'69 GS 4 Door Hardtop

Yup, you read that right, folks. It starts with the engine, right? Well, in my case, almost. I started with brakes. I have given up on Boattail Rivieras for a while, and returned to my first car, in a manner of speaking (1969 Buick Special, Sedan 350-2, p/s). I'm the proud owner of a 1969 Skylark Custom, 4 door hardtop. It came from the factory with a 350 and a 2 barrel carburetor, power steering, air conditioning, and a power antenna. My goal is to do a "What If" car. In this case, "What if the powers that be at Buick had decided to build a 4 door variant of the GS?" I went with a hardtop because no B-pillar looks cooler when the windows are rolled down. I understand that the body will flex more without a B-pillar present, and am ok with that. So, I've installed a power disc brake conversion on it from Inline Tube that I'm super pleased with the ease of installation. Two notes about the install...it does NOT fit over 14" Buick Rally wheels as claimed, and I can't get the rear brakes to bleed, which I THINK I've traced to the proportioning valve. I'm currently finishing my SECOND 4bbl conversion on this car (The first one was on a '71 Skylark Custom 4 Door Hardtop, p/w, p/s, p/b, a/c, power bench seat, 8-Track, soon to be for sale.) along with a cam swap. I also scored an electric fan setup for the car, thanks to Craigslist...then lost some of the parts (Controller, etc. Grr!). Once I complete the conversion and install the electric fan setup (Flex-a-lite A-Body Dual Fan), I can bring it home, where I'll be swapping the exhaust off the '71 (Pypes 2 1/2" dual mandrel bent with manual cutouts and X pipe, Spin Tech mufflers) and installing fuel injection and a 200-4R built by California Performance Transmission. I'm looking at a throttle body setup, since that'll keep the engine compartment stock appearing with the air cleaner hiding the injectors. FAST's EZ-EFI 2.0 looks REALLY nice, considering that I'm planning on doing a big block engine conversion, and it'll swap onto the big block with minimal changes. I know Holley, Edelbrock and MSD all have self-learning throttle body fuel injection kits, so if anyone has any input into these for me, I invite you to get in touch with me. Oh, I'll probably make changing the charging system a priority, courtesy of MAD Electrical. So will it be a true "What If?" car? No. It'll have electric fans, it'll have an internally regulated charging system, it'll have electronic ignition. What will it have? The hood. The grille. The logos. Maybe more of an evolved 4 door GS, as I intend to put modern upgrades in it. (Ride Tech Suspension, anyone?) Monday, I file for my tax return, which I'm hoping will be enough to get the fuel injection conversion and the 200-4R transmission. Other goals for the car include dual fuel capability, because I think E85 is awesome. To get an idea of my influences, think Roadkill, Mighty Car Mods, Overhaulin', and maybe a bit of Big Muscle. (Shout out to Mike Musto.). Photos later, all the ones I have of the car have me in the picture...

Nathan

 

my grandpa had a 69 mint green 4 door hardtop. I wish I still had it or could find another one. it was pretty well equipped had ps pb ac 350 2 bb car.

word of advice with a 200-4r you want a different rear gear. the parts for the 68-70 8.2 are high and not very strong. find either a 64-67 8.2 or the better 71-72 8.5. you can also get a chevelle 12 bolt but they are high but very strong.

 

That's exactly what color mine is. Mint green, white vinyl top. Good suggestion on the rear end, I have a Buick 8.5 posi unit with 3.42 (I think) gears out of a '69 Skylark donor car.

Nathan