66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

One of the greatest dangers of going to Good Guys is going into the swap meet area. As I was strolling along, I heard someone call my name. I turned around and that was when I saw this.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2...D720/ry%3D480/
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http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2...D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2...D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2...D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2...D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2...D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2...D720/ry%3D480/

It's a 66 Skylark, Buick's version of the Chevelle/Lemans/Cutlass A body group. I've always loved the rear window sail panels on these.
It has a 310 V8, 350TH. Been in the same family since new. The seller's mom bought it, and had it until she passed away in 1998. Her name was Ruth, and I'm naming the car after her.

My intention is to do a restoration on this. At this point, she needs new paint, seat covers, dash pad and steering wheel. And detailing. Everything works, including every instrument panel, interior light, A/C. In really good shape, she runs and drives nice. Peppier than I would have guessed too.

Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

She's a beauty. Skylarks a cool!
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Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

That was considered fancy to a chevelle back then ,it looks great to me as it sits .

Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Thanks FF

The last Skylark I owned was a 70 GS Stage I. I can't afford one of those now. Buick isn't known as a prformance marque, but they put some monsters out there.

The interior is quite a bit fancier than a Chevelle, for sure. Look close at the 3rd and last pics and you'll see big spots where the clear coat has lifted. She does look good from 20 feet away. I'd like to improve that by about 18 feet.

Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Cool car Steve!! Can't wait to see it come together!!
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Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Thanks Kyle. It's going to be a fun project.
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Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

I heard you had another one in the stable. Cool purchase! I'm in for this one too.
subscribed.....

Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Good to have you tag long Mike!

I cannot explain why I bought this, other than it seems to be such a good, honest car. This should be an easy restore - if I can stick with the plan, and we all know how that goes. :D
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Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Very nice!

Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Ruth may be a reptile.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procgtaser...5100Kat2bNi0Z4

She got rained on all day yesterday, and after a day of sunshine, she looks like this. Never seen anything like it. Good thing I had already factored in a paint job. :lol:
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Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

:lol: I can already see where this build is going.. Ride tech and big billets!!:smoke:
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Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Ha! Just because I've been on every A body site I can find researching all the handling setups does NOT mean I'm going to do anything other than a simple restoration.

This paint is driving me nuts!

Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

I'm sure the paint might be able to be fixed.. Maybe!!;):uhmk:
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Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Detroit Speed can take care of your suspension needs for great handling and they love what they do. We see them at Chevellabration every year .

Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Just sold my 69 GS 350, already looking for another. The best forum for the Buicks is V8Buick .com
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Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Oh my we have a secret little Buick subculture here. I wont plaster pictures of mine here in your thread but there seems to be an evolving interest in these cars. Congrats on your purchase. I can't wait to see what you do with Ruth.

Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Seriously. This drives me nuts. Do you know of a place better than Maaco?


I'm definitely interested in going with Detroit Speed on my 69 Camaro, but that's high dollar stuff for a car like this. Well worth it though. There's an article in the latest Hot Rod and they used CPP parts on their 66 Buick Special project car and got nice results with it. We'll see...


I really enjoy learning about new cars. There are very few sites that are as good as this one. Thanks for the tip!

Thanks! Looking forward to learning from our subgroup here. Already have!
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Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

I forgot to tell ya, parts are a little pricey but it is a Buick after all !
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Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Hey, visited their website, and they have "speed kits" that are competitively priced. :metal:

Hey, I'm just looking. :smoke:
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Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Nice looking car Steve!! I got a soft spot for those. They are not the norm, as for the paint, yikes.

Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Oh man another one?!?!?! What is that a new latex clear coat on the roof? :lol: Great looking car cant wait to see what you do with it.

Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Paint was normal, it's the OKC dirty nasty rain! Next comes the hail, followed by a tornado and some dust storms.

Cool car though, there is one floating around CL in a burgundy-ish color for a nice price. I'd snatch it up if I could.

Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Yeah, the car just seemed to be in such good shape for the money to pass up. Other than the paint, of course. :D

I've never seen clear do that before. Wouldn't you know, I spilled some clear on my driveway, and after two summers of 100+ degree heat, rain, and snow. I've even tried to powerwash it, and it won't come up. :(

The more I think about it, I think I'm going to do a coil-over suspension with a modest drop, some 17" wheels and leave it at that. Well, maybe disk brakes at some point.

Check out these billet wheels from Circle Racing. They also are available with soft lip too.

http://www.billetvintiquesinc.com/wp.../104SERIES.jpg

Year One offers these in cast aluminum for quite a bit less:

https://yearonewheels.com/data/defau...cmw179blks.png


I like the idea of going subtle on this one.

:lol: All that crap comes up from Texas! We sure love our Texas recruits and Kevin Durant though. :smoke:

I discovered that with my Biscayne and now this, you can get some real good bargains and just as much cool by going off the beaten path and getting the lesser known versions. The Impalas and Chevelles cost a ton more.

Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

I grew up around a 72 lark, friend still has it
A while back i found some 15s like those for him
5 on 5 stock,used,may use them on the jimmy they don't fit his...
there is a nice GS tho around here....I could post

Re: 66 Buick Skylark - Ruth
 

Yeah, let's see it. Ideas and suggestions welcome!