Project Wheels and Stance

[JayR]

Well, it's finally time. As many of you saw a couple months ago, I picked up a pristine 64 Buick Skylark and have been planning, drawing and ordering parts for phase one, the most important part; wheels and stance.

It will be way more than skin deep but since Summer is upon us and it doesn't last long in the NW, I'm doing a fast and super functional facelift with a big emphasis on style and function. After a bunch of research and calls and favors, etc, I ordered up a full TVS system from Hotchkis complete with front and rear tubular control arms, BIG sway bars, Bilstien shocks and everything to make it pound corners instead of dragging the door handles around them! Next is a set of Baer 2 piston brakes with the 2 piece rotors to get it stopped right instead of standing on the brick of a pedal and waiting for the worn out drums to haul it down safely. I actually watched an Explorer stuff a Focus into a clean 71 Charger right in front of me this morning so these brakes can't go on soon enough! To hold the corners and grab the road when i have to stop is a set of BF/Goodrich G-Force KDWs wrapped around a set of Rushforth Whiplashes with brushed centers and polished outers.

I've always had a thing for Skylarks because as a designer they have way more style and time and money invested from the factory and they're far less common than Chevelles and about half the price. No offense, my A-Body brothers! And we are brothers because the beauty of the GM A-Body is of course availability of parts and interchangeability.

The car was so nice when I saw it on craigslist, I only slept on it for 2 nights instead of my usual week before I went and looked at it and I struck a deal with the owner who has had it in a garage since 82 only driving it on weekends racking up 96,000 original miles! The only thing done to it other than loving care and oil changes was a repaint in the factory color about 15 years ago that's still in good condition but while I was waiting on parts, I've been detailing it in and out.

The point of this car is obviously to A) Have fun!, B) Promote my design and wheel businesses, C) Go to shows and autocrosses and hone some driving skills, and D) Show people what can be done to an affordable alternative bodystyle when you search with an open mind, use some creativity and some careful parts selection. Do what you can with what you've got! I jones for radical over the top cars but the reality is kids, mortgage, small business and little patience so I found a car in my budget that I could drive this summer which started Sunday so get out there!

If you got this far, thanks for reading!

So, before someone puts up a "This Thread Is Worthless Without Pictures" post, here are some pictures.

Exactly as it was when I found it.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/IMG_4820.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/buick1.jpg

Mocking up some wheels to check fit and clearance at Jared's www.J-RodandCustom.com
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/000_0007.jpg
And of course the rendering which wasn't too tough to come up with considering how nice this car is.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/sc0381d9e6.jpg

[JayR]

While we were waiting on parts, we were having great weather and I was itching to drive it so J-Rod and our good friend Howard hammered it for me so i didn't look like I carjacked Frank Sinatra and I've put a few hundred miles on it while the UPS man gets to know me even better bringing cool stuff everyday.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0291.jpg

Remember what I said about more money being spent on Buicks? As an example, they had great designers that had to come up the ranks and they designed killer details like tucked bumpers that look like something from a high end shop. Alright, so not quite that tight of a fit but pretty damn cool from the factory! And check out how the bezels and taillight trim panel are castings not stampings. Same with the grille!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0298.jpg

Dig the extra details like the roof trim and the flushed windshield trim that's also up front.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0303.jpg

Can you tell I love this car?

The UPS man aka Santa brought me big white boxes with BAER written on them!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0287.jpg

[XcYZ]

If you got this far, thanks for reading!

lol...


Nice find, Jason. Those wheels and the finish that you used on them looks great. When are you mounting the brakes?

And you're right, that car has a lot of thought put into it from the factory. :thumbsup:

[radrambler]

yes yes yes

now thats a great find.:thumbsup: .....love the non typical SKYLARK
no paint jail or need for heavy custom body mods .just update the suspension and wheels and ENJOY..great idea...wish i had done that..
keep us posted

tom

[Hdesign]

Awesome! What a great find that car was and I totally agree with your styling comments on the more upscale divisions. :thumbsup:

[tones2SS]

Very nice!!
The rendering looks awesome. Should be a nice car when complete. What color is that by the way? I like the color on that car.
Keep us posted.:cheers:

[JayR]

Thanks for sharing my enthusiasm, guys!

Baer Brakes, complete Hotchkis TVS system, Lee quick ratio steering box from Savitske, my wheels and BF/Gs are all going to happen in the next 2 weeks before I leave for Columbus. Like I said, Summer's here and I'm not that patient!

Thanks Tom, I love your Rambler and totally sympathize with the long road a car like that goes on and seen it happen 100 times with friends and clients so I bought the cleanest car I could find that wasn't totally mainstream but had a lot of aftermarket support and some style and a full frame under it and it just so happens, great paint and interior! Bonus! I was totally fixated on wheels and stance so I was willing to buy a car with some patina bit when I found this, I had to pull the trigger. Another guy came to buy it from the craigslist ad 3 minutes after we shook on the deal. He got out of his car to see what he missed, shook his head, congratulated me and said "You snooze, you lose and I snoozed!".

From what I've learned doing a little research, the color is 64 Buick Marlin Blue.

The paint is base/clear and is in good shape but I've had some time to play with it while I wait for parts so I've been cleaning and detailing and even had some help from my daughter on Father's Day.

Here she is polishing the coat hook with Eagle One NEVR DULL. No, I didn't misspell that. Good stuff and I've used quite a bit of it cleaning up the stainless and neglected chrome like the interior and exterior mirrors, door handles, and all the various gingerbread. Good stuff but use it in an open area or you'll get dizzy.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0268.jpg

Ever used paint clay? Think it's snake oil? It's frikkin' magic! For little spots, just use your spray detail but if you have a 17' long car with dry feeling paint, fill up your wash bucket with soapy water and keep your area wet and well lubed and rub gently with the clay spread out flat and you will be blown away by what the clay picks up and what your paint looks and feels like afterward. The paint is fine and there's lots of clear on it but it needed a little love and just had that dry feeling like it hadn't been waxed in a few years. Now it feels like it's freshly waxed and I haven't even taken any polish to it. The clay works on aluminum and glass as well.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0272-1.jpg

So easy, an 8 year old can do it!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0285.jpg
How's that for an endorsement? Hey Mother's, need a spokesmodel?
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0286.jpg

[youthpastor]

aren't u aware of child labor laws in this country?:_paranoid


as far as the project goes...

It's your turn Jay! enjoy - This car is going to be awesome, there needs to be a magazine build article for this take lots of pics

[Nine Ball]

Cool cars. I kinda like the side trim on it, makes the car less Chevelle-like and more unique.

[brans72]

hmmmm are those black or grey Whiplash Rushforths..... least you have good taste :yes: and didn't go with Rated X like the rest of the guys :lol: .I still hope I have the only set of black center Whiplash wheels :)

[gearheads78]

Sweet car I got real close to pulling the trigger on a 65 Buick convertible when I was in my 64-67 Abody search. Ended up with the 66 Olds instead.
Looking forward to your progress.

[JayR]

hmmmm are those black or grey Whiplash Rushforths..... least you have good taste :yes: and didn't go with Rated X like the rest of the guys :lol: .I still hope I have the only set of black center Whiplash wheels :)

Nope, those are Smoked Titanium mockups from another project at J-Rod's and I'm running brushed ones so you still have the only black ones!

I've been watching your Cutlass, Gearhead! I love these A-Bodies, especially the BOP ones!

[MarkM66]

I'm surprised you went with that wheel manufacturer.



;)

[buickfunnycar.com]

That car is stunning Jason,you're a braver man than me to de-chrome that beauty.

[syborg tt]

I'm surprised you went with that wheel manufacturer. ;)


Odd - I was thinking the same thing

--- so if you get a ticket in Columbus and I'm in the passenger seat does that mean i have split the ticket with you.

[boonedog]

looking good you just need to through a diffrent engine in it a sell me that nailhead:yes: J/k looks bitchin

[JayR]

Thanks Guys! HAHA, Mark and Marty! You guys are cards!

I wouldn't say I'm "dechroming it", John. It's just the first rendering and the paint is so nice, that I'm not doing anything but claying it and polishing it for at least the next couple years as far as the outside but the mechanicals are going to change in stages starting right away.

The Nailhead is yours, BooneDog! Just as soon as I put a new motor in it but it likely won't happen until the end of the year at the soonest.

[brans72]

mock up hmmm so you are going to run the Whiplash????

[boonedog]

Thanks Guys! HAHA, Mark and Marty! You guys are cards!

I wouldn't say I'm "dechroming it", John. It's just the first rendering and the paint is so nice, that I'm not doing anything but claying it and polishing it for at least the next couple years as far as the outside but the mechanicals are going to change in stages starting right away.

