65GS.com - Buick Gran Sport Enthusiasts!
Announcements => New Members / Bio's => Topic started by: Buick65gs on January 26, 2016, 10:48:28 PM
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I just bought a 1965 Buick Gran Sport from the original owner. I couldn't find any values to go off of to see if I got a good deal. It is a running and driving car. Some rust spots but not bad, interior shot, exterior trim very bubbled. I am going to look for the hood scoop hood and some GS rims (it just has the hub caps). I paid $4500. Any thoughts and ideas on part locators. It is a bucket seat, center console car, automatic with the Wildcat 445.
thanks Larry
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Welcome Larry! :occasion14:
Sounds like a fair price. It all depends on condition and what you plan to do with it.
The '65 GS did not have a hood scoop hood, just a plain hood with a hood ornament at the front. '66 GS had chrome hood grilles, '67 had small ornamental scoops, '68 had a scoop back at the cowl, and '69-up had a raised center section with a fresh air inlet.
The Buick rally rims were used into the 1980's in 14 and 15 inch sizes. They're also reproduced.
For interior, Legendary interiors offers seat covers, door panels and much more. They often have sales, currently 15% off:
http://www.legendaryautointeriors.com (http://www.legendaryautointeriors.com)
We would love to see some pics!
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(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160127/93e9efb848ef396f0dbc393a32228ba1.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160127/7b2daaba745927dd24cbdf8ec831c6d5.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160127/1fd118b5c2430c79a21ab5f271974ccf.jpg)
Here are a couple pics, I will get better pics and info later.
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I'd say if it runs and drives, you did very well. Nice looking car, I think there are some guys on here that would enjoy seeing it in their garage.
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Ya you did well . Compared to what I have it's a gem!
Morrie
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You did good on it. For seats don't rule out Procar seats. You will have less money in seats that sit better.
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Nice looking GS!
One of the guys here looked at that car in early December. Came from Stockton, Ca area.
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Dear Larry, Walt, Rollaround, Morrie, Jim, and caregivers to mid-60s Buicks,
I just bought a 1965 Buick Gran Sport from the original owner.
Welcome to 65GS.com Larry! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/welcome_smiley.gif)
I think you'll find yourself at home here (or at least your car will! :laughing7: )
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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Welcome and yes you did well,you might want to look at an earlier post from dsags. He had a real decent dash pad he was willing to sell reasonable. That is one of the hardest things to repair on our interiors. Hope to see more of the car as you go. Dan
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(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160127/33da13219ac0dc23d3077e99bac1a7f5.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160127/a3c49b66231972a22010f5fa286c30c7.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160127/83a6079ea54d5cab16ca5d09d1da3739.jpg)
I got all the stuff that came with it since new.
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Nice looking GS!
One of the guys here looked at that car in early December. Came from Stockton, Ca area.
Did he find issues that I'm not aware of, yet.
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Larry, where are you located? Are you in CA as well?
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Larry, where are you located? Are you in CA as well?
Yes, Modesto, CA
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Hi Larry,
At the Q&A section of the forum, there is a "sticky" at the top that lists a number of parts sources.
If there is anything specific that you need, just ask, someone here will have an answer.
Also consider adding your car to the registry here. Welcome to the forum!
Mark
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Thanks Mark, I will get on that soon. I just made the 30 mile drive home with the car. Ran very well. I will start getting a parts list as I start disassembly.
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Larry, what were they originally asking for the car? I remember seeing the add but can't remember. Looks like a nice complete car!
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He said he started out at $8500 a few months ago. I saw the ad at $5500.
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I built a truck a few years back that was my dad's when he passed away. We adopted 2 kids that love graffiti here in Modesto. Well we just got placed with a 3 yr old that is the brother of the boy we adopted. So the truck isn't going to be big enough so this car will fit the bill.
Here is a pic of my truck.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160128/0c4f91bd4c11d30bc8bd6f03d881b1d8.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160128/1910e1ac560ac775972ade5ef9041d06.jpg)
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Nice truck!
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VERRRY NIIICE! BTW, your 65 GS is SHADOW TURQUOISE!! :headbang: Gorgeous color! GREAT CAR and for the RIGHT MONEY!!! :cheers2:
btw I bought this Lark out of California a few years back... LOVE that color!!!
Wheelz, Tampa Bay
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Very nice wheels, wheelz! The Cragars really make it stand out.
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What are the correct wheel size, offset, width bolt pattern etc that fit these cars?
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What are the correct wheel size, offset, width bolt pattern etc that fit these cars?
Welcome to the forum !!
The stock wheels are 14 x 6 with 5 x 4.75 bolt pattern. Backspacing was originally about 4-1/2" but most of the Buick Rally, or road, wheels you currently see on cars have 3-1/2" of backspacing.
Dan
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Welcome Larry , nice looking 65 .
Great looking truck also . You,ll like the guys here , they are very helpful and EXTREMELY knowledgeable on 65 skylark GS,s .
:occasion14:
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What are the correct wheel size, offset, width bolt pattern etc that fit these cars?
Do you want wheels identical to the 1965 originals?
'65 wheels were unique. The chrome spokes were the normal shiny, polished chrome you are accustomed to.
At some point before 1966, the shiny chrome was replaced by a satin or 'bead-blasted' look.
'65 wheels were also painted a grey/argent silver color in recessed areas, later wheels were satin black.
I believe the offset was the same up to about 1969. At that time the back spacing was decreased to move the tire out for a wider track.
The later 70-mid 80's wheels were avail in a 15"x7" size. Typically 4-3/8" back space, 3-5/8" 'front space'...... yes 8" wide edge-to-edge, 7" wide between the tire beads. That offset works well with wider tires if you go that route..... 255's or maybe even 275's will fit.
That's a GREAT looking truck!! Nice to see that '65 GS went to a talented owner!
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Larry welcome to the site and another member from California. A good start for wheels would be to go to the big swap meet Saturday in Turlock. Will take most of the day to get through it, so go prepared.
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Larry welcome to the site and another member from California. A good start for wheels would be to go to the big swap meet Saturday in Turlock. Will take most of the day to get through it, so go prepared.
Yeah I go every year, I will be there Saturday. It's only 20min from me.
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As far as wheels stock or aftermarket. I'm not sure yet. I am trying to decide whether I want to do a restoration (stock) or a custom build.
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I seen car in person and it's a major project . Was matching numbers but between rust and chrome work alone would be in very deep . I'm glad to see someone bought it and if I can be of help just let me know .
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I seen car in person and it's a major project . Was matching numbers but between rust and chrome work alone would be in very deep . I'm glad to see someone bought it and if I can be of help just let me know .
The rust really isn't that bad, trunk pan has a few small holes, floor pans are good. All the chrome will be getting powder coated so not a concern. Shooting for June of next year for completion. I was hoping to find some other tail lights to try out some customising, but looks like I may just stay with the basics for now.
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Going the custom route does allow you to take more liberties like adding air conditioning, great sound system, disc brakes, etc. and probably will cost you less while maybe being more driveable. Keep us posted on what you do! These are great cars no matter what you do with it.
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Dear Larry, Jim, and mid-60s Buick victims of temptation . . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/conscience_smiley.gif)
I am trying to decide whether I want to do a restoration (stock) or a custom build.
Going the custom route does allow you to take more liberties like adding air conditioning, great sound system, disc brakes, etc. and probably will cost you less while maybe being more driveable. Keep us posted on what you do! These are great cars no matter what you do with it.
Hmm, Air Conditioning . . . . check!
(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Dashboard-before-and-after/i-nH2swKL/0/XL/IMG_3209-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Dashboard-before-and-after/i-nH2swKL/A)
Great sound system . . . . check!
(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Jan-1-2016-outing/i-4SxQNfV/0/XL/Biquette%27s%20dash%20-%20starboard%20center%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Jan-1-2016-outing/i-4SxQNfV/A)
Disc brakes . . . hmm, only front for now and no pictures, but . . . check!
And something was forgotten here, . . . Big-block Buick engine with lots of horsepower and oodles of torque . . . . check!
(https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Jan-1-2016-outing/i-c2PffLs/0/XL/Biquette%27s%20engine%20-%20port%20midway%20front%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquettes-Jan-1-2016-outing/i-c2PffLs/A)
(http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/wink.gif) . . . Who me? I was just quietly minding my own business and whistling Dixie . . . . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/innocent.gif)
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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.... All the chrome will be getting powder coated so not a concern. .....
What color powder coat are you doing the chrome parts with?
I tried some 'almost chrome' on some pitted headlight bezels and they only turned out fair. The pits tend to outgas and leave blisters in the powdercoat. Sometimes aluminum does that too.
For wheels, a 7 inch wide rim likes about 4.5" back space, 8 inch rim-> 5 inch backspace. That'll center the tire in the wheelwell.
I personally like the later 15x7 Buick mags (with 4-3/8" backspace). If you can find some for around $50 each, it's a good price!
The repo's from Wheel Vintiques run about $200 each.
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Nice ride Edouard. Did you do any suspension upgrades? I'm thinking of going full Hotchkiss with 2" drop spindles.
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.... All the chrome will be getting powder coated so not a concern. .....
What color powder coat are you doing the chrome parts with?
I tried some 'almost chrome' on some pitted headlight bezels and they only turned out fair. The pits tend to outgas and leave blisters in the powdercoat. Sometimes aluminum does that too.
For wheels, a 7 inch wide rim likes about 4.5" back space, 8 inch rim-> 5 inch backspace. That'll center the tire in the wheelwell.
I personally like the later 15x7 Buick mags (with 4-3/8" backspace). If you can find some for around $50 each, it's a good price!
The repo's from Wheel Vintiques run about $200 each.
Walt,
I'm in the process of deciding on a front disc brake kit and I've been looking at how they change the spindle alignment. I have a couple of sets of the later 15x7 mags that I plan to use. How sensitive have you found the GS to be to changes in spindle location? One of the kits I'm considering would move the wheel centerline outboard by about 5/8" on each side. Do you think that would be a problem with the 15x7 wheels? I haven't tried to measure clearances with the stock 14s. I'm hoping someone will have some experience.
Thanks,
Chuck
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Dear Larry, Walt, Chuck, and mid-60s Buick fans,
Nice ride Edouard. Did you do any suspension upgrades? I'm thinking of going full Hotchkiss with 2" drop spindles.
I'm not planning anything too extreme on the suspension because, believe it or not, my real goal with this wagon is to use it to tow a vintage travel trailer. Here is some overall pictures of my trusty wagon if you are curious:
http://65gs.com/board/index.php?topic=2610.msg16479#msg16479 (http://65gs.com/board/index.php?topic=2610.msg16479#msg16479)
For the suspension I was thinking about upgrading the front anti-sway bar and putting one on the rear. I was also thinking about getting boxed rear control arms. As a road-trip cruiser, I don't want to make the ride rough, otherwise it won't be any fun spending hours on the road.
I have a friend who went with something equivalent to the Hotchkiss setup and he is very happy with the improved handling. So if that is what you are after, it will definitely make you happy!
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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...... front disc brake kit and I've been looking at how they change the spindle alignment........
I didn't realize discs moved the front wheels out, I never checked! I don't have any fender clearance issues with 235/60-15's or 215/70-15's and near stock ride height on my '66's.
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Rust bad around windows leaking into car , both fenders doors etc . I would have made a rat rod out of it . Sanded to original paint , patched in rust best I could , spot with primer and clear car .
Slam and put on dog dish caps and leave rest ratty . Maybe do seats and dash pad other than that fun daily driver .
