Help with 71 Stg1 verification

Discussion in 'Wet behind the ears??' started by GS400s, May 12, 2023.

  1. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    The 'OW' trans is correct (due to the strike) - If it's numbers matching, then that's the proof it was orig. a Stage 1 car. The engine isn't orig. & while it'd sure be nice, as long as it's priced accordingly...
     
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  2. GS400s

    GS400s Dan

    It's been an interesting day.
     
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  3. GS400s

    GS400s Dan

    Agreed. A borescope shows flat top (1970) pistons in the SF block. I'd find it hard to believe the factory using left over short blocks with high compression. A block maybe but not a short block.
    Hey if it was priced as a Skylark I'd be polishing it on my driveway right now. They always seem 30% higher than you want them to be, lol.
     
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  4. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    I was wondering why you brought that up orig. Frank:). Thought maybe I missed something. Funny that it does actually have buckets! Question is are they orig.? Maybe you were thinking of that triple black '72?

    I'd guess it's possible that a few early '71 cars got a '70 455 casting and maybe even would be stamped SF or SS (or even TF or TS) as that info was stamped at the engine plant but the VIN wasn't stamped into the block until the assembly plant & so barring say a digit being off because of a mistake, that would match the '71 car's VIN.
     
  5. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    I could envision back then (not today) the possibility that they even used a hi-comp engine in a early '71 (always been rumors that some '68 GS 400's came w/430's). Idk if those numbers were stamped pre or post engine assembly. But certainly a '70 455 casting # is poss.

    It's still 1 of 81 (& beyond that super rare if a SCO bucket seat car) so I wouldn't expect Skylark pricing but also not numbers matching engine pricing. There's a lot to be said (esp. on a convertible) for orig. sheetmetal/paint. Hard to tell from the pics but that interior should be Pearl White.

    IMHO, if rust-free/orig. paint, orig. trans (S1 proof) & rear, SCO, & otherwise in decent condition & everything else checks out, mid $30's would be a reasonable price. $5k more wouldn't be unreasonable and $5k less a great deal.

    Here's what a restored in in that color combo looks like:
    FB_IMG_1495825855082.jpg
     
  6. GS400s

    GS400s Dan

     
  7. GS400s

    GS400s Dan

    I think it's an absolutely beautiful color combination and love that it's a convertible 455 car. I didnt know buckets were so hard to find- that's always been a must for me in my GS cars. I need to assume its NOT a Stg1, and it is not rust free. Needs a trunk pan. Does have small rust holes. Torn top. Not a perfectly preserved car. But it still looks better than a typical car of that year that has not has not yet been restored. IMG_3170.JPEG IMG_3148.JPEG IMG_3150.JPEG
     
  8. GS400s

    GS400s Dan

    I think it's an absolutely beautiful color combination and love that it's a convertible 455 car. I didnt know buckets were so hard to find- that's always been a must for me in my GS cars. I need to assume its NOT a Stg1, and it is not rust free. Needs a trunk pan. Does have small rust holes. Torn top. Not a perfectly preserved car. But that View attachment 604811 View attachment 604812 View attachment 604813
     
  9. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    Keep in mind that, in 50 years, many of these cars went to second, third and further owners who often bought them as cheap fun cars and these owners drove and enjoyed them, and when something broke they went to the parts store or junkyard (or someone else’s wrecked or rusty car) for the parts they needed. I’m sure more than a few Stage 1 carbs and distributors got turned in as cores at the local parts store in exchange for $20 on a Tomco or Cardone reman. Missing these parts means you have negotiating room on a cool looking big block GS convertible with buckets, that needs very little to be an awesome sunny day toy. Don’t overthink it. If the price is right, buy it, clean it and drive it.
    Patrick
     
    Last edited: May 14, 2023
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  10. Stage 2 iron

    Stage 2 iron 480 IRON HEAD STAGE 2

    Dan, you’re right that’s where I saw it triple black car.
     
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  11. GS400s

    GS400s Dan

    Lol, Well I have a triple black 68GS four speed convertible already.
    I just got the trim tag. Bittersweet Mist and pearl white interior are correct. Do not believe the highback bucket seats are.
     

    Attached Files:

  12. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    155 is Notchback (armrest) bench seat and the high body # would reinforce it not being SCO.
     
  13. GS400s

    GS400s Dan

    Well there it is.
    Thanks so much guys!
     
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  14. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    Still one of 81 & a car I'd be proud to own.
     
    Last edited: May 14, 2023
  15. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    01C is NOT an early production car and in fact its midway through the model year. So much for that idea too.
     
  16. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    Have you seen the #'s on the trans? That's the proof that it's a Stage 1 unless there a Protecto-Plate? If the trans isn't orig. & there's no Protecto-Plate, there's really no way at that point to even prove it's orig. a 455 car.

    Not quite rust free and needs some love. But still...

    I typically feel the same way regarding buckets but my '71 GS convertible is bench and I'm ok w/that. Mine in Burnished Cinnamon/Sandalwood top/Pearl While & I think will be stunning (someday).
     
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  17. Stage 2 iron

    Stage 2 iron 480 IRON HEAD STAGE 2

    Dam, sorry it’s not a special car order for bucket seats, Buick was highly reluctant to put bucket seats in a convertible after 1970.
     
  18. Mike Sobotka

    Mike Sobotka Founders Club Member

    Does the number stamped on the OW trans match the vin of car? It's on driver side right above pan gasket. Kind of hard to see.
     
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  19. GS400s

    GS400s Dan

    Thank you I don't believe he has found that. I will ask him to check. Am I correct in believing that OW could be any Skylark or GS, not necessarily a Stage1?
     
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  20. Duane

    Duane Member

    OW is an Oldsmobile trans that was installed in some 71 Stage 1’s from the factory. (not with other engine combinations)

    I had/have 2 1971 Stage 1 cars, one was from Fremont and had the “OW” trans, and the other is from Flint (my GSX) and came with a “BB” trans.

    Both were numbers matching to their respective cars.
    Duane
     
    Last edited: May 15, 2023
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  21. dreeesh

    dreeesh Well-Known Member

    OW trans was what olds put in thier w-30 cars thats why buick used them during the shortage!!
     
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