gashog here

[gashog]

Whats up guys?
Midlife crisis time!
I have been making payments on a 73 convertible from a neighbor.
It has 68,000 original miles and has been in storage in her garage, for at least the last 10 years.
I don't even know if it runs.
It has a 455 with dual exhaust,has been repainted at least once,and had a new top installed.
It doesn't seem to be a heavily optioned car, it's buried in the garage,and I probably wont know much about the car until I actually take possession of the vehicle.
It pretty much looks like it has a lot of the original factory components,wires,hoses,belts,etc.
Any tips for waking up this beast?
I'm worried about the old fuel that may be left in the vehicle,lack of lubrication,etc.
I'm planning on changing all the fluids once I get the vehicle running,if I'm that lucky.
I was wondering if these came standard with disc brakes?
Electronic ignition?
I had a 73 eldo convertible and have some extra ragtop components like the top motor.
Does the centurion have the same scissor type setup?
What type of rear window came with the ragtop?
Any other information you could offer on original specifications would be appreciated.
My other hobby is astronomy,so I have at least one hobby to keep me busy during the day,and one for night time.
Although the main reason for me purchasing the car is to haul around my large telescopes.
Thanks for the great forum!
:beers:

[Smartin]

Welcome to the board!

The 71-76 GM big body convertibles had all identical convertible top parts...ie scissor tops. ...or nightmare tops, however you like to see it :D

All big Buicks 71 and newer had disc brakes in front standard.

[gashog]

I know what you mean about the top.
I replaced mine on the old caddy and don't think I would ever do that again.
The u engine option,any details on what that involved?
Same engine,add turbo 400,dual exhaust, and standard gearing?
Or is it actually a high performance engine with larger gearing,heavy duty cooling etc?
I really miss these cars,the last of the great Detroit products.
This will probably my last chance to own a vehicle like this from my youth.
I don't have a large budget so this is probably going to be a long and tedious process of bringing the car back to a proper existence.
Besides the expensive and hard to find parts I have to consider with $3 a gallon fuel cost,lets see thats $75 per tank.
LOL.
:bawl:

[Smartin]

U code:

Standard 455/TH400 combo with dual exhaust...everything else like gearing and cooling are extra options.

[kungphuphil]

T code? Thanks in advance! -Phil

[EEE]

T code? Thanks in advance! -Phil

T-code = terminator spec. engine, rated at 600hp.. Best deal on the planet:Brow:

[EEE]

I think the "W" engine is the stage 1 deal, the rest are standard 455's

[kungphuphil]

We need some clarification here I think; I don't know the difference with all these optional engines. Nickname and characteristics to go with each engine option VIN letter would be great. Much obliged!

[EEE]

I'm sure Smartin has it covered, he'lll just have to find his way here, and all questions will be answered.

[Smartin]

J = 350 4BBL (standard on 73 models)
T = 455 small valve engine
U = 455 small valve engine with dual exhaust
W = "High performance" 455 with large valve heads and dual exhaust