hirsch color is a little better from what I have seen. Dan
-
It is actually warming up enough to get something done. I finished the underside in semi gloss and am working out the quarters after installing the alpha lower sections. The body was in my shed most of the winter and we plan on keeping it right in our way until it is white. It seems that there were a lot of days that we worked without seeing any light,but I think I am over the proverbial hump on this one. I will probably have tons of annoying questions, but I consider this to be past the half-way point with the driveline done and the body totally de-rusted and epoxy primed. Just a brief update....This is the car that my dad had written inside the quarter panel with his greasy fingers in 1965 at the Flint plant. They would smear something in grease and spatter paint over it. He said they used to do that all the time on 3rd shift....anything to override boredom.
When I work for GM we would find bottles with screws in them . They were in the doors or in the rear quarters. But that's neat working on a car that your dad built.
-
I think found a solution to my nasty portivent problem. I tried like crazy to find a nicer set and I ended up sending the housings to Terry Meetz in Brillion ,WI. He did an excellent job of repairing the pits and restoring the chrome. Next,I had to try to repair the inserts and had a broken one that Wheelz replaced for me out of an extra housing. After repairing the pits and imperfections with filler and etching primer I had to try to duplicate the correct finish. I went through various try and resand,and try again techniques. The end solution was quite simple and gave me the best result. I bought some exterior aluminum gloss paint and sprayed on multiple coats over time over perfectly finished primer. After it had dried for a couple days(or 47 beers in Wisconsin time), I lightly scratched it in straight lines parallel to the length with a course scotch brite pad. This gave me the brushed stainless look that I needed without having to try to locate nice inserts,which are getting more and more extinct.
-
Nice work Dan! Maybe next summer I can stop over for a ride!
-
I'm at that "more money than time" stage where everything I need cost$$$$$. I just bought some nice tail light housings from dsags and now I need to figure out what bumper route is the best. The bumper boys are always at the swap meets with better prices than their website,so maybe I will wait a bit. Did you get any snow yet?
-
Dear Dan, Jim, and mid-60s Buick lovers,
I think found a solution to my nasty portivent problem.
. . . .
It looks really good! :thumbsup: Too bad 1965 Specials had a different vent design . . . .
After it had dried for a couple days(or 47 beers in Wisconsin time),
(http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/wink.gif) . . . Did you keep the beer cans to be absolutely sure of the time? . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/groucho_naughty.gif)
Congrats! Good job! :icon_thumright:
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
P.S. Thus far, the vents on my trusty wagon look really good for being original all these 50 years!
-
I'm at that "more money than time" stage where everything I need cost$$$$$. I just bought some nice tail light housings from dsags and now I need to figure out what bumper route is the best. The bumper boys are always at the swap meets with better prices than their website,so maybe I will wait a bit. Did you get any snow yet?
If your current bumpers fit well the thing to do is just get them chromed. Several members have had issues with replacement bumpers that don't fit. In Wisconsin the body shops send them to North Star (think that's correct) Plating. They can straighten if needed and you get the same bumper back as was sent in. Cost is about $500 per bumper.
Glad those tail lights worked out for you.
Dan
-
I have a '66 bumper from North Star. Beautiful work.
Tri City Plating in Tennessee is another good replater.
I've read a lot of bad reviews about Bumper Boyz. Best to do some research first.
x2 on Dan's recommendation about checking fit before replating. It doesn't take much of a hit on our front bumpers to bend the point upwards.
-
Dan
I agree with Dan dsags.
I had a small but annoying dent in my original 65 GS bumper above the rear license plate.
I decided to have both the front and rear bumpers done at the same time so they would have the same shine.
After 50 years the shine was getting dull.
I had North Star chrome my first GS bumpers back in the mid 80s and was very happy so I turned back to them again.
It seems they have gone through a lot of restructuring including teaming up with Keystone.
They are located in Brainerd MN and you can get a lot more details with a Google.
I have a lake place just north of Brainerd so I personally brought my bumpers up for repair.
While talking to North Star they said they get bumpers to redo from all over the world so a call to them could get you a good suggestion on how to get yours to them.
The bumpers I had on my GS at the BCA Nationals this last year are a sample of their work.
I was very happy with their results.
