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Me and My Buick Discuss Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto in the BUICK CLUBS forums; Started on my latest project over the Holiday weekend, I'll keep adding to this post as time moves on for anyone who is interested in following it. I estimate this ...
  1. #1
    Senior Member 38Buick's Avatar
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    Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Started on my latest project over the Holiday weekend, I'll keep adding to this post as time moves on for anyone who is interested in following it. I estimate this will take about 1.5 years. This is the 5th Buick I have restored and the second 53 Skylark.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-dsc02859.jpg   Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-dsc02955.jpg   Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-dsc02959.jpg   Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-dsc02967.jpg   Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-dsc02969.jpg  

    Glenn Tyler
    1953 - 76X
    1955 - 66C
    Yankee Chapter - BCA
    53/54 Skylark Club
    BCA & AACA

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    Senior Member 50jetback's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    You sure keep finding the right ones to restore.

    Looks in pretty good shape Glenn, I'll follow your progress with interest.


    Stuart Syme
    BCA#37072
    Buick Owners Club of Western Australia

    1929 54CCX Convertible Coupe
    1930 Model 47 sedan
    1934 Series 40 Roadster
    1936 Century 66C X Convertible Coupe
    1950 Model 56S Super Jetback Sedanet
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    1984 J 10 Jeep tray back utility

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    Driver Owner JohnD1956's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Go Glenn, Go. Who would have figured snow tires on a 53 Skylark?

    John C. De Fiore BCA # 3757
    56 Super 56R: acquired September 1974
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    "Yes! I'd really rather drive my Buick!"

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    Sr (grey-haired) Member Rob McDonald's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Hey John, careful with the snow tire cracks. Some of us only get two seasons - Winter and Poor Skating (from Edmonton, Alberta).
    Rob McDonald
    1957 Buick Roadmaster 4-door Riviera, Model 73A, owned since Feb/73
    1973 MGB Mark III Tourer, original owner Dec 1/73
    1962 Valiant Signet, home at last

  5. #5
    '39 Buick Team Member
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Glenn: Good luck on the restoration. Enjoyed your posts on the others particularly the 1938 40C. Hope we can meet if you're planning to go to Danvers.
    Dave Rex BCA 1649
    1937 Special 4 door conv
    1939 Special 4 door
    1965 LeSabre Conv
    1997 Riviera
    1986 Trans Am (For Sale)
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Glenn, nice looking lark to start with. I have a question that you may be able to answer, I am doing a resto on a 53 lark also . On the floor pans do you know if the complete floor pan should be red oxide or should it be painted white from the rear axle area back, under the fuel tank and trunk area? Thanks, ray.

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    Senior Member ewing's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    what a great car.
    Is it originally a maroon car with a blue interior?

    Or since it looks repainted blue, was the interior colour changed.?

    I really like the red exterior and blue interior colour combination, but I suspect that it wasn't an offered combination in the 53 Skylark.

    When it is done , I can offer my garage space for storage, but for no more than 10 years.
    John, BCA #1271, ALPCA 688
    38 McLaughlin 4 Dr Special,Iron Man
    47 Roadmaster Conv.
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    Senior Member 38Buick's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Quote Originally Posted by rwchatham View Post
    Glenn, nice looking lark to start with. I have a question that you may be able to answer, I am doing a resto on a 53 lark also . On the floor pans do you know if the complete floor pan should be red oxide or should it be painted white from the rear axle area back, under the fuel tank and trunk area? Thanks, ray.
    Ray,

    My belief is that the wheel well color (white or red) was sprayed on after the body was assembled, notice in my pictures that the white paint did not extend beyond the gravel guards, which means they were in place when the wheel wells were sprayed. My last Skylark was the same way.

    Would love to see some pictures of your project.

    Glenn
    Glenn Tyler
    1953 - 76X
    1955 - 66C
    Yankee Chapter - BCA
    53/54 Skylark Club
    BCA & AACA

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    Senior Member 38Buick's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Quote Originally Posted by ewing View Post
    what a great car.
    Is it originally a maroon car with a blue interior?

    Or since it looks repainted blue, was the interior colour changed.?

    I really like the red exterior and blue interior colour combination, but I suspect that it wasn't an offered combination in the 53 Skylark.

    When it is done , I can offer my garage space for storage, but for no more than 10 years.

