Maintenance musts for 71 Vette
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 136
Likes: 6
From: Iron River Wi
Maintenance musts for 71 Vette
Unlike my 2015 Z51 the 71 I just purchased will need quite a bit more maintenance. I now have a 71 270 HP, 4 speed with 46,000 miles. The previous owner (a good friend) had the car for 31 years and did all the standard mnt including changing the brakes to SS. However as you can guess he didn't put many miles on it. I plan to put a lot more miles on it than he did including the Power Tour. What items do you folks recommend I do before I take it out on the great roads of the United States ?
By the way it's Brands Hatch Green, dark green interior with a white convertible top. I'm guessing this wasn't the highest production combination.
Thanks in advance for the feedback !!!
By the way it's Brands Hatch Green, dark green interior with a white convertible top. I'm guessing this wasn't the highest production combination.
Thanks in advance for the feedback !!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
All of the fluids including the steering box for peace of mind. Although GM said some items we're filled for life as far as lubricants go that was with an expectation that the car would most likely be heading to the scrapper by its 16th birthday not still in use 46 years later.
Brake fluid should be changed every few years anyway. Check the drive belts carefully, if they look perished or cracked I would replace them.
How old are the tyres? Some forum members can relate stories of old tyres suddenly failing, they can make a nice mess of your fibreglass if they let go.
Check all of the rubber components (bushes etc) carefully for perishing and especially the brake hoses, if they are old I would bin these too they can look okay on the outside but deteriorate internally.
Brake fluid should be changed every few years anyway. Check the drive belts carefully, if they look perished or cracked I would replace them.
How old are the tyres? Some forum members can relate stories of old tyres suddenly failing, they can make a nice mess of your fibreglass if they let go.
Check all of the rubber components (bushes etc) carefully for perishing and especially the brake hoses, if they are old I would bin these too they can look okay on the outside but deteriorate internally.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,237
Likes: 4,330
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi 69,
It sounds like you may have purchased a very interesting car.
If the base motor 4-speed car you describe doesn't have a/c it originally had, and may still have, an aluminum radiator. (Cars with a/c have a copper radiator).
The aluminum radiators tend to get 'thin' in the lower corners and will 'weep' coolant. I'd look for signs of that. The aluminum radiators are difficult to repair well, but DeWitts makes a very nice replacement if you decide to do that.
You might also think about having the water pump rebuilt and replacing the radiator and heater hoses at the same time.
It might be wise to check on the operation of the windshield wipers and washers and the headlight doors and headlights too. A car with that amount of miles might still have it's original headlights which can fail. You may want to leave what's there in place, but have a couple of spares.
That's probably enough for now!
How about a few photos of this convertible!?!
Regards,
Alan
It sounds like you may have purchased a very interesting car.
If the base motor 4-speed car you describe doesn't have a/c it originally had, and may still have, an aluminum radiator. (Cars with a/c have a copper radiator).
The aluminum radiators tend to get 'thin' in the lower corners and will 'weep' coolant. I'd look for signs of that. The aluminum radiators are difficult to repair well, but DeWitts makes a very nice replacement if you decide to do that.
You might also think about having the water pump rebuilt and replacing the radiator and heater hoses at the same time.
It might be wise to check on the operation of the windshield wipers and washers and the headlight doors and headlights too. A car with that amount of miles might still have it's original headlights which can fail. You may want to leave what's there in place, but have a couple of spares.
That's probably enough for now!
How about a few photos of this convertible!?!
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 136
Likes: 6
From: Iron River Wi
Hi 69,
It sounds like you may have purchased a very interesting car.
If the base motor 4-speed car you describe doesn't have a/c it originally had, and may still have, an aluminum radiator. (Cars with a/c have a copper radiator).
The aluminum radiators tend to get 'thin' in the lower corners and will 'weep' coolant. I'd look for signs of that. The aluminum radiators are difficult to repair well, but DeWitts makes a very nice replacement if you decide to do that.
You might also think about having the water pump rebuilt and replacing the radiator and heater hoses at the same time.
It might be wise to check on the operation of the windshield wipers and washers and the headlight doors and headlights too. A car with that amount of miles might still have it's original headlights which can fail. You may want to leave what's there in place, but have a couple of spares.
That's probably enough for now!
How about a few photos of this convertible!?!
Regards,
Alan
It sounds like you may have purchased a very interesting car.
If the base motor 4-speed car you describe doesn't have a/c it originally had, and may still have, an aluminum radiator. (Cars with a/c have a copper radiator).
The aluminum radiators tend to get 'thin' in the lower corners and will 'weep' coolant. I'd look for signs of that. The aluminum radiators are difficult to repair well, but DeWitts makes a very nice replacement if you decide to do that.
You might also think about having the water pump rebuilt and replacing the radiator and heater hoses at the same time.
It might be wise to check on the operation of the windshield wipers and washers and the headlight doors and headlights too. A car with that amount of miles might still have it's original headlights which can fail. You may want to leave what's there in place, but have a couple of spares.
That's probably enough for now!
How about a few photos of this convertible!?!
Regards,
Alan
The car will be moving to "my" garage in about three weeks once I get my lift installed so I'll take some pictures then and post them.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,237
Likes: 4,330
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi 69,
If the car is pretty original it's a good idea to keep ANY parts that you even think may have been on the car when it was new. (The water pump would fall into that category since it has a casting number and date, so a restorer would be interested in it.)
The chambered exhaust is quite popular but personally it reminds me of Camaro's sound when the chambered exhaust was used. (A great sound, but a Camaro sound). Lots of options for exhaust… remember though, the 350/270 is pretty much a mouse so there's not a lot of 'good' sound to work with.
I'm especially interested in original exhaust right now so would be curious to know if any of the exhaust, hangers, or clamps might be original to the car.
Regards,
Alan
If the car is pretty original it's a good idea to keep ANY parts that you even think may have been on the car when it was new. (The water pump would fall into that category since it has a casting number and date, so a restorer would be interested in it.)
The chambered exhaust is quite popular but personally it reminds me of Camaro's sound when the chambered exhaust was used. (A great sound, but a Camaro sound). Lots of options for exhaust… remember though, the 350/270 is pretty much a mouse so there's not a lot of 'good' sound to work with.
I'm especially interested in original exhaust right now so would be curious to know if any of the exhaust, hangers, or clamps might be original to the car.
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,367
Likes: 1,061
From: Virginia USA
If you change your wiper blades make sure you get the correct one's. Your local auto parts store will not have the correct blades. They have to be low profile or they will not fit and hit the wiper door or the wiper door will not close. PM me and I'll give you a place to get them since the forum gestapo will not allow me to post the vendor since they don't advertise here.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 136
Likes: 6
From: Iron River Wi
Exhaust questions
Hi 69,
If the car is pretty original it's a good idea to keep ANY parts that you even think may have been on the car when it was new. (The water pump would fall into that category since it has a casting number and date, so a restorer would be interested in it.)
The chambered exhaust is quite popular but personally it reminds me of Camaro's sound when the chambered exhaust was used. (A great sound, but a Camaro sound). Lots of options for exhaust… remember though, the 350/270 is pretty much a mouse so there's not a lot of 'good' sound to work with.
I'm especially interested in original exhaust right now so would be curious to know if any of the exhaust, hangers, or clamps might be original to the car.
Regards,
Alan
If the car is pretty original it's a good idea to keep ANY parts that you even think may have been on the car when it was new. (The water pump would fall into that category since it has a casting number and date, so a restorer would be interested in it.)
The chambered exhaust is quite popular but personally it reminds me of Camaro's sound when the chambered exhaust was used. (A great sound, but a Camaro sound). Lots of options for exhaust… remember though, the 350/270 is pretty much a mouse so there's not a lot of 'good' sound to work with.
I'm especially interested in original exhaust right now so would be curious to know if any of the exhaust, hangers, or clamps might be original to the car.
Regards,
Alan
WHat do you mean it will sound like a Camaro ? Don't all small block Chevies sound the same ? What exhaust do you recommend for a Corvette sound but louder than stock ? And I understand 270 HP doesn't push out too much from a sound standpoint.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
OP usual stuff
Ponts/condenser (if it doesnt have an HEI in it )
Fluids if needed
Fresh std water pump fuel pump/filter no need for hi volume
Belts (goodyear and conti make good stuff) bleed brakes etc
If the last guy let it sit good for you now go get some use out of it!
put the original stuff aside "in case' but dont get too wrapped up about it
These were made for driving and arent real complicated
AAA card in case.
Isnt it nice when guys "save" the cars so you get a nice one to actually drive
You rack up the memories of good outings while the last guy has a lousy pic of it under a cover wondering 'what it would be like if"
If the exh is rusty replace it with whatever you think youll like the sound of. Why put something on there a purist loves but ou hate? Its your car go have some fun with it.
They are just cars not religious objects drive the wheels off that thing you only live once.
Ponts/condenser (if it doesnt have an HEI in it )
Fluids if needed
Fresh std water pump fuel pump/filter no need for hi volume
Belts (goodyear and conti make good stuff) bleed brakes etc
If the last guy let it sit good for you now go get some use out of it!
put the original stuff aside "in case' but dont get too wrapped up about it
These were made for driving and arent real complicated
AAA card in case.
Isnt it nice when guys "save" the cars so you get a nice one to actually drive
You rack up the memories of good outings while the last guy has a lousy pic of it under a cover wondering 'what it would be like if"If the exh is rusty replace it with whatever you think youll like the sound of. Why put something on there a purist loves but ou hate? Its your car go have some fun with it.
They are just cars not religious objects drive the wheels off that thing you only live once.
Last edited by cv67; Feb 6, 2017 at 05:26 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,237
Likes: 4,330
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi 69,
"What do you mean it will sound like a Camaro ? Don't all small block Chevies sound the same ?"
Some older car folks still remember the sound that chambered exhaust made on 69 Camaros during the relatively short period it was available.
Its unique to say the least, and for some people, unforgettable, it's that sound that is the reason it's still being offered today.
When I hear a stock-ish sb car with chambered 'pipes' on it I'm immediately reminded of that time and those cars.
The side exhaust offered on mid-year Corvettes were/are made from chambered pipe.
I'm really not a good individual to advise you about exhaust other than stock systems since I'm really just a stock guy.
If I wanted more noise for my car I'd look at a system with the original 'off road' mufflers that were an option for a while and are stock appearing mufflers with fewer baffles in them. But that likely won't be what you're looking for.
The aftermarket exhaust business has become huge with what sounds like limitless possibilities, so I'm sure you'll be able to get advice on a system that will please you.
Good Luck with your car!
Regards,
Alan
"What do you mean it will sound like a Camaro ? Don't all small block Chevies sound the same ?"
Some older car folks still remember the sound that chambered exhaust made on 69 Camaros during the relatively short period it was available.
Its unique to say the least, and for some people, unforgettable, it's that sound that is the reason it's still being offered today.
When I hear a stock-ish sb car with chambered 'pipes' on it I'm immediately reminded of that time and those cars.
The side exhaust offered on mid-year Corvettes were/are made from chambered pipe.
I'm really not a good individual to advise you about exhaust other than stock systems since I'm really just a stock guy.
If I wanted more noise for my car I'd look at a system with the original 'off road' mufflers that were an option for a while and are stock appearing mufflers with fewer baffles in them. But that likely won't be what you're looking for.
The aftermarket exhaust business has become huge with what sounds like limitless possibilities, so I'm sure you'll be able to get advice on a system that will please you.
Good Luck with your car!
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Feb 6, 2017 at 07:49 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 57
Hi 69,
It sounds like you may have purchased a very interesting car.
If the base motor 4-speed car you describe doesn't have a/c it originally had, and may still have, an aluminum radiator. (Cars with a/c have a copper radiator).
The aluminum radiators tend to get 'thin' in the lower corners and will 'weep' coolant. I'd look for signs of that. The aluminum radiators are difficult to repair well, but DeWitts makes a very nice replacement if you decide to do that.
You might also think about having the water pump rebuilt and replacing the radiator and heater hoses at the same time.
It might be wise to check on the operation of the windshield wipers and washers and the headlight doors and headlights too. A car with that amount of miles might still have it's original headlights which can fail. You may want to leave what's there in place, but have a couple of spares.
That's probably enough for now!
How about a few photos of this convertible!?!
