cbrodine

The convertible top is one of the very few things I will not be doing myself, it is also probably one of the last few things I will do. I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to installing a convertible top, I've never done it nor watched anyone replace one. I have no problem paying someone to do it correctly.

cbrodine

The driver side quarter panel was a complete train wreck. At some point in time back in the day the car must have had a fender bender, the DR quarter panel was pieced back together and brazed. It also had what seemed like an entire can of Bondo on it. I picked up a quarter panel skin(full quarters aren't made for the 68/69's) from Tabco and then waved my magic wand and said a few magic words.....

cbrodine

One of the few things I could use on the car is the doors and fenders. The PO had bought another set of doors and fenders because the originals to the car were completely shot. I dropped off the doors and fenders to the media blasters then sealed em up with some epoxy primer. They had a few small dings and what not but are in pretty good shape. I welded up all the trim holes because I will be deleting the side trim molding. The fenders and doors are ready for filler and block sanding. When I got the car it didn't have either front inner fender, I was able to find a nice set and also had them media blasted. I was able to use the door hinges and had a friend of mine media blast and powder coat them. I then rebuilt them with new pins and bushings.

oldgoat69

Having one under my belt, I am far more confident now. It took me about 2 months to get the top done to the point I am now. Still needs some fine tuning and the reveal strip installed. I have purchased 2 so far, still can't find one that looks right
Your build looks fantastic, keep it up!!!!!!

cbrodine

Thanks for the kind word Oldgoat69. Do you have a build thread? If so, post a link for me plz.

Gen1

Very cool man, maybe get some GS/LS badges made up!

LS2GS

SWEET!!!!!!!!!

Looking forward to this build!

oldgoat69

I never got around to doing a build thread, I just posted the odd picture or update when time allowed. Back in the days when we had the shops doing this stuff was pretty standard, never got in the habit.

cbrodine

Yep, I planned on badging it as a GS!

Thanks LS2GS, I've read through your build a few times now!

LS2GS

The buick is not really different than any of the A bodies as far as swaps are concerned. What ever questions you may have should be pretty easy to answer. You have one hell of a nice start, and I really have to compliment you on your choice of car!

1967BuickGS400

Looking good.

cbrodine

Thanks...I am pretty familiar with the 68-72 A bodies and realize they share ALOT of pieces. The 69 GS's hold a spot in my heart, as I stated earlier, my first car was a 69 GS 350 California. I always knew I would have another. Although this is a Skylark it will be made to look like a GS. Thanks again for the kudos...I'll be sure to lean on you should any questions I have come up!

cbrodine

Heres a video I did awhile back showing the suspension and frame...


Another video that shows how bad the body was and what I had to start with...



And these 2 videos just show some work I have completed...I think

cbrodine

The big brown truck brought me some stuff today. I got my LS swap kit from BRP Muscle Rods. Pricey...yes, but it looks like some nice stuff. I got it loosely bolted in and will drop in the motor and transmission to check for clearances after some buddies show up and we move the body. The mid length headers I ordered will be another week, they were out of stock when I ordered them with the LS swap kit so I'm waiting on Hedman/Hustler to make them and drop ship them.

cbrodine

Uh...not sure why it posted them upside down. Weird

cbrodine

Its in and bolted up(loosely)to check fitment. Everything fit nice and was easy. The only problem I ran into was the transmission cross member, I had to radius the corners so it could sit back far enough to bolt up to the 4L80E,not a big deal and took all of 3 minutes. Of course it well known that the truck engine accessory drive set up puts the power steering pump pulley really close to the steering gear box. My set up is no exception, my pulley is about 1/2" away. I've read that there is a slightly small pulley that can be used that is smaller in diameter. Could someone let me know what it is off of, or provide me with a part # or source please? Also, can anyone tell me what the tab with the hole is that is welded on the tranny cross member?

oldgoat69

Is it for the parking brake cable guide? If your PS pulley is a 1/2" away from the steering box you are golden. I would not worry about it. If you are right on it Dorman offers several options, I just cant find the number I used right now. Maybe 300-123? Fits E150 with 4.2 mid 90's.

LS2GS

Nice work so far! The BRP mounts give it a nice clean look. As far as your pulley is concerned, you are not touching no worries! You are moving along fast.

cbrodine

Upon further review the pulley is actually a hair under 1/4" away from the steering box, this is to close for my liking, not to mention it would be a tight fight routing the power steering hoses to the steering box. A smaller diameter pulley would make me feel better. I've thought about using the relocation brackets that move the alternator and power steering pump, but the ones I have seen require you to use a remote reservoir for power steering fluid, I don't want to do that. I'm trying to keep the engine compartment as clean and clutter free as possible. See pics of pulley...

LS2GS...you have me stoked at the thought I may be able to actually put 305's or even better 315's in the back of my 69, I have to make it work.

Oldgoat..I wondered about that, I'm just not sure. Could you post a pic of your pulley clearance to the steering box please? I was reading through the sticky on the A body power steering pulleys, but there are so many different part numbers and pulleys that people talk about using and trying that it seemed a little confusing to me on what actually did work with a truck accessory drive in a 68-72 A body. I did see where someone posted a link to a pulley that Dirty Dingo sells, its $40 though. I'd like to find one a little cheaper first and use the one from DD as a last resort if I have to.

This is the one from Dirty Dingo, anyone use it? I guess $40 bucks aint that bad.
http://dirtydingo.com/store/product_...oducts_id=1389

Beau@SDPC

iTrader: (14)

Very cool build!!!