My Project - 1972 GS Clone (Pics)

[TroyGS]

Hello People of the v8buick forum!

For those who don't know, my name is Troy and I currently live in Calgary,ab. I have now decided to start my very own restoration project thread!

This is my very FIRST resto project EVER, so please take it easy on me:pray:

I know virtually nothing about cars/engines... I work as an EMT here on the ambulance in Calgary, and have never even changed my own oil! I got this brilliant idea of purchasing a muscle car before I get married, but couldn't afford one that was all shiny and finished. SO I purchased (2) - 1972 Buick skylark customs, one as a project and the other for parts.

PROJECT CAR:
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/1972%20Buick%20GS%20-%20Clone%20Project/1001.jpg
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/1972%20Buick%20GS%20-%20Clone%20Project/1003.jpg




PARTS CAR:
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/1972%20Buick%20GS%20-%20Clone%20Project/1002.jpg
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/1972%20Buick%20GS%20-%20Clone%20Project/1004.jpg

[TroyGS]

I got my parts car out of the way quickly!!

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2276.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2275.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2274.jpg

[TroyGS]

Gotta start somewhere right?

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_3875.jpg

[carmantx]

Looking good. Thanks for posting the pictures.

[cstanley-gs]

Nice job!
Keep the pictures rolling!
Have you decided on a color? Sticking with the vinyl roof? I like vinyl :)

[TroyGS]

VINYL ROOF! - Poor picture quality inside this garage

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_3888.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_3890.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_3886.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_3887.jpg

[TroyGS]

I'm going with a Blue color.....

Before I had even purchased my cars, I started looking at them on the internet. I found THESE cars and really like these colors (im sure someone on here owns them)

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/afsdfads.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/sgfvfg.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/buick-stage-1.jpg


Here is a version I made: These are the actual rims I have.

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/Mockup.jpg

[TroyGS]

I had rebuilt this, but now I think im dropping in a 455.

BEFORE
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/1005.jpg

AFTER
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/1006.jpg

[cstanley-gs]

its looking good man!... but that 350 sticker can easily be changed :laugh:

as for blue, I love stratomist blue.
The first car you pictured above used to be owned by a member here - sootie007, or John K
When he owned it it was posted to the Buick Street website
http://www.buickstreet.com/72-buickstreet/
and its Dodge Pacific Blue.. a very nice color.

[TroyGS]

So the 350 and 455 aircleaners are identical in size?

Would I get better performance from an aftermarket shiny chrome one?

[TroyGS]

CORE SUPPORT

BEFORE:
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_1959.jpg

AFTER:
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2005.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2004.jpg

[TroyGS]

GS HOOD

Its in rough shape, and I dont know what im going to do. I might have to cut out the scoops and transplant them into one of my other skylark hoods :Do No:

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_1957.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2003.jpg

[TroyGS]

the hood looked OK, until I sand blasted it and those GIANT chunks of bondo, foil tape, and mesh tape started flying... I was SOOOOOO MAD :rant::af:


Then, after I cooled down I started sandin down the car body..... GUESS WHAT I FOUND?

THESE REAR QT PANEL RUST HOLES...... FILLED WITH BONDO! :blast::blast::blast::blast::blast::blast::blast:: blast::blast::blast::blast:I WAS MAD, FRUSTERATED, AND DISSAPOINTED

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_1956.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_1958.jpg

[Briz]

All of that stuff can be fixed. The hood graft can be done but it may be easer to buy another and just put it on your car. I see allot of good stuff left on your parts car. hope you did not crush it before ya picked it clean. Rest of the build looks awesome.

[TroyGS]

All of that stuff can be fixed. The hood graft can be done but it may be easer to buy another and just put it on your car. I see allot of good stuff left on your parts car. hope you did not crush it before ya picked it clean. Rest of the build looks awesome.

there was nothing left, just a frame and body. I even took my tires off at the dump!

[cstanley-gs]

So the 350 and 455 intakes are identical in size?

Would I get better performance from an aftermarket shiny chrome one?

