1972 GS Convertible Restoration

Discussion in 'Members Rides' started by dhenderz, Aug 9, 2023.

  1. rkammer

    rkammer Gold Level Contributor

    Apologize if I missed this previously in this long thread but, wonder why you chose to use 1970 seat upholstery in your '72 GS?

    Also, I can't believe that TA didn't correct their mistake on the pistons! Was there a reason why total liability wasn't theirs to make good on? Did you ask to speak with Mike T. about it? That's amazing.
     
  2. dhenderz

    dhenderz Well-Known Member

    The interior, in its entirety, came from the 1970 car that I purchased as a donor. That car was listed on the board some time ago. It was in a front end collision. Someone purchased it for the 455 and sold the balance as a complete sale. Once this restoration is done I will sell the doors, decklid, left fender, body shell and rolling chassis.

    Regarding TA, no, I didn't ask to speak with Mike. The lady that took my call, who I have spoken to a number of times over the past few months, said there was nothing they can/would do. She was nice enough, as she and the others always are when I speak with them. Still disappointed in their decision to not help out at all with the mistake.

    And yes, it seems I will be put the calipers on all of the pistons I install from today forward. First time for everything.

    This is the donor car I purchased -

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  3. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Call TA and ask for Mike.
     
  4. dhenderz

    dhenderz Well-Known Member

    Well, 2wks and $800+ later, the engine is back together and running properly. Amazing how much better 350 pistons run vs 340 pistons. Broke the cam in today. All is good.

    With my sons help, went forward with fender install. Starting to look like a car again.

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    Last edited: Mar 30, 2024
  5. dhenderz

    dhenderz Well-Known Member

    Took advantage of having an extra set of hands at the house. My son and son in law gave me a hand getting the hood installed.

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  6. dhenderz

    dhenderz Well-Known Member

    A bit more progress. Down to the little things now.

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  7. dhenderz

    dhenderz Well-Known Member

    Took it outside and for a quick spin down the road today. First time seeing it in the sunlight. Still need to get the rocker moldings installed.

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  8. dhenderz

    dhenderz Well-Known Member

    Rocker moldings installed. Now just a few minor details to wrap up. Picking up a plate tomorrow. Time for a cruise.

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  9. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    8 months since this thread started. Very Impressive!
     
    12lives likes this.
  10. rolliew

    rolliew Well-Known Member

    Yes. looks great and you sure made good time restoring that convertible. Nice work.
     
    12lives likes this.
  11. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    ditto!
     
  12. dhenderz

    dhenderz Well-Known Member

    Today was trans & rear diff fluid change day. Gave the bottom side a quick once over, all is well. Down now to just a couple small items and its done. Beautiful day here today in SE MI, so I took my bride for a short ride. And tonight my son, daughters & son in law took it to town for some ice cream. That's what's it all about & what its all for.

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  13. Buicksky

    Buicksky Gold Level Contributor

    Looks good glad you kept the yellow!
     
  14. rolliew

    rolliew Well-Known Member

    Very very nice.
     
    12lives likes this.
  15. dhenderz

    dhenderz Well-Known Member

    I found an interesting issue. I haven't been happy with the power of the engine. Not even close to my last GS350. Decided to check carb secondary butterfly opening with the accelerator on the floor. About 1/4 open. Hmmm. That would explain a lot. I installed a new TA accel cable. Was supposed to fit a 350. Luckily I saved the original. Casings are the same, but cable from end to end is at least 1 inch too long. Reinstalled the original and now I have full butterfly opening. And what a difference in power. Jeezzz.
     
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