62 buick skylark convertable

Hi People;
I will be going up to the back to the 50's car show in Mpls Mn tomorrow, there is a guy I am talking with that lives nearby and is selling his 62 skylark, convertable 215ci, (2 barl carb)

Ive only seen photos of the car but it looks pretty good. Looks like it's been taken car of as well. Is there any particular issues or area's consistant with that model or year car that I should be looking for? i.e. hidden rust spots. What about the 2 speed trans? Owner claims it shifts out of first gear very quickly but that is normal the that trans type. Engine parts seem fairly easy to find?

I am a old timer gear head (mostly hp street rods) but not a lot of experience with this year car. Just love the lines, and think it could be a neat cruiser. etc.

thanks guys
Jim O.

I think I saw the car you are looking at on craigslist. If it is the one I am thinking of, it is a nice looking car. Is it white?

The good news about the engine is that the block was used well into the 90's in land rovers. In fact, Keith (woody on this board) has started a fuel injection conversion on his engine using land rover parts. There is a lot of information about these engines and I think parts are available, although someone with more experience could chime in and give a more intelligent answer than I.

Rust seems to be prone right behind the front wheelwells in the fenders. I have seen it in several, and also in the headlight bezels. I woud check those two places for bondo first.

I hope you get it - I recently got mine driving and stopping the other day and am having a ball with it. Of course, the interior is now torn out, so it will be a while longer before full enjoyment is possible. Where do you live? There are several of us in the Midwest. I am in northern IL.

Thanks for the info. Leaving now for Mpls. Live in Brookfield, wi. Yes, that was the car on craigslist. Meeting with him around 4 today. Said he had two others coming.

Will let you know if I get it or not. You know how these things go.

Jim

Welcome to the group Jim, 215 parts shouldn't be that hard to locate, I see them on a regular basis on CL and there's also the following .....

http://www.aluminumv8.com/index.htm
http://www.taperformance.com/

   A lot of good info on Buick related stuff here.....
http://www.v8buick.com/index.php

Good luck, Tom

Hi Guys;
I did purchase the 62, skylark special.  The car needs a lot of work.  Way to much bondo.  Lower quarters, also rear deck lid under the back window on the sides.  

I found the wheel lugs bolts on the driver side to have a reverse thread?  I have never seen that in my almost 50 years of playing with cars.  Is this a standard deal on this 1 1/2" long wheel stud.  Which is not long enough for the aftermarket wheels - the nut was has only 3 threads holding the wheel on.  Ouch- I need longer bolts.  BUT only one side is reversed?  What is the deal on that

Mopar did that back then also. Just put new studsright hand thread in that have the same knurl and you'll be fine.

lol

Thank YOU for that information. Good to know. I did try pounding somewhat, but knew enough to stop when they didn't budge. With the new 15" aluminum wheels that came with the car. While taking the wheels off for a R & R of the wheel bearings noticed all the wheel studs only allowed the nut to turn on 3 threads. That isn't much contact and think it needs to be addressed. In order to keep the wheels and tires (New aluminum 15" wheels and tires) I need a 1 5/8" studs. (1 1/2" now) for more safety and peace of mind. This is my wife's play car.
I see Original Parts Group mostly has 64 and up skylarks parts. Is there any other websites that list 61-63 parts?
Looking for REAR BUMPER, REAR TAILLIGHT CHROME ASSEMBLY.
Front sway bar URITHAN BUSHINGS. (Is there any place that sells a heavier duty (thicker) Bar?
Would like to replace the very old shocks with Adjustable's. OPG does have some but thinking I can also get some from Speedway Motors, if I measure what I got and convert.