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I may be looking at a 71 Base Coupe this weekend and was just wondering if there is anything that I should pay special attention to. Common Leaks, problems, etc.
There's nothing about the 71 that's special from a reliability standpoint. Just the common C3 issues:
Brakes (need stainless sleeved calipers to fix)
Rear wheel bearings
Rust in the windshield frame + rest of birdcage
Rusted out body mounts
Frame rust just infront of rear wheels.
If all the above checks out you can inspect the '71 gravy: The cool fiberoptic light monitoring system (68-71)and the hide-away wiper door (68-72).
check to see if the fiberoptics/clock/guages are working. They can be a pain to repair if they're broken. I had to replace the heater core on mine. Not a real difficult job, just time consuming....
I'm not an expert , but I snuck in anyways. look for missing parts, the parts are expensive , try to fig out what it will need and price the item's before making an offer , other wise chrome bumpers are the best :cheers:
The "BENT" strut rods in the rear suspension,usually indicating it's"NEW YOKE
Time",but with the rear suspension as whole it is decent indicator of condition.
The heater controls operation. Smooth or notchy? Often indicates worn or
broken items in the console,etc.
Is all the TACH Drive in order? Still Got points? Etc.
There were a pile of little solenoids on the carb for Idle, Anti-Diesel etc.
Frankly they are usually LONG GONE , and maybe not missed much.
But they were there, so a few "Mystery Wires" could be evident.
But overall it is "C3 Ordinary"as far as Typical items. :chevy
Thanks alot! The cars not for me, it's for my future father-in-law, so I thought I'd look good throwing in a couple of tips. :D I'll be back later down the road asking for L88 tips when I look for my 69.