my 65's resto progress by Mike Garrison

[65specialconver]

Well,i guess it's no secret i gave Mike my car to resto for me,it was way beyond my body work skills.:laugh: The first set of pics shows how he rebuilt the cowl section on one side,i got t-boned years ago & just slapped on a new fender.Over the years it rusted in addition to being crunched.I know Mike's been chomping at the bit to show off his work so here we go!:TU:

[65specialconver]

If you have time to kill,heres 82 pictures of the progress to date:TU:
http://s182.photobucket.com/albums/x152/65specialconvert/65%20special%20convert/

[SS-TRUCK]

Always have time to kill to look at a resto in progress or finished or anyway you choose to show it .

[Joe65SkylarkGS]

Jamie I can't see the pictures. They are very small. Did you use a cell phone camera?

Looking forward to the progress.

[SpecialWagon65]

Joe, check out the photobucket link for photos- its awesome.
Jamie, what color are you painting the car? Are you putting the 340 back in? Mike! Nice work!
Ted:beers2:

[Joe65SkylarkGS]

Joe, check out the photobucket link for photos- its awesome.
Jamie, what color are you painting the car? Are you putting the 340 back in? Mike! Nice work!
Ted:beers2:

Thanks Ted. I finally saw his pics. Real nice.

[65specialconver]

Yes the 340 is going back in,but will look like a 300.Gessler is doing the heads(mild porting) & porting/jet-hot coating the stock manifolds.Once i know the flow numbers i'm calling Scott Brown to grind me a cam & Eric Ruge is doing the engine assembly.Also going the 200r4 conversion route.I want it triple dark brown(burnished saddle) or maybe a sandalwood top to break it up a bit,still on the fence on top color.:confused: sorry about the small pics:pp

[Joe65SkylarkGS]

Sounds like your pulling a fast one with the engine. I likey!!!!!!

My opinion on the colors are like yours, the lighter top to break it all up.

And I like the 4 speed auto. I have been trying to find one myself. Let me know if you have any leads on the BRF code 200. Thats the one your using right.

[65specialconver]

I snoozed on a 200r4 off a carb application olds that was local for $75:spank:I'm still kicking myself for not getting it. Mike has his trans shop doing one for me now...it's a bit more than $75:pp

[Mister T]

Always have time to kill to look at a resto in progress or finished or anyway you choose to show it .

Me too.:grin: Keep those pics coming Jamie. (Mike too)

I really need to plant some extra 10's and 20's, so I can grow my own money tree.:laugh: :laugh: Seriously, I'm saving all my spare cash right now for the day when hopefully, mine has its day........maybe in another year or so.

I'm anxious to see how that windshield rust repair comes out, as mine has the same affliction.

[RACEBUICKS]

Some from today can you say stripped :TU:

[65specialconver]

Mike sent me some more pic's.:TU: That soda blasting sure shows were the little pin-holes are,i had no idea there were so many:Dou: The fender with the bondo was done by a local body shop last year,he said he "hardly used any filler":puzzled: Good thing i only traded a mopar starter for the work he did on it!:bla: OOOOPS,i doubled some Mike posted allready,sorry!!!

[SS-TRUCK]

And just think I have all that to look forward to . Except one big difference I have to do all of the work myself .

[Joe65SkylarkGS]

Looking great Jamie.:Brow:

[65specialconver]

And just think I have all that to look forward to . Except one big difference I have to do all of the work myself .

I truelly wanted to,it was/is just way beyond my skills.I can turn a wrench no problem,do some fair minor bodywork & spray paint like a rookie:pp But the rust issues stoped me dead in my tracks:laugh: In other words,i wanted it done right!

