I scored on this cherry lil' Skylark yesterday! Buckets/console, tilt, AC, power steering, power brakes and power windows. Interior is really damn nice (looks to be a combo of original and re-done) and really just needs a good detailing and have the headliner finished. I believe that the car may still be wearing its' original coating of Arctic White, but at most has had maybe one respray over the years. No cancer that I can find, very minimal surface rust, no major collision damage and only a handful of hardly noticeable dents. This is definitely the nicest old car I've ever owned! I've always wanted a '65 Skylark ht, so I couldn't be happier! Obviously those hideous Cragar/KMC wheels need to go away! And by the way, did these cars come with 14's or 15's originally? A rebuilt 340 came with it (needs final assembly) and a good used BOP TH350. Guy I bought it from kept telling me it was the original engine, but as far as I know, the 340 wasn't produced until '66. I dunno, I've included a pic of the casting number's in hopes that one of you gents can shed some light on this for me. The trunk and back seat were filled with parts; new, used and nos! Also included was an iron 4bbl intake and a rebuilt Carter. Also, can any of you point me in the right direction for info on these engines? All I can find anywhere online is how to hop them up, when I really just need to know how to put the thing together properly. I've owned a couple of old Buick's previously ('64 Riv and two '62 LeSabre sport coupes) but they were all 401 Nailhead's. I had never touched a SBB before yesterday and would like some reference material to help me out. Websites, books, whatever. In any case, thanks for looking!
Nice score. :TU: Those cars came with 14 inch rims from the factory. The 300 was the base V8 engine for 65, unless one ordered the GS package to get the 401. The 340 Buick engine is kind of the lost soul as not much is available for them IIRC. (Waiting for the serious 340 guys to chime in here :laugh: ) A Buick 350 would bolt right in too. The BOP is a direct bolt in replacement for the original ST 300 2 speed trans, again IIRC. You could also wander over to http://65gs.com for additional assistance. I've met several members on that site, all of whom will help. You don't require a Gran Sport to register there either, we accept most anyone with a 64, 65, or 66 Skylark or GS. :laugh:
NICE!! Pretty sure that casting number is for a 340. The 340 was avail with a low-compression 2 bbl, or a high compression 4 bbl. CR difference is in the pistons. Best source for the stock rebuild specs is the Buick chassis manual. The '65 manual (300 engine) is online at www.65gs.com in the 'Electronic Garage' section. The '66 manual (300-340 engine) is online at www.Buicks.ne in the 'Reference' section. I take it you are in or near California?
Yup! And thanks! I've owned a lot of old cars over the years, but I've never owned one with this many options. Pretty stoked about it
So far the only physical piece of reference material I have is my Standard Catalog of Buick by John Gunnell.. But I just found a brand new copy of the 1965 Special/Skylark service manual and got it on order. Thanks for the leads on some electronic info! That'll help me out immensely until the book shows up :TU: Yes sir, I'm in Lancaster, CA. About 70 miles NE of downtown L.A.
Congratulations! (Re: My highly optioned '65 Skylark ♠) Dear Bob_O, Tom, Jim, Walt, 1989GTA, and V-8 Buick fans of the year 1965. That's definitely a beauty you've gotten your hands on! :TU: You'll find that the earlier Buicks aren't as popular as those from the golden age of muscle cars, and as a result, parts are harder to come by. However, there is a devoted community to cars of this vintage. Seek and ye shall find! Best of luck with your new "baby!" Cheers, Edouard :beer
Haha, yeah. They're pretty awful. I have a bitchin set of 14x6 Buick Rally's but I lent them to someone who is now refusing to give them back. Dammit o No:
