What are the major differences between skylarks and specials? Is it just a trim level difference? Seems like a special might be more affordable for me to restore on a tight budget. Anyone have any ideas or advice on this situation.? Thanks, I'm really trying to get a Buick, just doing my research. Uncle
Yes basically trim differences. They will cost you pretty much the same to restore. Some of the special upholstery (door panels, seat covers) is not reproduced, some are, so this may or may not be a problem depending on what your goals are.
Right, but for door panels, upholstery etc., I can useSkylark stuff. Right? Are the body, frame amd interior sizes, etc. all the same? It just seems like all the skylark trim on the car I'm intersted in would financially crush me to have it rechromed. It is completely pitted. I was told for instance that to replate the taillight bezel would be over $1000!!!!! I was trying to cut down costs like that because I really just want a clean runner, not a super show mobile. Do I make any sense at all? Thanks, Uncle
Uncle, IMO, you are better off buying a Skylark. Parts are more readily available. Very hard to find the "Special" parts that are unique to that model, like interior, etc. I wouldn't think that the price difference between the two would be that much. That being said, if you find a good deal on a Special, don't pass it up because it isn't a Skylark. Look at both models and just concentrate on getting the best deal you can find. If you want a cruiser and not a show mobile, you have lots of flexibility. You can always paint your pitted chrome. You can just take it off. You can put Skylark door panels on your Special. It will be your car, you can do whatever you want to it! (Except put a Chivy motor in it!).
The dimensions are the same, the patterns on door panels and seats are different. Body panels are basically the same, but the Specials tended not to have as much trim. They also did not have as much sound deadening, and obviously not as many options. They came with smaller engines (though most of the Skylark motors were optional), many did not have a radio, PS or PB. power options were not available, A/C was about all you could get. So, if you're looking to by a driver, your actually going to spend more bringing a Special up to par if it doesn't have PSteering or PBrakes. For instance, if you bought a Special with good door panels, but bad seats, or just one bad door panel, you'd have to replace them all or one doesn't match the rest. Make sense? My rec is that unless you're building a drag car or a very modified car you're better off just buying a Skylark.
I have a pair of '66 Buicks... One Skylark, One Special. Looking into repro-parts, the Skylark is much easier to find parts for... good thing for me, because my Special is a very rare GreatLake's Area car and its very solid. ...the Skylark? not so much, but she's a project anyway :TU: But like CJP said, its your car... and you can do whatever you want to do. As for the chivvvy motor, I'm a guilty as charged for the Special... but hey, its what I had laying around. The Skylark is staying true to the Buick blood *cough-turbo-cough-gn* :shock: :grin:
Speaking for 67, other than trim the 67's had basically the same standard equipment between Specials & Skylarks, all but the Skylark 4 door hardtop(340/2) came standard with the v6 with the 300 & 340/4 as optional, same with brakes and steering, manual standard with power optional. None came with radio, etc. The Skylarks tended to be ordered with more options but by NO means can you expect all Specials to be bare bones - The Special Deluxes cold have the Skylark Interior as an option and with the long Stainless side trim actually had more side flash than the Skylark - The GS shared the Specials grill for 67 and the Skylark had a heavier cast grill, other than bucket seat interior & power windows, that's about it that a Skylark could have that a Special Could not. My 67 Spcial Deluxe is a prime example of a Special dressed to the nines. I prefer the Specials in 67 as they have cleaner look.
Thanks for all the input. I'm still undecided. The special I found has a rebuilt 340, tranny, etc., mechanic owned. Needs interior work and body work. Has new front clip, sounds like it could be nice. I'm not trying to restore to showroom ,but would just like to make it nice. So. I might not be concerned whether I have different seat or door panel patterns than stock. Hell, I don't know what to do. I'll stew on it and figure it out somehow. Thanks, Uncle
oooh yeah, forgot to mention that point... My Special is a Deluxe with V8 (unsure of 300/340--came as a roller), AM Radio, PS/PB, Deluxe Interior (incl. seatbelts), and Remote Mirror. My Skylark was a 300 car with PS only, Split Bench w/ Armrest, and AM Radio. From what I understand, the 66 GS's and Specials share the same hood and painted tail panel, whereas the GS's and Skylarks shared the same trim levels (including the 3ports behind the front wheelwells--Special's had the 3ports separated above the front wheel well)... Hope this helps!
Its better to spend more up front for a car that needs less than to spend less up front and then have to pay through the nose for every ittle piece needed.....not to mention becoming a member of The Great Scavenger Hunt GoodLuck finding yourself a Buick :TU: :beer
SO TRUE SO TRUE 69GS400s - by the best you can possibly afford as you will have much more bringing another one up to similar condition
