1969 Buick Skylark

[sasquatch74]

I am looking at restoring a 69 Buick Skylark for my wife. The car was given to her by her Grandmother. What would be the best way to start this. I am wanting to do this from the ground up, and it does not really need to be a year one restoration. Any books or links to part would be great.

[admin]

Hi sasquatch: Unfortunately, a Haynes book for your make/model doesn't exist. We wish you good luck in your project!

[admin]

Hi sasquatch74,

Having restored several vehicles myself, and seen many other successful and unsuccessful restorations, the most important thing in my opinion is to have a plan and not get in over your head. Check to see what's available at your local auto parts store and get catalogs from places like Year one (yearone.com) and Original Parts Group (OPGI.com) (both of which have parts for Skylarks). Figure out how far you really want to go with your restoration (which, for most of us, is all about how much money we have to spend!). I've seen "restorations" that are nothing more than a nice paint job, a trip to the local upholstery shop and a lot of careful cleaning, detailing and part-painting by the owner. Restorations at this level can be very inexpensive and satisfying for the owner. On the other side of the continuum, I've seen restorations that can cost $75,000 or more and take years to complete. One thing is for sure: It always costs more time and money than you budget!

Unfortunately, there is not a lot of restoration information published for Buicks. But I would be pretty sure there are enthusiast sites out there. Be sure to communicate with the people who have already restored Skylarks and GS's - you will certainly learn a lot. I would also recommend you pick up a Haynes Detailing Manual (#10415), which contains a lot of useful information for restoration as well. For example, it will tell you how to make your engine compartment look like new.

Again, good luck. And thank you for your interest in Haynes manuals.