We bought this 71 Buick Skylark Custom; and for a few days now weve been trying to find the motor numbers to see if it is the original motor, as well as the back end numbers to see if everything matches. Ive done quite a few searches and have come across a few links that said to look in certain areas; but nothing that I have found online has assisted with finding the numbers. I am wondering if there is anyone here that has or had a numbers matching Skylark and if so, would you be able to tell me where to look? Ive read a few older posts in V8B but even those did not help much. Without removing anything, I dont really see anything that resembles a serial number. Any help is appreciated. -Amber
On a 71 350, you'll find the VIN stamped on the left front of the block. There is a machined area under the head behind where the P/S pump is. You may have to remove the pump or bracket and use a razor blade to see it
Okay, I just told my husband so we could look there tomorrow; I/we did look in that area but it must be too covered in grime. The valve cover gaskets need replaced and in that specific area, there is a lot of thick dirty oil covering a lot of the metal. Do you know about where the numbers are hiding on the back end? Thanks for answering me back fast! -Amber
not sure what you mean by "back end" . There is a 2 digit engine code between the #1 and #3 spark plug on the deck of the block.
Hmm, allegedly there are numbers somewhere on the back axle area, somewhere near the pumpkin? I might be wrong about the back end having numbers though, my brother is restoring a 57 Cadillac Hearse and he has some matching numbers in the back end of that car, and told us about checking for numbers in the back of the Skylark to make sure the back end matches the front end It might be something that was specific to Hearses Or maybe it was specific to Cadillac back in those years. I cant find any specific information online, everything seems to direct me to matching just the motor, to the VIN, and to the title
The only thing you'll find on the axle is the axle code. What do you interpret matching numbers to mean? The only components that have the VIN stamped on them is the engine and transmission.
The numbers from the title that match the motor and tranny; that sometimes are also stamped on the frame. I'm sure if these mystical numbers on the axle were there, you would know about them; so clearly I was just misinformed and looking for something that doesn't exist.
You are right, the VIN is also stamped on the frame, on my '70 it is located on top of the frame at drivers side door opening. I'm not sure if it even possible to see when the body is on the frame.
This pub is written for 71-73 Riviera but what are asking is in the same spots/format, just different codes for Skylarks which you can find in the chassis and body manuals also in the library - Its the only one out there without spending $45+ A true numbers matching would include the documentation. trim tag options are different for A body depending on plant/year. <center> </center> Documentation Decoding and Veh Matching Guide note the libraries are in transition and will soon be "contributors only" access - but you will still get free access and other BUICK downloads by sending in materials. see threads http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?262424-Sad-to-say&highlight=libraries http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.p...ry-transition-is-underway&highlight=libraries ---------- Post added at 03:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:46 PM ---------- If you want everything including options documented- see thread http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?262618-What-does-Wayne-Roberts-need-to-document-a-car
Okay, and I did look on the frame as well but like you said, it's most likely covered. We just really want to know if the motor, tranny, frame and body all go together. It would be really nice if all the parts were from the same car. We looked again for the motor numbers but it's just hard to see anything through the grime, I don't think we will find it until we take it to get a good steam cleaning. Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it. -Amber
Many consider this level as matching numbers - but it really matching VIN's or Engine/Trans/Rear type (being it is just it what most had matches up with trans other options) - without window sticker (option type), build sheet, protect o plate (matching axle build date) - you dont know if the particular car did ---------- Post added at 04:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:59 PM ---------- There is picture showing where for most in the guide for the frame it takes cleaning an inspection mirror to see it when on the car - even then very difficult ---------- Post added at 04:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:01 PM ---------- do you have the protect o plate -- it has the numbers that should be there including the main options for your car. That how GM verified those thing for warranty work.
