1970 GSX STG 1
Owner- Chris Saunier Orlando, Florida
I just answered a simple question. Which lead eventually to a full frame off performance resto at the shop.
Amazing how that happens sometimes.
While reading the messages off the Buick Performance email list one evening, I noticed Chris asking what heads had the part number suffix "749". I thought a minute, and then it hit me... " he is reading "149", the "1" often looks like a "7". Not wanting to jump in, and answer right away (for fear of being branded a "know it all") I let it sit for a few days, figuring someone else would tell him what he was looking at. When no one did, I suggested he look again, and see if it was "149" which is the service replacement part number for '70 455 heads.
It was, and this lead to a lengthy email discussion with Chris, as he had just purchased this car in California, and had it shipped to his home in Florida. He had a rockers shaft break on his engine, and wanted me to go thru it, to see what he really had, and take care of any potential problems. Since we were going to Miami to drop off George Bassett's car, I offered to bring the motor back to the shop and no charge, and have a peek at it.
When we arrived in Florida, due to time limitations, he did not have the motor out yet. So I had him go rent a hoist, and we stopped by to help him yank it out. After a few minutes chat, he decided maybe it would be best to take the whole car back to the shop, for some detailing work. As you will see, it needed a little TLC.
And so it began. As often happens, one thing led to another, and it turned into a full fledged frame off job.
Here it is in pictures, with a little narration.
Yep, could use a little TLC....
Pass the paint stripper.... I really liked the silicone frost plug repair..
And we went from here. He decided he wanted a VP trans, to re-do the motor to our 500+ HP configuration, and to install a 12 bolt rear, with 3.55 gears.
And paint the car...
And take the body off the frame... rebuild the suspension and brakes... blast, paint and detail the frame.
And re-do the interior.... oh my... Looks like it was time to quit my full time job as a dealership tech... I had 2 other cars waiting in the wings, and this was going to be a big project. So I did.
When all else fails, take the whole thing apart! You really have to, if your going to do it right!
OE axle, but pretty scummy. Typical dirt, but no rust, since it was a California car.
California, the land of shiny 30 year old gas tanks.
Needs a fresh rug. Not ripped, but faded in the sun.
