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mysterious mid 90's trim options


josh8966
09-02-2008, 04:58 PM
Hey,

Ive seen two mid 90's lesabres that had a higher end trim package (imt. conv. roof) that have had fender skirts on the rear wheels. I thought I had just seen someones custom work until a spotted another buick with the same skirts. Ive done tons of searching for them, as Id like to add some to my Park Avenue. I was wondering if anyone knew what year, or name of the upgraded trim package, or better yet... where to buy these skirts. Any info on these would be greatly appreciated.

Do fender skirts go by any other name, Ive searched GM's parts website and it seems they dont have the option listed.

Josh

GringoPete
09-04-2008, 07:15 AM
Hey,

Ive seen two mid 90's lesabres that had a higher end trim package (imt. conv. roof) that have had fender skirts on the rear wheels. I thought I had just seen someones custom work until a spotted another buick with the same skirts. Ive done tons of searching for them, as Id like to add some to my Park Avenue. I was wondering if anyone knew what year, or name of the upgraded trim package, or better yet... where to buy these skirts. Any info on these would be greatly appreciated.

Do fender skirts go by any other name, Ive searched GM's parts website and it seems they dont have the option listed.

Josh

If you look at my "98 Custom SG" in my signature you'll see that mine has the canvas roof and trunk mounted luggage rack.

Here is a website that list all of the options for the 98: http://www.lotpro.com/cars/1998/buick/lesabre/options

As for the fender flares you're talking about, they are probably aftermarket.

GringoPete
09-04-2008, 07:40 AM
Ok, now that i've had my second cup of coffee I know what youre talking about. Here is a listing of fender skirts on Ebay:http://motors.shop.ebay.com/items/buick-fender-skirts_W0QQ_nkwZbuickQ20fenderQ20skirtsQQQ5ftrkpar msZ39Q253A1Q257C65Q253A1QQQ5ftrksidZp4506Q2ec0Q2em 245QQ_ipgZ200QQ_sopZ1?_trksid=p4506.c0.m245


Although it doesnt show any for the 90's model lesabre it does basically show what you are talking about. I too have seen this on a Lesabre only once.

Another strange siting i've come across is a early 90's model Park Ave with a ragtop and was bearing the name "Roadster" behind the front wheel well.

'97ventureowner
09-04-2008, 08:05 AM
Some of these "mysterious trim options" could also be "regional specific" options that were available only in certain areas of the country. I believe this was a marketing gimmick intended to possibly increase sales. Although not as common as it once was, they still do it once in a while. Last winter I remember seeing commercials for a "Northeast Edition" SUV that had options specifically suited for winter driving in this area. There was a post in (I believe) the Pontiac forum earlier this year asking about a "Rhode Island " edition car (GP?). They probably don't do it as much anymore due to the uncertainties in the auto industry and the extra costs involved.
Also in my area , I've seen dealers take a few vehicles on their lot and "customize" them with items like fender skirts,special emblems, and special roof coverings in an attempt to generate interest and increased sales.

josh8966
09-04-2008, 01:21 PM
I figured Id try a long shot at finding one on autotrader, and sure enough it was the second car listed :cool:

heres one, this is a 93 limited with some special edition symbol on it that I cant make out. Im going to call the dealership and see if theyd consider selling me just the fender skirts.

So does it seem possible these would fit on a 92 park avenue?



http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/8/22/244/556/8321169943.244556911.IM1.02.565x421_A.562x421.jpg

Sweepspear
09-04-2008, 04:16 PM
I figured Id try a long shot at finding one on autotrader, and sure enough it was the second car listed :cool:

heres one, this is a 93 limited with some special edition symbol on it that I cant make out. Im going to call the dealership and see if theyd consider selling me just the fender skirts.

So does it seem possible these would fit on a 92 park avenue?



I've seen these LeSabre Limited models over the years.

Are the wheel openings the same between the LeSabre and Park Ave.?
Even if they are, the trim along the sides is different.
Actually, I am a bit surprised these Limited conversions weren't done on the higher end Park Avenue to begin with.