    John, this car was originally Mandarin Red with Red/White interior. I think I will do this one Imperial Blue with blue/white interior & white top.

    I'll keep your offer for storage in mind. thanks,

    Glenn
    Glenn Tyler
    1953 - 76X
    1955 - 66C
    Yankee Chapter - BCA
    53/54 Skylark Club
    BCA & AACA

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    Senior Member 38Buick's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Progress Continues, this is starting to look real ugly!
    So far, the car looks very solid. The only rust I have found thus far is in the spare tire well. Does anyone know if that section is reproduced?
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-dsc03083.jpg   Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-dsc03085.jpg  
    Glenn Tyler
    1953 - 76X
    1955 - 66C
    Yankee Chapter - BCA
    53/54 Skylark Club
    BCA & AACA

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    Senior Member pontiac1953's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    i see new gm tire well being listed on ebay motors, charles coker, 1953 pontiac tech advisor.

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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    I love these cars !

    How many 1953 & 1954 Skylark convertibles were ever built ?

    How many would you suspect are known to still exist today ?

  13. #13
    Senior Member 38Buick's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Quote Originally Posted by Silverghost View Post
    I love these cars !

    How many 1953 & 1954 Skylark convertibles were ever built ?

    How many would you suspect are known to still exist today ?

    About 1690 were built for 1953, only about half that many in 1954. I suspect the survival rate is pretty high as these were special cars when they came out of the factory.

    Glenn
    Glenn Tyler
    1953 - 76X
    1955 - 66C
    Yankee Chapter - BCA
    53/54 Skylark Club
    BCA & AACA

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    Senior Member 38Buick's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    It has been several months since I posted any pictures, progress has been slow to say the least. Finally have the body completely stripped and removed from the chassis. Next will be to completely strip the chassis. Will post more pictures when there's something worth seeing.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-dsc03239.jpg   Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-dsc03244.jpg   Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-dsc03246.jpg   Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-dsc03249.jpg   Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-dsc03253.jpg  

    Glenn Tyler
    1953 - 76X
    1955 - 66C
    Yankee Chapter - BCA
    53/54 Skylark Club
    BCA & AACA

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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Quote Originally Posted by 38Buick View Post
    It has been several months since I posted any pictures, progress has been slow to say the least. Finally have the body completely stripped and removed from the chassis. Next will be to completely strip the chassis. Will post more pictures when there's something worth seeing.
    Something worth seeing???? Wonderful job! Another job on a convertible that is helping me along with mine. I hope to see more as you advance!

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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    I'm sure your chrome plater is smacking his lips waiting to get your work on the Skylark.
    1932 Packard 900 Conv Cpe
    1955 Jaguar XK-140 Drophead
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    All unrestored, shoemaker's kids, you know?

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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Quote Originally Posted by 38Buick View Post
    Ray,

    My belief is that the wheel well color (white or red) was sprayed on after the body was assembled, notice in my pictures that the white paint did not extend beyond the gravel guards, which means they were in place when the wheel wells were sprayed. My last Skylark was the same way.

    Would love to see some pictures of your project.

    Glenn

    I have noticed on my '47 56C that under the rear wheel wells are also this "mud red" color. Is this normal? I want to make sure that when I get to that point putting my car back on and together that I do this correctly.

  18. #18
    Senior Member 38Buick's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    I found a renewed ambition to get this project rolling while in Danvers. The frame is now stripped and on the rotiserre. Next is to clean up 50+ years of grease & grime and then its off to the sand blaster.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-dsc03286.jpg   Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-dsc03325.jpg   Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-dsc03327.jpg  
    Glenn Tyler
    1953 - 76X
    1955 - 66C
    Yankee Chapter - BCA
    53/54 Skylark Club
    BCA & AACA

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    Moderator Me and Robert E MrEarl's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Glenn, enjoyed meeting you in Danvers. And I must say that while there, and while sitting under the tent housing the Landau, the '54 Slylark and that gorgeous '53 Skylark, I gained a new appreciation and respect for the '53 Skylark. I have seen them around for years but only upon sitting in front of and about eye to eye with that one and looking at it for a couple of hours straigt did I come to fully appreciate the low belt line and graceful upswing of the rear fender and the sporty rear wheel cut out. They are indeed a beautiful and classic example of some of Buicks finest design.

