Lots to replace and upgrade on a budget: 69 Skylark

Discussion in 'Pro-Touring' started by hunter7389, Oct 3, 2016.

  1. hunter7389

    hunter7389 Well-Known Member

    Hi everyone!

    I just bought a 69 Skylark. This will be my daily driver and all around town car, but my commute is about a mile.
    Originally a 6 cyl, now a 455/th400/12 bolt, with a 2004R ready to go in at some point. Pretty solid overall car, with the exception of some things that will have to be replaced.

    Wheels/tires: Currently a 90's fabulous set of 15x7's and worn tires. Looking at the MB Wheels "Old School" in 17x8, and some BFG G-Force sport comp-2 in 255/45/17 for about $1100 mounted and shipped.

    Brakes: Currently non-power 4 wheel drums, with one front wheel locking up under moderate pressure. I'd like to go to power front disks, seems like there are sooo many options...

    Suspension: Currently stock and just plain worn out. I'll need to do a full front end rebuild, but also would like to improve handling and comfort with some modern parts. The rear has air shocks. I'm somewhat overwhelmed here with endless options, and what is really needed for a safe, well performing suspension.

    I'm just looking for any ideas, and appreciate any help! I've been wrenching on cars old and new for about 20 years, had more F-body's than I can count, but new to the A-body. I'm also a helicopter mechanic in real life haha. Thanks again!
     
  2. taf44667

    taf44667 69 Vert 4-Speed

    Welcome to the site Hunter,

    The search function on this site is great and can answer a lot of your questions if you have the time to read through old posts, lots of information out there. As always specific questions can be answered by many on this board.

    Good luck
     
  3. Dr. Evil

    Dr. Evil Silver Level contributor

    Lots of brake upgrades out there in kit form. Take your pic. If you want something bigger you'll have to step up your wheel size to 16 or 17s. I put late 4th gen Camaro brakes (12" rotors, 2 piston calipers) on mine but also run 17s. Also used the booster and master cylinder from the Camaro too.
     
  4. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    I say start with the new rims and tires that you want, and then go to the suspension, brakes and steering before touching the engine and trans unless you have to. What rear end gear ratio? Keep that 200R4 it may come in handy, I really like them. Make it safe, to start with.... Try to take on small projects at a time so you can keep it from getting to overwhelming. A good rule of thumb is to start at the rear bumper and slowly work forwards to the front of the car.
     
  5. hunter7389

    hunter7389 Well-Known Member

    The rims and tires are getting ordered today, and the car is in "project status/not driven" until that, the brakes, and suspension is sorted out, with the front rebuild at the very least. The engine runs fine, and the TH400 will work for the moment. The interior needs some love, but the body is solid.
     
  6. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    Make sure you measure twice for the correct back spacing on those wheels.
     
  7. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    Brakes! put some disc brakes up front. Steering box and front end parts. That's a low buck start. Suspension next. Make it stop and steer then get into a-arms,spindles,control arms,coil overs,sway bars etc. etc. Boy it's fun spending someone's money compared to my own. lol Best thing I can say is don't mismatch components. Go with a reputable company and get a kit you can upgrade when you can afford it. Big Brakes are nice but don't necessarily stop better. I run smaller 4 piston brakes that stop great and I have a ton of wheel choices. I can run 15" wheels at the strip or street and does it ride nice compared to a 17" or 18" wheel. Do your home work it will pay off. My next one will have a Morrison Chassis. O'boy somebody pinch me I'm dreaming again. Good luck with your build.
     
  8. hunter7389

    hunter7389 Well-Known Member

    They are offered in 4.75" and 5" on the 17x8.5 Wheel. Double checking which will work best
     
  9. hunter7389

    hunter7389 Well-Known Member


    Thanks, just scored a 70 Chevelle disk brake front end, everything from the arms out for $100. Going to get a new master cylinder and booster, and that should do for now.

    The rims/tires/brakes along with ball joints and other front end wear items should get me on the road. There are a set of new looking monroe sensatracs allready installed that again should do for now. Just want to get it safe, then sort out anything else i would like
     
  10. hunter7389

    hunter7389 Well-Known Member


    Its a 2.56:1 rear gear haha. Should be quite the freeway cruiser, shame the nearest one is about 2 hours from me :Dou:
     
  11. nekkidhillbilly

    nekkidhillbilly jeffreyrigged youtube channel owner

  12. 69GS400s

    69GS400s ...my own amusement ride!

    Measure BOTH sides for the offset .. its not uncommon for these cars to be 1/4 - 1/2" off side to side.

    .. I trimmed the wheel wells on the Sporty back to the moldings slowly with a flapper disk
     
  13. 69GS400s

    69GS400s ...my own amusement ride!

    .. Oh, and WELCOME to the StepChild Nation :TU:
     
    gsgeorge3 likes this.
  14. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    Good idea but don't buy stock sway bars if your going with after market suspension. Don't mix and match suspension parts. The manufacturer already did all the R&D. Stock sway bars with stock parts. IMO
     
  15. hunter7389

    hunter7389 Well-Known Member

    So far, 17x8 and 17x9.5 MB Old School wheels with 235 and 275 BFG G-Force compt 2 A/S will be here tomorrow, and a Right Stuff signature 13" front rotor disk conversion with a power booster will be here in a few days.

    Whats the good parts to rebuild the front suspension? Moog? Other?

    Thanks again! She should be on the road soon :TU:
     
  16. jaye

    jaye Well-Known Member

    Do you have any pics after installing your tires; I also have a 1969 and looking for wheels/tires
    Thanks
    Jaye
     
  17. gs66

    gs66 Silver Level contributor

    Used Moog on my 65. Still made in the USA as far as I know, good quality.
     

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