1966 Buick Skylark

Below are images of my 1966 Buick Skylark that was purchased in June of 2004.

Having just finished my Dad’s 1965 442, I knew I really liked these GM A-body cars and the parts were easy to come by. Since my Dad’s car restoration was trying to preserve the original as much as possible, this car would be a chance for me to modify a bit without guilt. Also, because of the generally crappy weather in Seattle, I wanted something I could drive during the winter.

This car has been fun and really given me a chance to play around.

1966 Buick Skylark Two Door Sport Coupe (33,086 produced)

Black/Black interior (car was originally Baby blue)

300 CID V8 – 210hp @ 4600 310tq @ 2400 45 9.0 – 1 compression

2bbl Rochester Carburetor

Super-Turbine 300 2-speed Transmission (Column Shift)

2.78.1 Gears

Current Modifications (February 2005)

Engine § 1965 Cast-Iron 4bbl intake manifold with Edelbrock 600CFM carburetor § Crower Camshaft § Performance 4-angle valve job with Hardened seats § 2 1/4in Dual Exhaust with Flowmaster 50 Series mufflers § TA performance Oil Pressure Spring Kit § Pertronix Ignitor ignition with Accel SuperCoil § Accusump 2-qt Oil Accumulator with electric startup valve § 96amp late-model 3-wire alternator with internal voltage regulator § Proform Electric fan

Interior § Custom Black/White upholstery § Dynamat floor unerlayment § Custom Autosound USA-6 Radio with 10disc CD changer § Custom Autosound Kick Panels with Eclipse 3-way speakers § Custom Autosound Dual-Voice 6x9 (rear) § JVC amp powering 1x 10in Subwoofer § Power Antenna Conversion § Sunpro Chrome Mechanical Guages

Braking/Handling § RightStuff Detailing 1968+ Disc Brake conversion kit with drilled/slotted rotors § American Racing Torq Thrust 2 wheels, 17x7 with 4.5in backspacing § 1 ¼ front swaybar with polyurethane sway bar bushings § Upgraded rear boxed control arms and standard F41 7/16in rear swaybar § KYB Gas-a-Just shocks all around

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“FOR SALE” – June 2004

These were the shots I spotted on an Ebay auction. The car was located in Sacramento, CA and the seller was asking $4500. With 2 days left on the auction and no bids, I offered $3500 cash and he accepted.

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Latest Shots – July 2004

Here’s the car after some work. You’d be surprised what some nice wheels and a little TLC will do. One of the first modifications I made to the car was the addition of true dual exhaust. Since the car has a fairly torqey 300CID V8, allowing the engine to breathe made a huge difference.

The wheels are 17x7 Torq Thrust with 4.5 in backspacing. I have no major rubbing problems, but the fronts do squeak if I come up a driveway or hit a big bump going too fast.

While I really like the wheels, nothing is less impressive than killer 17in wheels with drum brakes showing through. This will be rectified in the future.

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Update – January 2005

This was taken shortly after the replacement of the headliner and the installation of new upholstery. All work was done by yours truly. Not bad for my first headliner installation. Not perfect, but more than serviceable.

I went with a custom Black/White look to keep the interior interesting. I get a lot of compliments. I went straight to the manufacturer and had them build the stock 1966 seat patters with white inserts. Since these sets are made-to-order, it didn’t cost me any additional money for this modification and I really think it looks sharp.

A very mild window tint also makes the car look much more aggressive. It’s actually the lightest tint you can get, but on the black car with a dark interior you get a limo-like affect without compromising visibility.

I soon hope to have pictures of my Disc Brake conversion and my upgrade to a 4bbl carburetor.

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E-mail me with comments, questions, or if you want to send me free stuff. I love free stuff.

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