71 project car
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71 project car
Found a 71 sb, the main question is there a way to determine if the frame is bent by visual inspection and/or driving the car? I'm aware of the problems with frames(rust) but not previous damage(wrecked).Today I went to look at the car but couldn't get closer than 30 feet. Needs paint, and bonding lines were visable. It's a 350 w/ auto,and it's a coupe. Someone installed side pipes and a passenger side mirror. Paint is steel cities and could be original, milage 99,000+?I realize more info would help but assuming the motor needs rebuild,paint,some interior repair can anyone tell me what they would pay for this type of resto car? Oh it's supposed to be a matching numbers car?Any advise would be great 
Thanks WB
Thanks WB
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Yooperville MI
of course it's hard to tell without seeing it, but assuming it's a solid car that is worn out and needs everything I'm guessing 5k to 7k. The overall condition dictates price. Other than a full inspection on a hoist for obvious frame damage or repair, if you can drive it, have someone follow you and see if it tracks straight. If you really like it, you need to decide what it's worth. Good luck. 
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Thanks AHoover
Two more questions, first how much does a frame cost if it is rusted out,second is changing the car from automatic to a manual trans crazy?WB
Two more questions, first how much does a frame cost if it is rusted out,second is changing the car from automatic to a manual trans crazy?WB
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Yooperville MI
I'm not sure about the frame cost, do some searches. Converting to a 4 speed is realistic, if you can source used pedals and bell housing, the rest of the parts are available new. Keisler has a kit that would include most of the parts you need to convert to a modern 5 speed. Check out some of the threads from this past week. They specialize in conversion kits to go from a 4 speed to a 5 or 6 speed and the kits are complete with everything you need. Do you know the condition of the windshield pillars? 
Le Mans Master
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St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by War Bonnet
Thanks AHoover
Two more questions, first how much does a frame cost if it is rusted out,second is changing the car from automatic to a manual trans crazy?WB
Two more questions, first how much does a frame cost if it is rusted out,second is changing the car from automatic to a manual trans crazy?WB
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ahoover thanks again. Couldn't get close enough to see the pilars yet but I'll try to see the car again this week. It's in a fenced in yard and no one was there, didn't want to trespass. Price said 10k Iv'e been looking for a driver/project, hope to get the number down some.
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Originally Posted by Yellow73SB
If you have to do all this is it really worth buying that car? Myabe it's just not meant to be.
WB
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Burning Brakes
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How do you know the mileage and if it's auto or manual if you could not get close to it ?? something is sounding fishy from the amount of info you gave.
If it is an auto it would be easier to get trans out ,since it is a bolt in for an auto.
I would pay what you feel you can afford,knowing as much detail as possible before you put your money on the table.
I have seen frames from 800.00 to thousands on e-bay, again you must check before you buy.
If it is an auto it would be easier to get trans out ,since it is a bolt in for an auto.
I would pay what you feel you can afford,knowing as much detail as possible before you put your money on the table.
I have seen frames from 800.00 to thousands on e-bay, again you must check before you buy.
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Originally Posted by 1971corvette
How do you know the mileage and if it's auto or manual if you could not get close to it ?? something is sounding fishy from the amount of info you gave.
If it is an auto it would be easier to get trans out ,since it is a bolt in for an auto.
I would pay what you feel you can afford,knowing as much detail as possible before you put your money on the table.
I have seen frames from 800.00 to thousands on e-bay, again you must check before you buy.
If it is an auto it would be easier to get trans out ,since it is a bolt in for an auto.
I would pay what you feel you can afford,knowing as much detail as possible before you put your money on the table.
I have seen frames from 800.00 to thousands on e-bay, again you must check before you buy.
Nothing fishy about it. The first place I found out about the car was on a classified add on the net, it said only milage,color,location,sb,auto,# matching w/ picand price. I'm having trouble finding the site at the moment! So today I drove there and the car was in the lot. Small mom pop used car dealer. I own a pristine 71 coupe w/ 17,000 original miles but I'm looking for a project for my son and I. Along with a car I can drive without being afraid of hurting it. I'll post more info ASAP
WB
Last edited by Don Rickles; Mar 12, 2006 at 08:45 PM.
Racer
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From: Plymouth Meeting PA
71 project car
Is this car in north east Philly? If so I looked at it a few months ago. The guy bought it at an estate sale and seems to think it is worth more than the 10k he is asking. The car is very solid but does need work. I called him on friday and I was told the car is no longer for sale. They are going to restore it. I know where there are a few projects in our area if you want to PM me
Tony
Tony
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Follow up info.....Tony it is the car you mentioned, yes they do want to try to restore it, but money talks. Here goes........ what I learned, now tell me what you guys think it's worth.Hope the pictures help.
It has a matching # 350/270hp along w/ drivetrain,PS,PW,PB,w/air,amfm,Steel cities gray w/black vinyl int.,auto trans.Windshield and passenger windows not original.Paint gone, with body repair at passenger rear wheel well. Frame does appear to be solid with perhaps small repair needed at pass rear well.Windshield pilar does show signs of rust across the top. Interior wet, needs carpet,and dash pad.No rear window storage tray, but chalk #'s there. Did feel like the tank sticker was on the tank, but couldn't see it through gas neck. It is more work than I'd hoped for, and I haven't yet but will probably pass on this one. Here's the pic's.........
What do you guys think?WB
It has a matching # 350/270hp along w/ drivetrain,PS,PW,PB,w/air,amfm,Steel cities gray w/black vinyl int.,auto trans.Windshield and passenger windows not original.Paint gone, with body repair at passenger rear wheel well. Frame does appear to be solid with perhaps small repair needed at pass rear well.Windshield pilar does show signs of rust across the top. Interior wet, needs carpet,and dash pad.No rear window storage tray, but chalk #'s there. Did feel like the tank sticker was on the tank, but couldn't see it through gas neck. It is more work than I'd hoped for, and I haven't yet but will probably pass on this one. Here's the pic's.........
What do you guys think?WB
Last edited by Don Rickles; Mar 13, 2006 at 07:07 PM.
Heel & Toe
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From: Lockport NY
In excellent condition that car is worth 18-20k at best. It looks like it needs $10-15k just to address cosmetic issues like paint,interior,chrome,wheels,tires,etc. Then you have to consider the frame & birdcage condition. I would not pay $10k for this although if you get it for a decent price it could be a nice project as it looks to be fairly original partswise.
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Originally Posted by JAH70
In excellent condition that car is worth 18-20k at best. It looks like it needs $10-15k just to address cosmetic issues like paint,interior,chrome,wheels,tires,etc. Then you have to consider the frame & birdcage condition. I would not pay $10k for this although if you get it for a decent price it could be a nice project as it looks to be fairly original partswise.
Maybe more with interior, brakes, suspension, tranny?, rear?
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Originally Posted by RobRace10
Max $7,000 no way would I pay $10K. I bought my 69 Vert last year for $5K and probably about the same amount of $ to restore.
The owner said he would let the car rot before dropping $$$ WB
Drifting
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From: Fayetteville NC
Originally Posted by War Bonnet
The owner said he would let the car rot before dropping $$$ WB
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Originally Posted by KALAWAY
Man, I hate to see that car rot! I'm having a vision of a beautiful steel gray chrome-bumpered coupe sitting in my driveway. One with new flag emblems and luggage rack. I have trouble turning down any old Vettes, regardless of the price. Good thing I haven't much cash.
Two words.............MONEY PIT!
I just can't decide
WBNo one mentioned the bb hood! If it was a bb it would be in my garage!
