What do you see here????
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
What do you see here????
Well another 1971 came up for sale. What makes this one different is I can touch this car with my hands. Car is in the same county as me. I went and saw the car. I hand my hands all over it. Touching it and it looks great!!!!!!!!
Forgetting the asking price for NOW....I will deal with that later need be. What I know is this car is a frame ON restoration. Is highly optioned with power brakes, power steering, A/C, power windows and is the the correct sunflower yellow code. I haven't seen many 454's like this with so many options. I checked the trim tag myself and the colors match. The owner of the shop was not there to answer all my questions but his assistant pretty much showed me the car.
Did I like what I see? You darned right I like what I saw. There is really no documentation on this car but the assistant says he heard the owner of the shop saying it is the real deal. Well I wanted to show you what I found LOCALLY and take a look at these pictures. Feel free to disect this. I also would like to know what you think something like this would be worth. I am more than willing to pump more money at a dealer just to get the right 1971 and be happy with it. As Alan71 says a no excuses car. But of course I am not going to throw money away and if the price is too ridiculous I will move on.
I like that this car is right here in town that I can actually get my hands on. IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!
CLICK ME TO SEE THE CAR!!!!!!!
Forgetting the asking price for NOW....I will deal with that later need be. What I know is this car is a frame ON restoration. Is highly optioned with power brakes, power steering, A/C, power windows and is the the correct sunflower yellow code. I haven't seen many 454's like this with so many options. I checked the trim tag myself and the colors match. The owner of the shop was not there to answer all my questions but his assistant pretty much showed me the car.
Did I like what I see? You darned right I like what I saw. There is really no documentation on this car but the assistant says he heard the owner of the shop saying it is the real deal. Well I wanted to show you what I found LOCALLY and take a look at these pictures. Feel free to disect this. I also would like to know what you think something like this would be worth. I am more than willing to pump more money at a dealer just to get the right 1971 and be happy with it. As Alan71 says a no excuses car. But of course I am not going to throw money away and if the price is too ridiculous I will move on.
I like that this car is right here in town that I can actually get my hands on. IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!
CLICK ME TO SEE THE CAR!!!!!!!
Last edited by theblackvette; Jul 20, 2013 at 03:48 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Well another 1971 came up for sale. What makes this one different is I can touch this car with my hands. Car is in the same county as me. I went and saw the car. I hand my hands all over it. Touching it and it looks great!!!!!!!!
Forgetting the asking price for NOW....I will deal with that later need be. What I know is this car is a frame ON restoration. Is highly optioned with power brakes, power steering, A/C, power windows and is the the correct sunflower yellow code. I haven't seen many 454's like this with so many options. I checked the trim tag myself and the colors match. The owner of the shop was not there to answer all my questions but his assistant pretty much showed me the car.
Did I like what I see? You darned right I like what I saw. There is really no documentation on this car but the assistant says he heard the owner of the shop saying it is the real deal. Well I wanted to show you what I found LOCALLY and take a look at these pictures. Feel free to disect this. I also would like to know what you think something like this would be worth. I am more than willing to pump more money at a dealer just to get the right 1971 and be happy with it. As Alan71 says a no excuses car. But of course I am not going to throw money away and if the price is too ridiculous I will move on.
I like that this car is right here in town that I can actually get my hands on. IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!
CLICK ME TO SEE THE CAR!!!!!!!
Forgetting the asking price for NOW....I will deal with that later need be. What I know is this car is a frame ON restoration. Is highly optioned with power brakes, power steering, A/C, power windows and is the the correct sunflower yellow code. I haven't seen many 454's like this with so many options. I checked the trim tag myself and the colors match. The owner of the shop was not there to answer all my questions but his assistant pretty much showed me the car.
Did I like what I see? You darned right I like what I saw. There is really no documentation on this car but the assistant says he heard the owner of the shop saying it is the real deal. Well I wanted to show you what I found LOCALLY and take a look at these pictures. Feel free to disect this. I also would like to know what you think something like this would be worth. I am more than willing to pump more money at a dealer just to get the right 1971 and be happy with it. As Alan71 says a no excuses car. But of course I am not going to throw money away and if the price is too ridiculous I will move on.
I like that this car is right here in town that I can actually get my hands on. IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!
CLICK ME TO SEE THE CAR!!!!!!!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 192
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I would ask a couple of questions
Does the A/C work and dont let them tell you it only needs a charge
All coupes have shoulder harness and they are missing
Other than that it looks like a nice car with a lot of detail.
