Hello to all, First I would like to say that I have had many muscle cars and I loved every one. However I have never had anything that compares to my 1968 GS 400. I have been checking out this BB for a few months now and finally decided to register. This really is a great place. A VERY BIG thumbs up to all those that are here. Oh yes I would like to say a little about my car. First I got the car for free NO LIE, I went to buy an old 57 chevy truck but it was not what I wanted and so the guy tells me that he has an old buick in the back yard for sale for 2500.00 so I look at it and it was love at first sight. BUT when I talked to my wife we decided that we could not aford it. When I called the gentleman to let him know he said that I seemed like someone that would take care of the car and keep it BUICK so he said come and get it I could have it for FREE. Now for the best part, It is a 1968 Buick GS400 with 101,025 original miles and when I got the title he had the orginal paperwork from the dealer. This car was a Documented Dealer Option Stage 1 performance package car. Well that was the good the bad is that the interior is completley wasted. but the body is straight. All I did was put a new carb on it and it ran great. Thanks Ron "Mad-Medic"
Welcome!! You'll love it here. I have been into Buicks since my 1st car and I have to say Buick enthusiasts are a different breed. Now I have a question. How come nobody ever gives me a free Stage 1 car??!?!?! :ball:
Well the car was not very pretty at all, it would not run unless you floored the gas and then it would barley move. The rear springs were shot the fron springs were shot needed brakes all the way around. needed a tune up. The interior looked like a Nevada Nuclear test site rejection. But the body was straight and ZERO rust. The car does not smoke or use oil. However every gasket on the motor and tranny leakes from age. I have put alot into the car both money and blood....lol I hope to have it done by the spring for the Cool April Nights Car show and Drive. Not to mention I plan on racing it on the weekends at the local strip. Later Ron
Welcome aboard Ron! A '68 dealer installed Stage1 package? What were the special parts involved in the package? I'd love to see the paperwork - can't collect too much Buick documentation ya know. :Brow: Is it possible to get a copy?
'68 Stage Marco - The '68 stage parts included bearings, (.001 over) camshaft, valvesprings, high-compression pistons, headers - Stage 1 was more like a code for the "factory race" parts, all dealer installed. I have an old Hot Rod issue that road tests the '68 GS400 and has some info on the Stage 1 parts. It was the 50th anniversary issue, late '67 I think. I can try to copy the article and send it to you if you want. Send me a PM with your address. Oh - BTW Ron, welcome to the board and enjoy your car!
Ron, welcome aboard! We'd love to see some pics of your 68 if you can post some. Let me know if you need any help posting or resizing picture files. So, does the dealer Stage 1 package include the functional (optional) cold air intake ducting at the cowl? Or was that a separate option still? I've seen a diagram of it, and photos of a couple pieces, but that's all. If your car has it installed, we REALLY need to see photos! :TU: Sounds like it is an automatic tranny car?
Ron, Welcome to the site. Your story about how you got it is great.Your gonna love it here:TU: What part of "northern California" are you from? I spent about 6 or 7 years in Vacaville,ever here of it? Midway between Oakland and Sacremento.
Ron- Very cool story, it's always neat to hear about a car like that being saved. I can imagine the excitement when you found out it was a staged car! Post some pictures too, those "diamond in the rough" pictures are always cool to look at. Welcome to the board!:TU:
Ron, Your story reminds me of my own in a small way. I've done many different brands of muscle or antique cars but last year I got my first Buick. When you meet up with other Buick owners it feels almost like a brotherhood of sorts. I never found that with the other brands I have owned. I love 'em all but Buicks show a little extra class, just like their owners do. :beer Welcome
Here are scans of Buick Salesman Literature of the Stage1 and Stage2 options from the time (I think Alan Wander slid this my way!) Scroll down a hair and click on the thumbnail: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jholthenrichs/knowledge.htm
Cool Link! Thanks Yardley. Looks to me like you would need to know exactly what parts were actually installed under the Stage 2 nameplate to really know what is in there. I didn't see any Stage 2 cars in Flint, are there any around on this board?