Its not so much the intakes, its the carbs, and the air cleaners are all the same. You'd have no problem putting that on a factory Rochester carb on top of a 455.
The only difference is the 455 sits a little higher, so the foams are shorter. You can cut down the 350 foams.

[TroyGS]

Sweet! I'm a long way from that point anyway! I have to figure out how an engine works, so I can attempt to rebuild a 455 (hopefully)

[cstanley-gs]

Sweet! I'm a long way from that point anyway! I have to figure out how an engine works, so I can attempt to rebuild a 455 (hopefully)

I know how you feel...Ive never torn apart an engine before... with the plan to put it back together.
Im currently working on this one
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w75/cstanley444/Buick/IMG_6873.jpg

And here's a video of when I first started it. Compression and oil pressure are great so I plan to swap a cam, and have some stage1 heads for it. It will be a learning experience for sure!

http://s173.photobucket.com/albums/w75/cstanley444/Buick/?action=view&current=MVI_6801.mp4

[ubushaus]

And here's a video of when I first started it. Compression and oil pressure are great so I plan to swap a cam, and have some stage1 heads for it. It will be a learning experience for sure!

http://s173.photobucket.com/albums/w75/cstanley444/Buick/?action=view&current=MVI_6801.mp4

Love the gas tank on that highfalutin stand ya' got there Curtis!

[ubushaus]

Oh, and Pengy,

I love these types of threads! Makes me think my project can be done!

[cstanley-gs]

Love the gas tank on that highfalutin stand ya' got there Curtis!

Joe you would not believe how fast that 455 would suck that bottle dry!

[TroyGS]

HOLES FIXED!

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_1998.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_1999.jpg

[TroyGS]

finally found a whole bunch more bodywork pics, ill upload them when I can!

[TroyGS]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_1952.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_1953.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_1955.jpg

[TroyGS]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_1995.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_1996.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_1997.jpg

[TroyGS]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2000.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2001.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2002.jpg

[TroyGS]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2245.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2246.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2248.jpg

[TroyGS]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2249.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2250.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2252.jpg

[TroyGS]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2042.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2097.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2098.jpg

[TroyGS]

SEATBELTS: Restored for $9

before:
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/1972%20Buick%20GS%20-%20Clone%20Project/IMG_2294.jpg

after:
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/1972%20Buick%20GS%20-%20Clone%20Project/IMG_2296.jpg

[TroyGS]

BEFORE:
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/1972%20Buick%20GS%20-%20Clone%20Project/IMG_2264.jpg


AFTER: (cost $80)
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/1972%20Buick%20GS%20-%20Clone%20Project/IMG_2309.jpg

[TroyGS]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/1972%20Buick%20GS%20-%20Clone%20Project/IMG_2297.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/1972%20Buick%20GS%20-%20Clone%20Project/IMG_2298.jpg

[Lee Bacon]

Looking Good Troy :TU: Hat's off to you, luv the :kodak: "s

[TroyGS]

Its a big learning curve for me, but I just wing it. This site is AMAZING! All the information, and finding very inexpensive ways to do things. I didnt know about it for the first few months, and everytime I kept googling things, there was always info here.

[carmantx]

Nice thread.

Some questions, since I am almost finished pulling the convertible apart and ready to start back.

Are you doing all this body work yourself? First time for you or have you done body/paint before?

On the quarter panel rust. What did you do to fix that? Did you cut a section and put a patch on?

Seat belts, how did you restore that? Looks good.

Seat. Did you recover that seat? Did you do it yourself?

It is an encouraging thread. I'm ready to get back going on the convertible.

[TroyGS]

Body work: I have a friend of the family helping/teaching me. He used to teach auto body at a college. The rust holes were patched/welded, we just sanded the car down, blasted in the creases around the windows and other awkward areas...