Some of these "mysterious trim options" could also be "regional specific" options that were available only in certain areas of the country. I believe this was a marketing gimmick intended to possibly increase sales. Although not as common as it once was, they still do it once in a while. Last winter I remember seeing commercials for a "Northeast Edition" SUV that had options specifically suited for winter driving in this area.

You reminded me of the special edition '77 Olds Cutlass "Extreme" edition that was sold here in Minnesota back in the '70's.
Supposedly equipped to handle cold winters along with additional rust proofing.
Thing was, they rusted out just as fast as the standard Cutlass Supreme.
It was no match for road salt that I am sure you are all to familiar with also. :biggrin:

GringoPete
09-04-2008, 06:42 PM
I figured Id try a long shot at finding one on autotrader, and sure enough it was the second car listed :cool:

heres one, this is a 93 limited with some special edition symbol on it that I cant make out. Im going to call the dealership and see if theyd consider selling me just the fender skirts.

So does it seem possible these would fit on a 92 park avenue?



http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/8/22/244/556/8321169943.244556911.IM1.02.565x421_A.562x421.jpg


That's a nice car there....Looks like it could be my cars older brother :tongue:

By looking at the Chrome on the side molding that car is a 96 or earlier.

GringoPete
09-04-2008, 06:50 PM
Ok, now that i'm looking at that car with the skirts I remember the custom tag name for it . It is a "Presidential" edition. If you look closely there's an emblem behind the passenger door window in which bears an emblem in which looks similar to the cadillac emblem. From what i remember, this edition was only sold in Florida.

GringoPete
09-04-2008, 06:51 PM
Here is a picture of another "Presidential" edition: http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/ctd/825879406.html

GringoPete
09-04-2008, 07:46 PM
1997 "Presidential" http://auto-auctions.ebizautos.com/detail-1997-buick-lesabre-presidential-1357387.html


2003 Presidential: http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/ctd/827129399.html

HotZ28
09-04-2008, 07:56 PM
Actually, I am a bit surprised these Limited conversions weren't done on the higher end Park Avenue to begin with.Actually, they were; Click Here (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=680652)

Sweepspear
09-04-2008, 08:21 PM
Actually, they were; Click Here (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=680652)

Definitely must be a regional thing.
Although I have seen several of those LeSabres, I have never seen a Park Ave with the custom top, or fender skirts here in the Twin Cities.

Interesting.

GringoPete
09-04-2008, 08:29 PM
Definitely must be a regional thing.
Although I have seen several of those LeSabres, I have never seen a Park Ave with the custom top, or fender skirts here in the Twin Cities.

Interesting.

I've seen the Century with a rag top on occasion as well.

'97ventureowner
09-04-2008, 08:31 PM
You reminded me of the special edition '77 Olds Cutlass "Extreme" edition that was sold here in Minnesota back in the '70's.
Supposedly equipped to handle cold winters along with additional rust proofing.
Thing was, they rusted out just as fast as the standard Cutlass Supreme.
It was no match for road salt that I am sure you are all to familiar with also. :biggrin:
Yeah in my area I don't recall seeing any '77 Cutlass Supremes with a rear bumper, they all rusted off.:lol:

josh8966
09-04-2008, 08:44 PM
I saw a 99 park avenue with the presidental edition. I agree that the rag top is just not very flattering on these. The emblem is kinda cool, but doesnt mean much.

No fender skirts however. I havent given up on finding these, but Im pretty sure I never will.

Josh

GringoPete
09-04-2008, 09:01 PM
I saw a 99 park avenue with the presidental edition. I agree that the rag top is just not very flattering on these. The emblem is kinda cool, but doesnt mean much.

No fender skirts however. I havent given up on finding these, but Im pretty sure I never will.

Josh


I remember my neighbor had a 67 Electra 225. It had fender skirts. The car was a gigantic tank:runaround:

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