The rear bumper dent was gone. I got my original bumpers back. I considered the price fair. The shine was a mirror. The bumpers fit. The delivery time was as stated. The people were good to work with.
For people who haven't had bumpers redone before I did have marks on the back side of the rear bumper to straighten out the dent. Once installed these dents are Impossible to see so it depends on how pure you want things to be.
Milton
-
Dan, I will be out your way next week. Too early for a ride?😀😀
-
Guys...a short story...FWIW, I've been sending Tri City Plating all my bumpers for many years... little over a month ago, I sold a 70 Lark/GS front bumper to a client in Alabama. I convinced the buyer to have me send the bumper direct from me to Tri City, as I've done many times in the past. This bumper condition was no different than the others, including the infamous CRACK at the point of the bumper. :crybaby2: In fact not only 70, but 71 & even some 72, have this annoying crack. :angryfire:
I received a call from Chip at Tri City a week later and he was notifying me "THEY NO LONGER REPAIR CRACKS"... I said WHUUUUUUUT?
Ya. They've had some issues in the past and now no longer repair cracks or tears in bumpers.
SO, now, you must repair your own cracks in the bumpers BEFORE sending them to Tri City... and even then, they will NOT honour their LIFETIME GUARANTEE on the plating over the welding repaired areas.
This bothered me deeply. HOW can they be a BUMPER REPLATING BIDNESS and NOT repair bumpers????
Well, a long conversation with owner Chip Carrier and I am EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED that they simply will no longer take on bumpers with cracks. PERIOD.
THAT being said, 'RANDY' a fello who used to be production manager at Tri City for 18 years, (whom I've kept in touch with) has recently opened the doors to the public and to possibly challenge Tri City, just updah street from Tri City...called R&D Chrome Finishing Services. 423.543.1722 They also offer LIFETIME WARRANTY AND..they repair cracks AND pot metal. Sales@RDFinishing.net
equally as important to mention, Tri City has been sending R&D all their diecast replating ever since they opened....!
I have NOT personally seen any replated bumpers from R&D so I cannot comment...
Just say'n... if your bumper does NOT have cracks, Tri City would be still be a good choice. However, if it does have cracks and/or tears, know that Tri City wont touch it, but R&D will.
Wheelz, Tampa Bay
-
Dan, I will be out your way next week. Too early for a ride?😀😀
Well Jim....it does move,does that count? I have all the panels lined up with a final sand ready for warmer weather. I think iI can say I am dragging a little on it and need to put it back in my way. Let me know when you are going to be this way,Dan
-
Dan, I was in Gaylord this week and it was snowing. Maybe the approaching weather will allow you more time to work on the car!😀
-
I am down to blocking out the hood and I'm a moron....I have literally stripped this hood to bare steel 3 times. The first time I primed it and ran up town just long enough for it to get rained on. I then sanded it all off and reprimed. After blocking it all nice I sprayed some urethane primer on which apparently had sat too long because the activator never cured the material. This in turn allowed the primer to soften the epoxy underneath and once again I had to chemically strip EVERYTHING...So,the moral of the story is never give a care about what you are painting and it will be nice the first time.
-
Dear Dan and mid-60s Buick painters,
I am down to blocking out the hood and I'm a moron....I have literally stripped this hood to bare steel 3 times.
I'm afraid that's simply par for the course when it comes to painting. I had to repaint the dashboard knob bezel at least that many times because of various mistakes I made. Painting and body work is really a horrible catch 22. If you really want your car to turn out right, there is a strong motivation to do it yourself because you care so much about it and hiring a professional will cost you an arm and a leg. Alas, painting is the front line between your car and the elements, and for all our technology, getting a beautiful paint job is really pushing our technology - especially since we can no longer use the solvents that made paint tougher.
Taking care of an old car means getting quite an education from the "school of hard knocks." All you can do is take the blows and move on.
Edouard
-
This is true and every time you relearn material tech/data sheets and get comfortable using the newest stuff.......they will discontinue it and you are back to ground zero. I actually am quite familiar with a lot of the material I am using and my biggest problem is that I do not use this stuff as fast as I used to. It is going to waterborne paint and the stuff I use is more old school but you have to be careful how it is stored. I thought that it was likely to eventually give me grief since it was the last panel to be finished. The rest of the car was going too smoothly. I also got a line on a Keystone rep that will guarantee satisfaction on the bumpers for $900 for the pair. That is the best deal I have found and I am giving it a try.
