Hi everyone, I was chatting with another member from this board on Sunday and he mentioned that I should look for the build sheets in my 1971 Skylark. Well, this afternoon not only did I find a sheet under the passenger side of the front bench seat but I also found one under the passenger side of the rear back seat (and the best part was I didn't even have to remove the back seat! I looked under the seat with a flashlight and the buildsheet was right there - just have to gently pry it out from under the seat's frame). The only thing that stinks is that the build sheets are not complete - it looks as if the guy working on the car cut the build sheet into 4inch by 10 inch pieces - and I think it was on purpose because both build sheets are exactly cut the same way and only show the same portion. The build sheets did match up to some other paperwork I got with the car - the original mainenance folder from the dealer (Argo Buick Inc. 3510 Webster Ave, Bronx NY 10467 - anyone else have a Buick from here? I should check to see if they are still in business although I highly doubt it), the original protecto-plate (still attached to the dealer instruction card), the owners manual, the consumer information manual, the 1971 Buick new vehicle warranty brochure, and a pamphlet showing all the options for 1971. I guess that I will put the build sheets in protective plastic and make copies now - sure was a rewarding experience crawling around the floor of my Skylark! Chris
Chris, The writing is too small for me to read, but your car was probably built in Framingham Mass. It's real common to find these "Framingham Thirds" as I call them. They were used by the assembly line workers to build the shells. Duane
>>I tried posting a larger scan but the site would not accept it. If you would like to see the build sheets in a larger scan just shoot me your regular e-mail address and I'll give it a shot (might have to wait a day as I will not be back until tomorrow) - mine is cgullo@juno.com Chris
The dealership is still in business...sort of. Its now called Lasorsa Buick Pontiac. Still at 3510 Webster Ave. Phone is (718) 654-7200
>>Thanks for the info Jason! I checked out Lasorsa'a website and sent them an e-mail. I also looked up the original owner's address off the protecto-plate but someone else is living at that address now. And Duane, you were right in that my car was built in Framingham, Mass - I decoded the VIN and the "G" represented the plant at Framingham, Mass.
Is there a possiblity that there is a full one under the gas tank??? Does anyone know.. Thats where I found my best ones... Randy
>>Hi Randy. Yes, that is probably the last place that I am going to check - just have to be carefull when I loosen the gas tank straps and lower the tank it to see if I can find anything above.
Yes, they usually are in very good condition unless your truck is rotted out..the rubber on top of the gas tank keeps them preserved well... GOOD LUCK>>
Guys, The type of buildsheets and the locations where they are found depends on which plant assembled your car. Wilmington cars usually have them stuffed inside the pass bucket seat tops, or attached to the front seat bottom springs. Flint, and sometimes Fremont cars have they on top of the gas tank. (Not sure about Leeds) Flint also has another type that can sometimes be found inside the dash area. Framingham cars often have them attached to the rear seat springs, and sometimes Fremont cars have them under the rear shelf also. Duane
I think I was told that my 71 GS455, Fremont plant, had it under the rear seat. My current 72 Skylark Custom had it under the rear seat and it is also a Fremont car.
I had a 70 Freemont B.B. G.S. that had a build sheet stuck to the inside of the passenger front fender. Also had one under the back seat. Bill
Framingham cars often have them attached to the rear seat springs, and sometimes Fremont cars have them under the rear shelf also. Duane[/QUOTE] >>So I guess that I shouldn't bother to try checking above the gas tank on my 71 Skylark as it came from Framingham and I already found the build sheets under the seats?
Chris, You can check the tank if you want, I just listed the usual places they can be found. If it was my car, I would look everywhere. Also 71-72 cars had no tar paper mat between the tank and the body, so it would be taped directly on top of the tank. Years ago some friends were taking apart a 67 Impala SS-427 prior to restoration, and they found 7 complete buildsheets in the car. They were found inside the front door panels, inside the headliner, in the front and rear seats, under the carpet, and under the rear shelf. I was even given one because they found so many, so keep looking, and let me know where you find them. Duane
>>Hi Duane. Okay, I'll give the tank a shot anyway. Thanks as well for letting me know that the build sheet would be taped directly on top of the tank. Wow, 7 complete build sheets! I'll let you know if I'm successful looking above the tank.
Great photo!!! >>Wow! Great photo of Argo Buick! Where did you find it? I'm going to print it out on glossy photo paper and frame it for my garage - thanks for posting this pic!
e-mail >>Hi. You can e-mail the pic in bigger pixels to me at: cgullo@juno.com Thank you very much for this!
72 GS 455(Fremont)three buildsheets...one inside drivers door (excellent shape), one under rear seat (rough, water soiled) and one on top of gas tank (I can see it through the trunk floor) :grin: 71 Stage 1 (Flint) rolled up under dash (broadcast sheet). Duane has copy. 71 GS 455 (Fremont), one under package shelf, one on top of gas tank. 72 GS Convertible (Flint), one over gas tank FOR THE WRONG CAR!!!! :ball: later Tim
