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

[38Buick]

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.

[50jetback]

You sure keep finding the right ones to restore.

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

[JohnD1956]

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

[Rob McDonald]

Hey John, careful with the snow tire cracks. Some of us only get two seasons - Winter and Poor Skating (from Edmonton, Alberta).

[Glassesguy]

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.

[rwchatham]

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.

[ewing]

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.

[38Buick]

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

[38Buick]

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

[38Buick]

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?

[pontiac1953]

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

[Silverghost]

I love these cars !

How many 1953 & 1954 Skylark convertibles were ever built ?

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

[38Buick]

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

[38Buick]

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.

[jackofalltrades70]

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!

[Restorer32]

I'm sure your chrome plater is smacking his lips waiting to get your work on the Skylark.

[jackofalltrades70]

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.

[38Buick]

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.

[MrEarl]

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?

[38Buick]

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!

[MrEarl]

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.

[38Buick]

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.

[50jetback]

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?

[jscheib]

Well glenn,

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

John

[martylum]

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