I was looking at ebay and saw a 70 GS convertible with buckets and a console. I recall something about how you couldn't get buckets in a GS convertible for some years? Please enlighten. Thanks
In 1970 you could get buckets in any Skylark or GS convertible but 1971-72 they were in fact a special order. SCO and an inquiry number will be stamped in the cowl tag for a trim #. In a related vein, does anyone know why this was the case? I would think the same demand for a GS convertible with buckets would exist in 1971-72. ?????
I asked myself the same question. My take was that since it coincided with the 71 et seq. model reduction in compression and therefore power, Buick was targeting a different market with the car. Other thoughts were that a market survey showed that is what people wanted. The bench seating with the fold down armrest is more comfortable. Another thought was a bucket parts shortage. I remember a strike about that time. Just some shear speculation on my part.
It certainly is interesting. I bought my 71 Stage 1 from the original owner and he had a heck of a time getting one. He originally wanted a 1970 but couldn't find one late in the model year so he waited to order a 1971 and found he couldn't get buckets. He finally found a salesman who wanted to mess with it and got a special order which in his words "took forever" to arrive. Maybe it was a shortage. I don't see that performance minded buyers would stop wanting buckets in their convertibles, though! Anybody else with a 1971 GS convertible with the SCO bucket seats out there?
I have one... but my trim code is for white bench with armrest. Either someone converted mine (which I suspect) or my cowl tag is wrong (possible). Whoever did my conversion did a great job, changed the column and everything. My shift indicator works perfect too. Underneath, I have a rectangular hole about 2x3 inches for the cable. I had no idea 71's couldn't have buckets when I bought my car, and the classic car dealer I bought from didn't brag on it, so I guess he didn't know either.... they were a requirement for me, and I just got lucky. I'll bet they add considerable value to the car. Frank
Top Downer I've got SCO 293 on my cowl tag on my 1972 GS455 convertible and found the trim build seat tickets in the bucket seat springs when they were redone. :TU: I hope this is the year I get that "picture posting" thing figured out then I can show things.
Yeah, I found the cards in the seats too with handwritten codes for the console and buckets. They are in my safe deposit box with all the other paperwork. I was just looking for a big block GS convertible when coming upon this one back in the 1980's. That is what cemented the deal for me! I bet they made a few of them in 1971-72 though it probably does add quite a bit of value to them.
>>BEGIN THREAD HIJACK<< Al! I haven't talked to you in a while. Did you get my BPG PM about the carb? It runs GREAT! And the choke is perfect too! Frank >>END THREAD HIJACK<< :beer :grin: :laugh: :laugh:
