I have read that the scalloped front stainless wheel well trim is correct only for 1971-72 GS but I read somewhere right or wrong that the 70 GSX trim was scalloped to allow clearance for sharp turns with the G60-15 Goodyears. I need to start selling some space eaters but dont want to sell the ones my 70 "X" needs. Thank you for your help.
John, NON Scalloped was only for the early Buicks. From what I can tell its one of the many mid year changes of the 1970 cars. IE: Overflow tank, Gauges lenses, Ect....
X2 non scalloped because the X's were early cars. According to Duane, the change was made because the tires could scrape the mldgs when turning like into a driveway or something like that. I think it's only a prob with the G60-15's.
They should be the later design WITH scallops. Early design interferes with the larger G60-15 tires. GSX's were not early cars (except mine). They all should have the scallops.
Should be about like the pointed lenses, plastic radiator top and clear top overflow. BUT!!! I've learned never to say never.....
Okay, I am running WG wheels with the G60-15 Goodyear Polyglas tires so sounds like scallops, appreciate it folks.
I bought my GSX new in 1970 and it does not have scalloped wheel well moldings. And the front tires have always rubbed in a tight turn with any minor bump. I think they used whatever was handy when they built these cars. An example, mine came with a 350 decal on the air cleaner. Jim
I am not sure as I have never had the numbers ran. I bought it in June of 70 so guessing March or April. I really need to have the documentation done on it. If I were close to it I could get some casting date codes. What all do I need to have it documented?? Jim
Jim, what date is on the trim tag? My car is a 03D car and I kept the non scalloped and had to just purchase another set. So before I sell anything I would also like to know for sure. Thanks Nelson
My GSX, built 04C, is an original sheet metal car, and has no scallops in the front wheel opening moldings.
You would think than mine would not have scallops since it was build almost a month earlier. I would guess any built before yours (04C) should Not have scallops. Jim Jones, thanks for the reply
I have a 03A with the right front with scallops and the left front with out. This car has the original fenders, hood, grill, and core support. I don't believe it was changed out because there is no evidence of the car being hit in the front end. Ron
Thanks for all the various configurations gentlemen. I am going to just go for function with the scalloped style so I don't scruff up these high dollar G60-15's .
My '70 GS is Flint built, has a 04D build date, has original sheetmetal and trim, is factory equipped with 15X7 WG's with Polyglas GTs and has no scallops in the wheel well moldings. I do have another question and/or observation considering the question raised about tires rubbing with non-scalloped wheel well trim and 15x7 WG wheels on '70 model GSs: could this non-scalloped wheel well molding rubbing issue be related to the change in the offset in the replacement '71 15x7 wheel (increased offset thus decreasing the outward track/width)? The '71 & later 15x7 Rallye wheels (5x4.75 bolt pattern) with the increased/changed offset and when mounted on the car would have been positioned a fraction of an inch further inside (on each side), thus reducing the chances of wheel to inside fender lip/wheel well molding interference, correct? Was this change in wheel offset ('70 vs. '71 & later) another potential attempt to correct wheel interference? I do seem to recall an article or story somewhere involving Denny Manner or possibly Duane Heckman that indicated that a specialized wheel supply vendor made the WG wheels specially for Buick which were introduced after the '70 model year had started (available shortly after 1/1/70, I think), but that there was a change in that wheel for '71 which was designed to make the wheel "stronger" or ............ maybe not rub and interfere with the cars' fenders??? I also have to wonder if the scalloped design "relieves" some tension in the amount of metal material being forced to lay flat on inside curves when mounted. As I said, my '70 GS does not have the scalloped wheel well moldings, but I did notice that there are portions of the moldings (in between the screws) on the front fenders which do not lay exactly flat and appear to be slightly bowed/raised about 1/16 or so which could additionally cause rubbing/interference. So, were there two different corrective attempts? The first being to stamp reliefs or scallops and then the second one to change the offset to pull the wheels to the fore/aft centerline and reduce interference.
Ken, I was thinking the same thing about the offset when I added in intial post that I am running original WG's wheel. I think you might have something there : )
