Here's some rambling/reminiscing...

Over 20 years ago, I had a 68 Skylark convertible that I picked up for $450. Everything worked, and only needed minor repairs. Ran her for over a year with the 350 2-barrel and powerglide. Then, on Christmas eve '89, with my 1-year old German Shepherd, we headed north from Dayton to my parent's house in Indiana. About 45 miles north on 75, before heading northwest, the alternator light came on. Found a truck stop mechanic who, in -20 weather (w/o windchill), diagnosed it sure enough as a failing alternator. Said I could find an auto parts store about 5 miles south. About one mile from the parts place, one of the rods came off the crank and put a huge hole in the block. Few hours later, was in an unheated tow truck - me, my dog and the driver. Oh the memories...

Couldn't find any 455 Buick blocks in any of the local junk yards, so settled for a '70(?) Olds rocket out of a station wagon. Worked with a Meineke mechanic who did engine rebuilding on the side, and it was a great engine throughout its new life. I'm so used to Fords, that I don't know the head/block markings to identify what I have. I'll search the site, but if someone can post a thread link here for that stuff, would be great.

I sold the Buick to my brother for a grand about 15 years ago, to keep it in the family. It had horrible quarter rust and I had bought replacements from Year One, and he promised to restore it. I had also bought and had installed a replacement top and seat covers from Y-O.

This past fall, while gutting the car for the complete resto, I realized the windshield top frame had been thoroughly bondo-d, along with the trunk ends. I had lots of personal time and dough into it, but with my 67 Cougar std being my main focus, and with my brother being a self-employed painter without an ounce of drive to do anything on her, we agreed that I'd part her out. Parts/frame (not all parts) sold for around $4500, less about $750 for fleebay fees/shipping charges.

In the end, I kept the 455/T350, along with and a number of valuable parts I hope to sell this spring (hood/trunk/fender/restored instrument cluster/hydraulic pump&cylinders - all grade A).

I have no car for the engine, but would surely like to improve her performance a bit, so when I find that right body, I'll have the powerplant all set. A good used aluminum intake (alum heads too?) and aftermarket carb would be nice. Rochester quadrajet is what I think is on her now. Anyone have intake/carb/heads? Would porting the heads suffice over aluminum ones? Whew, that was a long message... Eric (ewojcieszak@yahoo.com).