I'm pretty sure all GSX's - from '70 - '72 - were supposed to have the std black rocker stripes. I know at least 1 '70 GSX is documented to have come out with red stripes, like the GS's, but that was an acknowledged error. The GSX Registry website has some good pictures: http://www.buickgsx.net . Ken
I guarantee you my 71 GSX (platinum mist) had red striped rockers as delivered. Maybe a mistake but that's how it came.
Aside from the particular difficulty of documenting '71 GSX's (without original paperwork, photos or documentation), "supposed to be built with" is different from "actually built" and I doubt that Buick was about to stop the assembly line to make a correction even if they noticed it ... If you have old photos or something and could post them, I know a lot of people including myself that really enjoy the old documentation and photos of these cars and their unique heritage. Is there any other unique equipment or combinations on your GSX? Ken
I no longer own that X. It is slated to be at Columbus for the reunion. Unusual....to be sure: AC, 4spd, MANUAL steering, 455 with open 3.42 rear!
"Duane, when are you going to write a GS restoration book?" NEVER, I already wrote a date code book, one book is enough.
Ken, here's a thread about the car. http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=116651&highlight=platinum
Stunning car ... great older photo. Has your "back side" recovered from selling them (the GSX's)? Ken
Come on, Duane, I need that book as I don't know what finish my muffler bearings should be and if it's a plant specific thing or were there mid-year changes on those? o No: Short of Duane writing a book, get real comfortable with an assembly manual and ask lots of questions on this board. And if you come out to a BPG event spend some time picking Duane's brain. When he first saw my GSX he pointed out date codes and all sorts of nuances I never had a clue existed. The guy knows his stuff!
Bruce, the early 80's photographs I have of my car indicate Red as well. Currently has black. Who knows, but mine and your former car are the lowest mileage cars i've heard of . Maybe you can drive your car again at the Reunion with "Power " steering :beer DL
Here are a few good points to consider, 1. There are a few "documented" 70 GSX's with red striped rocker panels. 2. The factory/dealer info states they all should have had black stripes. 3. Not all cars were built exactly how they were supposed to be built. (I see this all the time with build sheets.) 4. "Sh** happens" and you wonder why I won't write a book............................?:Smarty: Duane
Duane: O.K., there's nothing a disclaimer couldn't handle about the way Buick intended the cars to be built and certain variances that did happen. Think about your contribution to the Buick community ... the next generation ... Sounds like you just need a 'ghost writer'? Just call me 'Casper'. Ken
I have done more then enough for this generation of Buick enthusiasts and the next, your on your own "ghost writer". Duane
That would be cool to drive it again but just touching it would be OK. Just my opinion and it's not my car anymore but I think it should go back to manual steering. Makes it a 1 of 1 unique car...... I'll tell ya I needed that AC to cool me off wrestling that manual steering, clutch and close-ratio 4 speed. Too much for the wife....she came back crying after going to the store........ou:
