Hello everyone! I just purchased a yellow 1969 GS400 from another member on this forum. I didn't know he was a member here until after the purchase, though. Anyway, it's here is Florida now and I am planning some upgrades and restoration to it. There is so much information here that it's kinda overwhelming, but that's OK. Better than not enough! This is the first Buick that I have had. Most of my life has been Chevys, with a 2002 Mustang GT tossed in there. I currently have a 73 Malibu, too. It, however needs a whole lot of work and I wanted something that looked nice and Chevelles and Camaros are crazy expensive in driver condition. The GS400 is perfect for what I was looking for. I've always liked the looks of the 68 and 69 Skylarks, and am pretty familiar with the GM A-body platform. First upgrade is going to be front disc brakes. It stops now with the drums, but could be so much better. I'm currently up in the air over the Inline Tube and The Right Stuff kits with master cylinder and 11" brake booster. Their both pretty affordable. Along with this, the car is also going to get control arm bushings, shocks & springs, and upper and lower ball joints. Might as well, since it needs them and I'll be dealing with them anyway for the disc brake conversion. If I have enough left over in the budget, it may get 17 X 8 wheels and 255/45R17 tires all around. I have to take some measurements and make sure they will fit without any major modifications. The wheels I like have a +1 offset (4.54" back space). As a matter of fact, that is how I found this site, from a Google search of the wheel fitment for 68-69 Skylarks. I look forward to learning a whole lot more about these cars, modifications, and provide some technical support when I can. Thanks for the information so far! FLGS400
Welcome aboard! I think I have 225/45/17 fronts and 245/45/17's rears on my 69 (17x7). "Standard" backspace (4"?). Wish I would have gone with more backspace and bigger tires on back, but I didn't want to wait 6 months for custom sizing. 255's might be kind of wide for the front, but not sure. Mine is lowered 1 inch in front and 2 in back, no rubbing.
Thanks for all the welcomes and to cjp69 for that information. I need to pull one of the front wheels and measure it up and the clearances. The car has stock 15" Buick wheels, but I'm not sure of the width. I may have to go with a narrower tire and wheel on the front. I also have to consider that the disc brake kit will move the fronts out 1/8" FLGS400
Mine has front discs, but standard GM (stock appearing), not aftermarket big caliper type setup, no clearance problems.
Nice ride you have there! I'm going to go with the stock type disc brake kit. It will be way better than the drums. Big brake kits are just not in the budget.... yet! Rich FLGS400
Not sure if you are aware that we have a GSCA (GranSport Club of America)Chapter right here in the Bay area and under normal circumstances we gather to eat and talk Buick at the Cracker Barrel on Ulmerton Rd Clearwater area, across from the Drag strip. We will be skipping this summer due to the virus and the heat but will will join back up closer to end of summer - begining of fall. We meet first Monday of every month. If you like to be a part of the notification for meetings and get togethers, send me a pm (personal message) on this board with your info and I will include you to our email list. "Skylark Drive" GSCA Florida West Coast Chapter Fernando
Welcome from Oxford Georgia to the Buick world and the Stepchild Nation. Lots of good people in Florida. Bring it to Bowling Green next May! Patrick
Fernando, thank you! PM Sent. I am very familiar with that Cracker Barrel. We used to go there a lot when we lived in Pinellas. FLGS400 Rich
