71 BUICK SKYLARK Located 30mins south of Atlanta,Ga Hi guys, nice to meet u all. I've been doing alot of reading and i know there are alot of Buick lovers out there that can help me get the car RUNNING. What i really need is recommendations on what kind of carb, shocks, and rear end that i need. I bought the car from the original owner on 3/25/05 so i havent had it long. I only paid $$650$$ for it. There have been no changes to the car since the first owner had it. So im starting from scratch. The floor and trunk r rusted. It has a 350 w/ a 2barrel Rochester carb. The car will run if u pour gas in the carb but then it cuts off whats the problem? I know that i need a new carb but i just dont want any other problems. Should i have the engine REBUIILT and BORED? Is it hard to make it into a drop top and what do yall think about cutting the top? Please tell me the FIRST things that i NEED to replace JUST TO GET IT RUNNING! Thanks in advance for any help!!!!!! P.S. If there is anyone out there that has a floor, trunk, and the lower rear right side that is not rusted for a REASONABLE price or FREE please me know. Any other interior parts r welcomed superbenjamin_2000@yahoo.com or post a thread. Would like to have a running Buick 455.
What's the problem? It's either the carb float/needle/seat is not functioning correctly, or the fuel pump is shot. Disconnect the fuel line at the carb(use a line wrench). Then pull the coil wire off of the coil. Put a container on the open end of the fuel line, and have someone crank the engine. Fuel should come out of the open line. If not fuel pump is bad. Check the fuel filter in the carb(behind the fuel line connection in the carb) If the fuel filter is not clogged, the float is probably sticking. Get the carb rebuilt. Shouldn't be much for a 2 bbl.
Appericate it Thanks Larry I didn't think about the fuel pump. Do u think that I should just buy another carb. Whats the price difference in buying versus' rebuilding?
A rebuild kit for your two barrel is right around $15 at autozone and you can probably do it your self if your handy. A new carb will end up costing you at least $150 (don't quote me on that, might be less but more than likely more) If I were you I would just rebuild it.
Should I????? I think i'm going to rebuild it. Any other tips should i have the motor rebuilt or can i just put in a bigger cam and pistons? But i really want a 455 hard to find or get in my area.
Fix it up Fix up everything stock and get it running right first. You might find out that you have more work than just what you can see right now. If you jump into modding the car before you know that everything works you might spend all your dough on motor and have no brakes. :laugh: That's not good! Check the fuel filter first. If replacing it doesn't get the car going then check the fuel pump like Larry suggested. Rebuild the carb if the fuel filter and pump both are known good and the motor still won't run. The only reason to rebuild the motor is if it's burning a lot of oil or has bad compression. Do a compression check once the fuel problems are sorted out. Put this thing up on jackstands and look at the underside - especially the fuel and brake lines. If the car is rusted bad you might have to replace the lines and bleed the brakes. If the lines are flaky rusty or show any leakage (even seeping) they need to be replaced. Not a bad job, but important for safety. You should also pull the wheels check the brake drums and make sure they are not worn out and that the shoes are good. Take the drums to the parts store and have them measured. Get new shoes and have the drums cut if you need to. Replace any wheel cylinders that show leakage. Tread on the tires is necessary. Cords or belts showing through is bad. Stock type gas shocks from Napa or Pep Boys will work fine if you need them. Bounce the car up and down at each end - the car should stop bouncing within one up/down cycle after you stop. New shocks are needed if the car keeps bouncing.
