Hmmmmm,  he was hoping for the gator style boots, to make it look totaly stock 1975 I had a set of 78 forks that had those small tapered style dust boots and he said he wanted the 71-76 style with gators, I know the 77-78 were a tad longer 2" and already told him this,  i don't know if they were a whole lot different otherwise,  you say the lower has scratches, would you consider these still near show condition, are they in a hidden area, he is willing to pay good $$ to get super nice ones, on the tubes the scratches are just where they were clamped right, I know the lowers are all that will show with gators, But he will see the tubes and thats why I have to ask,  if they are 77-78 and are longer and I find gators I am worried they won't fit right...Or are these 71-76 forks with just  the 77-78 style dust boots? even if these don't work for him he may be willing to sell you his over length forks when he finds a set, if that is what you like. and thank you for being honest I hope to get it the way he wants it the first time.