Thanks for that information, I appreciate it. I did see an earlier thread about the library needing donations and/or uploads. I would upload if I had anything for Buick, but right now I don't. I do have many other books for paint, welding, restoring, a ton of Chiltons and Haynes for various cars, etc. My mom gave me her mechanic books when she didn't need them anymore, but I had to take all the books, not just pick out what I needed. My husband ordered a Haynes for the Skylark from a parts place here in town and the next day when he went to pick it up, it was entirely in Spanish, they don't make an English version that we can see, but they make a Spanish one, strange. And, we did not take the Spanish one.
Forget about the Hayes. Buy the Buick Factory 71 Chassis Manual and Assembly Manual. A person did have the Chassis Manual for sale on this Board.
It must be gone already; I did a search but didn't get any results. I'll browse around online and see if I can find either of them. Thanks!
Check these links. http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_n...rvice+Manual+All+Series+&_itemId=380238979329 http://www.ebay.com/itm/1971-Buick-...an-Sport-Stage-1-455-/160958645879#vi-content
I popped that assembly manual in our watch list on ebay earlier today That first one I seen in my searches but I wasn't quite sure if it was the right one, thanks for the links, now I know what we need to get for sure. -Amber
Very few of the many users outside of the Boattail Registry have shown any interest in helping with the libraries. The Buick Libraries now requires membership and login to view the pubs. and has the 72 Chassis/Body Manuals and Assembly Manual. You can get a FREE membership by contributing a min of 25 accumulated pages to the library (also gets you any book from the library in pdf) . - Other incentives like being added to the Boattail Registry downloads catch up or promo video downloads require 250 pages to be sent in. Boattail owners just have to enter there Rivs into the registry to get a membership - and complete their member pages for the downloads. You can see whats in the libraries - at www.boattail-riviera-by-buick.comIn the header select - Library /ALL BUICKS -- the full size registry page will be going away soon. The links to direct pubs I have posted pubs will work for short time - but soon i will not be able to do that for you.
Here's the easy start: Engine: find 2-digit code stamped on pad on drivers side of block just below head near back two spark plug holes: check to see if right for the year and car. Find block casting number (back of block, I think), google it to find year(s) of engine. If these are consistent with '71 engine, then look for the VIN derivative on the front of the engine. Trans: Find year and 2-digit code stamped on round cover (servo cover?) on passenger side (for Turbo 350). Find VIN derivative on driver's side, flat spot just above edge of tranny pan, I think it will be stamped upside down. You can look at these things without taking anything apart, and narrow it down. Steve
Right on, thanks! We are going to have a go at it again this weekend; we really only have the weekends to get anything done. I'll post what I find, and thanks again! -Amber ---------- Post added at 09:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:03 PM ---------- Okay, I'm not sure because I've never known about a protect o plate, so I'll have to look into that and see what is and isn't on the car, it might be that I know what it is and did not know what it's called. I'll post what I find and maybe pictures, this weekend. Late reply, I didn't see that this thread had more replies to it, last night when I checked I was the last person that had posted! -Amber
The Protect O Plate isn't on the car, its slightly large than credit card sized, reverse metal stamping attached to the warranty card (dealer service would use a machine like they used to for credit cards to get a tranfer of it on service sheets. (PM me if find it - I can make mirror imgae you can read easier) usually found in glove box, see the guide. The libraries are now "contirbutors only" - this link will work until the weekend when my son will be moving everything to a new page. you now have to send materials and become a library member to get access to the pubs at http://fullsizebuickregistries.boattail-riviera-by-buick.com/ - I suggest printing the pages you will need. <center> </center> Documentation Decoding and Veh Matching Guide Its to bad I wont be able to provide book links to questions any longer (except for to library members) Would have liked to keep the libraries open the public, but - Mainly only Boattail Registry Members, and 5 orr 6 from this forum have made donations to pay hosting and contributed materials to libraries - while 1500+ made use of it with just about no support what so ever slowing it down for those do contribute - despite offering all kinds incentives/and begging here and other boards for people join in and help us build the libraries -