[dmt740]

And just think I have all that to look forward to . Except one big difference I have to do all of the work myself.
I hear ya. Just took off the front clip off my project. Oh the fun i am going to have... :/


I truelly wanted to,it was/is just way beyond my skills.I can turn a wrench no problem,do some fair minor bodywork & spray paint like a rookie:pp But the rust issues stoped me dead in my tracks:laugh: In other words,i wanted it done right!
Money issue are stopping me. The other stuff I hope to do some schooling and trudge onward, I said hope to, we'll see.<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[SS-TRUCK]

Jamie I understand you . We all have our own little niche . Thats what makes the world go round .

[RACEBUICKS]

One bumper done one to go. :TU:

[65specialconver]

no fair posting pics before i see them!:Dou: sure does look nice & shiney:beer how much did that cost me:eek2: just need one more nos turn lens......:beer

[RACEBUICKS]

OK its been awhile so I thought I would resurect this thread again. We got those 1/4s from cali and they are nice (compared to what we had to work with here) :TU: In the last week or so the car is rolling along nicely. The car will soon be rust free!:beers2: Here are a couple pictures to look at:Comp:

[Joe65SkylarkGS]

Looking good Mike!:bglasses:

[RACEBUICKS]

More shots to show. Oh yea I havent showed Jamie these yet..........:Brow:

Time for the sand blaster ................:TU:

[65specialconver]

More shots to show. Oh yea I havent showed Jamie these yet..........:Brow:

:

You kinda just did:TU: Yeeehawwww!!!

[RACEBUICKS]

Off to the sand blaster today:laugh:

[ubushaus]

Hey Mike,

Did you fab up those door braces yourself? If not, where did you get them?

[RACEBUICKS]

Hey Mike,

Did you fab up those door braces yourself? If not, where did you get them?


Those are a tool bought from AutoBody Tool something something I mail ordered them. They are about $225 each side

[slumf]

This is going to be a sweet ride when its finished
Keep up the good work

[RACEBUICKS]

Jamie here are a couple i just took. Fresh out of the paint room. We took it outdoors to get it some sun today too. :TU:

[RACEBUICKS]

We rolled it!!!! :bla: I couldnt resist..... Here are a couple of the floor all undercoated and sealed.

[cstanley-gs]

Very nice! I love threads like this that show progress. Keep the pix coming! :beer

[65specialconver]

Also have some engine stuff goin' on...Gessler strikes again! :TU:

[RACEBUICKS]

I thought it was time to throw up the updated shots of the car.........now setting in the booth to be shot



Oh yea if I had more hours in the day it would be painted today!!:Dou:

oh yea again Im still setting in the shop at 730 pm!!:Dou:

[jay bird]

Nice work Mike:TU:

[RACEBUICKS]

Well its 7:30pm and the sealer has been sprayed! Stay tuned for more tonight...

[RACEBUICKS]

Its 9:00 and Im 10 lbs lighter and the color is on.............

[65specialconver]

Thanks for burning the midnight oil Mike:TU: :beer
When your done,come over & help me shim the fenders on the '69 cali:pp What a pita that car is!!!:spank:

[RACEBUICKS]

Thanks for burning the midnight oil Mike:TU: :beer
When your done,come over & help me shim the fenders on the '69 cali:pp What a pita that car is!!!:spank:

If you were closer.................. I tried to paint the car all day. The phone rang a dozen times an hour then 40 people showed up.............typical monday. Its now 10:15 and its cleared all I have to do is wait for the fog to clear and go home. I am so ready for that shower....:Do No: Id bet I lost 20 lbs in sweat tonight man my car will be fast someday.....:laugh:

[RACEBUICKS]

Out in the sun raw paint!! needs some polishing and man its going to look good. :beer

[rex362]

Looking Great ....:TU:

And Jamie I bet has smile on his face

[gsdave]

Jamie, saw the paint in person last week, looks awesome:TU:


What are your plans for the interior?

[evil16v]

OH my... I will have to come take a look at this:Brow:

[RACEBUICKS]

Here are a few from today

[evil16v]

That one Next to grace the office?:Brow: Cinda's(SP?) 4 speed still there?

