This will be a very very slow build but I got a 64 Skylark today, Im in Portland Oregon and the car is in Palo Alto CA. I need to do a total resto but i got it for under a grand its a V8 but not sure which one, Its my brother in laws car, he bought it with his dad and his dad passed away so im taking over it. its a 2door but I dont know what model. its uber ruff but its gonna be a cool car to go along with my 62 Le Saber.
It has a 65 front clip on it and it has Skylark trim. There were only 3 engine options in 64, 225 V6, 300 2bl 210 hp, 300 4 brl 250 hp. If it has the right engine in it should have aluminum heads and intake manifold. A lot of 64s went to an early grave because the aluminum heads weren't very forgiving. Any minor over heating warped them. There's probably 10 65s in the world today for every 64. If it has aluminum heads, be sure your cooling system is in top condition. Is it a stick?
So is it a 65 or 64? I dont know if its a stick, no nailhead option? How hard to convert to v8? If its a v6. Does it look worth saving?
Looks to be a 64 from all the pics, with front fenders bumper and hood from 65. 64 Skylarks had a wide side body molding, Special Deluxe had a narrow trim, and as far as I know, most Specials didn't have side trim. 65 Skylarks had a narrow trim. No Nailheads in 64. 65 used a 401 Nailhead in the GS models. If it is a "stick" (manual transmission) it would have 3 pedals. Finding a left rear quarter will be tough. There are several board members in your area, not sure how close. I'm sure they can give you some good advice. Best of luck on your resto, 64 is a nice year!
I can see the Skylark script and birds on the roof pillar. Tail panel also has the 64 Skylark trim. Quarters are almost impossible to find. I found a set in Arizona but I just got lucky. I had a 63 Lemans with a dent in the rear similar to that and it pulled out on a frame rack. Very expensive to restore one in that poor of condition unless you are very skilled.
I guess we now know why it had a 65 front end on it. Looks like it was damaged front and rear from a collision. I hope you are able to save it. As every day goes by fewer and fewer survive.
So i have the vin its a v8 car. Skylark v8 but how do i find out what v8 it is ? also can I bolt a Buick 350 up to the transmission or do i need a different one?
If it is the original v8 that came in the car, it will be a 300, as that is the only size v8 available in '64 Skylarks. There was a 2 bbl. and a 4bbl. It would also have aluminum intake and heads. The choke in '64 is operated by coolant flowing through it. It is my understanding that 350 Buick engine will bolt up to the ST 300 transmission.
As far as I know the 225, 300, 340, 350, 400, 430 and 455 all use the same bell housing. If you go to a 400, 430 or 455 the frame mounts will need to be changed. Everything else should bolt right in. Is it worth it? It depends what your goals and capabilities are. They say it's cheaper to buy a class 2 car then it is to buy a class 4 car and restore it to class 2 condition.