The Nailhead is yours, BooneDog! Just as soon as I put a new motor in it but it likely won't happen until the end of the year at the soonest.

k sounds good i wont need it tell after then anyways. I have one for mock up but its shot. Car is looking good keep us posted.

[JayR]

mock up hmmm so you are going to run the Whiplash????

Yep! Picking a favorite is like picking your favorite child but that's definitely the wheel for this car!
Check out Jared and Brett adding ballast to the door sill to simulate how it might look before it got lowered complete with the Whiplash stuffed in the front wheelwell.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/000_0010.jpg
See all the Full Throttle cans stacked in the upper right corner? That's how Jared and his crew crank out the work! He just delivered a 52 Chevy and has an opening in the shop and a full case of Full Throttle!

[brans72]

Gonna be a sick car there, not to mention you picked the best of the best from Rushforth :lol: . I must say you have got Great taste in wheels :thumbsup: Brandon

[TwinSting]

Looks very cool Jason. I think you should have diamond back put a thin whitewall on your tires to be reminiscent of original but modern at the same time.
Enjoy it.

[syborg tt]

Looks nice - but I think those boys need to bulk up a little to get the car lower.

:unibrow:

Yep! Picking a favorite is like picking your favorite child but that's definitely the wheel for this car!
Check out Jared and Brett adding ballast to the door sill to simulate how it might look before it got lowered complete with the Whiplash stuffed in the front wheelwell.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/000_0010.jpg
See all the Full Throttle cans stacked in the upper right corner? That's how Jared and his crew crank out the work! He just delivered a 52 Chevy and has an opening in the shop and a full case of Full Throttle!

[Musclerodz]

It will definitely be a head turner once done

[JayR]

Looks nice - but I think those boys need to bulk up a little to get the car lower.

:unibrow:

They aren't 30 yet and Jared's strung out on all that caffeine so give them a few years to pack it on and metabolisms to slow down!

[FreddieCougar]

I got to drive the car for a bit on Wednesday, it drives nice and smooth. The pics almost don't do it justice, it is clean. We stopped to get me a coffee, and the girl at the drive thru said "what are you guys doing today, just driving around in your cool-ass car?" it was priceless. It was all good until J mentioned how many bodies we could fit in the trunk...for some reason that seemed to make her a little uncomfortable!
Tim

[69496]

I love the wheel choice. I went superspoke instead on my A-body. I guess I was a little too chicken to get a 7 spoke design. I don't regret getting the superspoke but damb those do look good!

[JayR]

While waiting on the last few parts to come along in the UPS truck, I clayed the rest of the car and I swear by that stuff! Look what it picked up off the paint right after I washed it! The paint was feeling a little dry and now it feels like it's freshly polished and I haven't even taken a towel to it yet.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0334.jpg

[tones2SS]

Very nice Jason.:cheers:

[JayR]

Since the weatherstripping was old, cracked and generally dried all to hell, I replaced every seal with a complete kit from SoffSeal but not before the dried up trunk seal allowed enough moisture in to make the trunk floor a little scaly so I stripped the floor and painted it up with a quick coat of POR 15. This is supposed to be the rusty sheetmetal one-time-fix cure-all. Just keep it off your skin or anything else you don't want to be black forever! They even warn on the can to keep it out of the grooves of the can or the lid will go back on permanently.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0330.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0331.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0333.jpg

A little carefully cut carpet and some sound deadener and this will be a distant memory!

[syborg tt]

Really Kenny, No I mean Jason.

Bigger pictures for us older guy's these little pics you post are for kids with good eye's

Bigger is better in this case.

and hurry up and start driving that beast.

okay really question here. Are you going to try to put 3 point seat belts in the car front & back? I am looking at doing it in the camaro so my kids can ride in the car.

While waiting on the last few parts to come along in the UPS truck, I clayed the rest of the car and I swear by that stuff! Look what it picked up off the paint right after I washed it! The paint was feeling a little dry and now it feels like it's freshly polished and I haven't even taken a towel to it yet.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0334.jpg

[JayR]

Really Kenny, No I mean Jason.

Bigger pictures for us older guy's these little pics you post are for kids with good eye's

Bigger is better in this case.

and hurry up and start driving that beast.

okay really question here. Are you going to try to put 3 point seat belts in the car front & back? I am looking at doing it in the camaro so my kids can ride in the car.