-
You'll have her ready for next year's cruising season! :rocker:I had a pair of bumpers done by them 20 years ago and they still look good! For about half what they cost now!
-
Dear Dan, Jon, and mid-60s Buick "walking supplier directories" . . . . . :laughing7:
I also got a line on a Keystone rep that will guarantee satisfaction on the bumpers for $900 for the pair. That is the best deal I have found and I am giving it a try.
So would your bumper chroming outfit be these folks (for those of us who don't know the company on a first name basis! :laughing7: )
Keystone Automotive Industries
2110 South 10Th Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
(800) 432-3720
Additional info on this webpage:
http://www.lkqcorp.com/en-us/locations/keystone-automotive-industries-brainerd-mn.aspx (http://www.lkqcorp.com/en-us/locations/keystone-automotive-industries-brainerd-mn.aspx)
Just checkin' . . . . . . :laughing7:
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
-
Yes they are nationwide,but I do not know exactly "who" does the work. They contract with a third party and it seems to be top secret at this point. He did however say that I would not pay for them until I was happy.
-
Hi Dan,
So, do you ship them to Brainerd, or somewhere else?
Chuck
-
Yes they are nationwide,but I do not know exactly "who" does the work. They contract with a third party and it seems to be top secret at this point. He did however say that I would not pay for them until I was happy.
Dan ,
The guys that will be doing them (at least a couple of them ) have been there for 47 years . It is actually North Star chrome , they were bought out buy Keystone .
They have a booth every year down at Back to fifties and still hand out North star t shirts . I ran my bumpers up to them as they are only an hour away from me . I met a few of the people that work there and they are VERY organized .
-
LKQ is all over US. and these will be picked up and delivered to my friends shop. I was wondering if they are all done there or their are multiple locations for plating. It would seem that they would have too much volume for one vicinity. They will chrome any bumper core that is deemed usable so they are busy with every body shop in the country.
-
All
Use the search function from the home page here on North Star or keystone and you will find pages of information and positive comments including ones from me.
I don't really know if there is more than one location for the bumpers but I have been to the Brainerd MN location several times and they have stuff coming in from all over the world.
Milton
-
Hey Milton,
I was thinking they must be pretty busy if they were the sole plater for keystone. I guess if you think about it,most wrecked cars do not have chrome bumpers,so maybe they are the only ones doing their work. I am hearing good comments about them so I will be sending mine out soon,Dan
-
Dan, any updates on your car?
-
Hey Jim,
I tried to load some pics last week,but I am having issues. I got the paint and body done other than final polishing and I am working on all the high dollar money tree pieces. Bumpers,grill,etc..then of course,is the interior. New top is installed and Gardner exhaust sounds good,Dan
-
Keystone rear bumper came back very nice.
-
Looking good Dan!
-
Looking good Dan! Did you repaint the car since our visit a couple of years ago? I thought the body was done at that point?
Keep up the good work!
:cheers2:
Chuck
-
Dan , Looking good ! I,m falling behind looks like I better kick it into high gear .
Keep up the great work . :thumbsup:
-
Thanks everyone,
I did put the car back into a total blocking and more paintwork after I damaged the front fender in my shop.
I was not happy with the original finish and talked my friend into putting it into his booth. This has turned into the worlds slowest paint job since I started working on cars for customers it just has not been productive to work on mine. I am still working on the interior pieces and will hopefully show more pics soon,Dan
-
Doing a great job Dan. It’s not how long it takes but the results that count.
Dan
-
Looks great Dan, you are meticulous in your work. I’m still claiming bragging rights to the slowest paint job.
-
Dear Dan, Jim, Chuck, John, Dan, Kevin, and mid-60s Buick caregivers,
I did put the car back into a total blocking and more paintwork after I damaged the front fender in my shop.
I was not happy with the original finish and talked my friend into putting it into his booth. This has turned into the worlds slowest paint job since I started working on cars for customers it just has not been productive to work on mine. I am still working on the interior pieces and will hopefully show more pics soon,Dan
No matter who is doing the work, restoring these cars always takes longer than we want. Indeed, quality is worth the wait! Keep pluggin' and you'll eventually have a car that everyone will be envious of! :thumbsup:
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
-
Looking Great! Keep up the good work! Always takes longer and cost more than we think!
