1971 convertible hep needed
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: baton rouge louisiana
1971 convertible hep needed
Hi all, first post here. I just bought a 71 covertable all original one owner. The car has been under a car cover for the last 16 years so its in pretty sad shape. While I was looking at it with the seller I noticed rust on the A pillar that was pretty bad, I started reading these forums and the subject of these rusting out has popped up a couple times. Is this considered catastrofic on a vette? Im really excited to start working on the car. Its a war bonnett 350 4 speed 278hp I believe is whats on the placard. I paid 5K for it. Total impulse buy. What do you guys think of the price? I`ll post pics soon as the car gets delivered. Thanks
Last edited by johnnygascon; Aug 15, 2010 at 11:50 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
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From: Stratford Ontario
great find and You will enjoy this car.The first thing I would do is remove header panels and have a look at windshield frame. Also the kick panels have direct access to the #2 mounts if there is surface rust its probably not a big deal. If its rotted with holes it may be time for a frame off? Your probably going to need to replace brake calipers right away.You can't go wrong with 5 k for a roadster like that. Thats what I paid for mine and it was in pieces.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
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From: Stratford Ontario
I also forgot to mention welcome to the forum. You have come to the right place for info. If You check out My profile and look under parts, I have 2 pics of My upper windshield before and after repairs.
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From: baton rouge louisiana
I gave the guy a deposit, we`re waiting on the title to come from his father in laws lawyers. It was an estate sale. I should have the car here this wednesday, I`ll post pics then.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
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Team Owner
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi jgc,
I agree with Mike that the rust you saw may be a real WARNING sign.
I would check the car out very carefully with someone who knows early 70s Corvettes while the money is still in YOUR pocket.
A rusty car can be a serious money pit even if you can do all the work yourself.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
I agree with Mike that the rust you saw may be a real WARNING sign.
I would check the car out very carefully with someone who knows early 70s Corvettes while the money is still in YOUR pocket.
A rusty car can be a serious money pit even if you can do all the work yourself.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Somerdale NJ
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-‘17-‘18
Make sure you have someone familiar with C3's check it out. I would also see if you can get it up on a lift to check out the underside. The seller should not have a problem with this. An another easy check it to take the screws out of the sill plates and then remove the kick panels and check as someone else suggested.
The price is good - as long as the rust is not too out of control. I looked at a '71 convertible today - rust in the window frame and price much higher; it wasn't worth getting into.
Read up on the threads here - there are some that talk about the frame and birdcage rust and have detailed photos. Can get expensive.
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From: baton rouge louisiana
Thanks for the encouragement! The rust thing has got me wondering if I didnt act to fast in buying. I looked under the car and its very rusty, the rims are flaking rust, the exuast is comletely rusted away from the front of the car to the mufflers. The axels look pretty heavily pitted. Like I said it sat under cover on a gravel drive for ten years or better. I`m still in on the car so hopefully it wont be as bad as I`m thinking. Thanks guys and again, I`ll post pics asap
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From: Southbound
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Burning Brakes
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From: GA
The A Pillar is a very common rust issue. Water gets trapped and does not escape thereby rusting the A pillar and the birdcage (steel support structure) under the tops of the fenders. Big tell tale sign can be visible when looking at the VIN tag on the driver pillar. If this is visibly rusty... you can pretty much assume it is more that surface issue.
I had similar issue but got lucky as my A Pillars were fine, but the area behind the top to the fenders were shot. I had to cut the top of the fenders off to get at it and repair the area with new sheet metal and mig welder. It is not to difficult, but then you are now looking at body work and paint. Also, as mentioned- the body mounting bolts usually take a severe beating. When looking in rear wheel well... look towards the back and you will see #4 mounting bolt going up into the body. The cage nut is inside and somewhat tough to get to... #3 mounting is also another area and the frame collects water and can rot the kickup frame going toward the back. Go slow and report back often... there is good data on this forum as most have been there.. done that!
At least you are getting a Corvette! Welcome!
I had similar issue but got lucky as my A Pillars were fine, but the area behind the top to the fenders were shot. I had to cut the top of the fenders off to get at it and repair the area with new sheet metal and mig welder. It is not to difficult, but then you are now looking at body work and paint. Also, as mentioned- the body mounting bolts usually take a severe beating. When looking in rear wheel well... look towards the back and you will see #4 mounting bolt going up into the body. The cage nut is inside and somewhat tough to get to... #3 mounting is also another area and the frame collects water and can rot the kickup frame going toward the back. Go slow and report back often... there is good data on this forum as most have been there.. done that!
At least you are getting a Corvette! Welcome!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 384
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From: Tulsa OK
Frame rust is not so big of an issue.
A pillar implies birdcage rust, and this, IMO, is catastrophic and not repairable for all intents and purposes.
Pull the kick panels off and get a flashlight on body mount 2 and use a mirror or camera to get a view upwards in the same area. I've seen these areas rotted through completely, and if so the only fix is to chisel the fenders/body panels off the birdcage just to get access for a repair.
Hopefully not the case. Get some digital pics and post em.
Fred
A pillar implies birdcage rust, and this, IMO, is catastrophic and not repairable for all intents and purposes.
Pull the kick panels off and get a flashlight on body mount 2 and use a mirror or camera to get a view upwards in the same area. I've seen these areas rotted through completely, and if so the only fix is to chisel the fenders/body panels off the birdcage just to get access for a repair.
Hopefully not the case. Get some digital pics and post em.
Fred
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Ontario
Thanks for the encouragement! The rust thing has got me wondering if I didnt act to fast in buying. I looked under the car and its very rusty, the rims are flaking rust, the exuast is comletely rusted away from the front of the car to the mufflers. The axels look pretty heavily pitted. Like I said it sat under cover on a gravel drive for ten years or better. I`m still in on the car so hopefully it wont be as bad as I`m thinking. Thanks guys and again, I`ll post pics asap
Pro
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 680
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From: Denham Springs LA
Johnny,
Small world. I live in Baton Rouge also. Was in my 71' vette at Sonic a few weeks ago. A guy approached me with some pictures of a 71 war bonnet yellow car he wanted to sell. He said the car had not been driven or cranked in many years. He said it had been rained in because it wasn't covered very good. Wanted my opinion on what it's worth. I said probably 5K without really knowing any more details. Sounds like you are the new proud owner. Congrats!
Roger
Small world. I live in Baton Rouge also. Was in my 71' vette at Sonic a few weeks ago. A guy approached me with some pictures of a 71 war bonnet yellow car he wanted to sell. He said the car had not been driven or cranked in many years. He said it had been rained in because it wasn't covered very good. Wanted my opinion on what it's worth. I said probably 5K without really knowing any more details. Sounds like you are the new proud owner. Congrats!
Roger
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: baton rouge louisiana
Johnny,
Small world. I live in Baton Rouge also. Was in my 71' vette at Sonic a few weeks ago. A guy approached me with some pictures of a 71 war bonnet yellow car he wanted to sell. He said the car had not been driven or cranked in many years. He said it had been rained in because it wasn't covered very good. Wanted my opinion on what it's worth. I said probably 5K without really knowing any more details. Sounds like you are the new proud owner. Congrats!
Roger
Small world. I live in Baton Rouge also. Was in my 71' vette at Sonic a few weeks ago. A guy approached me with some pictures of a 71 war bonnet yellow car he wanted to sell. He said the car had not been driven or cranked in many years. He said it had been rained in because it wasn't covered very good. Wanted my opinion on what it's worth. I said probably 5K without really knowing any more details. Sounds like you are the new proud owner. Congrats!
Roger
Pro
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 680
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From: Denham Springs LA
Johnny,
They have a couple of car clubs that meet every couple of weeks. They show the times and places in the Wheels section of the paper. I don't always go, but please do stop by.
Right now I have my car in many pieces. I removed the air box inside the engine compartment to repair the AC system. I also have removed several pieces of trim getting it ready for new paint. If your interested in coming take a look please do. I am going out of town for the weekend but usually work on it on week nights.
Call me if you want to talk about any vette issues. 931-7745
Roger
They have a couple of car clubs that meet every couple of weeks. They show the times and places in the Wheels section of the paper. I don't always go, but please do stop by.
Right now I have my car in many pieces. I removed the air box inside the engine compartment to repair the AC system. I also have removed several pieces of trim getting it ready for new paint. If your interested in coming take a look please do. I am going out of town for the weekend but usually work on it on week nights.
Call me if you want to talk about any vette issues. 931-7745
Roger
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 97
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From: baton rouge louisiana
Johnny,
They have a couple of car clubs that meet every couple of weeks. They show the times and places in the Wheels section of the paper. I don't always go, but please do stop by.
Right now I have my car in many pieces. I removed the air box inside the engine compartment to repair the AC system. I also have removed several pieces of trim getting it ready for new paint. If your interested in coming take a look please do. I am going out of town for the weekend but usually work on it on week nights.
Call me if you want to talk about any vette issues. 931-7745
Roger
They have a couple of car clubs that meet every couple of weeks. They show the times and places in the Wheels section of the paper. I don't always go, but please do stop by.
Right now I have my car in many pieces. I removed the air box inside the engine compartment to repair the AC system. I also have removed several pieces of trim getting it ready for new paint. If your interested in coming take a look please do. I am going out of town for the weekend but usually work on it on week nights.
Call me if you want to talk about any vette issues. 931-7745
Roger
Got the vette home yesterday, things dont look as bad as I was thinking. I`ll post some pics and info in the general section tonight!