Seatbelts: I boiled the seat belts for 1 hour in a giant pot like this:
http://canningpot.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Canning-Pot.jpg

Then I dumped the water out (it was REALLLLLY nasty). I started boiling the seat belts again with new water. Then added a bottle of Rit Dye, slowly over 5minutes. Stirred it all around really really well, and continued to boil it for 1hour.

http://www.createforless.com/InterchangeData/images/2/2008/0208/2008020902142582008-0208-0505.jpg

I purchased the old pot at a thrift store for $2, and used an old wooden spoon. I would NOT use these items for food after.The rit dye says "1/2 bottle, boil for 30minutes" but that is for new light fabrics. So I doubled both and used the whole bottle, for 1 hour. They came out great! Even the blue ones!

[TroyGS]

Seats: Since my original bench seat was in such good condition. I didn't need to get them recovered. I took off all the hardware, headrests etc.. and cleaned them REALLY good with Simple Green, and scrub brush, and a magic eraser. After allowing ample time to dry, I used DuPont vinyl and fabric dye. $10 per can, and just make sure to get into all the seems really well, and tight areas. It took about 6-7 cans of spray dye, and a bit of cleaner. Cost me less then $80 and the seats looks BRAN NEW!


183664

[TroyGS]

Dash Bezel Repairs!

Broken
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/1007.jpg


Fixed
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2255.jpg

[72buicklt1]

very inspiring everytime i see a redo.. i'm especially interested in the hood and if you do a graft.. keep the photos comin..
dan c....:kodak:

[TroyGS]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/1011.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2261.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/1032.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/1031.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/1030.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/1033.jpg

[TroyGS]

Almost complete, I have switched it fully from wood grain to black.

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2320.jpg

[sootie007]

Thats my old 72 in the first pic painted dodge pacific blue...I sold it along time ago ....you can see a few other pics on Buick Street.com in the 72 section of it.

[QUOTE=Pengy;1744611]I'm going with a Blue color.....

Before I had even purchased my cars, I started looking at them on the internet. I found THESE cars and really like these colors (im sure someone on here owns them)

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/afsdfads.jpg

[TroyGS]

pm sent about paint color!

[TroyGS]

It looks like I can get a 400 tranny shortshaft for $120, to go with my 455. Is this a fair price??

[cstanley-gs]

It looks like I can get a 400 tranny shortshaft for $120, to go with my 455. Is this a fair price??

decent price.. but Id assume a rebuild before you put it in.

[TroyGS]

Ya. I'm super broke now, and with Xmas coming it will be a long time to get things going again.

[carmantx]

Great job Troy.

Did you just clean your dash lenses?

Keep it up. I hope I can get to my convertible again soon.

[TroyGS]

No, the lenses are reproductions. They needed a little adjustment, and I had to drill the holes for the adjustment dials. The dash itself I just painted and used one of those silver paint pens.. its not chrome but I think it looks pretty dang good and VERY cost effective!

[gto65mike]

WOW, all these pics bring back alot of memmories, of redoing our buick and my gto,, and the hidden rust and lots of bondo remind me of the "surprises" that came with my dads mustang, i did the very same with our dash,, paint and used the testor paint pen to do the "chrome" looks good, keep it up

[TroyGS]

Cant find my before pictures....

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2315.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2314-1.jpg

[TroyGS]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2313.jpg

[cstanley-gs]

that seat turned out awesome!

[TroyGS]

Ya, i was surprised how good it looked. Very affordable too, only cost me about $80 for everything

[carmantx]

Troy, if you don't mind sharing, how much are you going to spend on the materials and stuff?

I've been starting on the same type thing for my convertible. Selling parts to buy some replacements. I have all the parts cars and stuff sitting around, so I think I can do this all pretty cheap. I have not done much body work, but I am going to try to do some. Guess it can't hurt to try.

[TroyGS]

Well depends on what parts need restoring. As far as my interior goes, My door panels were White top / wood grain middle / black carpet bottom.. I simply just removed all the chrome trim, cleaned them really well, and used vinyl dye. Converted front door panels, rear interior panels, front bench seat, rear seat all for around $150... Rear repro - package trays are $20, etc.. I bought new carpet, dashpad cover, rebuild the dash bezel, black dash kit, tilt steering column out of a monte carlo painted, and then a $80 steering wheel. Did my seatbelts for $10.. basically my whole interior will look bran new (headliner is in good condition (original maybe) and its all for around $500..

