Hi guys, looking at what may be a 1971 GSX 350 4spd car. I know you cant tell from the vin or body tag, just trying to get any info I can. VIN# 434371H185307. The car is gold with black stripes,gsx dash badge. Does not have power brakes, is this possible on a 1971 GS? The boy tag info is ST 71 43437, FLI 001218 BDY, TR 168 05A 5353 PNT Any info is appreciated, like the original paint color. I already have two 1972 GS"S and am only interested in this car if I can prove it to be a real GSX. Thanks:beer :beer
Hi Chris - Without a build sheet, you cannot be 100% sure. With that said, you're looking at a Flint built (FL1) GS hardtop (43437) assembled first week May 1971 (05A). The trim (168) is black buckets and the upper/lower body color is Cortez Gold (63 63). Because of the very low Fisher body number (001218), a late model year build date (05A), and one of the 6 special GSX colors on the cowl tag, something special was done to this car at Fisher body :Brow: It is very likely a GSX, but like I said, without a buildsheet you can't be 100% sure, only 99% :beer Power brakes were an option on all GS models, with the exception of the 1970 GSX. Power disc brakes were a part of the GSX package in 1970.
Chris, Looks to be a real "X" to me. Color is/was Cortez Gold with black bucket interior. Body number is low (1218-they reserved low numbers for SCO (Special Car Order) cars), it is Flint built. It was built first week of May, 1971 (05A on your trim tag). A build sheet would be nice, but I'd say you got one there. And yes, you could get a GS/GSX without power brakes in '71. added in edit: Dang it Marco, beat me to it! I've got to learn to type faster....
:Brow: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :Brow: :beer It's always good to have more than one opinion :Brow:
Brad , Chris , and Marco: Would it be fair to say that the back side of the front fenders should show no evidence of the repair of holes used to mount a GS emblem? Also Brad, I always meant to ask you why the original stripes on the side of a GSX had a break in them? Perhaps a two piece template at the factory? Every repaint I have seen omitted this break. I presume this continued into the 71 year? If so and this car is original, it should have the break in the stripe. Jim Lore
Thanks for the info guys. One other question, is it possible to get a GSX without the hood tach? I dont recall seeing one but I will check it out again tomorrow. The car is a repaint and the stripes dont arc along the fenders the way they should, but that could just be the body shops error. Also the rear spoiler has the two factory drip holes in it. Hey Brad, I have allways loved your 71 GSX. My 72 GS is painted blk/gold just like it.Would love to add a gold/black GSX next to it!!!! I would have to stick my black GS convertible in the middle so i dont get too dizzy with the mirror effect!!!! Sorry to ramble I get excited whenever I am looking at another GS for sale, this buick stuff is in My blood!!!!!!!!ou: :beer
Chris, you will definately have to find a way to post some pictures if you can. What an awesome find! I'm jealous!!!:TU: :TU:
Chris Duane Heckman once told me the location and number of drain holes varies among years. I do not remember what he said about a 71. Jim Lore
I have a digitall camera, nothing great just a low cost model someone gave me awhile ago. I can dig it out and take some pics of the GSX. While we are on the subject, can someone set up MY advatar if I send them a pic of one of My cars? I am much better with the buicks than with the computer!!!!o No: Thanks
Yeah sure Chris! Just post the picture you want done here, or email it to me. I'm leaving for a couple hours, but as soon as I can get to it, it will only take a few seconds to do. Just post whichever picture you want resized for the avatar. I'd definately like to see some pictures of the X when you get a chance :TU: .
Thanks Chris, here is a link to a pic of My car at last years nats. As soon as I figure out the digital camera or mabye a scanner for christmas I can load some more one the computer. http://users3.ev1.net/~lmarlett/buick/thurnats/image357.htm
Hey thanks Marco!!!!:beer That was easy enough, if I change My avatar I can just upload another or do I need it sized first?
Maximum size of 150 x 150. Do you know how to resize your pictures using MS Paint? It's pretty easily done using the 'stretch/skew' option under 'Image'. Change the percentage of both length and width to be lower (say 50%), save your image as something else (so you keep the resolutution of the original), and upload your 'changed' picture. The 'Attributes' option will tell you how big the picture is. Try it.
Jim, You are correct in your assumption...break in the template. Our 71 black X had the gold and red pinstripes painted at the dealership, so it did not have this break in the paint. All of the origional '70 GSX's I have seen have had this break...I don't recall seeing an origional paint '71/'72 GSX to know for sure on them.
The 71 GSX that was written about in the last build sheet did not have a hood tach but had one in the dash. It also has upper peak mouldings and the chrome trim on the deck lid and the quarter extensions...we are restoring it with this on it. Mark
GSX stuff I would agree that the GSX looks to be a real GSX. It is always hard to tell without documentation but the body tag information is a good inidcation. The options could be ordered separately in 1971 and 1972. WA5 - GSX Package WA6 - Stirpes and spoilers WA7 - Hood Tach The original spoilers for 1971 were different then those for 1970. They did have 2 holes if I remeber correctly. Duane Heckman will know for sure or Mark (Stage-X) may know since he had a 1971 GSX for awhile. Does the car have a GSX dash emblem? Have you asked to check for a Body order final sheet usually found on the top of the gas tank? Has anyone looked for the sheet up in the dashboard or drivers side piller. ( I call it a broadcast sheet). Does the truck stay up on its own. The GSX had a slightly larger diameter torsion bar in the truck to keep it up with the spoiler on. Just a few things to check. Mark Macoubrie
I am going to take some pics and try to load them on the computer. Also getting toghether with the owner to look it over again. I will keep everyone posted:beer Thanks