Enjoy and I've had 65's may ways if need help or ideas .
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...... front disc brake kit and I've been looking at how they change the spindle alignment........
I didn't realize discs moved the front wheels out, I never checked! I don't have any fender clearance issues with 235/60-15's or 215/70-15's and near stock ride height on my '66's.
I'm told that when disc brakes were added in production that they too moved the front wheels outboard by about that same 5/8". My restoration is all torn down, so no opportunity to check it. I'll take a look at the 14s on my red convertible and see what I can learn.
Chuck
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Dear Walt, Buicknut65, Chuck, and mid-60s Buick caregivers,
I'm told that when disc brakes were added in production that they too moved the front wheels outboard by about that same 5/8". My restoration is all torn down, so no opportunity to check it. I'll take a look at the 14s on my red convertible and see what I can learn.
My trusty wagon got a front disc brake conversion from SSBC (http://ssbrakes.com/) back in 2010 when I was simply trying to get her safe after years of neglect. I don't remember the model, but I don't think that changed the location of the front wheels.
Alas, da' fellers at Orinda Motors didn't tell me back in 2010 that what I - really - wanted was a Buick big-block, TH200-4R, Vintage Air, etc., etc., etc., and . . . in particular 15" rally wheels. As a result, the front brakes aren't taking advantage of the extra radius that the 15" wheels will provide. So some "adjustments" will be required. (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/sigh_bubble.gif)
Still, unless you want a really original car, this may be a place where aftermarket solution is worth it. Losing 5/8" of clearance could really hurt. :BangHead:
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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Hi Larry,
Also consider adding your car to the registry here. Welcome to the forum!
Mark
Maybe just me being a newbie, but I do not see the registry anywhere.
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Click on 65GS.com at the left top corner of this page. That takes you to the home page for the website. Then click on 65 GS Registry.
Thanks for adding to the Registry!
Chuck
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What are the correct wheel size, offset, width bolt pattern etc that fit these cars?
Welcome to the forum !!
The stock wheels are 14 x 6 with 5 x 4.75 bolt pattern. Backspacing was originally about 4-1/2" but most of the Buick Rally, or road, wheels you currently see on cars have 3-1/2" of backspacing.
Dan
Will 17x7 front and 17x8 rear with 0 offsets work on these cars?
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That combination works on our cars. The standard American Racing back spacing of 4" in front and 4-3/4" in the rear works if the front tires aren't too wide. Otherwise, the fronts need 4-1/2" of back spacing or taller coils.
Dan
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That's what I have on mine, 17 x 7's and 17 x 8's.
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I have that set up on mine as well . 205-50-17 frt with 255-45-17 rr
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I have that set up on mine as well . 205-50-17 frt with 255-45-17 rr
Is that about the widest we can fit on the back without doing any flare work?
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Will 17x7 front and 17x8 rear with 0 offsets work on these cars?
Zero offset will not work in the rear, it will put a wider tire into the outer wheel lip !
The later stock 15 x 7 Buick rally wheel has about 3/4" offset. An extra half inch is about ideal the center the tire in the wheelwell.... so 3/4" to 1-1/4" offset.
275's will fit if wheel offset is just right.
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Will 17x7 front and 17x8 rear with 0 offsets work on these cars?
Zero offset will not work in the rear, it will put a wider tire into the outer wheel lip !
The later stock 15 x 7 Buick rally wheel has about 3/4" offset. An extra half inch is about ideal the center the tire in the wheelwell.... so 3/4" to 1-1/4" offset.
275's will fit if wheel offset is just right.
That's actually ok, I can put a slight flare in the wheel well with a tube to compensate for that. Just trying to figure out the look I want now.
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Ok a little update on rim and tire size. The ones that were suggested 17x8 with 255/45/17 in rear. Yeah I found out the hard way that doesn't fit. I am massaging as much as I can but just not working with a stock setup.
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