"Hurry up and start driving that beast" from the guy with the neverending project! I think you keep coming up with stuff for Kenny to do so you can keep sending updates and not have to actually ever finish!

Junior's safety is a primary concern so I'm actually considering hiding a harness bar in the trunk with 4 point harnesses going through a slot in the edge of the package tray. Alternate ideas are welcome but I'm concerned with finding a good anchor point for a 3 point.

[JayR]

We've been hard at it over at J-Rod and Custom and I have proof.


Look at that pile of parts next to the soon to be molested Grandma car!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0339.jpg
Just like Christmas morning!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0342.jpg
Getting some progress
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0350.jpg
Here's a funny comparison. The new rotors are a hair smaller than the original hubcaps!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0349.jpg

[JayR]

The Buick is in good company at J-Rod's! Dig the intake he fabbed and the soon to be fabbed headers for the TT BBC.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0346.jpg
You know about junkyard dogs, well Dozer is the shop dog. It took a little getting used to being on the ground with a handful of tools and having him walk up and lick your face but Doze' and I are cool!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0345.jpg

Check out the old meets new replacement parts comparison. The Hotchkis TVS system is so complete and so slick. I can't wait to get behind the wheel with the new parts. It won't even feel like the same car.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0355.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0356.jpg

[JayR]

So much cool stuff!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0354.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0353_face0.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0353.jpg

[radrambler]

:woot:

....from grandma touring to GRAND TOURING ...GO JASON

I LOVE THE RESPONSE TO MARTY....:lol:

great car....cant wait to see it with the new rollers on the ground


tom

[JayR]

We were making good progress when we noticed sunlight going away but there wasn't a cloud in the sky so Chris (YouthPastor) looked out from the driveway and crapped his pants when he saw the cloud of smoke billowing into the sky from this 5 alarm fire a half mile down the street. Well, being boys, we had to go see it and it was the biggest fire I've ever seen. 5 story 120 unit apartment complex that had been under construction and was fully erected, sheeted and roofed and was ashes in an hour.

The heat was so intense, we couldn't stand closer than 4-500' away.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0361.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0360.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0359.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0358.jpg

[JayR]

:woot:

....from grandma touring to GRAND TOURING ...GO JASON

I LOVE THE RESPONSE TO MARTY....:lol:

great car....cant wait to see it with the new rollers on the ground


tom

Thanks Tom! I like that! Grandma to Grand Touring!

[boonedog]

nice pile o parts u got there

[youthpastor]

We were making good progress when we noticed sunlight going away but there wasn't a cloud in the sky so Chris (YouthPastor) looked out from the driveway and crapped his pants when he saw the cloud of smoke billowing into the sky from this 5 alarm fire a half mile down the street. Well, being boys, we had to go see it and it was the biggest fire I've ever seen. 5 story 120 unit apartment complex that had been under construction and was fully erected, sheeted and roofed and was ashes in an hour.

The heat was so intense, we couldn't stand closer than 4-500' away.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0361.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0360.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0359.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0358.jpg

dude...this was crazy, the heat, the loud noise from all the fresh wood burning, people running all around, fire engines- and the smoke...I've never seen anything like it. -Chris

[awr68]

WOW that's quite a fire! Did they find out what started it?

Ok, back to the car! Nice progress guys and a nice pile of parts! Can't wait to see it! Only what, 3 more weeks!! :woot: :cheers:

[radrambler]

jason

NO MORE SMOKE AND MIRRORS......OH I MEAN FIRE PICTURES....:lol:

SHOW US THAT BEAST ON THE GROUND WITH NEW GOODIES INSTALLED

TOM

[JayR]

WOW that's quite a fire! Did they find out what started it?

Ok, back to the car! Nice progress guys and a nice pile of parts! Can't wait to see it! Only what, 3 more weeks!! :woot: :cheers:

They say a spark from a roofer that smoldered all day and lit up after everyone went home is the likely cause.

See you in 3 weeks! Will we see your car there?

jason

NO MORE SMOKE AND MIRRORS......OH I MEAN FIRE PICTURES....

SHOW US THAT BEAST ON THE GROUND WITH NEW GOODIES INSTALLED

TOM

HAHA, No smoke and mirrors, just distractions! More updates coming very soon. We're on it. Just juggling the tools and the camera but will add more ASAP because I want to drive it before i leave for Columbus. BTW, not driving the car 2800 miles to Columbus but will be at the Good Guys show in Puyallup with it in full effect!

[ironworks]

Car looks good? Who did the rendering?

It has a real Hollywood Vibe with all that trim. :D

[JayR]

Car looks good? Who did the rendering?

It has a real Hollywood Vibe with all that trim. :D

Here's one just for you, Rodger!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0316.jpg

[ironworks]

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0316.jpg


And It goes a little something like this.........

Cruisin Down the Street in my 64, Jockin the bitches, Slappin the Ho's..........



For those unaware, that is an old jam from Easy E......

Here is a little DITTY......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywmMO8iilaE

[awr68]

Will we see your car there?



Ummmmm...........no

[HWY Nova]

For those unaware, that is an old jam from Easy E......

Here is a little DITTY......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywmMO8iilaE

Is this "Roadtrip-to-Columbus" music?


--Eric

[ironworks]

Yeah BOYEE

[youthpastor]

And It goes a little something like this.........

Cruisin Down the Street in my 64, Jockin the bitches, Slappin the Ho's..........



For those unaware, that is an old jam from Easy E......

Here is a little DITTY......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywmMO8iilaE

:lol: :lol: THAT TAKES ME BACK!!

[89 RS]

:lol: :lol: THAT TAKES ME BACK!!

For sure...:lol:

Jason, that ride is going to be sweet! Can't wait to see it when you get all those cool parts installed.

[JayR]

Yeah BOYEE

Got the YouTube Easy E videos going in the truck?! You ARE a baller! You should actually be playing the Smokey and the Bandit trilogy on a loop and singing "Eastbound and down, loaded up and truckin'! "

[syborg tt]

Junior's safety is a primary concern so I'm actually considering hiding a harness bar in the trunk with 4 point harnesses going through a slot in the edge of the package tray. Alternate ideas are welcome but I'm concerned with finding a good anchor point for a 3 point.

This is the best i can find.

I am planning on building something into the structure of the car and coming out of the package tray and then going up to the 'B" pillar.

Or I am just going to put in 2" DOT approved 4-Point restrants

[tones2SS]

For sure...:lol:

Jason, that ride is going to be sweet! Can't wait to see it when you get all those cool parts installed.

I agree. That is going to be cool.:cheers:
That was a funny pic of the hubcap just being a tad bigger than the new rotors!:lol:
Keep us posted Jason!

[70rs]

The car is really cool Jayson. I can't wait to see it in person. Those wheels are a perfect fit for it. Let me know how you like the TVS please, I am thinking of using that system on my car too.:thumbsup:
Eric
PS Thanks again for the info you chased down for me when my computer crashed, it was a HUGE help. I owe you one.:yes:

[C5 Longroof]

Way to show us how it's done, without killing the bank, without sending it to some expensive (albeit well worth it if that's your game) custom fab/paint/(forclosure) shop, and mostly, WITHOUT SPENDING FOUR YEARS ripping it all apart, losing pieces, buying EVERYTHING new again, and trying to remember how it all went back into something that once again moved on it's own power...This dusty project that went WAY over time;WAY over budget; and WAAAAY past your patience to finish up...

Instead you spend that time hitting Point Defiance, cruising it with the family over to Alkia beach, even take the "Mini Power Tour" loop up 101 around Port Angeles and back down the coast to Westport, smiling the whole time after the suspension/brakes upgrade...The car becomes a friend and part of the family, making memories for you and you kids...Drive it, Pimp it, enjoy all the thumbs up...

Rick

[JayR]

Way to show us how it's done, without killing the bank, without sending it to some expensive (albeit well worth it if that's your game) custom fab/paint/(forclosure) shop, and mostly, WITHOUT SPENDING FOUR YEARS ripping it all apart, losing pieces, buying EVERYTHING new again, and trying to remember how it all went back into something that once again moved on it's own power...This dusty project that went WAY over time;WAY over budget; and WAAAAY past your patience to finish up...

Instead you spend that time hitting Point Defiance, cruising it with the family over to Alkia beach, even take the "Mini Power Tour" loop up 101 around Port Angeles and back down the coast to Westport, smiling the whole time after the suspension/brakes upgrade...The car becomes a friend and part of the family, making memories for you and you kids...Drive it, Pimp it, enjoy all the thumbs up...