    Glad to see you motivated and jumping back on it. Any chance of making Charlotte?
    1954 BUICK - THE BEAUTIFUL BUY
    1954 Roadmaster 76R, 2 DR HT - DoraB
    1954 Roadmaster 72R 4 DR - Buttercup
    1954 Century 66R 2 DR HT 3 Speed - 54MUSCLE
    1954 Special 46R 2 DR HT "TEXAS PETE"
    1954 Special 41D 4 DR Deluxe Sedan-The Blue Bird,
    1993 Riviera 4EZ57 - Black Beauty - sold ;-(

    Lamar in Athens, Georgia BCA- 39474






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    Senior Member 38Buick's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Hello Mr. Earl,

    It was a pleasure meeting you as well. The 54 Skylark under the tent is what has given me the motivation to get it in gear. What a gorgeous car. Not sure if you spoke with the owner but that was a 16 year restoration, that kind of time I don't have so I better get my backside in gear!
    Glenn Tyler
    1953 - 76X
    1955 - 66C
    Yankee Chapter - BCA
    53/54 Skylark Club
    BCA & AACA

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    Moderator Me and Robert E MrEarl's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Quote Originally Posted by 38Buick View Post
    Hello Mr. Earl,

    It was a pleasure meeting you as well. The 54 Skylark under the tent is what has given me the motivation to get it in gear. What a gorgeous car. Not sure if you spoke with the owner but that was a 16 year restoration, that kind of time I don't have so I better get my backside in gear!
    Oh, I figured it was the 53 Skylark that set your seat on fire again. I know Steve aka Stevali aka Mario very well. I furnished a few parts over the last few months and we on the 54B forum pushed him to get 'er done. He only finished the car a couple of days before the start of the meet. In fact I brought a couple of vent cranks that were the finishing touches.

    Yep, time slips up on you that's for sure. I don't how I got to be 39 so fast.
    Last edited by MrEarl; July 19th, 2011 at 00:16.
    1954 BUICK - THE BEAUTIFUL BUY
    1954 Roadmaster 76R, 2 DR HT - DoraB
    1954 Roadmaster 72R 4 DR - Buttercup
    1954 Century 66R 2 DR HT 3 Speed - 54MUSCLE
    1954 Special 46R 2 DR HT "TEXAS PETE"
    1954 Special 41D 4 DR Deluxe Sedan-The Blue Bird,
    1993 Riviera 4EZ57 - Black Beauty - sold ;-(

    Lamar in Athens, Georgia BCA- 39474






  22. #22
    Senior Member 38Buick's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Lamar,
    The 53 under the tent I am very intimate with as I restored the car in 2000 - 2002, drove it for 2 years and then sold it to Tony who keeps it in tip top shape. 54 Skylarks really fluff my skirt (almost as much as 53's) someday I will own one of each.
    Glenn Tyler
    1953 - 76X
    1955 - 66C
    Yankee Chapter - BCA
    53/54 Skylark Club
    BCA & AACA

  23. #23
    Senior Member 50jetback's Avatar
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Glenn and Lamar - you two blokes really have to stop talking dirty, under tents and fluffing skirts!!!, what next!!!

    So Glenn, what's the list of cars you have already restored?
    Last edited by 50jetback; July 19th, 2011 at 21:20.


    Stuart Syme
    BCA#37072
    Buick Owners Club of Western Australia

    1929 54CCX Convertible Coupe
    1930 Model 47 sedan
    1934 Series 40 Roadster
    1936 Century 66C X Convertible Coupe
    1950 Model 56S Super Jetback Sedanet
    1942 UL-74 Special Sport Solo Harley Davidson
    1984 J 10 Jeep tray back utility

  24. #24
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Well glenn,

    i think Lamar is the man to help you find one in need of help.

    John
    1932 - 57-S
    1968 Riviera
    2005 LaCrosse CXL
    BCA No. 31093
    Assistant Director - Yankee Chapter BCA
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    Re: Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto

    Hi Glenn-I sent you an e-mail and here's that photo of the stencil I mentioned. It's on the LH outer frame rail under the door.
    Martin Lum
    53 Skylark restoration
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Here we go again..... 53 Skylark Resto-100_2059.jpg  

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