Does the A/C work and dont let them tell you it only needs a charge
All coupes have shoulder harness and they are missing
Other than that it looks like a nice car with a lot of detail.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
I like the car but that has to be one of the worst website designs ever. Nothing like having to hit a moving target in order to scroll through the larger version of the photos.
Car looks good from the photos but I am not any kind of expert. Check the date code on the tires. If they are too old, it might give you some more haggle room.
DC
Car looks good from the photos but I am not any kind of expert. Check the date code on the tires. If they are too old, it might give you some more haggle room.
DC
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
that is a good looking car. And the fact that you can go see it and look at it person is good because then you know what you are getting.
If this is what you have been looking for, and its the color for you, then you have to also think about that. Its not what other cars in various parts of the US are selling for, its what you can get now. Because the same or similar car can be had for $2000-$5000 less in a state 1000 miles away doesnt help if you cant go see it or get it.
If this is what you want, then you have to pay a premium for it. If you dont, and someone else buys it, then how many other 1971, chrome bumper, 454, in great condition are you going to find?
kdf
If this is what you have been looking for, and its the color for you, then you have to also think about that. Its not what other cars in various parts of the US are selling for, its what you can get now. Because the same or similar car can be had for $2000-$5000 less in a state 1000 miles away doesnt help if you cant go see it or get it.
If this is what you want, then you have to pay a premium for it. If you dont, and someone else buys it, then how many other 1971, chrome bumper, 454, in great condition are you going to find?
kdf
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,737
Likes: 644
From: Lincoln, CA
Car looks great from the pictures. Like said if everything works that's a good start.
Now check for rust on the hidden spots. I'd want to also see all the receipts.
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,613
Likes: 3,094
From: Shamong, NJ
It looks better than some of the cars you've posted.
First, what's the asking price. Second, why no pictures of the trim tag and block stamping. Without seeing them, you still don't have a clue what the car really is, or how legitimate it is.
As 69fastfun said, 71 coupes all came standard with shoulder belts, and that car is missing them. From what I see, they may not be 71 lap belts either. If the belts are wrong, your looking at $500+, for real ones.
It it's a real Custom Interior (the leather option) car, it should have wood trim on the console. You need to see the trim tag, to determine if it's a vinyl interior car, that has had leather seat covers and Custom door panels added, or a Custom interior car, missing the console wood grain trim.
Under the hood, the car has the wrong air cleaner lid, and it's missing the breather tube and hose, that run from the valve cover to the air cleaner. The water outlet's also wrong, and the routing of the heater hose is a little funky. If you really want to nit pick, the brackets for the shielding top box, should be engine color.
Considering that the compressor is unplugged, I'd bet that the AC doesn't work, and that either the compressor or it's clutch, are bad.
None of these things are a big deal, but instead just minor items, that you should be aware of. To replace the air cleaner lid, it's breather tube and hose, the water outlet, and add the console wood grain trim, will cost you about $200. If all the AC needs is a rebuilt compressor, they're about $300 exchange. If you replace the belts, your looking at another $500. So from what I see, for about $1,000 in parts (plus labor), I think you'd have a pretty decent and correct 71 coupe.
Of course, all of that still depends, on what the trim tag and block stamping look like.
First, what's the asking price. Second, why no pictures of the trim tag and block stamping. Without seeing them, you still don't have a clue what the car really is, or how legitimate it is.
As 69fastfun said, 71 coupes all came standard with shoulder belts, and that car is missing them. From what I see, they may not be 71 lap belts either. If the belts are wrong, your looking at $500+, for real ones.
It it's a real Custom Interior (the leather option) car, it should have wood trim on the console. You need to see the trim tag, to determine if it's a vinyl interior car, that has had leather seat covers and Custom door panels added, or a Custom interior car, missing the console wood grain trim.
Under the hood, the car has the wrong air cleaner lid, and it's missing the breather tube and hose, that run from the valve cover to the air cleaner. The water outlet's also wrong, and the routing of the heater hose is a little funky. If you really want to nit pick, the brackets for the shielding top box, should be engine color.
Considering that the compressor is unplugged, I'd bet that the AC doesn't work, and that either the compressor or it's clutch, are bad.
None of these things are a big deal, but instead just minor items, that you should be aware of. To replace the air cleaner lid, it's breather tube and hose, the water outlet, and add the console wood grain trim, will cost you about $200. If all the AC needs is a rebuilt compressor, they're about $300 exchange. If you replace the belts, your looking at another $500. So from what I see, for about $1,000 in parts (plus labor), I think you'd have a pretty decent and correct 71 coupe.
Of course, all of that still depends, on what the trim tag and block stamping look like.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
It looks better than some of the cars you've posted.
