What constitutes original?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: rolling meadows illinois
What constitutes original?
I recently picked up a 1971 corvette w/454-360 HP. With 31K miles. Picked it up from essentially the original owner. I want to work on the car but am fearful of taking it away from original and reducing the value. I have not had a toy for Many years and new to the "Classic cars" ownership. I am new to corvettes so I wanted to make sure of a few things. I just don't want to reduce it's value
What constitutes original? Engine and trans match? How do I find these numbers to insure they match? Do all key components need to be original or what parts can be replaced, even if just to fix them? Learning....Thanks
What constitutes original? Engine and trans match? How do I find these numbers to insure they match? Do all key components need to be original or what parts can be replaced, even if just to fix them? Learning....Thanks
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 318
Likes: 8
From: Houston Texas
This may not answer your question, but it will be useful
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 283
Likes: 2
From: Shelbyville KY
The first thing I would do is purchase the latest 1970-1972 NCRS judging manual and join the NCRS, Nation Corvette Restoration Society. The NCRS members have a lot of cumulative knowledge and are very helpful. I would locate a local NCRS member to walk you through the do's and don'ts when working on your. Especially if you want to keep the originality of your car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Original means as the car was equipped from the factory. For most people having the matching numbers engine and transmission is enough but there are some fanatics who must have all as factory components for that year such as carburetor, alternator, hoses and clamps, mufflers, weather stripping, interior pieces, you name it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
I recently picked up a 1971 corvette w/454-360 HP. With 31K miles. Picked it up from essentially the original owner. I want to work on the car but am fearful of taking it away from original and reducing the value. I have not had a toy for Many years and new to the "Classic cars" ownership. I am new to corvettes so I wanted to make sure of a few things. I just don't want to reduce it's value
What constitutes original? Engine and trans match? How do I find these numbers to insure they match? Do all key components need to be original or what parts can be replaced, even if just to fix them? Learning....Thanks
What constitutes original? Engine and trans match? How do I find these numbers to insure they match? Do all key components need to be original or what parts can be replaced, even if just to fix them? Learning....Thanks
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: rolling meadows illinois
Original means as the car was equipped from the factory. For most people having the matching numbers engine and transmission is enough but there are some fanatics who must have all as factory components for that year such as carburetor, alternator, hoses and clamps, mufflers, weather stripping, interior pieces, you name it.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,200
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi j,
It sounds and looks like you have found a NICE one!!!!
I agree with Terry that since you're new to the 'original' Corvette world it might be wise to have a knowledgable person look the car over with you.
He could point out things he sees both good and not so good and also answer questions you have.
Finding out about the NCRS and buying a copy of the 70-72 Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide is a good idea too!
The list of parts that can be determined to be appropriate for a particular car is astoundingly long….figuring that all out is big fun for a lot of people, but is certainly not everyone's idea of owning/enjoying an old Corvette.
Good Luck!
Right now don't throw ANYTHING away…. yet!
Regards,
Alan
It sounds and looks like you have found a NICE one!!!!
I agree with Terry that since you're new to the 'original' Corvette world it might be wise to have a knowledgable person look the car over with you.
He could point out things he sees both good and not so good and also answer questions you have.
Finding out about the NCRS and buying a copy of the 70-72 Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide is a good idea too!
The list of parts that can be determined to be appropriate for a particular car is astoundingly long….figuring that all out is big fun for a lot of people, but is certainly not everyone's idea of owning/enjoying an old Corvette.
Good Luck!
Right now don't throw ANYTHING away…. yet!
Regards,
Alan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 822
Likes: 82
From: Columbus OH
If you are truly worried about originality and value, sell this one and find one that is already restored or in great driving condition. You will probably even have some coin left in your pocket.
If you want to keep this one and work on it, drive it, and replace things as needed, just keep all the parts that you take off, tag them, bag them, and keep them in dry storage.
Remember, this is a hobby, not an investment account.
Welcome and good luck, there are a lot of great people on here with a lot of experience to help with any and all questions.
If you want to keep this one and work on it, drive it, and replace things as needed, just keep all the parts that you take off, tag them, bag them, and keep them in dry storage.
Remember, this is a hobby, not an investment account.
Welcome and good luck, there are a lot of great people on here with a lot of experience to help with any and all questions.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
I don't understand that advice. What is wrong with this car or better in another car?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 822
Likes: 82
From: Columbus OH
So if this car truly is original and this owner wants to drive a Corvette but is worried about originality and value with this Corvette, then they have three choices. One is to not drive it and keep it original. Two is to drive it, and replace or recondition the original parts as needed but it will no longer be original. Or three, sell it and find one that they can drive and enjoy and not worry about originality and the effects that has on the value.
Nothing appears to be wrong with this particular Corvette. In fact, it looks great. The PO2 wheels with the white wall tires, Blue exterior and interior, Big Block, T/T steering wheel, A/C, Power Windows, Power Brakes and probably Power Steering to boot! That is one great optioned '71.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
So if this car truly is original and this owner wants to drive a Corvette but is worried about originality and value with this Corvette, then they have three choices. One is to not drive it and keep it original. Two is to drive it, and replace or recondition the original parts as needed but it will no longer be original. Or three, sell it and find one that they can drive and enjoy and not worry about originality and the effects that has on the value.
.
.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 904
Likes: 46
From: Crestline CA
Nice car!
I'm gonna echo what others have said and add my opinion. First of all, like others have said, you're gonna need the TIM&JG from NCRS. With that you'll be able to tell for sure whats original and whats not. Spend some time with the book looking over the car to see whats original and whats been changed. Once you know that it'll give you a idea of what you should do with the car, if its a complete time capsule it might be a good idea to preserve it for reference purposes but most likely it will have had enough things changed already to make it a good candidate for a nice driving car you can enjoy. If you find the latter to be the case, change what needs to be changed to make a nice safe,reliable car but keep all the OEM stuff you remove. Above all else, enjoy yourself and and the journey the car is going to take you on learning about its history.
Have fun, Doug
I'm gonna echo what others have said and add my opinion. First of all, like others have said, you're gonna need the TIM&JG from NCRS. With that you'll be able to tell for sure whats original and whats not. Spend some time with the book looking over the car to see whats original and whats been changed. Once you know that it'll give you a idea of what you should do with the car, if its a complete time capsule it might be a good idea to preserve it for reference purposes but most likely it will have had enough things changed already to make it a good candidate for a nice driving car you can enjoy. If you find the latter to be the case, change what needs to be changed to make a nice safe,reliable car but keep all the OEM stuff you remove. Above all else, enjoy yourself and and the journey the car is going to take you on learning about its history.
Have fun, Doug
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Priya did good until the second sentence was introduced
I would not call that fanatical...that is what original is within the hobby of automotive preservation whether it's a Corvette or a Bugatti. Original is not a concept intended to be "situational" where an individual defines what is or is not original.
But owners do have the right to alter as they wish and thus distort original finishes, configuration, date codes or how a component was installed from that factory as they see fit. But then...it is no longer original!
For most people having the matching numbers engine and transmission is enough but there are some fanatics who must have all as factory components for that year such as carburetor, alternator, hoses and clamps, mufflers, weather stripping, interior pieces, you name it.
But owners do have the right to alter as they wish and thus distort original finishes, configuration, date codes or how a component was installed from that factory as they see fit. But then...it is no longer original!
Team Owner
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