I purchased a 69 Skylark convertible about a year ago, it is in pretty bad shape body wise but runs like a charm. It was not cared for very well before I purchased it. I think the person before me was going to try and restore it and decided not to because of the expense so he let it sit outside for a couple of years. I have replaced the top on it and purchased some seats that I need to get restored. I have the right side quarter and still need the left side. I am seriously considering converting it to a GS seeing as most of the body parts need to be replaced anyway. Some opions are that would be a good idea and others say to restore the value to the car it needs to stay custom. Any opions on that would be appreciated. I can do minor work but not any major work and I'm having a hard time finding someone in my area that does restorations so any help on that would be helpful also. I am in the greater Cincinnati area. It has a Chevy 350 engine with 4 barrel carb., I haven't checked it out yet but think the 400 transmission is in it. I had a magna flow exhaust put on it also. I am in search of a 455 to put into it.
Hi Brian - Welcome aboard. Nothing wrong with creating a clone. The VIN cannot be changed, and it will always reflect a custom. I don't believe you will destroy the value of the car by cloning it into a GS - you'll probably enhance it. Build the car the way you want to drive it! The chevy motor is destroying the value. I'm sure there are plenty of people here from that area. Make a new post, and title it like 'Who's From the Cincinnati Area?'
Thanks Marco for the comments, I was talking to my buddy yesterday to see if he found me a 455. I hope to get that down this winter. I will post another message for the Cincy area.
Welcome Bryan, cool ride. Convertibles are neat I have to say. Plus if you have a 455 for it oh man!!! Take care of that future "GS" :Brow:. Patrick
Clone it. As for the engine, unless it has an adapter, the TH400 you have won't bolt to a Buick 455. Your motor mount frame pads and fan shroud will need to be changed to 455-specific pieces, too. Here's an often overlooked nice thing about the Buick 455: with aluminum intake and headers, the Buick 455 weighs just a bit more than an iron manifold Chevy 350, but carries around 105 more cubic inches! I'm 5'7", 150 lbs, and I picked up my 455 block and put it in my Regal's trunk when I brought it to the machinist. Light motor:TU:
