Help decoding body tag please

[TWO72"s]

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

[Marco]

TWO72"s said: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.

[Brad Conley]

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....

[Marco]

Brad Conley said:...added in edit: Dang it Marco, beat 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:

[flynbuick]

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

[TWO72"s]

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!!!!!!!!:Dou: :beer

[Chris Lott]

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:

[flynbuick]

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

[TWO72"s]

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!!!!:Do No: Thanks

[Chris Lott]

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: .

[TWO72"s]

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

[Marco]

TWO72"s said:...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...

Yes.

In 1971 and 1972, everything could be ordered separately.

[Marco]

TWO72"s said: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

Chris -

Save this file to your PC, then upload it as your avatar -

[TWO72"s]

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?

[Marco]

TWO72"s said: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.

[Brad Conley]

flynbuick said:
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

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.

[Brad Conley]

TWO72"s said:Hey Brad, I have allways loved your 71 GSX. My 72 GS is painted blk/gold just like it.

:beer :beer :TU: :TU:

[stage-x]

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

[gsxnut]

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

[TWO72"s]

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

[TWO72"s]

Here we go again, got a call the other day the owner of the GSX is ready to make a deal. The car does not have the original block, but does come with the original heads, 4-speed etc. The body had been redone with new fenders and quarters, rad support and repainted. The GSX stripes on the fenders are not laid out correctly. It did sit outside for a few years and has a few surface rust spots on it. The undercarrige is pretty crusty looking but the frame seems solid. Had a patch repair in the trunk and has a hole in drivers floor near the gas pedal. Allright what is a fair price to offer for this car? It is beleived to be a 1971 GSX 350 4-SPEED CAR. It can not be #"s matching as the block is ruined. Right now it has a 1971 skylark 350, just to get it around. The car needs the complete interior redone . Has a repairable 71 GS grill. The dash is cracked/ ripped and has the GSX badge in it. For the car to be real nice the whole undercarrige needs to be scrapped and repainted along with the body, interior and a new motor. A 1970 350 partially rebuilt goes with the car. The owner is not naming a price and I need to make an offer. Thank for any ideas:beer :beer :beer :beer

[flynbuick]

Even if you are doing some of the work if you are putting a rebuilt 455 in it you are talking another 15K and probably 20K. I'm talking P&i of 8K, engine 5K on the cheap, body work 2K, and the inevitable unanticipated which is usually a lot--allow 5K. In the end I would figure it is a 30K car if everything is done because it is a converted 350 car. So I would be thinking 5-10K which may not be enough to get the car. Just one person's view in the sensitive area of evaluation.

[stage-x]

This would be a good car when finished, but for it to achieve it's true value, it would need to be taken off the frame and totally restored. Check my website www.carstorations.com, there are two Cortez Gold GSX cars on the site. One doesn't have a hood tach. To do a proper restoration of the car, you will easily be in the 30,000 range. Question the guy about what happened to the original block, ya never know....Whatever happens, don't let the car get away too few were made and fewer remain.
Good Luck, if I can help any way call or e-mail.
Mark

[flynbuick]

stage-x said:This would be a good car when finished, but for it to achieve it's true value, it would need to be taken off the frame and totally restored. To do a proper restoration of the car, you will easily be in the 30,000 range. .
Mark


Mark:

What do you say it would bring after 30K is spent for a frame off?

[stage-x]

Being a 4 speed helps, without the original motor I would go ahead with a 455. Then you are looking between 30,000 to 35,000. Doesn't seem to be a profitable deal to just fix and sell, but it is one of a very few rapidly appreciating models. I keep watching the various price guides and it seems the GSX cars and the Stage1 convertibles are outpacing most musclecars. (percentage of appreciation, not actual gross value). The serious collectors that I know all seem to be looking for Stage1 4-speed convertibles and 4 speed GSX cars.

[flynbuick]

Mark:

I think that is a fair evaluation and illustrates the dilemma of spending the money to do the full boat. If you just want the car and heck with the value, I understand that and have been there. If you think you are going to make any money, well you are on the cum-- best case.

[TWO72"s]

Thanks for the replies and keep them coming. I always figured the numbers matching cars were more valuable. I have a 72 GS455 that is a real clean Tenn car, it is built for street/strip with a beefed up drivetrain and a brand new 565 HP motor built by Automotive Machine and Performance. It will never be worth what a numbers matching one would. My complete drivetrain would run about 15 k alone, add another 10k for the car and interior. However I would never get 25k if I sold the car. My 72 GS350 convertible is numbers matching with 80k miles, 1 of 645 made. Probably be lucky to get 12 to 15 for it. Anyway I am in it for the love of the cars, not selling for profitt. I would take some comfort if the cars were gaining in value though. I never had a chance to buy a GSX untill this one came along. It wasnt really for sale when I found it. I talked to the owner a few times and the car was sitting outside for three years :Dou: If anyone hopes to save these cars PLEASE GARAGE THEM:ball: So what you guys are saying is matching number block is not as important as I thought? I plan on keeping and restoring the GSX as well as my other cars, but it does give peace of mind to know it could be worth alot, kinda like money in the bank:TU:

[TWO72"s]

The link to Marks web sight is not working, does anybody know another web address? Thanks

[stage-x]

Don't know why the link won't work..... www.carstorations.com You may have to enter it manually.

[TWO72"s]

Going to look over the GSX again this week and make an offer.Wish me luck:beer :beer The funny thing is these cars always pop up when the money is tight, but if you let them go you always kick yourself in the :moonu: . I am going to post pictures this week also. Really cant afford it right now, but this buick thing is uncontrolable:laugh: