65GS.com - Buick Gran Sport Enthusiasts!

Projects & Restorations => Projects & Restorations => Topic started by: GranSportWagon on May 15, 2012, 12:00:50 AM

Title: Projects nearing completion
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 15, 2012, 12:00:50 AM
The wagon is on the road with a couple of minor issues that have now been resolved. Only carpet in cargo compartment left to go.
Mike S.
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: dsags on May 15, 2012, 08:14:59 AM
Sweet ride Mike. More pictures of the interior and engine bay would be nice. How long did the restoration take ?

Dan
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: campfamily on May 15, 2012, 08:44:39 AM
I love that car!   :hello2:  More pics, please!!!
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: mdkd on May 15, 2012, 08:48:34 AM
Mike

Whata Wagon.   Love the color.  Lot of great extra touches. Wheels look perfect. Need more pictures.

Milton
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 15, 2012, 09:37:38 AM
I will get some more today and send them. What is the best way to size the photos correctly?
Mike S.
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: Mark Ascher on May 15, 2012, 10:22:08 AM
Mike,

I usually size them at 10" wide, 100 dpi.
Comes out like the attached pic.

Mark
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: dsags on May 15, 2012, 12:59:02 PM
Mike,

Microsoft Image Resizer works well if you are running Windows XP. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/downloads/windows-xp (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/downloads/windows-xp) Look under Power Toys Image Resizer. Use the 'large image' size.

Dan
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 15, 2012, 02:09:19 PM
Dan thanks for the input. I am using Win 7 and not very well. I will see what I can do with that once I get some photos. No problem emailing the smaller versions but uploading is a different thing.
Mike S.
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 15, 2012, 02:31:21 PM
Ok I did find a couple of photo I will post. Have to get interior stuff and more exterior photos later.
Mike S
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: dsags on May 15, 2012, 02:38:57 PM
Yeah, there aren't many XP dinosaurs like me around anymore. LOL.

That is definitely a sweet car. Love the engine compartment. Very nicely done.

Dan
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 15, 2012, 05:14:37 PM
The car is my idea of what Buick Division would have made if they put out a high performance wagon, or as the name implies, SportWagon. I was originally going with bucket seats and console, but then thought that that wasn't really in keeping with the wagon. So I just removed all the side trim, door trim, tailgate trim, and installed all GS running gear, 401, SP Turbo400 and a 323 posi, which by the way is too low geared. Anyone have a 290 posi center section that they might like to trade for a 323?
Mike S.
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: WkillGS on May 15, 2012, 11:10:10 PM
Cars look great Mike! and yes, more pics please....(of the '66 too). :icon_biggrin:
Engine looks very nicely done. Is it a stock build?

Your 3.23 rear will also accept 3.08 and 2.93 gears. The 3.36-up and 2.79-down ratios used different center sections.
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 15, 2012, 11:21:48 PM
Walt that is good to know. I thought I would have to change carriers. Does that mean all I have to change is the ring and pinion and every thing else remains and is usable?
Pictures, I will get some more later this week.
The engine in the GS and the wagon are basically the same, NH400 cam, adjustable push rods, heads done by Mike Lewis, balanced, late model Q jet and Petronix ignition.
Mike S.
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: Brian on May 16, 2012, 06:52:49 AM
I have never come across any 2.93 gears for a Buick 10.2, but I think they do exist.  You can find 2.78 gears easily.  I have a 2.78-up posi carrier I picked up for a friend here on the board, but he actually needs the lower series carrier and was going to have to use a ring gear spacer on it.  So if you decide to go with a 2.78 or higher, I can set you up with a trade for the 3.23-2.93 carrier you have. 
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 16, 2012, 09:03:47 AM
Thanks, Brian, but I don't think I want to go that high unless I find that I can reduce tire size and still have the car look like I want it to. Let you know.
I suppose the posi unit will work with either carrier or does each carrier require its own posi type?
Mike
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: Brian on May 16, 2012, 10:33:32 AM
The posi unit is the carrier.  The dimensions to where the ring gear mounts are different between the different ones--3.36 and lower are one, 3.23-2.93 are another, and 2.78 up is the third.   There are corresponding carriers that are open (non-posi) for all 3 different gear series. 
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 16, 2012, 01:20:28 PM
So I just need to find a good ring and pinion.
Thanks Brian.
Mike S.
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 16, 2012, 07:40:11 PM
Ok, a good ring and pinion or a source for a new setup..............Any one have any ideas?
The 323 would be available for barter or ?
Mike S.
Title: Differential gears
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 17, 2012, 11:37:34 PM
Got the ring and pinion coming in the mail. Jim at
J D Race & Restoration
3641 Southern Road
Richfield, OH 44286
was kind enough to sell me his last set.
Thanks to the group for the inputs.
Mike S
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: Dr Frankenbuick on May 18, 2012, 06:55:12 AM
I have never come across any 2.93 gears for a Buick 10.2, but I think they do exist.


The 66 and 67 GS Skylark is a good place to look for 2.93 gears.  The 66 and 67 GS came standard with 2.93s when equipped with an automatic transmission.  The V6 Skylarks and Specials without AC and with an automatic transmission also came standard with 2.93s in 66 and 67.  Those would be a good places to start looking for anyone with the desire for a 10.2 293.

BTW - That is the way they should have built the Sportwagon - Very Nice!
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 19, 2012, 06:27:27 PM
Finally got some pictures today at a local outing for the Historical Society. I will send these in two groups.

Mike S.
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 19, 2012, 06:31:50 PM
Second group.

Mike S.
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: dsags on May 19, 2012, 07:11:48 PM
Mike, thanks for the pictures. Again, that is a very nice car. Great job.

Dan
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 19, 2012, 07:23:17 PM
Thanks  Dan, the end is in sight, I think.
Mike S
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: Mister T on May 19, 2012, 08:56:15 PM
Very nice wagon Mike!  :hello2: :occasion14: Is the color Midnite Aqua Mist Poly?? It sure makes your wagon pop in my books. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 19, 2012, 09:46:06 PM
I really don't know. The color is the same that is on my 66GS that has the factory lacquer that someone has put an clear coat over. I am not sure if something might have been added when it was sprayed. There seems to be a difference in the appearance of the door jambs, but those weren't cleared, so it is hard to say.
Mike S.
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 23, 2012, 06:49:48 PM
More of as the GS wagon turns.................
Got the 293 gears and they look great. Had a lead on some ac hoses for a 65 or 66 GS and they weren't so great, so I still need to find a set of ac hoses to finish up the factory air installation. Starting to get hot here.............
Any help is always appreciated.
Mike S.
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: dsags on May 23, 2012, 07:35:16 PM
Mike,

Brian on the V8Buick forum has some A/C parts.
http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?248884-1964-1965-A-C-parts&p=2035448&highlight=#post2035448 (http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?248884-1964-1965-A-C-parts&p=2035448&highlight=#post2035448)

Dan
Title: Re: Projects nearing completion
Post by: GranSportWagon on May 23, 2012, 07:39:46 PM
I think I have talked to him about hoses and all he has are the 300 setups.
Thanks Dan.
Mike S.