Rick

You "get it", Rick! Exactly! I'm driving the rest of this summer!

[ccracin]

Jason,

The car is looking great. Nice seeing you again this past weekend.

[DriverzInc]

And It goes a little something like this.........

Cruisin Down the Street in my 64, Jockin the bitches, Slappin the Ho's..........



For those unaware, that is an old jam from Easy E......

Here is a little DITTY......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywmMO8iilaE

ROTFL...

Car is looking sweet Jay.

[JayR]

So it's been a while since i posted because I was in Columbus last weekend and doing 4th of July weekend with the fam the week before and trying to keep up with design client's projects and Jared moved into a bigger shop, blah blah, blah....

We still managed to get a lot done and I'm going to be ready for Good Guys next week and will be doing it right!

Here's what we've been up to since last time.

Putting it together up front is so easy with the Hotchkis stuff. It's like it was made for the car! Oh ya, it is! But seriously, they make the installation so complete and so easy. They even include new hardware and bump-stops.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0638.jpg
The directions are really complete but for men like me who don't read directions, the guys on the tech line are super helpful. What I learned from talking to them on the phone and at the Good Guys shows is that this cool little spacer gives you a 1/2" boost if you need it or you can remove it to drop 1/2" which I will because out of the box, the kit is only a 1" drop so the end-consumer can fine-tune it to your taste.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0640.jpg
There it is in it's original location below the cool formed rubber grommet that holds the spring in place in silence.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0639.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0641.jpg

[JayR]

Like I said, the out of the box 1" drop and the spacer aren't going to cut it since the name of this project is "Wheels and Stance" so we took 3/4 of a coil out which is a little more than an inch of coil which equals about double that because of the spring rate, per the good guys on the tech line.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0634.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0643.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0647.jpg
That's Chris aka YouthPastor on the cut off wheel and here he is trying out his new look for the Marilyn Manson concert!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0651.jpg
Going back together!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0652.jpg

[JayR]

Looking a little different on the jackstands after a hard night's work
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0663.jpg

[tones2SS]

Looks good Jason.
Can't wait to see it on the ground!:thumbsup:

[gearheads78]

Jay, it was nice meeting you this weekend. I look forward to seeing your finished product.

[JayR]

Jay, it was nice meeting you this weekend. I look forward to seeing your finished product.

Nice meeting you too! Thanks for coming by and saying hi!

The "finished product".... hahaha. You guys know they're never done but I will be driving it in "phase one" next week!

[awr68]

Coming along nicely! Can't wait to see it next week!! :cheers:

[Garage Dog 65]

He's an artist - and a mechanic, just not fair !

Hi Jason !

Great to meet you at Columbus ! Sorry that every time we tried to talk projects we'd get interrupted by those pesky customers and/or waiters :yes: I didn't catch your build thread until I got back this week - beautiful project that will be a blast to drive !! We certainly could have talked a bunch about this since we just finished one for a customer here in Indy. Vert with an LS2, 4L80, Moser rear axle, Coilovers, CPP, Iddit column, custom ordered wheels for the car, etc. Hauls and is a great cruze. We had 5 cars in our booth - and it was by far the most viewed/commented - people love the Buicks !! Best of luck with your ride and I LOVE that blue !

Jim

[Craig67]

Nice color Jay!! ;) Can't wait to see it on the ground.

[buickfunnycar.com]

Looking great Jason...man,that car is in fantastic shape.:yes:
Can't wait to see her completed.

[The WidowMaker]

looking good jay. cant wait to see the real stance.

[GregWeld]

Jason -- You have to let Chris go... he has a MAJOR PARTY to prep for!!

EEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAA

Your Buick is wicked... Oops that name is already taken... LOL

Have you tried Torque Thrust II's on it.... Just kidding!!

[youthpastor]

Jason -- You have to let Chris go... he has a MAJOR PARTY to prep for!!

EEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAA

Your Buick is wicked... Oops that name is already taken... LOL

Have you tried Torque Thrust II's on it.... Just kidding!!

that RIGHT!!!

and we did put a set to TT's on it to roll it around---where are those pics Jason:lol:

[JayR]

He's an artist - and a mechanic, just not fair !

This from the guy who cut his Porsche in half to make it wider! Nobody give him any sympathy!! He has plenty of talent! I can wrench but Chris and Jared work circles around me and this car wouldn't be anywhere near on time without them!

[JayR]

that RIGHT!!!

and we did put a set to TT's on it to roll it around---where are those pics Jason:lol:

What pics? What TTs?? I don't know what you're talking about! Check the camera. No TT pics....

[Bstoner]

Jason,

Car is looking great....can't wait to see it down on new shoes....

Too funny about the TT wheels, I'd think you'd have a heart attack if that happened...

Brian

[fesler]

Jason good to talk to you at Columbus

That car is clean and with your touches will be a bitchen driver.

[WILWAXU]

Car is looking great Jason!

[GregWeld]

Jason,

Car is looking great....can't wait to see it down on new shoes....

Too funny about the TT wheels, I'd think you'd have a heart attack if that happened...

Brian


OKAY!! Somebody has to have one of those photoshopping programs -- surely we can get up a post of Jason and the Buick(wicked) as a hopper and TT's...

LOL oh man....

[Bstoner]

LOL,

That would go over like a lead ballon....couldn't do that to Jason...

Brian

[JayR]

OKAY!! Somebody has to have one of those photoshopping programs -- surely we can get up a post of Jason and the Buick(wicked) as a hopper and TT's...

LOL oh man....

You're on your own, Greg!

The first rendering I did has been bugging me since I posted it so I went ahead and redid a new one. Us creative types are our own worst critics so I changed it up and can finally sleep easy.... As soon as the car is done. We've been hard at it and will post pics in the next couple nights.

Phase One is nearly done and this car is about to see some miles in the summer sun but we will be diving into it again as soon as the weather changes this Fall.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/sc0381d9e6.jpg

[tones2SS]

Looks awesome Jason!:cheers:
Good job. (Now you can sleep easier!);)

[JayR]

We've had some late nights at Jared's shop and it's getting right down to the wire but Phase One is all coming together like we planned.

Look what the UPS man dropped off to wrap around the wheels! BF Goodrich G-Force T/A KDWs! in 235/40/18 for the front and 245/40/19s for the rear. I know the widths are a little conservative compared to some of the monster tires a lot of guys are running but mini-tubbing would require moving the framerails and it just wasn't in the summer time-frame and these will hold plenty of gs!

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0667.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0665.jpg
There's no mistaking that tread pattern on the BF/Gs! Love the snakeskin/flame pattern on these tires that just adds to the whole style of the car!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0677.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0671.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0675.jpg

[MarkM66]

http://www.good-guys.com/news/newsStory.aspx?newsid=1336

:thumbsup:

[boonedog]

We've had some late nights at Jared's shop and it's getting right down to the wire but Phase One is all coming together like we planned.

Look what the UPS man dropped off to wrap around the wheels! BF Goodrich G-Force T/A KDWs! in 235/40/18 for the front and 245/40/19s for the rear. I know the widths are a little conservative compared to some of the monster tires a lot of guys are running but mini-tubbing would require moving the framerails and it just wasn't in the summer time-frame and these will hold plenty of gs!

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0667.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0665.jpg
There's no mistaking that tread pattern on the BF/Gs! Love the snakeskin/flame pattern on these tires that just adds to the whole style of the car!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0677.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0671.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0675.jpg



wow love the wheels! Cant wait to see those babies mounted up on the car

[tones2SS]

Very nice Jason. Should look killer!:thumbsup:

[awr68]

Sweet man sweet!! What kind of wheels are those? :P
See ya friday!! :captain:

[GregWeld]

Anthony ---

Those are some newfangled TT's I think aren't they?? :lol:

Jason --

Nobody makes a better looking tire than those!

See you guys Friday!
:lateral: :hail:

[GregWeld]

Anthony ---

Those are some newfangled TT's I think aren't they?? :lol:

Jason --

Nobody makes a better looking tire than those!

See you guys Friday!
:lateral: :hail:


OOPS --- I meant to compliment the WHEELS TOO!!! WOW!! They're killer.

[nvr2fst]

I dig the rendering Jason.
What vendor did you buy the wheels from, I hope you got a good deal!
LOL

[JayR]

Sorry for the delay, Guys! We were slamming on the car doing very late nights and then catching up on work by day.

I'm flattered by everyone watch this project come together!

Here's what happened since the last post.

Did I mention the Hotchkis kit is COMPLETE! It even come with Bilstein shocks made to their specs to perfectly compliment the suspension.
If you know shock technology, you know Bilsteins set up specifically for your car are about as good as it gets!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0689-1.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0688-1.jpg

Got it on the ground with all the new parts and took some careful measurements all the way around to determine what it would take to nail the stance.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0730-1.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0723_face0-1.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0725-1.jpg
Once we determined how much I wanted it to come down, we pulled the springs and started carefully cutting a little at a time using Hotchkis' formula; one inch of spring height equals two inches of drop.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0727-1.jpg
After cutting and reinstalling them a few times, this is what ended up on the floor. 1.25" coils.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0731-1.jpg
I dig these little stamped factory spring holders. A quick coat of semi-gloss black and some new hardware and they're right back where they were placed 45 years ago.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0732-1.jpg

[JayR]

Check the cool tie-rod connectors that come with the kit. These are a little more confidence inspiring than the crappy originals!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0743.jpg
There's Howard hard at work
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0744.jpg

[tones2SS]

Very cool Jason. We need some killer pics when she's all done.:cheers:

[JayR]

Remember how original this car was when I bought it a few months ago?

Look what came with it! The original Owner's Manual and "Owner's Protection Plan" booklet complete with the Protect-O-Plate still in it with the original owner's name and address still there and they lived about a half mile from my front door!

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0737.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0738.jpg
Dig the cool artwork in the Owner's Manual
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0739.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0740.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0741.jpg

[JayR]

In all the thrashing, I almost forgot to photograph and mention the Lee quick-ratio steering box from Mark at SC&C. I would be a bit numb to all the suspension upgrades done without this key part!

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0733-1.jpg

[JayR]

And one month later with the help from my friends, Jared, Howard, Chris and Dave in our spare time with basic tools, here's what you can do with a clean craigslist find and parts available from the amazing aftermarket we have at our fingertips.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0683-1.jpg

The target completion date of this exercise was last weekend to have a cool car to drive at the local Good Guys show in Puyallup that I've gone to every year on foot because my cars were too new for the cut off year that used to be 64 and then recently bumped to 72. That all changed this year and I rocked the Buick all weekend!
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0794-1.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0810.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0803.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0823.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0792.jpg

[JayR]

Driving it feels familiar because of the seating, pedals and steering wheel location but EVERYTHING else feels so different from the cornering prowess, the ride quality, the stopping distance, driving hard with confidence and no body lean. I'm still getting used to it and feeling it out and this project is far from over but it's going to be getting driven a lot this summer and any mod that takes place between now and October is only going to take a day or less because I'm not missing any more fun!

I'll keep the thread going with driving reviews, action shots, updates, parts swaps, etc so stay tuned and look for me in Western, WA this summer!

[tones2SS]

Very cool Jason.:thumbsup:
We need a high res pic of your car with Wade's GTO and what looks like Speed-Tech's '69 Camaro!!:cheers:

[awr68]

All three of those cars a sweet....all differant and all kick ass!!

[nvr2fst]

Looks great Jason, makes a huge difference by just adding the wheels and what youve done so far. Do you plan on keeping the body as stock as possible with some added suspension upgrades. IMO keep the body color just like it is.
Dave

[J2SpeedandCustom]

Jason car looks SWEET! Nice write up on the progress looks like you guys had ALOT of fun...:yes:

[JayR]

Looks great Jason, makes a huge difference by just adding the wheels and what youve done so far. Do you plan on keeping the body as stock as possible with some added suspension upgrades. IMO keep the body color just like it is.
Dave

Thanks Dave! I'm definitely not a purist as evidenced by all the cut up cars in my career wake but this is one of my all-time favorite color combos and if/when the interior gets upgraded, it's staying white leather. I love the portholes but not wild about the sidetrim so there's some foreshadowing for you.

Thanks to everyone who has watched and/or commented on this thread. If you go back to the first post barely a month ago, it has come a long way and will hopefully serve as an example of what's possible with an open minded vehicle search and the great products available from the aftermarket. This is far from the last wrench turned on this car or the last post on this thread so watch when it pops back to the top of the page! For now, I'm going to be driving it in the sun with all 4 windows down!

[70rs]

Enjoy your summer Jason. Looking forward to seeing the updates later in the year.:cheers:

[Garage Dog 65]

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/100_0792.jpg

Excellent job ! A beautiful ride and still love that blue and white combo.

Cruze on !!