Early GS455 vs Late GS455?

Discussion in 'Chassis restoration' started by rkammer, Aug 27, 2020.

  1. rkammer

    rkammer Gold Level Contributor

    IMG_5668.jpg
    Right. I too like the 15" wheel better. I even put a custom 14" wheel on my '71.
     
    Last edited: Aug 27, 2020
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  2. BUQUICK

    BUQUICK I'm your huckleberry.

    We have one on our '70 GS by preference too. Also saved us some money :)
     
  3. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    Seat knob colors are different I think based on what I have seen. Chrome finish for early and black for later model year.
     
  4. rkammer

    rkammer Gold Level Contributor

    Don't know about the gauges but, my early '70 (just got here) has the long speedo and tach numbers and my '71 has the short speedo & tach numbers.
    Early '70 GS
    1970 Buick GS455_ (23).jpg

    '71 GS
    IMG_5717.jpg
     
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  5. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    The storage console lids changed in the 70 model year from the type 1 spring loaded clam shell to the type 2 push button.
     
  6. Guy Parquette

    Guy Parquette Platinum Level Contributor

    I've noticed the parking brake pedal mechanism is completely different from my early build Reynolds car compared to my late build 12,400 mile surviver Freemont built SkyLark. Don't know if it's a early / late build thing or plant difference thing. Both drum brake cars.
     
  7. 87GN_70GS

    87GN_70GS Well-Known Member

    Gauge font is different. Not sure about the clock 20200814_094445.jpg

    Most noticeable on the letters on the background dial. Early gauge is the taller font, has a 69 build date. Shorter font is later gauge, has a 72 date.
     
    Last edited: Sep 2, 2020
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  8. Utah455

    Utah455 Platinum Level Contributor

    Now which gauge is the early one (Is it the top with the thinner font and white lettering on the inside dial)?

    I ask this because that's the gauge I have and it's date coded 7/69 for my 01D build (4th week of January) and I have the flat lens.

    As for the speedo, I can't tell the difference in the two pictures above, but my font on my speed looks fatter with the flat lens. Need to check the date code.

    Looks like I have an early gauge cluster with a late version speedo.

    Nick
     
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  9. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    Very good! Thx. Learn something new every day. Now I need to check all mine. I'd ask the same question as Utah455 but at least one of mine is for sure later.

    Both Rallye Clocks I have were definitely later (one out of a '70 GSX & the other from my '71 convertible). Have one regular clock but no idea where it came from - Odds are it's later of course. Maybe if Adam sees this he'll post a pic of the one in the (early IIRC) Stage 1 convertible he's working on w/a 12 hr. clock.
     
  10. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    Seems January, as Duane points out, was a crap shoot month. I've seen 2 Flint Cars invoiced on the same day (both very orig. Stage 1 4-sp's) so presumably assembled on the same day & one had pointed lenses & one flat. Don't recall the fonts or if I even looked. Someone on here has a 01C car w/a plastic radiator cover which would be quite late for that.
     
  11. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Super nice car!
     
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  12. 87GN_70GS

    87GN_70GS Well-Known Member

    Yes, taller font is earlier
     
  13. dsags

    dsags Well-Known Member

    Very nice car, Ray ! Congrats on purchase.
     
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  14. docgsx

    docgsx It's not a GTX

    Great looking car! Not sure but, I think the valve covers should be red.
     
  15. rkammer

    rkammer Gold Level Contributor

    That's correct. Only Stage 1 cars were chrome from the factory. I like them on all my GSs. :)
     
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  16. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    When did the thicker chrome door lock knobs change to the thinner ones?
     
  17. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    The trans. modulator is a replacement part as well as the tubing going to it is not correctly bent.
     
  18. 67 Post GS

    67 Post GS Well-Known Member

    Wasn't there a difference on the inside of the doors? Like where the blue vin sticker would go?
     
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  19. BUQUICK

    BUQUICK I'm your huckleberry.

    Good catch! I forgot about that one.

    Here are the two different inner door stamping designs, first without the horizontal ribs, and then the later design where they were added to indicate where to put the blue VIN decal. I'm not sure when the change was made but this 09/69 car doesn't have them and our 12/69 car does have them (trim tag date is 12C - 3rd week of December).


    1969-09 VIN sticker Flint 09 1970.jpg 1969-12 door .JPG
     
    Last edited: Sep 9, 2020
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  20. rkammer

    rkammer Gold Level Contributor

    My 09/69 GS455 also doesn't have those ribs.
     
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