stunning
Long Time Member First Post
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12
Likes: 6
From: Tampa Florida
Long Time Member First Post
After 15 years I finally have my 71 back on the road. Purchased the car in 2001 and started a resto-mod in 2004. With the time commitments of raising a young family and work I lost interest and the car sat unfinished for years. After moving to Tampa a couple years ago my wife gave me the ultimatum to get it running or get rid of it. She didn't want the car and a pile of parts sitting in the garage.
This forum has been a great resource. It is long overdue for me to share my experiences and help others.
The car started as a numbers matching low optioned small block 4 speed convertible. The modifications I have made to date are: Chevy ZZ4, Tremec TKO 500, Steeriods rack and pinion steering, FITech Go Street EFI, AR Racing Torq Thrust II 17x8 5x4.75, Nitto NT555 G2 255/50R17, Ford Taurus electric fan, CS-144 Alternator. I have also recovered the seats, replaced the carpeting, the convertible top, replaced the brake lines, calipers, master cylinder, wiring harness and a bunch of miscellaneous items..
The car is finally running well but I am still a little nervous driving it since I am not a mechanic and I did all the work myself. The only thing left to do is the suspension and new paint.
This forum has been a great resource. It is long overdue for me to share my experiences and help others.
The car started as a numbers matching low optioned small block 4 speed convertible. The modifications I have made to date are: Chevy ZZ4, Tremec TKO 500, Steeriods rack and pinion steering, FITech Go Street EFI, AR Racing Torq Thrust II 17x8 5x4.75, Nitto NT555 G2 255/50R17, Ford Taurus electric fan, CS-144 Alternator. I have also recovered the seats, replaced the carpeting, the convertible top, replaced the brake lines, calipers, master cylinder, wiring harness and a bunch of miscellaneous items..
The car is finally running well but I am still a little nervous driving it since I am not a mechanic and I did all the work myself. The only thing left to do is the suspension and new paint.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 103
From: Brisbane Queensland
Hi DJF,
Let me be the first to congratulate you on a job well done. Whats not to like with a
'71 black convertible.
72 Project beat me!
Let me be the first to congratulate you on a job well done. Whats not to like with a
'71 black convertible.
72 Project beat me!
Last edited by M A Fry; Jan 15, 2018 at 08:58 PM.
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Michael S. Palmer
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,607
Likes: 7,053
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
That's one great first post!
Drive the car locally to see if it will not overheat, and to make sure the brakes and suspension work well. Then take the car on local highways until you have 1,000 miles on the upgrades. If all is well try a short same day road trip.
EDIT: Have you bought any Year-Specific repair manuals for your car?
The car is finally running well but I am still a little nervous driving it since I am not a mechanic and I did all the work myself. The only thing left to do is the suspension and new paint.
EDIT: Have you bought any Year-Specific repair manuals for your car?
Last edited by doorgunner; Jan 15, 2018 at 11:06 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,431
Likes: 1,561
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Get rid of it or fix it!
She motivated you with an ultimatum and you chose well.
Now take the wife and Corvette out for a ride.
Enjoy!
She motivated you with an ultimatum and you chose well.
Now take the wife and Corvette out for a ride.
Enjoy!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,303
Likes: 4,391
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi DJF,
It looks like you've ended up with a very nice 71!
I hope it gives you lots of pleasure now!
Good Luck.
Regards,
Alan
It appears as if a bit of LAX has been played in your yard over the years!?!
It looks like you've ended up with a very nice 71!
I hope it gives you lots of pleasure now!
Good Luck.
Regards,
Alan
It appears as if a bit of LAX has been played in your yard over the years!?!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12
Likes: 6
From: Tampa Florida
That's one great first post!
Drive the car locally to see if it will not overheat, and to make sure the brakes and suspension work well. Then take the car on local highways until you have 1,000 miles on the upgrades. If all is well try a short same day road trip.
EDIT: Have you bought any Year-Specific repair manuals for your car?
Drive the car locally to see if it will not overheat, and to make sure the brakes and suspension work well. Then take the car on local highways until you have 1,000 miles on the upgrades. If all is well try a short same day road trip.
EDIT: Have you bought any Year-Specific repair manuals for your car?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12
Likes: 6
From: Tampa Florida
We are a big LAX family. The kids were raised in Long Island and Maryland. We spent 15 years in Damascus, MD prior to moving down to Florida.