[TroyGS]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/photo.jpg

[72buicklt1]

I've been following the thread and enjoying your hard work, inspires me to get my but back in order and get going on mine - but that's for another story..:gp:

Anyways, the dyed seat looks awesome - is this your first time to do a dye job on an interior or ?
I am wondering how well the dye holds up - does it scratch off or is it permanately absorbed into the material?

My dash board cover could use some TLC and is slightly faded so I am contemplating the best way to freshen it up.. Spray Dye, Interior Paint, or ?

keep up the good work...

dan c..

[TroyGS]

Iv never done anything to a car before. I researched the dying technique and was told by multiple people on here whom used the same technique that they have had no problems with chipping/flaking, fading, rubbing off or anything. One guy did his seats 10years ago, without a single problem.

As far as the dashboard goes.. I have no idea what would be best, I purchased a dash cover. Both mine had large cracks and the dash covers are $80-100 and fit right on top of the original. :TU:

[Freakazoid]

Do you have a pic. of the dash cover? Nice work too.

[TroyGS]

http://www.stockinteriors.com/DashCaps/dc0252.jpg (http://www.stockinteriors.com/DashCaps.asp?Itemid=10920&MakeId=3&ModelId=42)

[TroyGS]

You can get them all over the place. with and without A/C.

[OhioGS400]

[quote=TroyGS;1745752]SEATBELTS: Restored for $9

Troy- I love how you cleaned your seatbelts. I have a set that I need to restore soon- I plan to use your method.
Did you put the belts in the pot to boil with the buckles attached? How did you do the retractor belts- did you extend them first or remove them first from the retractors?
Great thread- keep up the good work.
Randy

[TroyGS]

I put all the belts in the pot, buckles and all. Except with the retractable belts, I cut a 2x4, and used screws with washers to bolt them onto the 2x4. Then I pulled out the belt, and used 2 clamps (only had 2) and the other 2 I just wrapped the belt with ducktape so it couldn't retract. Then just dangled the belts into the pot with te rest.

I also stirred them with a wooden spoon, which is now completely black... (rit dye is nasty stuff)

[TroyGS]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2268.jpg
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2269.jpg
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2270.jpg

[TroyGS]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2271.jpg
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2272.jpg
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/uploaded%20to%20forum/IMG_2273.jpg


Thought I had these posted already.. but when I looked through the thread they were not there!

[72buicklt1]

lookin good Troy, i've been following your progress, keep the pics coming...

Silly Question? USA today we are doing the Thanksgiving Day Celebration - Canada doesn't recognize this holiday? Do ya? :beers2:


Dan C..

http://www.best-of-web.com/_images/080305-151944.jpg (http://www.best-of-web.com/pages/080305-151944.html)

[TroyGS]

Canada's was in October

[72buicklt1]

Gobble Gobble - happy belated thanksgiving to ya!!:TU:

http://www.best-of-web.com/_images/071109-161306.jpg (http://www.best-of-web.com/pages/071109-161306.html)

[TroyGS]

forgot to take pics before I started tearing the engine down...oops

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/engine/IMG_3541.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/engine/IMG_3538.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/engine/IMG_3540.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/engine/IMG_3539.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/TroySchwartz/engine/IMG_3537.jpg

[TroyGS]

Got some parts thermal cleaned today! Block will hopefully be at the machine shop soon!



:grin::grin::grin::grin::grin::grin::grin::grin:

[TroyGS]

Ordered all this stuff yesterday:

Fuel Pump

Water Pump

Engine Rebuild Kit

(4) 4HD Shock absorbers

Tie Rods - Upper/Lower

MagnaFlow 15894 Stainless Steel 2.5" Dual Crossmember - Back Exhaust System

Package Tray & Dome Lens

(2) 3" outlet chrome Exhaust tips

Sport Mirrors

Ball joints x4 Upper & Lower

Windshield wipers

[gray07]

This is gonna be sweet, the seats turned out great

[TABuickMike]

How's the project coming?