Is a '72 supposed to have a screen on top of the cowl or plastic inserts for the 3 holes? Not really sure which way is correct.
Might have depended on the factory or model? My '72 Skylark Custom convertible still has its original three plastic inserts.
>>Dennis, do you know where your '72 was built? Mine was built at Flint. Perhaps that accounts for the difference?
Both cars were built in Flint. And I know another guy with a Flint-built 72 Skylark convertible, and his car also has the screen. I'm positive it's original because he inherited the car from an aunt who bought it new. I'm guessing that if Duane or George see this thread they might be able to clear up the mystery.
Based on my yarding experience...never seen plastic covers on any Skylark except for one bare-bones 2 dr Skylark sedan, it was a 71 model with rubber floor covers, no radio, no options at all. Duane will know for sure.
"Is a '72 supposed to have a screen on top of the cowl or plastic inserts for the 3 holes? Not really sure which way is correct." Its not a Plant thing or a model thing, its a time thing. The plastic screens were not introduced until the middle of the 72 production year. All 70 & 71 cars should have the steel screen as well as 72's that were built though to the end of November 71. After that the cars were changed over to the plastic pieces. The original change over drawing is dated 11/26/71, and figuring for allowances of plant stock, production cars probably started seeing them some time in December 71. Duane PS. I often see these on earlier cars where owners installed them. I have done the same myself on drivers because they are so easy to pop off and clean the cowl area. Plus original Buick steel screens are often hard to find. I plan on putting a set on my 70 Chevelle Conv when its finished even though they never came with anything.
No problem. Ya know one of these days I am going to sell my entire Buick collection of reference materials (It currently takes up a good 20 plus feet of shelf space) and retire from all this. But not to worry I will let slip who ends up with it so you guys can ask "the new guy" the questions.:laugh::laugh::laugh: Duane
Flint built 3rd week of Dec 1971,72 GS 455 convert. Screen and FASTEN SEAT BELT on dash. I've read that it was supposed to be for cars after Jan 1 1972.
Just checked my '72's Flint production order body sheet and it was built on June 17, 1972 with the plastic three pieces. I added the rally gauge with fasten seat belt light on the dash.
I've got four 72's; one built in Nov. 71 with metal, one built in Feb. 72 with metal, one built March 72 with metal, and one built in May 72 that has the plastic screens. These are all Flint built cars. Also just parted out a June 72 built car that had the plastic.
I decided to replace the ugly screen type with the Plastic Inserts today I picked up from a cat with tons of OEM stuff and I love them, I think they should have been on my car being made in January 1972, thanks for all the advice guys.:beer
