1969 Skylark Custom Grille Issue

[Cole K]

I have a 1969 Buick Skylark Custom drop top with a grille issue. Before I bought the car, someone replaced it with a homemade grille which doesn’t look all that bad but I want the original look back. My question is what will fit my Buick?! From my understanding, the only correct one for the 69 would be a grille off of another 1969 Skylark Custom. Any reproductions are GS style which I was told would not right. Isn’t the 69 Skylark grille the same one as the Custom, minus the emblem in the middle? Also isn’t the GS grille the same as the Skylark grille, plus the GS badge?

Any input appreciated,
Thank You

 

[Bob]

Just looking at pictures, you might just find that the Skylark grille is the same minus the emblem.
For an original look, you will want the Custom of Special grille (or Skylark minus the emblem) which appear to be the same.

 

[TODD]

Cole,
The Buick Master Parts Book gives the details on the '69 grilles. See attached page out of the book.

There were only two grille bodies used according to the detail part number listings. The GS400, GS350, and California GS used a more elaborate grille body having vertical dividers spaced out across the face. The GS monogram was used on this grille body.

All other A-bodies used a simpler grille body without vertical dividers. The Skylark Custom added a large bolt-on trishield ornament in the center. The Sportwagon added a nameplate and a small trishield emblem.

Also attached is a view of the Skylark Custom grille taken from the dealer brochure.

Hope this helps.

 

[Cole K]

Cole,
The Buick Master Parts Book gives the details on the '69 grilles. See attached page out of the book.

There were only two grille bodies used according to the detail part number listings. The GS400, GS350, and California GS used a more elaborate grille body having vertical dividers spaced out across the face. The GS monogram was used on this grille body.

All other A-bodies used a simpler grille body without vertical dividers. The Skylark Custom added a large bolt-on trishield ornament in the center. The Sportwagon added a nameplate and a small trishield emblem.

Also attached is a view of the Skylark Custom grille taken from the dealer brochure.

Hope this helps.

Thank You! I suspected it was the same but wanted to make sure before I started throwing out 100’s. That PDF definitely cleared up my questions. Now that I know for sure that the base Skylark and custom had the same grille and surround, I’ll just get a base grille and surround to put on right now and find the emblem online when one shows up to make it the custom again.

I appreciate the response,
Thanks Again!