-
New pics
-
Posting some interesting pics of what I believe will show that GS grilles are not the same as a skylark. That small dimple actually creates a spot for the Gran Sport emblem to rest against when tightening it to the grille. I lucked out because this one was originally in my trunk and I was not thinking there was anything unique until I started cleaning my other one. My only question is rather or not the small emblem cars had this grille. This could be a good indicator if a GS had been damaged because it is likely a separate part number from a skylark.
-
Looks great Dan! Did you paint the black area on the grille?
-
Dear Dan, Jim, and mid-60s Buick restorers, . .
Glad to see the progress! . . . :hello2:
Posting some interesting pics of what I believe will show that GS grilles are not the same as a skylark. That small dimple actually creates a spot for the Gran Sport emblem to rest against when tightening it to the grille.
Definitely nothing I would know about . . . . . Anybody else know about this? (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/anyone_sign.gif)
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
-
Looks great Dan! Did you paint the black area on the grille?
I taped up my skylark grille to paint and just happened to notice that spot that looked like a defect in the chrome on my other grille. It looked like it had some worn off black paint so I kinda put 2 and 2 together and figured it must be an original GS piece. After I had almost finished taping the skylark grille....I decided I better use the dimpled one. It was then another do-over because apparently that is how I like to work. It is now blacked out properly matching the headlight bezels. I am still waiting on the do-over front bumper and the do-over seat tracks. Two or three do-overs on the tail lights,and only one do-over on the dash pad(thanks to Loren it actually looks right).
-
Do overs! I understand do overs. It’s looking very nice Dan.
-
I need to paint the black on my grille, sure looks good that way and I know that it is correct.
-
Nice work, Dan. And interesting observation on the dimple in the grille. I've got a NOS grille here for a Skylark and I'm picking up my rechromed grille for my restoration this week. It will be interesting to compare them. And to see if the one from my GS has the dimple. Both of them will need the black paint treatment, as well as the silver on the lower apron.
I'm trying to avoid do-overs, but I haven't totally succeeded. :BangHead:
Cheers!
Chuck
-
The black is not a terrible job on the grille. It is a little more tedious on the bezels. I started out just using fine line 1/4 inch tape,but ended up using regular 3/4 and it seemed easier. If you line it up evenly on the lower part of the chrome then slowly fold it over the edge,you can use a razor knife in the crease to get a nice line. That worked better for me than trying to eyeball the tape on straight. I used black satin on the rocker trim and grille and it really brings out the detail.
-
I will have to get out there again and see it in person!
-
The amazing energy drinks benefit (https://www.muscleandfitness.com/supplements/best-energy-drinks/) is not a terrible job on the grille. It is a little more tedious on the bezels. I started out just using fine line 1/4 inch tape,but ended up using regular 3/4 and it seemed easier. If you line it up evenly on the lower part of the chrome then slowly fold it over the edge,you can use a razor knife in the crease to get a nice line. That worked better for me than trying to eyeball the tape on straight. I used black satin on the rocker trim and grille and it really brings out the detail.
Love that Gran Sport sign. It sends chills down my spine every time I see those letters. Rreally well done restoration so far!
-
Dear Armstrong and 65GS.com welcome wagon, (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/welcomewagon.gif)
I see that you have just made your first posting on 65GS.com, so by all means - welcome! . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/welcome_smiley.gif)
We sure would appreciate it if you would introduce yourself in our New members/Bios section:
http://65gs.com/board/index.php/board,23.0.html (http://65gs.com/board/index.php/board,23.0.html)
Let us know what brought you to 65GS.com and what your interests are!
Once more welcome! . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/smiley.gif)
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
-
Some pics of the interior project
-
Sent the console out to Custom Metal Finishing....
-
Still waiting for the front bumper,but mostly looking like a car. I have had very little time this summer to work on it so it just got dusty sitting around. If I was any slower you could call it a barn find from when I actually started the task.
-
It might be dusty but the details are excellent. Nice restoration !
Dan
-
Dear Dan, Dan, and mid-60s Buick caregivers,
It might be dusty but the details are excellent. Nice restoration !
