I like the painted headlight bezels, that is why the GSX front looks so much better. That 70 Big back bumper reminds me of an old Mack truck bumper to big looking. The 71 rear bumper with N25 is the way to go. If I did a pro touring GSX convertible it will have a 70 front with a 71 rear N25 Best looking combo.
I like the look of the '72's. With all the black accents (bumper strips & all & IMHO a nicer looking rear bumper guard than '71) they look good in almost any color & don't mind the faux wood door panels at all - Maybe it's because my 1st GS was a '72 & had them but getting another '72 is definitely on my bucket list. If I could've bought Tom's (Larry's at the time) car w/o selling my '70 I would've. If it had been a factory manual steering car I might've even sold my '70 to buy it.
We have both ‘70s and ‘72s and while both are good looking cars, I prefer the ‘72s. Tom I would rebuild the engine and resist the urge to start detailing stuff. Otherwise you may have a tough time stopping the snowball effect from kicking in.
I do not mind the 72 bumpers with rubber strips but the rubber would not match with the 70. I do not have a problem with the faux wood 72 door panels, adds a little texture. As Gary said starting something small can turn into a snowball effect, it's a disease.
Unrestored cars are fun and less stressful, I can’t wait to drive this one in the snow, it’ll be like old times
Back in the early/mid 80's I remember well doing donuts in snowy parking lots w/friends in our GS's. My already rusty Sportwagon in the late 80's did pretty well in the snow w/a pair of old school snow tires on the back. Cool looking car!
Both fantastic looking cars!!! My 4 speed Stage 1 had a trailer hitch when I bought it. It hauled a fishing boat to the lake in the late 70s. It was parked in the winters though.
Why is he poking at it with a stick like a dead body at the lake?....Oh sorry, didn’t have my glasses on lol...
Nice! I'd be tempted to 1st try & find the bad bearing(s) & remove, see if she turns & if so, pull/turn the crank, put new bearings in, & see what you have. Not sure I could keep my OCD in check, but I certainly thought a lot about your car before you got it (as did @Clarkie - We talked about it & both really wanted it). I like the toolbox location. Not enough space between the doors to fit mine there but never even thought to do that in my small shop as I'm trying to maximize space.
Upon further review, I think attacking that engine bay with the young fella would be a cool project. Just make absolute sure you don't go down a rabbit hole…
Haa, drove my 72 with bald tires up mt hood to go skiing many times, split bench with skis on the arm rest. 72 IS best year and WoodGrain for the WIN. 70 guys are just pissed because no bumper exhaust.
That tiny little (numbers) Muncie is getting shelved next year for a beefed up version. Most likely the ON 3.64 rear as well. I wanna see how much power this thing actually has but would rather not launch what's left of the born with drivetrain.
The engine is out and disassembled. It is in need of a full rebuild, not a quickie repair. The car may be going back on the block. At this point, for me anyway, I was looking to repair and reinstall the engine. After a full rebuild, I wouldn't be putting it back in looking like an as-found barn find, and there the restoration rabbit hole would begin. May be For Sale, or trade for nice GS350 Stay tuned. It is numbers matching, and unmolested. I removed bolts that have been in place since the day the car was built.
Hate to see you step back from the car Tom. Take a deep breath and a day or two away. What help can I give you to keep the project moving forward in your hands?