Regards,
Alan
It sounds like you may have purchased a very interesting car.
If the base motor 4-speed car you describe doesn't have a/c it originally had, and may still have, an aluminum radiator. (Cars with a/c have a copper radiator).
The aluminum radiators tend to get 'thin' in the lower corners and will 'weep' coolant. I'd look for signs of that. The aluminum radiators are difficult to repair well, but DeWitts makes a very nice replacement if you decide to do that.
You might also think about having the water pump rebuilt and replacing the radiator and heater hoses at the same time.
It might be wise to check on the operation of the windshield wipers and washers and the headlight doors and headlights too. A car with that amount of miles might still have it's original headlights which can fail. You may want to leave what's there in place, but have a couple of spares.
That's probably enough for now!
How about a few photos of this convertible!?!
Regards,
Alan
The exact replacement from DeWitts runs close to $1K, by the time you have it shipped.
Does this $1K replacement radiator offer any additional cooling benefits over a fully function/not weeping stock unit?
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
Make sure the tires are relatively new. If your friend just sat the car in the garage for that long, it likely has very old tires on it.
DANGEROUS!!!
Long stints of highway driving require tires in good condition. Old tires (7-8 years or more) may look good; but the rubber deteriorates and the sidewalls can separate under heat/load. When a tire blows at speed in a 'plastic' car, there is NO good result.
You pay for insurance on your car and hope you never have to use it. Pay for some new tires and get PEACE OF MIND and a safer ride!
DANGEROUS!!!
Long stints of highway driving require tires in good condition. Old tires (7-8 years or more) may look good; but the rubber deteriorates and the sidewalls can separate under heat/load. When a tire blows at speed in a 'plastic' car, there is NO good result.
You pay for insurance on your car and hope you never have to use it. Pay for some new tires and get PEACE OF MIND and a safer ride!
Last edited by 7T1vette; Feb 8, 2017 at 03:14 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 136
Likes: 6
From: Iron River Wi
Make sure the tires are relatively new. If your friend just sat the car in the garage for that long, it likely has very old tires on it.
DANGEROUS!!!
Long stints of highway driving require tires in good condition. Old tires (7-8 years or more) may look good; but the rubber deteriorates and the sidewalls can separate under heat/load. When a tire blows at speed in a 'plastic' car, there is NO good result.
You pay for insurance on your car and hope you never have to use it. Pay for some new tires and get PEACE OF MIND and a safer ride!
DANGEROUS!!!
Long stints of highway driving require tires in good condition. Old tires (7-8 years or more) may look good; but the rubber deteriorates and the sidewalls can separate under heat/load. When a tire blows at speed in a 'plastic' car, there is NO good result.
You pay for insurance on your car and hope you never have to use it. Pay for some new tires and get PEACE OF MIND and a safer ride!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,237
Likes: 4,330
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi drs,
I think not.
I believe the 941 IS DeWitt's reproduction of the "stock" "original" radiator.
The radiator is made in an unusual way; with no 'tanks', but instead uses a stack of 'plates'. It has always been expensive, and the price seems to have gone up!
The 1139063M at $529.99 is a good choice for someone who's car doesn't need the radiator to have the same configuration as the original. This radiator does offer slightly less cooling capacity than the 941 as is described in its description.
If I wasn't so concerned with the configuration of the radiator the 1139063M would seem like a very good choice.
Regards,
Alan
I think not.
I believe the 941 IS DeWitt's reproduction of the "stock" "original" radiator.
The radiator is made in an unusual way; with no 'tanks', but instead uses a stack of 'plates'. It has always been expensive, and the price seems to have gone up!
The 1139063M at $529.99 is a good choice for someone who's car doesn't need the radiator to have the same configuration as the original. This radiator does offer slightly less cooling capacity than the 941 as is described in its description.
If I wasn't so concerned with the configuration of the radiator the 1139063M would seem like a very good choice.
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,425
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
If you change your wiper blades make sure you get the correct one's. Your local auto parts store will not have the correct blades. They have to be low profile or they will not fit and hit the wiper door or the wiper door will not close. PM me and I'll give you a place to get them since the forum gestapo will not allow me to post the vendor since they don't advertise here.
Refills are #43-160