I couldn't agree more! :thumbsup: The dust will disappear with the first wash! Any detail you screw up will remain that way no matter how many times you wash the car!
Keep up the good work! :hello2:
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
-
Nice work Dan! Can?t wait to see it in person.
-
Looks great Dan! Wish I was that far along......
Keep the updates coming!
:cheers2:
Chuck
-
Thanks to all,
We have been very busy this year,but I think it is actually getting wrapped up soon. I had to return the front bumper and hopefully it will be ready this time. After that it is down to a few small items....hood ornament,rear ornament,etc. It runs and drives very well without any mechanical issues.
-
Very impressive Dan! Nice to see someone is making progress on their resto. Your attention to detail is most impressive, need to plan a road trip to see it up close.
-
How's the red one going Kevin? If you guys get up this way let me know.....it is getting cold now so I should actually be here. Dan
-
I will be out there the second week of October.
-
Dan, are you done with the car now?
-
Not 100% Jim,
I have had issues with a couple plating facilities(I badmouth them all the time,but not on the web)....I am happy with all the mechanicals and still down to detail items. Silly stuff still needs done,aim headlights,install door panels and arm rests,decide which rim-tire set to use,and a final polish on the clear once and for all. I hope to post some finished pics once garage gets cleared out in near future. Dan
-
Can't wait to see the results Dan. I'm not that close yet, but would love to be!
Chuck
-
You are probably closer than you think. Once the body is on and paint done it goes pretty fast. My problem is that I do other cars from insurance companies and my own car is the last to get any time. It reminds me of when I was younger....I bought a house to fix up from a well-drilling company. The guy had lived in the house and drilled wells for a living,but never hooked up the toilet or sinks in his own house. I also drive an old diesel truck that needs bodywork that will likely NEVER get done before it sees the scrap pile. The Buick definitely gets priority when time allows,and I am glad to have a place to hide for awhile to work on it. You need to post some more pics of yours because I have not seen it lately and not likely to for awhile, Dan
-
I put off all the details last winter and now I remember why....little stuff takes the most time apparently. I used 15103 SEM to duplicate original color for the factory arm rests that I had from Loren. I ordered some parts last year from emblemagic for rear emblem.
-
Dear Dan and mid-60s Buick caregivers with an eye for details,
I put off all the details last winter and now I remember why....little stuff takes the most time apparently. I used 15103 SEM to duplicate original color for the factory arm rests that I had from Loren. I ordered some parts last year from emblemagic for rear emblem.
Thanks for sharing! The door interiors look like they just got off the factory floor and the rear emblem is absolutely beautiful! :love4:
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
-
All looking good, Dan. It appears you're getting close to the finish line. Is it just interior work that's left?
A great weekend to all!
Chuck
-
Thanks guys,
I took it out for a ride around the yard as I had done last year. My brake pedal was hard as a rock and I could hear the booster leaking. I found that a little strange since it was fine the last ride. I took it back apart and waiting for a replacement but still fighting a front bumper alignment issue. The rear was so easy that it literally was up to Edouard and Chuck standards on the first fit. I have one more bumper that I think I will try and see if it fits better. The one on the car looks great but just doesn?t seem to line up as it should. Other than that and a good amount of clean up?.pretty close to complete.
-
Looks great Dan! The rear emblem really turned out great!
-
Third front bumper was a charm...it?s a shame that companies take so little pride in craftsmanship. I will just say this bumper was done by the same company that did my back bumper. North Star Plating did an excellent job on both of them. Other places that do not deserve conversation will not be mentioned here. Listen to other members and be sure to rough fit your old bumper before plating and do not look for a bargain on chrome work. I literally spent thousands on this mistake and it will not happen again so learn from others mistakes and life is easier.
-
I agree on North Star!
-
All
Great to hear North Star is still doing a great job.
They also have no problem with customer coming in to tour their facility in the past any way.
Milton
-
Fits and looks great
-
Looking great! :headbang:
-
Dear Dan, Jim, and mid-60s Buick caregivers,
Fits and looks great
That's great news! I'm sure you would have sweated whatever it took to make it fit, but this problem is now solved! You can move on to the next detail!
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
-
Oh let me tell ya....
