My 1965 Skylark Wagon

One last adjustment. The suspension was soft and spongy because the arm on the leveling valve was too short and kept dumping and filling with every bump i hit. On my way home from work (15 miles), the compressor kicked on and off 5 times.
I lengthened the arm and swapped the mount to the left side of the differential. The ride is firmer and the compressor didn't come on once in my way to work. I'm definitely happy with the adjustment.

- Josh

 

So i had a low rpm stutter. Apparently i wore out the #1 spark plug electrode with an intake manifold leak. My friend has a hpTuner account and he adjusted the timing, trans shift points and pressures, power enrichment setting and idle. And he also calibrated the vehicle speed and lifted the speed limiter to 115 instead of 99 mph. It's like a whole new car.

-Josh

 

So, while on a road trip to Florida, I felt a driveline vibration. I checked the drive shaft a few times, but never jacked it up. I meant to delve deeper into, but I got a call that my mom passed away, and my thoughts focused on other things. On the way home, the ass end got squirrelly. I limped another 22 miles and rented a U-Haul and trailered it home.

I put it on the lift and found the left rear outer wheel bearing failed. So a new left axle shaft, new bearings and seals and I'm back in action. Also I ordered new wheels. 17x7s up front and 20x8s for the rear.

-Josh

 

Well the wheels I wanted are on intergalactic back order. These are made by rev wheels and they were my second choice. 17x7s up front with 225/50r17s and 20x8s out back with 245/45r20s. I figured they looked like the factory Buick wheels and would compliment the car nicely.

-Josh

 

Interesting read..

I would consider this more of a street rod type build, than a simple engine swap.. You basically built yourself a 65 Buick street rod. Cool.. I am sure it needs more finishing, they always do.

The only comment I have is that your going to wish you took those headers out and had them coated, soon enough.. that paint is not gonna cut it.

Have fun

JW

 

Well the 65 is off to its new home in Arizona with its new owner, A.J.

I'm using the money to invest in my 67 wagon build

Josh

 

The new owner sent me these pictures from LS fest in Las Vegas.

I'm glad to see he's enjoying it

Josh