[65specialconver]

Yay, progress! I see you got the box from chip.He had back surgery & was moving pretty slow,lucky we got it done when we did.When i talked to him he was in some pain,only working a couple hours a day.
Interior plans,bench seat with headrest's & center armrest from '72 cutlass,in a dark/medium -brown/tan to complement the burnished saddle paint & sandalwood top,something inbetween the two colors.Waiting for Mikes new interior guy to look at it.Scott Brown should have the cam on it's way to Eric by now,so the motor should be coming together soon:beer
Thanks Mike!!!:laugh:

[RACEBUICKS]

Looking like a car soon ........ I should have it a roller by the end of the week now. Here comes some major changes!:TU:

[RACEBUICKS]

more from today:bglasses:

[Jim Rodgers]

Looks good. Thats going to be nice when done.

[RACEBUICKS]

Thanks Jim. Everyone that has come by in the last weeks has said the same thing too. !:TU:

Today was a good day!!!

[65specialconver]

I think i made a great color choice:TU:

[1967GS340]

All I can say is that I am very jealous! Awesome car. I hope you are going to bring it to the big Puyallup show next year. Don't make me go from the Southwest corner of the state to the Northeast corner to see it!

Better by far than any new car. Great job on the restoration.

[RACEBUICKS]

Tank is in.......

[T-Type 86]

Jamie,

I just wanted to say your car is AWESOME, I just saw it today and was amazed how wonderful it's looking now. Better get ready to see it, because it's going to be done soon. :TU: :TU:

Wanna trade for a 65 hardtop 4 speed??? :Do No: :3gears: :3gears:
-Adam

[wheelz]

SORRY Mike...dont mean to jump in on your thread...BTW...You are producing a VERY COOL CAR for Jamie!!! I'm jealous all-to-heck!! :Brow: AND ADAM...? Are you interested in a 65 GS Vert..needing resto??? :Do No: What condition is your 65 GS hardtop? Pease get back with me via PenWheelz2@ij.net ThanX! :beer Wheelz, Tampa Bay

[RACEBUICKS]

Here are a couple more from today before lunch

[RACEBUICKS]

Starting to look like a car now................:laugh:

[Topcat]

Dang.....i'm glad i had a california car to start with.......nice work Mike......Jamie..... you are gonna have a blast driving your Buick soon :beers2:

Peace WildBill

[Jim Rodgers]

Very nice work Mike.:beers2:

I'm sure you will be very pleased Jamie. As you know Mike takes a lot of pride in the work he does for his customers, and he is fair.

Enjoy it! :beers2:

[Topless64-455]

Jamie, I got to see your car in person Thursday and I looks great. I never thought I would like a brown car but the color you have has changed my mind. :) I looks great on your car.

[64riveriaonbags]

nice work

[n2buick]

Got to see the progress while dropping something off to Mike this week.

Looking great, straight as an arrow!

[RACEBUICKS]

I have an engine now........ Its time to get it back together now.!!:beer

[65specialconver]

:beer :Brow: Is Nick making any progress on the interior?

[RACEBUICKS]

:beer :Brow: Is Nick making any progress on the interior?

He is working on them.:TU:

[RACEBUICKS]

Here are some from today!

[SpecialWagon65]

Here are some from today!


Hmmmm, nice work there Mr Garrison! I spy some Gessler work there too...awesome...love the 300 valve covers on the 340, that just is so stealth.

Ted

[65specialconver]

Hmmmm, nice work there Mr Garrison! I spy some Gessler work there too...awesome...love the 300 valve covers on the 340, that just is so stealth.

Ted

No idea what your referring to:bglasses: :Brow:

[RACEBUICKS]

Looks stock to me!!

[evil16v]

awe.... it's just a Krylon rebuild.....:moonu:

[RACEBUICKS]

awe.... it's just a Krylon rebuild.....:moonu:

Thats what I always say!!! I just cleaned it up and repainted it. :laugh: :bla:

[1967GS340]

So... the big question Jamie, Are you going to have it shipped home or are you going to head on over and drive it home??

I know what I would do.

ROAD TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!

[401nailhead65]

Mike i think the car is coming along really really nice. Just a quick question what paint did you use on the exhaust manifolds.

[RACEBUICKS]

high heat cast iron grey

[RACEBUICKS]

Outside for the first time in awhile.........:TU:

[gatkins2004]

Looks just beautiful. Must be pretty cheap on gas with no front end too!

Gary,

[wheelz]

HEY MIKE!!! I wanna talk to your airbrush artist!!! I really like how he got that chevy pickup painted on the driver side to look so reeel!!! :puzzled: :TU::Brow: :TU: :Brow: :TU: :cool:


Wheelz, Tampa Bay

[65specialconver]

I want it back!!!! David came & picked up the Skylark yesterday,first time in years i've been buickless:(

[telriv]

Thankfully it WASN'T home yet!!!!!!

[1967GS340]

I want it back!!!! David came & picked up the Skylark yesterday,first time in years i've been buickless:(

And I got it home today! Drove to Coeur D' Alene then 450 miles home at better than 20 MPG. My daughter wanted to ride in dads "hot rod" instead of the truck.
I hope you have your car back soon. Felt bad taking your last Buick from you!

[65specialconver]

Thankfully it WASN'T home yet!!!!!!

I have a different garage for it! Sans solvent tank:pp

[RACEBUICKS]

I hope this looks as good to you as it does in person! 2.5 inch mandrel bent with an X pipe and Stainless Steel Magnaflow Mufflers !!

Thank you Hogan's Muffler and Brake........................................Oh yea maybe a 1/2 dozen others too........:TU: Jamie you have made a serious impact on this board and the Buick Community. These people (with my help :Dou: ) got together and paid to have the exhaust put on your car. This is what being a part of a community is all about. It makes me almost choke up when I received so many PMs about helping you out a little. This is not charity, this is a very small gift from those who have respect for you and what you have been to us in the Buick Community. I know you wanted nothing, but you know the old saying...."Its better to ask for forgiveness, rather than ask for permission." Those donor people know who they are and they can ID themselves if they wish. I for one am sworn to secrecy as to their identities:Smarty: Enjoy!

[65specialconver]

You guys are wonderfull!!! How dare you make me get all choked up like this.
Thanks to each and everyone,not just for this,but all the support.It's been a long week,this just erased all the pain:beer

[Topcat]

I got a mason jar of stuff for you my friend...to make you feel better !!!.....i almost had my car suffer the same fate.......hang in there my friend :TU:

Peace WildBill

[luvallknight]

mason jars always has the best stuff in em and congrats on the project

[RACEBUICKS]

Well Ive done all I can today.............:bla:

[RACEBUICKS]

Ok just to let Jamie know .........and to announce to the world. When I received the donations from the V8Buick people I not only had money for the exhaust but there was enough to also purchase a battery, both wiring harness's for under the hood and these pretty stainless steel transmission lines. After this and for the record the money has now been spent. I hope those who donated are ok with what I bought for the car. THANK YOU! :TU:

edit: It has power to the starter and Ive heard it rotate over now :)

[65specialconver]

Holy cow guys!:Dou: I cant thank all of you enough:beers2: And a huge thanks to Mike:TU:

[RACEBUICKS]

Holy cow guys!:Dou: I cant thank all of you enough:beers2: And a huge thanks to Mike:TU:

As soon as it runs I will record a Video for you!! Its not too far now. I started punishing the interior guy today for you too. Got to get these people moving!! :eek2:

[cjp69]

You better hurry Mike, the Buick Open in WA is June 19th, and Jamie needs to have the car there!!!!:beers2:

[SpecialWagon65]

As soon as it runs I will record a Video for you!! Its not too far now. I started punishing the interior guy today for you too. Got to get these people moving!! :eek2:


That could be a full time job! I need some people to get moving here too.
Cannot wait to hear the (ahem) "300" fire up :grin:

[wheelz]

Mike ...the quality of your craftsmanship goes beyond words. Jamies car will be more than just a car...it will be an excellent representation of what all of us early year (64-65 Buick) owners would use as a guide for setting the standards. Watching your progression and accomplishments on Jamies car, just makes me yearn to somehow find the money to begin my own restoration. Jamie is blessed for sure..surrounded by good friends and YOU performing his restoration! :TU: THANQ for sharing! :beers2: Wheelz, Tampa Bay

[65specialconver]

You better hurry Mike, the Buick Open in WA is June 19th, and Jamie needs to have the car there!!!!:beers2:

I allready poked him with a stick,dont piss him off!:Dou:
I'm quite sure he's doing all he can:beer

[RACEBUICKS]

Now this is looking good!:beers2:

[65specialconver]

I think i like this...rear seat:TU: Factory colors & pattern. What i wanted & the colors are PERFECT!:TU: Dont know if Mike has even seen it yet.:Brow: Think i'm really happy! Door panel as well.

[RACEBUICKS]

Awesome seats for sure!! I finished the front up today and I made that air cleaner of yours a dual snorkel :TU: Is that what you were after?

[65specialconver]

Awesome seats for sure!! I finished the front up today and I made that air cleaner of yours a dual snorkel :TU: Is that what you were after?

:bglasses: :beer :TU:
Are you & Nick feuding? :Do No:

[RACEBUICKS]

not yet. I just seem to be behind every time he shows up. I am starting to align up all the windows tommorrow and then he will be behind. I am going to get it moving along now as fast as I can

[RACEBUICKS]

READY TO RUN!! as soon as my daughter gets back with some premium fuel ............ Also front is done and right side glass is all in and adjusted. :beer

[1967GS340]

Sure can't wait to see that car in person, even if I have to wait till next years Puyallup show.
That is as close to a brand new 65 as I'm ever going to see!

[photobugz]

Jamie, I really don't think you're going to like this car. I'll give you $4200 just so that I have something to drive and you don't have to hassle with it anymore.

[RACEBUICKS]

Did I mention IT RUNS! :TU:

[wheelz]

well...uh, I'd give Jamie $4500! :Brow: Wheelz, Tampa bay

[RACEBUICKS]

well...uh, I'd give Jamie $4500! :Brow: Wheelz, Tampa bay

I have the car here and I would go as high as $5000 :bla: :bla:

[wheelz]

gee. TOUGH CROWD. Ok...my wife says I can go as high as $5268.21. :beer :TU:

Seriously now....it is looking great Mike! I can hear it running right now! Jamie is todays lucky dawg. :beers2:

[RACEBUICKS]

gee. TOUGH CROWD. Ok...my wife says I can go as high as $5268.21. :beer :TU:

Seriously now....it is looking great Mike! I can hear it running right now! Jamie is todays lucky dawg. :beers2:

I just left Jamie a message on his phone. (varoom varoom !!)

[SpecialWagon65]

I'm diggin' that dual snorkel air cleaner, lots of little details on this car that make me appreciate the thought
and hard work thats gone into it- inside and out. :beers2:
Let er rip!

[dukec]

Hey Jamie!

You probably should plan a shake down cruise with the "new" car. Why not bring it to the Buick show in Vancouver, WA on August 15? Then a bunch of the people on this board can see the great car & Mike's great work.

I could even be persuaded to buy the first:beers2: .

[65specialconver]

Just got back from town & listened to Mikes message...vrooom vrooom!!! :laugh: :bglasses:
Did you ever find a flexplate cover? I'll call you tomorrow.:beer
And your guys's offers are close...to the interior cost:bla:

[RACEBUICKS]

no flex plate cover yet...

[Brian Albrecht]

Very nice!

[RACEBUICKS]

I moved it under its own power now too!!