Not fun and partially my fault because I ASSUMED that people were selling me what I purchased. I found that they are not necessarily lying they just don't know or care about their merchandise. I did however follow your lead on the hood ornament and it looks very good from Custom Plaing. I will call it a live and learn because this car was partially disassembled when I got it and I should have made sure the bumper fit. Fit was not my only issue......some platers should probably go into public sector jobs where you can simply show up and get paid.....lol
-
Dear Dan and detail-oriented mid-60s Buick restorers,
. . . . .
I did however follow your lead on the hood ornament and it looks very good from Custom Plaing.
. . . .
Glad to hear that your hood ornament turned out nicely! A friend of mine called the hood ornament the "crown jewels" of your car and while a bit of a exaggeration it is a real focal point. Are you all set for the Tri-Shields foils? There are some reproduction foils still for sale on eBay if you need them.
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
-
I was pondering that avenue myself. I have a broken ornament with unfaded foils....I am going to attempt to reuse them. I am not sure if it will work yet.
-
Dan, i think it is going to be hard to remove the foils from the one you have and still have them useable. I removed a set from one I had and by the time i was able to get them off they were used up. I ordered a set from Cars to replace them. Now I have a spare that looks as good as new.
-
This seller on ebay has foils that very closely match the originals (I think): https://www.ebay.com/itm/265509011739?hash=item3dd192011b:g:IGgAAOSwnXFgtnX~ (https://www.ebay.com/itm/265509011739?hash=item3dd192011b:g:IGgAAOSwnXFgtnX~)
Is your broken hood ornament repairable (as opposed to removing what may be fragile foils)?
-
The broken ornament is not all there and mostly just the half of a circle and trishield area. I have had some success removing the trishield emblem in boiling water. I have one that looks excellent and one that is slightly faded so I will likely try to match them both back to non faded shape. I also may order that replacement set to compare the coloring to see if mine is at the correct shades. When I was saving parts for my project I ended up with an extra ornament that I think I will restore for a spare.
-
Dear Dan and mid-60s Buick restorers,
I was pondering that avenue myself. I have a broken ornament with unfaded foils....I am going to attempt to reuse them. I am not sure if it will work yet.
If you decide you can't rescue the foils, here is the source for the reproductions on eBay:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/265509011739 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/265509011739)
Also there is this thread on restoring hood ornaments. The painting service is no longer available, but there all sorts of other good info in it.
http://65gs.com/board/index.php/topic,2709.msg17347.html#msg17347 (http://65gs.com/board/index.php/topic,2709.msg17347.html#msg17347)
Cheers, Edouard
-
I just put on the last piece....I had a few original foils but I bought the eBay set and they are excellent. Thanks to Loren and everyone else that has helped on this site I am happy with the project and its originality. I was attempting to put the car back as original as possible and everyone has been remarkable in their input and expertise. Dan
-
Well done Dan, your car looks amazing. I look at yours and think mine will be there soon, yours helps me because our cars are the same exterior colour. I have the same foils for my bonet emblem, they look much better installed compared to being in a box.
Thanks again for sharing.
Marcus.
-
Looks great Dan! Nice job!
-
Those foils look good. Really finishes the car and gives it the refined muscle look.
-
Great job Dan. Amazing how long these restorations take, but it's a fun and rewarding journey.
Now, ahem....last piece? These cars didn't come out of the factory with bare steel wheels did they? :laughing7: What wheels will be on the finished product?
:cheers2:
Chuck
-
Looks great Dan . I forgot you were doing a convertible . Spring will be here in no time and you'll be able to cruise around with the top down .
Maybe if you get some time you could give us photos in the engine bay and the interior . Looks nice though .
I'm little envious , looks ill be the last one to the finish line . :laughing7:
-
Thanks Everyone?..
I still have the oem wheels on it,but I am in the process of restoring a set of Buick road wheels with original style tires. I had them on the car but I was not happy with my original bias tires so I am opting for a set of the correct whitewalls. I want to put it on an alignment rack as soon as weather permits before the new tread. Dan
-
Looks fabulous Dan, All the hard work does pay off when complete. Those foils look great ! It really gives the finishing touch.
Tony :thumbsup:
-
Looks Great Dan ! Congratulations! So great to be at the finish line!