Starting to lose faith in the Buick faithful.

I was really hoping that more people in the Buick crowd were going to help me. A couple of people from this website have been very helpful, and I really appreciate their time and advice. However, I was hoping more of the Buick faithful would be eager to give me advice or share their experiences with me on how they went about their search. Unfortunately, for the most part, that hasn't been the case. I left several posts on this website; most recently, about the '71 GS 455 for sale on this website. As of this writing, I've had 79 views, but ZERO replies. What a disappointment!

I really was partial to getting a Buick musclecar since my parents were the original owners of a '67 Buick Special Deluxe with the hi-perf 340, and I fondly remember that car in my childhood years. So my heart was set on getting a GS version of that body style. I was originally looking for a clean, rust-free '67 GS 400. Then I decided to expand my search to include any '67-'72 Buick GS and was hoping I would get more help and advice from this site. I wanted to see if anybody knew where I could find one locally in California, but I've had little-to-no luck in getting answers. Out of frustration, I am now starting to look at Super Sport Chevys (Chevelles, El Caminos, and Camaros), GTOs, 442s, and some of the Mopars, which to my surprize, are competitive in price to many of the Buick GS cars in similar condition. I thought I heard the the Buick GS cars were still reasonably priced, but I guess I missed the boat as they have now skyrocketed in price like the other musclecars.

At this point, I'm very disappointed that members of V8Buick.com and Buick Performance Group have been of little help for me. I guess unless you already own a Buick performance car, and live east of the Mississippi, most of the people on this site are just not interested in what you have to say. Sorry...I'm know that I am whining, and I know no one likes a whiner. But I'm frustrated and very disappointed. I really wanted to be part of the Buick crowd, and now I feel like I'm on the outside looking in.

Roy

 

well, i know "eee" lives out there on the left coast. but i don't know too many others....

 

I'm new to the forum here too and haven't received much help either. As to your situation, here's what I can tell you.
I live right outside Chicago so the market here is very different than California. Here, a rust bucket true SS Chevelle will go for anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 where as near you rust free cars are abundant. It sounds like you where in the market for a specific car because of your parents influence but given that list, it sounds like now you just want a muscle car. Although I was born 30 years later, back in the day (early 70s) the Buick GS cars were the more refined muscle cars for people who had a little more money to spend. You could run up the options on a GTO or Chevelle and still not come close to the price tag of a Skylark GS. Today, the tables have turned. Although the GS cars are still sought after by many people the cliched 68-72 Chevelle Super Sport cars are more desirable and the prices reflect it. Olds 442s are a good route too. Here in the midwest, you'd expect to pay up close to 10,000 for an original solid one. However, by you the market is drastically different. Also, mopars are hard to come across. I've found there's not a real median. They're either fully restored or sitting in a field needing a new frame. That's just what I've come across. My best advice, keep on searching. Try websites such as Craigslist or cars.com. Craigslist is becoming very popular and cars.com even finds you cars posted in local newspapers. Also, forums such as these are a great find because most car guys are willing to shave the price knowing their car is going to a good home to another fellow car guy. There's also many people in forums like this one who get tired and bored who'll say "alright, anybody interested in my...how much money you got?"
I believe you're an older gentlemen so if you have the money to spend, blow it. When you die, you can't take it with you so you might as well enjoy it. If you're more frugal, get a clone SS or GS, Nobody's going to be reading the Vin, the only person that knows it's not real is you and your wallet. Just watch out for clones if you're dropping serious coin. Another tip, watch out on ebay. If it's too good to be true, it probably is. I've gone to look at cars that claim "solid, no rust" in the listing and the car needs frame rails and new floor pans. It took me 8 months of daily searching to come across my 65 Impala SS, but it paid off. Nothing worth having comes easily, so just keep searching. Good luck!

-Mike

 

Well, I didn't see the original thread, I'm new here, but I've recieved very very much help and support,and the guys here have seemingly limitless patience with you.

part of the reason no one helped out, maybe is because the car is listed on the site, and no one wants to offend anyone about their car.

Which car you looking at you gotta link ? I'll be glad to help ya out, but I don't know a whole lot these guys know more than I do.

Why don't you just price compare to some others ?

http://www.oldcars.com/car1925.html

http://www.americanstreetmachines.c...S-Stage-1-SOLD-KY-Specail-Thanks-to-Mark.html


Thats all I found immediatly, the price ranges are so wide. Just don't get all hung up on that on car though, If its not meant to be, it isn't meant to be.

with between 67 - 72 GS's there will be many cars in different price ranges, 15k is a lot of money, so look at your options before just buying one. Because if you jump on one to soon , there may be one come by later you like better, and its cheaper.

I'm sure some others will chime in soon.


