Buick Skylark/Special Forum - '61, '62, and '63
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Production numbers?

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Post by TorqueMonster Fri Feb 19, 2016 5:42 pm

Hello
I've just recently pulled from a 43 year hibernation out of my neighbors barn a 1963 Skylark and I'm trying to figure out how to proceed (restore or cruiser)with this car. First and foremost I need to figure out if its just another car or if it's a significant piece of Buick history? I'm asking if anyone can give me info, or at least where to go for, info pertaining to this car, such as how many produced and .....etc? It is a 1963 Skylark Convertible with a 215-4brl and a T-10 4speed. Black car, black top and black interior. Any help would be greatly appreciated !
Thanks

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Post by StageCat Fri Feb 19, 2016 7:41 pm

I agree, a triple black would look sharp when all is done....
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Post by TorqueMonster Fri Feb 19, 2016 9:04 pm

I've had this car 1 week now and have already decided that the 215 is getting pulled and rebuilt (since it was already stuck when pulled from the barn) instead of a motor swap. The car is pretty rough but , I think worth saving just from what limited information I can find online. Just wanting to know, ...is the financial investment worth the return? I'm a Buick and Oldsmobile geek, but am also still a fan of my money. I feel I have played a significant role already in helping to return this car to the living, but I don't want to put $300 in to a $10 car. Is there a way of finding out production numbers , by drivetrain , options .... And it's value? Would love to know how many 215-4brl/4speed drop tops were built?

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Post by TorqueMonster Sat Feb 20, 2016 8:28 am

My intentions weren't to flip the car for a quick buck. I think it's cool as hell and I've gotten this car and its wonderful story from my neighbor, the original owner, who special ordered the car from the factory, with all the paperwork and original title and so on, along with the car, which I think even adds more to its cool factor.
I was asking you folks here because I am not knowledgeable about this car and finding info about it online has been challenging. And with info being so scarce, I was beggining to wonder if it were a valuable piece of Buick history that deserved a "cost be damned" restoration? I was asking because I think it's a helluva neat car, but just needed to know to what level do I take it to financially? And Keith, in this first week of ownership, you have given me the most insight as to what it is I have here. Thank you!! Seems I am unable to find much about a '63 215-4/ 4speed convertible in triple black. Only one other guy I've spoken was able to tell me he estimates that 20% of the drop tops had 4speeds. If this is not a highly valuable or rare piece of history kind of car, then I may just do a mechanical rebuild and leave the 56 years of patina and just enjoy the car. Hell, I may not even put a new top on it. Just leave the boot on and make it a fair weather car. And there will be no motor swap. The original 215 will be rebuilt and reinstalled.

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Post by TorqueMonster Mon Feb 22, 2016 1:16 am

I retract the no motor swap. 215 out and apart and, although can be saved, I've come across a 278 from a 96 land rover in my search for parts. Extra cubes, more power, bolts right in and can made to look stock. 215 will be kept in the shop for originality

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Post by StageCat Mon Feb 22, 2016 9:15 am

Still a cool car......
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Post by TorqueMonster Mon Feb 22, 2016 10:57 am

I've been doing research and can't find anything on the car. That's what led me here. Woody, if you know where I can go for info on this car, Please tell me! !! What I've learned so far about this car is that although it may be rare.... It is not valuable. The car was left for dead in a barn since 1973. Keep in mind it Had already gone through 10 Michigan salt covered roads before being parked. The car is rough. Rocker arm shaft bolt stripped from threads in head allowing 2 pushrods to launch. After parked for 43 years, #3 piston and cylinder wall had became one. After every attempt to remove safely, ended up losing the piston in the tear down. So even though the original motor can be saved, at a cost, The savings and extra power from the Land Rover/Buick 278 allows me to spend $ on getting the rest of the car roadworthy. Original motor will not be melted down for scrap and will be retained. The fuel injection will be removed from the 278 and original 4 barrel intake will be put on the motor to retain its stock appearance. I'm not taking a nice car, or in this case even a driveable car, and sticking a small block Chevy in it. The car was on its way to the junkyard. ... And had it not been for a car guy who appreciates these rare oddities, that's exactly where it would be right now. I'd be happy to take donations to fund a rotisserie restoration.

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Post by TorqueMonster Mon Feb 22, 2016 9:09 pm

Thank you Keith

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Post by TorqueMonster Tue Feb 23, 2016 1:24 am

By installing the the 278 and focusing on getting the car roadworthy, I can enjoy the car, in all of its beautiful ugliness, and rebuild the 215 and the cosmetics as time and money allows. I don't wanna blow it all apart and have it go back in to hibernation while time, money and parts become available. I can enjoy the resurrected Buick in the summer months while gathering enough to give me projects in the winter months. My time and budget doesn't allow for me to do a quick restoration. The car will get a second chance at life, it will be a slow process, but it will be enjoyed while it happens.....all while riding on 13" inch wheels and an aluminum V8

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Post by StageCat Tue Feb 23, 2016 6:28 am

I agree with Keith, join to the V8 board http://www.v8buick.com/index.php the Bench section is for general discussion/questions and there is a wealth of Buick knowledge available, also check out the Classic section, good luck.....

Tom
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