Only Buicks Posted December 27, 2010 Share Posted December 27, 2010 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
50jetback Posted December 28, 2010 Share Posted December 28, 2010 You sure keep finding the right ones to restore.Looks in pretty good shape Glenn, I'll follow your progress with interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted December 28, 2010 Share Posted December 28, 2010 Go Glenn, Go. Who would have figured snow tires on a 53 Skylark? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted December 28, 2010 Share Posted December 28, 2010 Hey John, careful with the snow tire cracks. Some of us only get two seasons - Winter and Poor Skating (from Edmonton, Alberta). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glassesguy Posted December 28, 2010 Share Posted December 28, 2010 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwchatham Posted December 28, 2010 Share Posted December 28, 2010 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ewing Posted December 30, 2010 Share Posted December 30, 2010 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted January 10, 2011 Author Share Posted January 10, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted January 10, 2011 Author Share Posted January 10, 2011 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 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted January 10, 2011 Author Share Posted January 10, 2011 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PONTIAC1953 Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 i see new gm tire well being listed on ebay motors, charles coker, 1953 pontiac tech advisor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Silverghost Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 I love these cars !How many 1953 & 1954 Skylark convertibles were ever built ? How many would you suspect are known to still exist today ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted January 11, 2011 Author Share Posted January 11, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted May 7, 2011 Author Share Posted May 7, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted May 7, 2011 Share Posted May 7, 2011 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 I'm sure your chrome plater is smacking his lips waiting to get your work on the Skylark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted May 9, 2011 Share Posted May 9, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted July 18, 2011 Author Share Posted July 18, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted July 18, 2011 Author Share Posted July 18, 2011 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 (edited) 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. Edited July 19, 2011 by MrEarl (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted July 20, 2011 Author Share Posted July 20, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
50jetback Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 (edited) 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? Edited July 20, 2011 by 50jetback (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 Well glenn,i think Lamar is the man to help you find one in need of help.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest martylum Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 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 Lum53 Skylark restoration Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted July 22, 2011 Author Share Posted July 22, 2011 Hi Marty,I just sent you some pictures. I have never seen a stencling like this. It's amazing that this survived for over 50 years!Has anyone else seen anything like this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted July 22, 2011 Author Share Posted July 22, 2011 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?Hi Stuart,Let's see......41 Ford Convertible (lost interest and sold to do the next)41 Super Convertible53 Skylark 38 Special 4-door convertible55 Century Convertible40 Ford Convertible53 Skylark (under restoration)That's it so far, got hooked on this crazy hobby in 2000How about yourself, you have some real lookers, love that fastback!I think I sent you some parts last winter, just can't remember what it was that you bought from me on ebay, something for your 36???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mr T Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Way to go Glenn. Nice to see another 53 Skylark being restored. My 53 Skylark was the same blue exterior and black top. I went with the Victorian Maroon and White top for my restoration. Look forward to your progress and eventual completion!Cheers,Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted August 31, 2011 Author Share Posted August 31, 2011 Progress continues but at a snails pace. Frame has been blasted, epoxy primed and finish coated in satin black, what a change a little blasting and paint can make! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted September 18, 2011 Author Share Posted September 18, 2011 Before and after pics of bottom of car. Removed about 30 lbs of undercoating. Just about ready to send off to the sandblaster. Now it's on to removing the undercoating from the fenders. What a pain in the A==.Someone had asked a question wondering how much of the rear wheel wells got painted white, looks like just about the complete rear is painted white. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted September 18, 2011 Share Posted September 18, 2011 Glenn, the bottom of that body looks VERY solid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted September 18, 2011 Author Share Posted September 18, 2011 Hi John,The floor pan is not to bad. It will take a little bit of repair, but nothing major which is nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 PS: Nice job on the frame too. Makes me jealous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imotors Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 Glenn,Send that frame out and have it Powder Coated!!! You might be REALLY sorry with paint, I know I am!! Attached is the stencil that I found on my frame. I had a company make me one to apply for my restoration. Just a really nice touch! Your 53 looks Fantastic. Good luck to a quick finish. 16 years is a mighty long time!!!steve apter54 Skylark under the tent at Danvers that now has 67 "Smiling" miles on the odometer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted September 24, 2011 Author Share Posted September 24, 2011 Glenn,Send that frame out and have it Powder Coated!!! You might be REALLY sorry with paint, I know I am!! Attached is the stencil that I found on my frame. I had a company make me one to apply for my restoration. Just a really nice touch! Your 53 looks Fantastic. Good luck to a quick finish. 16 years is a mighty long time!!!steve apter54 Skylark under the tent at Danvers that now has 67 "Smiling" miles on the odometer.Steve,To late on the frame paint vs powder coating as it is already done and I am not going backwards on it. Although, I do remember how striking your powder coating was in your engine bay.Who did that stencil for you?Thanks,Glenn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imotors Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 Glenn,When you figure out how much it costs to prep and paint the frame(Including your time) versus powder coating, you will be amazed at how much cheaper it is to powder coat. If the shop is quality, they will do all of the clean up and blasting along with the powder coating. Not to mention the durability factor. Don't be foolish!!!!!! You are early enough that you can STILL do the frame. DON"T make the same mistake I did!!!!!!!As to the stencil, I believe it was Quantas in Md. They do it for the Corvette vendors. If you can't find them let me know, and I'll dig out the bill. Remember it is upside down when applied!!best........steve apter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted March 18, 2012 Author Share Posted March 18, 2012 Although things have been going much much slower than normal, there has been some progress made over the past several months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 Nice going, Glenn. Looking forward to seeing this one finished. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Julian Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 (I just sent you some pictures. I have never seen a stencling like this. It's amazing that this survived for over 50 years!)When I pulled the body off my 42 Olds a couple of years ago, you could still the stenciling on it. The frame was dated 12-5-41. Two days before Pearl Harbor. Like you, I cut a new stencil and painted it back on the frame in the same location. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Sweet! Worth waiting for... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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