First, what's the asking price. Second, why no pictures of the trim tag and block stamping. Without seeing them, you still don't have a clue what the car really is, or how legitimate it is.
As 69fastfun said, 71 coupes all came standard with shoulder belts, and that car is missing them. From what I see, they may not be 71 lap belts either. If the belts are wrong, your looking at $500+, for real ones.
It it's a real Custom Interior (the leather option) car, it should have wood trim on the console. You need to see the trim tag, to determine if it's a vinyl interior car, that has had leather seat covers and Custom door panels added, or a Custom interior car, missing the console wood grain trim.
Under the hood, the car has the wrong air cleaner lid, and it's missing the breather tube and hose, that run from the valve cover to the air cleaner. The water outlet's also wrong, and the routing of the heater hose is a little funky. If you really want to nit pick, the brackets for the shielding top box, should be engine color.
Considering that the compressor is unplugged, I'd bet that the AC doesn't work, and that either the compressor or it's clutch, are bad.
None of these things are a big deal, but instead just minor items, that you should be aware of. To replace the air cleaner lid, it's breather tube and hose, the water outlet, and add the console wood grain trim, will cost you about $200. If all the AC needs is a rebuilt compressor, they're about $300 exchange. If you replace the belts, your looking at another $500. So from what I see, for about $1,000 in parts (plus labor), I think you'd have a pretty decent and correct 71 coupe.
Of course, all of that still depends, on what the trim tag and block stamping look like.
First, what's the asking price. Second, why no pictures of the trim tag and block stamping. Without seeing them, you still don't have a clue what the car really is, or how legitimate it is.
As 69fastfun said, 71 coupes all came standard with shoulder belts, and that car is missing them. From what I see, they may not be 71 lap belts either. If the belts are wrong, your looking at $500+, for real ones.
It it's a real Custom Interior (the leather option) car, it should have wood trim on the console. You need to see the trim tag, to determine if it's a vinyl interior car, that has had leather seat covers and Custom door panels added, or a Custom interior car, missing the console wood grain trim.
Under the hood, the car has the wrong air cleaner lid, and it's missing the breather tube and hose, that run from the valve cover to the air cleaner. The water outlet's also wrong, and the routing of the heater hose is a little funky. If you really want to nit pick, the brackets for the shielding top box, should be engine color.
Considering that the compressor is unplugged, I'd bet that the AC doesn't work, and that either the compressor or it's clutch, are bad.
None of these things are a big deal, but instead just minor items, that you should be aware of. To replace the air cleaner lid, it's breather tube and hose, the water outlet, and add the console wood grain trim, will cost you about $200. If all the AC needs is a rebuilt compressor, they're about $300 exchange. If you replace the belts, your looking at another $500. So from what I see, for about $1,000 in parts (plus labor), I think you'd have a pretty decent and correct 71 coupe.
Of course, all of that still depends, on what the trim tag and block stamping look like.
It seems like I need to get some more questions answered as brought out from the others here. Especially whether or not the A/C is working.
I can certainly go back and get pics of the trim tag as well as the stamp. I'm no expert on stamps but the vin pillar on the car did match the number on the block. I saw it. But of course it should be looked at carefully.
I will also have to find out what the deal is with the seat belts and if there are any receipts on this body on restoration. I do know the paint job is new. It is perfect.
I do not feel it would be appropriate to post the asking price in this thread. I will get that information to those interested in another way and discuss it privately. PLUS I like to see what others guestimate what $$$$ numbers this car is looking at if it can be determined with good confidence what we have here is a well dressed up '71 454 coupe. If you can kindly not post the price on the thread I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks again for looking at this. You guys are great.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,871
Likes: 3,315
From: NYC NY
This one does look like a really nice car from the pictures but I hate when the add says "For BEST PRICE And More Information Call The Owner Steve Barker". It sounds so typical used car lot.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
It it's a real Custom Interior (the leather option) car, it should have wood trim on the console. You need to see the trim tag, to determine if it's a vinyl interior car, that has had leather seat covers and Custom door panels added, or a Custom interior car, missing the console wood grain trim.
If the Trim Code shows 400 this would mean a vinyl interior and that wood trim did not originally come with this car suggesting one of the owners decided to add wood trim to the areas seen leaving the console alone.
If the Trim shows 403 this would mean a leather interior and that wood trim came with the car. Perhaps the center console was damaged and they merely replaced it with a non wood trim type.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,358
Likes: 1,058
From: Virginia USA
Let me see if I understand this correctly.
If the Trim Code shows 400 this would mean a vinyl interior and that wood trim did not originally come with this car suggesting one of the owners decided to add wood trim to the areas seen leaving the console alone.
If the Trim shows 403 this would mean a leather interior and that wood trim came with the car. Perhaps the center console was damaged and they merely replaced it with a non wood trim type.
If the Trim Code shows 400 this would mean a vinyl interior and that wood trim did not originally come with this car suggesting one of the owners decided to add wood trim to the areas seen leaving the console alone.
If the Trim shows 403 this would mean a leather interior and that wood trim came with the car. Perhaps the center console was damaged and they merely replaced it with a non wood trim type.
CODE COLOR TYPE
400 Black Vinyl
403 Black Leather
407 Red Vinyl
412 Dark Blue Vinyl
417 Saddle Vinyl
420 Saddle Leather
423 Dark Green Vinyl
This has some good info, see if the car is registered.
71corvette Registry
and here:
Options
Custom interior included leather seat trim, wood-grain accents and lower carpet trim on interior door panels, wood-grain accents on console, and special cut-pile carpeting.
RPO# A85 Custom Shoulder Belts (std with coupe)
RPO# A85 Custom Shoulder Belts (std with coupe)
Last edited by theandies; Jul 21, 2013 at 04:59 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
You would be correct.
CODE COLOR TYPE
400 Black Vinyl
403 Black Leather
407 Red Vinyl
412 Dark Blue Vinyl
417 Saddle Vinyl
420 Saddle Leather
423 Dark Green Vinyl
This has some good info, see if the car is registered.
71corvette Registry
and here:
Options
Something is going on here. If the car came with custom interior it should have all the things mentioned above. I think it was converted to leather. Also the coupes should have sholder harnesses. It was standard in the coupe starting in 1971. The seats should have cutouts for the sholder harness to go through. If they are saying this is a number matching car they need to also match the trim codes to what is actually in the car. If the code is 400 then there should be no wood or carpet trim on the bottom of the doors and also there should be no chrome trim on the pedals as well. If the code is 403 then there should be wood on the doors and center console. Either way the interior doesn't look right. I'd ask a lot of questions if they are trying to get original showroom "numbers matching" money out of this car.
CODE COLOR TYPE
400 Black Vinyl
403 Black Leather
407 Red Vinyl
412 Dark Blue Vinyl
417 Saddle Vinyl
420 Saddle Leather
423 Dark Green Vinyl
This has some good info, see if the car is registered.
71corvette Registry
and here:
Options
Something is going on here. If the car came with custom interior it should have all the things mentioned above. I think it was converted to leather. Also the coupes should have sholder harnesses. It was standard in the coupe starting in 1971. The seats should have cutouts for the sholder harness to go through. If they are saying this is a number matching car they need to also match the trim codes to what is actually in the car. If the code is 400 then there should be no wood or carpet trim on the bottom of the doors and also there should be no chrome trim on the pedals as well. If the code is 403 then there should be wood on the doors and center console. Either way the interior doesn't look right. I'd ask a lot of questions if they are trying to get original showroom "numbers matching" money out of this car.
I have questions about that trim. You are right. And in other news, someone brought up to me that tick tick tick tick tick sound that you can hear from the engine when it is up close and on idle. At first I didn't now what to make of it, but when it was explained to me I totally hear it now.
I am told and can be as simple as a valve adjustment that is needed or a lifter that is going bad. But, something may be off. Most likely an adjustment because the engine is running well it seems so it could be no big deal. But as you say if they want top dollar this car better be top notch.
Another person made an interesting point to me. He mentioned to me the money for this car would almost be enough to purchase a new C7 corvette. He is right but one thing is certain that C7 will depreciate like crazy and the C3 if purchased as advertised may appreciate in value. Plus it is more desirable to me.
I appreciate the input both on and off the forum. It is too easy just to buy a C3 and then find out later you made a mistake. I do not want this to happen. That is why I still agree I need to find a car from a ncrs member rather than a dealer but I am still keeping my eyes open.
I haven't written this car off yet, but there are certainly questions that need answering. Thanks, and best regards.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 262
Likes: 16
From: Miami Florida
I've been up to the Corvette Experience. Negotiate. He tends to price high. Also be certain it is not a consignment and that he owns it. He does both.
The car looks pretty awesome to me! If you'd like a second set of eyes... I'd love to shoot up! How bad can it be to spend a few hours looking over a Vette?! I'm down in Miami, not a big deal and an excuse to take my toy out for a drive! ;-)
The car looks pretty awesome to me! If you'd like a second set of eyes... I'd love to shoot up! How bad can it be to spend a few hours looking over a Vette?! I'm down in Miami, not a big deal and an excuse to take my toy out for a drive! ;-)