(sorry for spelling and grammar errors, its getting late, haha. )

 

Hi Mike. Thanks for your input and words of encouragement. Although it may be true that the nicer, rust-free musclecars are more abundant on the West Coast, in particular, California, I'm finding that the most of these cars are either not for sale or their owners are unreasonable and asking a fortune for them. I have tried eBay, and you're exactly correct...If it's too good to be true, it probably is, as I found out. So many of those cars on eBay look great, but when I learned more about them, most of the time they are not what they've been represented to be. I haven't tried Craigslist, so I may take your advice and start looking there as well.

It is true that my parents '67 Buick highly influenced my decision to seek a nice '67-'72 Buick GS. Deep down, I really still want one. But out of frustration, and I guess some impatience, I am now looking at all 60s and 70s musclecars which are of interest to me. Anyway, thanks again for your reply. It's nice to know I'm not alone in my frustration.

Best Regards,

Roy

P.S. With all due respect, I wouldn't necessarily consider myself an "older" gentleman. I am only 43 years-old.:grin:

 

Thanks, Chase. You sound like a bright 15 year-old to me! Here's the link to the '71 Buick GS 455 I was speaking about:

http://www.v8buick.com/vbclassified.php?do=ad&id=266

I've learned more about the car, and its condition. It's probably a good buy, but I've decided to keep looking. Contact the seller if you want more info. He's a very nice guy.

Roy

 

Roy,
Pard, car finding is just like fishing it is a game of being persistant. You fish untill you catch what you want.
There are a lot of cars out there. let me ask you a question and make a statement. How are your mechanical/ body work skills and Tools situation????
If you want a particular car, [ in this case a 67 GS] and you dont have any mechanical skills or body work skills, then you will have to buy the cleanest car in the best mechanical shape that you can find. aka ''high dollar'' car.
Now, If you have the knowledge and skill to repair, build, paint, ect. then the price comes way down and the cars available are considerably more.
I know how to do engines so I try to find a car with a bad engine and then go from there. I recently bought a 85 ford truck with a bad eng for 600 dollars and built it up and have been driving it for a couple of years now.
As for a location to look, the cars in the South are cheaper than say, new york or cal. Here is a clue, where wages are cheaper , usually cars will be cheaper. Simple, right.
Keep looking , have your friends looking, look south and south west.
Look every where, in peoples back yards, front yards, at junk yards, back roads, [I once found a 65 riv. with a super cat engine sitting in a farmers front yard that he wanted 2500 for it]
I did find a 1965 Skylark GS that I bought for $2.00. That is my current project. [ no that is not a typo, I bought it for two dollars and brought it home ,put a battery in and rigged a gas can to the carb and started it up.]
Just hang in there, consider it a challenge to you and do what you have to do to find a 67 or make it happen.

 

What you call a reasonably priced car may be a steal to another fella.You just need to decide how deep you want to dig into your pockets.If you can do alot of work yourself on a somewhat project car that would be great.if you can afford a nice quality driver car right off the get go that is great also.There are many sources for finding Buicks for sale and this site is one of the best.You are more likely going to find a much more ohnest seller on this forum than on say Ebay.If you do find something and its possible inspect in person.

As far as advice on the one you are talking about here for sale there is really no better person to talk to about it than the guy selling it.From the somewhat short description and only one frontal photo it would be impossible for anyone here to make a accurate judgement about that car.Talking to the owner of it and getting more photos and info would be your best option.

It says it is a driver car so I am sure it has flaws.It does not say it is a show car.

As far as getting no help what I have explained about the sitiuation is probably pretty correct and I have to defend those here on this board as being some of the most knowledgeable people in the OLD car crowd.People here are very kind in taking the time to help people when its possible.This is simply the Best Board out there and it tops all other sites out there devoted to any other makes of cars..........Goodluck finding what you are looking for.Patients will be the key in your search....Bruce

 

I hope that the lack of advice dosen't scare you away from the board. I have built a bunch of muscle cars, but just recently joined the Buick group. I have 19 posts total and most of those are thanking the guys and gal's on here for the advice. I asked one question about my headlight bezel's and it astounded me as too how many people jumped in and helped. As far as looking for a car, check craiglist and other add's for a southern car, as posted above, less rust and cheaper. I traded a 1500 dollar fishing boat for my GS clone in good condition and got another rust free plain skylark body in the deal also. There are a lot of us on the board that will probably help you by going to take a look at the car if it is close to one of us, I know I will and you can get them shipped via open car hauler very resonable.

 

Roy in response to your post I would have to say this. To find what you want you have to be persistent and patient at the same time. In other words you have to be on the cars for sale section everyday. Not just here but on many other boards as well. A lot of finding what you want is luck and being in the right place at the right time. You have to wear out the internet and be ready to jump when you find what you want. I don't think others are going to do it for you and blaming them isn't going to get you where you want to go. Dig up some muscle car dealers in the south and visit their web sites on a daily basis. E-Mail them what you are looking for. Post a wanted add on here. Pick up a car trader magazine everytime a new issue comes out in your area. You have to be relentless. Finding these cars can be difficult and take a long time. Join a car club and let everyone you know you are looking for a certain car and just plain don't give up. You have to be on a mission. Good luck. Mike D.

