Buick V8 as a daily driver? Anyone try it out?

So I was wondering if anyone out there uses their Buick as a daily driver or just as a "for fun" car? Mostly curious since I'm considering selling my truck, dumping a little money into my '73 Century to get it running good, then use that as a daily driver. Even going from the trucks gas-hungry V6 to the Buick's V8, it'd still be cheaper I think (insurance cheaper, no truck payments...)...

Really wondering what kinda things I'd need to think about before I made a move like this... like what kinda parts would be needed to get worked out. My commute is about 12 miles one way, all freeway (I can also leave early enough in the day to avoid rush hour... so 50-60mph cruising...). The car has AC, but I'm sure I'd wanna get it converted to something modern (plus I'm in SoCal so it never really gets too hot...), and it's still got the stock radio, so I'm SURE that'll need to be addressed.

Anyone out there give this a shot?

Thanks.


rolly

 

That's what they're designed for...if the car is safe and well maintained I say thumbs-up. I drove my car everywhere for years, even souped up.

Devon

 

I drive my 71 daily.. before I sold my 64 I drove it daily. Just do the normal maint. and everything should be fine.

 

Awesome... good to hear other folks have taken the plunge and use their oldies as a daily driver. Now just to get her into good running condition... gonna need a few things fixed before I get her on the road enough where I trust her... but should be an interesting experience seeing the faces on folks at my work... I work for the Finance Industry and my parking lot at work is LITERALLY full of Jags, Beemers, Benzes, and the pair of Ferrarris always parked next to the door... they're gonna love my primered, cherry-bombed beast...
:TU:
Thanks for the input guys...


Rolly

 

I had to got to Arkansas for a year for my job. So after much consideration the wife and I figured our 64 Chevy would be the most cost effective way to go.

This is just a beat up straight 6 190 ci 1/2 ton. It made it there and back to WA state towing a small trailer and was used daily as I was down there. It gave me no problems.

I used to get crap daily about it but I would not have wanted anything else. I don't care what anyone says. They really aren't built today like they used to be.

 

There is no reason why you can't make a Buick a daily driver.
V8 or otherwise.

Buicks are the ONLY car I drive.
86 GN
daily driver

77 Electra 225, 455 powered
Daily driver 'till I got the GN

77 Electra 225 350 powered...gonna be a tow bitch.
Latest addition.

ElectraJim

 

I try to drive my 66 skylark 340 4bbl 2 to 5 times a week. Depends on the weather.

 

My 73 Regal was my daily driver until I got my super duper cheap-o Dodge Neon for $225. I still drive the Regal once or twice a week though.

 

do you guy's drive it also in bad weather ?
like snow and rain and stuff ?

Greetz Lennard

 

I do get caught out in the rain from time to time and I can tell you that 1966 windshield wipers leave a lot to be desired compared to 2007 wipers.

 

Only when the interstellar teleporter is acting up or in the shop.
..which reminds me, I need to make a call and see if it's ready to be picked up. My Electra has a big trunk it'll fit in. :eek2:

ElectraJim

 

I drive it all the time rain/snow whatever. I bought it to drive it.

 

i have a 72 skylark custom that i drive to work everyday.the ac works and everything.....i love it.i put a decent stereo in there without carving up the dash.i hung it below where the 8 track use to be.she,s reliable and comfortable to drive so i say GO FOR IT!!!!!:beers2:

 

I used a 72 GS350 as my DD from 1996-1999, most reliable DD I ever owned.

 

The car is stock right now - what sorta things would I need to upgrade to make it reliable... I've heard things like newer electronic ignition and such, but to be honest... I'm a motorcycle guy and this whole car thing is pretty new to me, so... for my '73 buick, is there a specific part someone knows I should replace and the part that I should replace it with? Name brand and/or part number would be REALLY helpful...

Thanks again folks!!! :TU:



rolly

 

Mine is pretty much a stock 71 Skylark. I just added power brakes. As far as I know my 350 is all original and has over 200k on it and still runs like a champ.

There is really nothing you need to upgade as long as it is working.

 

Rolly - I am assuming that you have limited funds and only need a reliable DD, not a street/strip or canyon carver. There is no need to upgrade anything. Regular maintenance is the key. In fact, stock OEM parts are really the best made parts available. Now, having said that, a stock HEI from a later model (1976??? to ???) from the same size engine you have will slide right in. You will have to change the spark plug wires and power supply (search on the board and you will find out how and how easy it is). They are on here and ebay all the time. You can get them "hopped up" or rebuilt, but a good used one is fine too. That will eliminate the points, which are reliable but do need care and feeding more then an HEI.
This board is the other thing you need - lots of good advice here!

- Bill

 

My 67 Buick sports a '70 LeSabre 350 with mild mods that I drive 50 miles round trip each day. Rain, hail, sleet or snow, there ain't no place my Buick can't go. My wife saw a sticker or a sign at a car show once that says " drive it, or sell it" I agree. I don't have a numbers matching GSX with 6 miles on it. Granted when I bought it, it was an all original 300 2 barrel with the Switch-pitch powerglide. It's not my only car, because things break, so I always have back up. Or maybe I wanna take something else once in a while. Mine's Flat black primer with Red Oxide primer flames and a bright yellow passenger front fender. Just make sure you keep up with the little maintenance, and you should be good.

-Josh:3gears:

 

We drive the 65 Lark everyday other than bad weather days but in the winter we do put it away.Weather is just too bad here in the Winter.Well I guess on long dry streaks we do take it out every now and then in the winter just to drive it.I will drive my 65 Sport Wagon year round though........

 

bought a tucson for saving gas. this was in feb. 07. it has 1200 miles. the rest of my miles is on the skylark. glad insurance co. didn't ask the miles on the car. i am given 4000 a year.