rbird

steel bumpers (more like trim than protection)
fiber optics
dark saddle leather
lightest c3 made
mine being early made (Aug 70) it has clear park light lenses instead of amber.
no computer. I can work on 90% on everything myself.
removalble backglass.
hidden windshield wipers
cockpit feel. I'm only 5'8" and have the seat all the way back

Jim71Vette

I couldn't agree more. I've owned my '71 since '73 and will some day give to my twin grand kids to fight over.

I have always loved the view from the driver's seat. I always enjoyed getting and giving the "wave" but don't get it much anymore.

platzie

Why is '71 the lightest year? My '72 base L48 has no air,sp, pw,pb so I'm pretty light I'd imagine too.

rbird

The Corvette blackbook lists the the following curb weight for a coupe
68 - 3,210
69 - 3,245
70 - 3,285
71 - 3,202
72 - 3,305
73 - 3,416
74 - 3,388
past that they all go up to around 3,500 lbs.

rays71

71 was the year i got my license . mine is a Aug. baby also ! #1075

early shark

1972 models started using the SMC fiberglass and this is quite a bit thicker and heavier in material than the polyester fiberglass material used in the '68 thru '71 models.

early shark

I weighed my white '71 LS6 coupe on certified scales with virtually an empty fuel tank and not sitting in the car. It weighs 3340 lbs.

early shark

The differences may be explained by listing what "curb" weight includes. This is shipping weight plus gasoline to capacity.

early shark

The 1971 Corvette Specifications from GM list the weight for the 1971 models, Sport Coupe at 3292 lbs and Convertible at 3306 lbs.

These are curb weights.

Shipping weights are Sport Coupe 3202 lbs and Convertible 3216 lbs.

Rickman

Warren,

What does the SMC in 72 fiberglass stand for? Was it then used for C3 thru 82? Is it significantly stronger, less liable to crack or easier to work with, etc.?

Thanks and Best regards,

Rickman

early shark

Rickman,

SMC stands for sheet molded composite fiberglass. I don't know if it is easier to work with, but it definitely uses a different bonding material/agent when making panel repairs or replacements.

I believe all Corvettes starting with the 1972 model which uses some of this type of fiberglass in its construction, usually the rear quarters and maybe the rear deck panel, this was the year of partial changeover. The 1973 and up definitely used this material.

The panels are a light gray/off white appearance with a much smoother finish on both sides, not like the dark grey/black polyester fiberglass used previously, in which you can see the strands of 'fiber' glass in it.

Rickman

Warren,

As usual, you da man! You got up at 5:45 a.m. to answer my questions!! I think we'll call you Early Rising Shark, huh?

Rickman

xCCTer

What don't I like about my '71?

randommj

could I see a picture of the fiber optics? Ive never know what exactaly they are, never been in any Corvette older than a 72, thanks!

Miles

early shark

randommj,

In the above post, the interior photo showing the center floor console, the upper fiberoptic lense bezel is between the radio and the shifter bezel.

Fiberoptics are a light emitting diode that is encapsulated in a housing that directs light thru a translucent strand called crofen (spelling?) this strand sends the light source to a colored lense that is housed in the center console.

The fiberoptics when lit up, show that there is a source of light emitting from the headlamps, brake lamps, turn signal lamps, license lamps & tail lamps. Each lense is labeled as such and has a different colored lense so that it is easy to tell at night, since there is no backlighting of the fiberoptic console to read the description of each lense.

It is (was) a truly unique piece of engineering for 1968! An absolutely terrrific feature that I enjoy viewing at night!

It was unfortunately discontinued to make the alarm standard with the 1972 model. The center console bezel houses the lower fiberoptic lenses.

early shark

Thanks, glad I could help.

xCCTer

Here's a closer pic of the Fiberoptic lenses for the front left/right.

Hap Stern

When I was a kid and saw my first C3, I knew that I had to have one. My older brother (age 15) and I (age 13) asked my dad what kind of car he would buy us, and he said "Whatever kind you want, as long as y'all write the check for it." I started working as soon as I could to get my Vette. When most of my buddies were goofing off, I was working as a janitor or some other undesirable job. All of them got their first car during high school, and I don't think they really thought I could save enough money to get one. It took me until July 20, 1976, almost 2 months after I graduated. I paid $4,500 for it, and it was well worth it, the wait and the effort. I have been in love with it ever since.

Back then, I thought I wanted a yellow 73 454. The plastic bumper was new and cool. I "settled" for a Bridgehampton Blue 71 LS5 because it ran so good, and boy I am glad I did. I love the chrome bumper up front, the egg-crate vents on the side, the removable rear window and fiber optics.

I have always modified my car some, but 10 years ago, I decided to modernize it. Nonetheless, I didn't want to do much to the looks - just a few things like wheels and tires and lowered the stance. The hood was a necessity. I still have a little ways to go. Below are some pics. I look forward to reading and seeing about everyone else's 71's.

Z06gal

Warren I think your a year too soon here, my 72 is polyester glass according to my bodyman. The body guy says SMC came in 73 and later cars.

rbird

MY GOSH!
That thing must fly!
Black and blue is appropriate for that machine. Sreams speed.
Beautiful work on the engine bay.