 

I am new to the board this year and new owner of a Buick this year and have found tremendous amount of advice and help and advice from members hear. 70-72 Skylarks are my favorite since thats what my dad loved and drove when I was a little kid as well.
I found my 71 Skylark originally on ebay in NJ near where I live that was as good as they said but it took over 2 years of searching to find the right car, and during that time I fiddled around with a 70 Monte
I am putting in a new 455 that was built by a recommeded BBB builder from this site and again could't be happier. So my point is I guess is sometimes it takes some time to find what you really want so be persistant and know that this site is top notch!

 

To Chase and Roy I am sorry that the board does not live up to your expectations, and it makes me wonder what you expect???? Most people on here are more than willing to help but if you expect them to run to your aid and jump in maybe you expect too mucho No: . Just because some one does not repond to your post does not mean that they can not or will not help, it may mean that the people who have the answers did not read your post on that given day. I have had responces to my posts up to a year later and when i want some thing I ASK in a PM :grin: . So if either of you get down because this board does not meet your ( unrealistic ) expectations I am sorry. It does not matter if you are 15 or 50 ( like me ) Myself and most all the people on here will be more than willing to assist but we also do not want to be pushy or apear to bud in where we are not needed. Once again keep the faith or if you feel that we can not help you please do not complain about it and move on, not a slam on you but .... just my opinion


Ken

 

Guess you didn't see this '67 GS340 that was posted for sale recently:
http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=134293
Hope it's what you are looking for:TU:

And I'll second what Mike suggested....look on Craigslist for the major Ca cities. I like to look...and dream about all the great cars that are avail in Calif.
If they weren't 3000 miles away, I'd have ALOT more cars than I have now....but then again, maybe it's better that way. :laugh:

 

Buick musclecar owners are a rare breed. That's why the prices of our cars are such a good bargain right now. As the supply of decent Chevelles runs dry, the price will surely catch up. And as the scrapyards are selling out all their stock to the Chinese as scrap metal, the already scarce parts supply for Buicks is drying up. If you want a Buick, now it the time to get in there while the gettin' is good.

I don't think anybody was ignoring you, there's just so many threads and posts on here it would take 30 hours a day to read and reply to all of them. Our history goes back for many, many pages. What you really need to do is READ, READ, READ and I'm sure you will find what you're looking for. :TU:

Just a side note- post your non-technical questions in the Bench, I think they get noticed more over there.

 

What specifically do you need help with? I can tell you that I live far west of the mississippi river and I have recievied lots of advice, some good ,some bad. If you want someone to tell you where your dream car is and cheap that is a pretty tall order. Do you consider yourself a member of the buick faithful? If so, then you are losing faith in yourself. If you dont count yourself as one of the buick faithful then maybe you should try to find a chevelle or a GTO.
Loving Buicks can be painful. I have had to remove the engine from my car 4 times so far..... but out of faithfulness (or stupidity) I persevere.

 

Roy ...your a little premature on your post about looking for help and not getting it .....

there are plenty of people here that are knowledgeable and helpful ...your timing might be off a bit ...many people are out and about this time of year ....be patient ....:grin:

 

Patience Roy.You've been a member 1 month and you're tossing in the towel over no feedback on a single instance over a car, you don't even own?
There are a lot of great people on this site willing to help if you show an equal amount of consideration with some understanding and patience. Dealing in Buick cars and parts has NO instant gratification. It is a long slow process searching for the correct parts and answers, which in itself gives you a great deal of satisfaction when you finally succeed. I have bought/sold/restored old Chevys for the past 40 years and am just finishing up my last 55 restoration. The quality of info on Buicks gleaned over time from this site, is far superior to a well known Chevy site, and for that I am grateful.
If you're going to go the Chevy route because no one "helped" you on a car, that is your choice.
The Buick community is a very small group of dedicated enthusiasts, certainly less than 5% of the Chevelle/Camaro owners.
So if you're looking for a volume of attention, Chevy may be the way to go.

 

... You might just want to re-read my post, saying everyone here is very very helpful, and having seemingly endless patientence , is COMPLAINING?

re-read it again please. I would never complain about this board, its full of limitless amounts of knowledge.

 

HEY I NEVER MENT TO OFFEND YOU ... JUST AN OBSERVATION AND I HAVE READ OTHER POSTS AS WELL IF YOU TOOK IT WRONG I AM SORRY

KEN

 

Okay then.


and if my expectations of this board, to have good clean fun, and share information of Buicks and other subjects is inunrealistic, show me the door please.

and no offense ever was taken, if i made it seem like that by the caps-lock part on the last post I apoligize.
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But like I said earlier. You will find limitless amounts of knowledge here, so count yourself as one of the Buick faithful, find the car you like, and then tear up the roads! :3gears: