Why do they call some skylarks "stepchilds"?

Don't know why but... I get way more praises at car shows and driving them on the street "thumbs up" on the 69 convertible than on the 70 GSX S1.
Especially from the females of the species.
The 69 convert never seems to get mistaken for a Mopar GTX, Roadrunner or a Chevelle like the X does...
Go figure?

 

I believe you Patrick but how so?
With the the pics I see on a couple thread here I see more trim on the 68 hood and trunk. It looks like they both the hood and trunk interchange maby?
I'm trying to find a good side by side pic of the back. I can see the 69 has a swing open GS badge for the trunk lock but not a good tail light and bumper pic.
Also can see the side markers being different in the back and the 68 has the ignition key on the dash.
I think Hemmings Muscle Machine had a 68-69 buyers guide..

 

Things I’ve encountered on ‘68s include the ignition switch (one year only, Buick only, out of production since the ‘80s), dome light lenses (‘68 GS400, GS350 or Skylark deluxe trim, and some Olds only), grill emblem (wasn’t reproduced until about 10 years ago), grill and surround (Skylark works with paint but still hard to find), door panel emblems (specific to GS400 and GS350 with deluxe trim) doors (with vent windows) rear wheel bearings (‘6?-68 GS400 and Sportwagon only-RW507G). Then there are things I fortunately didn’t need but are still scarce-hood spears, window and vent knobs in color, door lock knobs in color, the hood scoop, side vents, vinyl top trim (different for ‘68 vs. ‘69, unique to Buick A coupes), trunk emblem, rear bumper, climate control knobs and grey face radio. Add to that things that are not ‘68 specific but still a challenge due lack of information or support from both used and aftermarket-front drums and studs (different for GS 400), steering wheel, air cleaner lid (plus the assembly on ‘69s), console shifter handle and other console parts, rear wheelwell trim, etc. It just adds up; you get a ‘68 GS400 and then get a YearOne catalog and a Poston catalog (circa 1992) and see how much stuff they didn’t have for steps, especially for ‘68.
Patrick

 

Wow the differences add up! Totally missed the vent windows
So no 68 GTO or 442 etc. ignition switch will swap. The 68 doesn't have the Buick only 8.2 carrier, or just different wheel bearing?
I know you have a vert but they did a nice job with the angles with the vinyl tops on both years but 68 looks better to me. Front drum studs are longer? shorter? I really should do some research myself!
Sssh.. I do like the 68's better..

 

The 68 rallye steering wheel was wood grain with a one year only horn button. Rear side marker lights we different. 68 came with headrests standard 68 was optional. I believe the headlight bezels are different. You could not get chrome plated wheels with disc brakes in 68 due to the 4 piston caliper. Early build 68's had a different fan shroud, later has the boss for the hose hook that was not used until 69. 68 used plastic clips to hold the wire harness along the valve cover. One year only item that I reproduce.

 

Rear wheel well trim? 68 and 69 are the same except 68 is painted black in the center.

I think the bucket seat release is on the side in 68 and on the back in 69.

 

68 Steering columns are also a smaller diameter due to the ignition switch being in the dash. There are tons of differences between the 2 years. Even the clips that hold the fuel/brake lines to the frame are different, and so are the Frames.

The 68’s are basically the “bastards” of the Stepchildren.
Duane

 

‘68 rear end is 8.2 Buick, so the ring and pinion are different from Pontiac and Olds but some parts match ‘67 Buick(?), and the GS/Sportwagon have different axles and bearings vs. other 8.2s. (Maybe our rear end gurus will weigh in and detail the differences). That RW507G bearing has been obsolete or made to order (and $100 each!) since the ‘90s or before. The rear wheelwell trim is the same part for ‘68 and ‘69 but they have to come from a GS or Special(and they were optional, not standard on Specials); the Skylarks all had skirts or side trim that made the wheelwell trim different. The dash, cluster and all the knobs are unique to each year. As Mike said, the headlight bezels are different each year and the bucket seat backs are unique to ‘68. ‘67s look the same but are metal and ‘69 matches ‘70- ‘72. And yeah! The ‘68 woodgrain steering wheel’s center cap-I’ve seen maybe five for sale in 30 years, and they’re all expensive and all are cracked. (All the standard hard bakelite steering wheels are cracked, too!)
Patrick

 

Also if memory serves me correct the 68 bucket seat frames are the same as the 67’s but with different cushions. The 69 seats started the center push button to unlock the seat tops.
Duane

 

The "bastards" of the stepchildren.. LOL!
I can see the change to a locked steering column in 69 but what was Buick thinking with so so many differences? Safety?
What is the frame differences.. Also was the 68 Rally wheel real wood? In the pics it sure looks like it.
Did the other GM A body follow changes trend?
Really nice info everyone

Have anyone seen the cowl conversion air cleaner assembly on a 68?

 

Looks like I have some 68 shopping to do!
I can't help myself - I like the oddest of the bastard stepchildren.

 

I bet finding that missing ashtray will cost more than the radio

 

Ted, I can’t wait to hear the details of that car (Starc shared a few-it sounds supremely cool!).
Here’s the air cleaner/cowl vent adapter:

 

Your car?!? I can see a blue fender..
Did they also make a straight through one that mounted above the heater core area?

 

I don’t care for the look personally, stupid contour line all curvy down the car and that hood….

 

If the 69's are different than the 68's wouldn't that make the 69's the bastards since the 68 was first? I think they are two bastard brothers

 

Yes, it’s mine. It’s the repro of the factory part that Frank McIntyre made a few years ago.
To my knowledge, this is the only factory version made. (I’ve seen the NASCAR style Chevy unit-Z16 maybe?) but not on a Buick.
Patrick

Here’s a link to the cold air kit. By the way, the kit has a Buick part number so it’s legal for the BSA race class!
http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/68-gs-firewall-to-aircleaner-adapter.195964/

 

The Chevelle thread is down the hall in the Ladies bathroom...