How do I know if it's a real GS455???

I am going to look at the 71 GS455 that up for auction on Ebay. The owner states it's a numbers matching 71 GS455 (non Stage 1), and he seems darn nice. But, before I plop down 18k I want to know how to be sure. Can you guys give me some advice?o No:

 

No paperwork?

If transmission is numbers matching (VIN on lower driverside portion, above the pan), look for a 'BA' coded tag on the passenger side (or make sure it's at least a TH400).

If motor is numbers matching (and it's a 455), the VIN should be on the front of the block, just below the head on the driver's side (behind the power steering pump). If no VIN, look on the same location on the passenger side (behind the alternator).

There are other clues, but this will hopefully get you going

 

Be prepared to

Sccccrape paint, maybe grimme too, they can bee very hard to see (a magnifiying glass & flashlight wouldn't hurt).. But I thought a few guys had seen this car in the past, and stated is was matching, no sure though...o No:

I'd ask him what Numbers matching means!:Smarty: I've read more than I care to discuss in some other threads.....:Brow:
You can take the #'s game to th "N"th degree.:eek2:

It is your responsiblity to check, so you know what you are getting. Might as well check the Fischer info on the body tag too, to see if the colors & interior is correct.:Comp:

 

Great, thanks guys! I know the car is not the original color, he stated that right away. He also told me about restoration repairs etc. Seems like a stand up guy. The company I approved for the loan through will inspect the VIN too, and he knows this. They won't give me 18k for a clone. I reeeeaally appreciate the advice and help from this board. :beer

 

Is it this car that you're referring to?

http://v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=51038

 

Marco,

Isn't "BA" for a 1970?

I had a "BS" code in my 71 GS455. There's more info, including the photo of my tag, here:

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15034&highlight=bs+code

 

Yeah Steve

I think you're right. :Smarty:

That aside, would it be a deal breaker if the vin is NOT on the trans? Seems to me a good TH-400 is still good if the vin doesn't match.o No:

 

That's an interesting thread Steve - thanks for sharing.

If your P-O-P states 'BS', then it's correct for your car. What plant was it built at? Freemont CA?

Also, who has a 1971 chassis manual that can look up the transmission codes for the TH400? Maybe it can be both 'BA' and 'BS'?

Never say never with these cars. The fact that it's a matching #s TH400 is proof enough because the TH400s only came in the big blocks.

 

Marco,

Yes mine was a Fremont GS. I don't have the car any more, but from the thread linked above, it looks like it had a "BS" on the POP.

 

I'll look tonight....

But I kinda think the info is in the assembly man. :bglasses:

 

This info should be in BOTH the assembly and the chassis manuals.

It would be very interesting if they did not agree with each other.

Than again, I wouldn't be surprised ou:

 

BA Code for 71 GS455

I have a 71 GS455 built at the Flint plant that has a BA code THM400 in it. The Protect-O- plate identifies it as a BA code also.

May be a plant specific item.

Larry

 

Re: BA Code for 71 GS455

Larry,

What was the build date on yours?
It could be a plant thing, a date thing, or both???

My GS was an April 71 car.

 

The BA, BS issue is one that has been around for years. Am pretty sure it is a build date issue and not a plant location.
But then again who knows.
This is one thing that may never be completely resolved. At any rate, both codes are correct for 71 models.

Mark

 

My 71 had a "BB" vin matching Flint bluid

 

BB in a non Stage 1? If the VIN matched, then why not. Guess that is all they had lying around that day to finish the car.
Have heard other stories of oddball things like that.
Knew someone who was 100% certain he had a 430 in a 67 GS400. Anything can happen with production vehicles.

Mark

 

My 71 GS455 is an early build car. I dont remember the exact date but it was built in September of 1970. Very early car with a low body number.

Larry

 

Hey Larry, when I come to check out your cars, I'll drive my "new" GS 455! Yep, I bought it.:Brow:

 

Congrats Derek!!!!!!!!!:TU:

 

My 71 GS 455[needing a total resto] has a BA trans in it. It is a numbers matching car. I bought it from a board member,and he took off the air cleaner suppoprt bracket,so the car wasnt really tampered with. I cant recall the build date,I could check if anyone wants that info