Hi all! My name is Bernie and I'm a new owner of a 1969 Buick Skylark Custom sedan. All original, Blue on Blue. Needs total restoration. First question. I've done a little research regarding the rear axle. No idea what the axle ratio is. But I want an upgrade. I've seen on here that aftermarket options are slim Pickens. But I checked out Richmond gear and they have a few Options for 68-72 BOP. Could this be a mistake? Hope to learn a lot! Thanks!
Welcome! There is a '70 3.23 posi for sale on here from @ToddsGS. If that's not to your liking then you're correct, not much available for the stock rear. You'd be better off w/a 71-2 8.5 rear. Everything is available for them. Grab the driveshaft too if you can.
As far as I know the 68-70 rear ends are 8.2" and the 71-72 are the 8.5" which is easier to find parts for.
Looks great! Personally I wouldn't have put that in the "needs total restoration" category but I don't have the whole picture either. Personally, I would make the rear axle the last thing you address. I'm assuming that "total restoration" includes engine and maybe trans rebuild, all kinds of sheet metal work, brakes, suspension, and so on... And unless there is a mechanical problem with your rearend I would save that until literally one of the final steps. (Unless you do intend to rebuild the transmission, in which case you should get the appropriate speedometer gears installed for whatever ratio you intend to use.) Welcome aboard! -Bob C.
Your car looks great from your picture, all my front sheet metal, engine and transmission when I got it and I thought it looked pretty good. Where are you located
Thanks for the positive feedback! You guys are right I suppose. It needs a total MECHANICAL restoration. I'm making youtube videos about it. What have yall done for fuel and brake lines? All of em. I'm in minnesota
If you decide to make your own brake lines, DON"T cheap on the double flaring tool. I have been down that road and it was a huge waste of time and material. I think you can also buy the brake lines pre-made for pretty low price. Flex hoses are available at the regular auto parts store.
Right right. I usually cut my fuel and brake lines long, because I'm a "measure once cut 4 times" kinda guy. Just trying to decide if there's a real benefit in getting the pre-made hard lines instead of just making my own. I have a very Roadkill way of doing things haha
WELCOME!! I've always LOVED that those body lines... I look forward to seeing more photos and following your progress. -MIG
I just figured he'd need the correct length for the 4 dr. & 8.5. If it's a 2 pc. then maybe will need to get one like it made.
Welcome from a stepchild owner in Ohio. The 4 door looks like a looker. Enjoy the Buick ride it can be expensive and bumpy at times. There are many one year only body parts but you look like you are in decent shape there. Tony