One day, back in 1996, I was leaving my place of employment and noticed a 72 GS, painted the yellow GSX scheme, sitting in the lot. I was in a bit of a hurry but managed to sneak a peak and noticed it was a 4-speed car. A couple months later, I saw the same car, in the same lot with a for sale sign on it. The sign said "for sale-GS 455" and I took down the number. The next day, in the daylight, I took a ride by to see what this thing was about and see how much this guy was asking. First thing I looked at (while the guy was giving me his sales pitch) was the VIN and I could hardly contain myself when I noticed the car was a Stage 1! Now my wheels are turning because this guy has NO IDEA what the hell he has! A 72 Stage 1 4-speed car with the original engine, are you kidding me? A few days go by and a close friend (and huge musclecar guy) floats me a loan to buy this thing. So, I get the loot and go to make the purchase. After we make the exchange, the guy says to me, "I've got a box of stuff that came with this when I bought it in the cellar. You might as well take it with you." Well, the box included the ORIGINAL air cleaner with the right stickers (in good shape) still on it and distributor # 1112016, along with some other odds and ends. Here are a couple pics. It ain't pretty but I will have to do for now. It is, as I stated in the subject line, a work in progress...
Eventually, it will be painted the color the door jambs are, burnished copper...did I say eventually?
Brett, Send me a copy of the pic you want in your avatar, and I'll resize it and send it back. smrtin17@aol.com :TU: BTW: Great find!
Thanks to Adam, I now have an Avatar...now everytime I log in, I can be reminded that I need to get off my butt and do something with this thing! ;-)
wow, thats a good find!! stage 1 four speed hardtop with air and p/w, what more could you want??? Doesn't look that bad to me, gonna be an awesome car when done... Whats the story with the hood?? Don't forget to register with Marco's site..... later tim
Tim, You may remember I sold you a pair of NOS "Buick Motor Division" emblems a while back...how's things in the great white North? The hood was beginning to succumb to cancer (rust) and my father took it to his work to sand it down and prime it, basically to stop the rusting! We just put it back on the car today and now begins the long process of first, finding a good body man and second, coming up with the loot! I registered with Marco's registry last year but I've yet to get the Sloan Documentation, just keep forgetting about it...
Brett, I remember the emblems very well, still appreciate the deal you gave me on those. Be awhile before I can use them, car is still in bodyshop and will be for a while yet ($$$$). Things are fine up here, was going to take the Stage 1 for a spin then we got a two foot snow dump!! Paralyzed the whole city, was so nice only two days ago.....its melting already though so shouldn't be long.... later Tim
Hi,I have a correct 72 GS Stage1 carb that I would trade for a correct 70 Stage1 carb. At this time I do not want to sale the carb unless I find a 70 to purchase;you might email me at buickfan1@yahoo.com and if i find a 70 stage carb I will contact you about the 72 carb.Thanks
Rusty, You've got mail. Tim, I think I saw a thread you posted a while back regarding repro quarter panels and I was wondering where, how much, and how do they look?
Brett, it hasn't been installed yet, but my review is here: http://members.shaw.ca/timcr/parts.html Personally, for a car as valuable as yours, I would seriously consider trying to get some decent NOS quarters......the repros will work but do have issues. later Tim
I know what you're saying about NOS sheetmetal. The only problem is, well, basically $$$$$$$, or a lack of it. I wouldn't mind finding a used pair that may have been taken off a rust-free southern car...I need to hit the lottery...BAD!!
If you saw the driver's side and the 4 million parking lot dings you'd take that back :laugh:. I think these cars look just as beautiful in the rough as they do in restored form. You just can't find a bad looking GS. Unless it has been turned into a low rider:spank:
I have to agree with you there Chris, I don't think I've ever seen a bad looking one, even if it was in the shape mine is in. I guess I should be thankful all I really need to find are quarter panels...and money to buy quarter panels...ou:
Brett Congradulations on a REALLY good find. The '72 stage 1 car is a rare find these days, let alone a '72 stage 4spd car. Lucky dog you! I found a '72 stage car but it's rough and needs a body swap. Yours looks good. A true rare piece of muscle history!:TU:
