Hi everyone, long time reader and a new member. This forum is a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate it for sure.........I just bought a bucket 63 skylark. It needs trans work, no reverse gear, I believe a rear main seal, interior, exhaust, suspension..........etc............a makeover. My question though is this: "does anyone know of a reputable mechanic in Sacramento California that specializes in old buicks?" I know some mechanics, but its always better to deal with a veteran buick man............ Thanks anyway and I look forward to reading/gaining more knowledge on this site....................peace
Thanks for the welcome....................yeah I do have the 215. It runs cool. I just changed the oil and it runs like a top. I am going to put it on a dyno and have it tuned really precise shortly. It cranks right up, no smoke, steam but a bit of carbon from running rich. New plugs, points, rotor, and some dyno and it'll be straight.........Now the transmission is another matter. Its a dual path and the reverse gear is gone and it vibrates like the torque converter, flex plate area needs attention and possibly the drive shaft center bearings, but overall its in good basic shape. I put a new exhaust on the back half and hope to get it in the tranny shop in a couple of weeks.......
hi! Welcome to this Forum. I'm in the Sacramento area and also have a '63 Skylark (it's a convertible). My dual-path also had no reverse gear when I got it. After getting hosed by one guy who "fixed" it but didn't, I found Dave Carver who is an old-time transmission guy; he was able to rebuild my tranny and so far (2+ years) I've had no problems. The last number I have for Dave is 916-925-7706. As for other mechanics - what I haven't fixed myself, I've got great help from McAnally Racing in Roseville; they're a NAPA shop and can fix pretty much anything I've brought them. The Skylarks are pretty easy to work on - you may surprise yourself! cheers, Ray
Thanks Bro.........I'm in Elk Grove. Does Dave Carver have a shop? If you dont mind me asking, "how much did the tranny job hit you for?" I put a new transmission mount in an eliminated the majority of the vibration. The Trans was just sitting there metal to metal. I do most of my own work, however I never tore down a transmission and finding a rebuilt one is next to impossible.........Thanks...............
hey: It wasn't cheap - $2600. But he rebuilt the entire tranny and fortified a few parts that are weak in the original design. Like I said, so far it has been great with no issues or hiccups. Yes, Dave has a shop. I can't recall the name of it now, but he is known for working on classics (he has a number of photos on the wall of his shop). Ray
Thanks Ray, Ill give him a call shortly, I figure I could do alot of other stuff with that 2600 before the trans. The trans functions, just no reverse. I still have to redo the windshield gasket, rear window gasket, and button it up with fresh rubber seals and window sweeps......and thats before I get to shocks and coils, paint, interior, bumpers re plated, and lastly dash redone...........Do you know of a chrome shop here in town that offers cool pricing? Any local info you could point me to would be appreciated...............thanks bro.......Joe.
I hear ya - I had my car for over 3 years before getting the tranny done, which meant a lot of "creative parking" and some pushing because I didn't have reverse gear. I got a lot of my rubber stuff from Steele's Rubber Products. Sorry I can't help you with chrome work - I know Sherm's is in the area, and I've read lots about them in the rod magazines, but have never had any chrome redone so don't know about pricing. BTW - there is a '63 Skylark on CList being parted out in the Bay area, in case you need some stuff. cheers, Ray
LOL, yep there is a lot of creative parking.............There is a guy locally that I use for parts, he's on Florin and Power Inn. His name is MIKE HAGAN and he runs BUICK BONERY. His number is 916 599-3934. He literally has a square block of old buicks. Everything from Rivs to Wildcats, you name it. His prices are cool and he's got it all mechanical wise. No interior or fabric type stuff as his lot is out in the rain when it does...............I got a price from Sherms about a month ago, he wants 600 a bumper and repairs are extra..........I installed an alarm on mines today, had the rear end drained and refilled and put some fresh engine components on......shes running nice. OPG inc has alot of rubber too..............peace. That Skylark on CL.........his name is Charlie, I have his number somewhere if anyone needs it.....................peace
