1971 C3 Issues?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,175
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From: Philadelphia Burbs
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
1971 C3 Issues?
The wife's Corvette that made her want one for the rest of her life is a 1971 orange convertible. So I'm starting to do background research...
...if I don't care about having a powerful engine or an uncommon set of options, what should I know about the 71s which might or might not discourage me from getting her (another) dream car.
Thanks for all your knowledge and expertise.
:seeya
...if I don't care about having a powerful engine or an uncommon set of options, what should I know about the 71s which might or might not discourage me from getting her (another) dream car.
Thanks for all your knowledge and expertise.
:seeya
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,844
Likes: 0
From: Pearland TX
St. Jude Contributor
Re: 1971 C3 Issues? (j3studio)
A '71 Ontario Orange vert would be a nice vette to get your hands on. Can't say I have seen many. I can't think of anything that would be a negative... you just need to find one that was well taken care of. And actually finding one might be a problem.
Good luck! :cheers:
Good luck! :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
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SPARTAN
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Re: 1971 C3 Issues? (j3studio)
1) Frame rust. Yes, plastic cars are rust-prone
2) Bubba. If he's owned the car and messed a whole lot up, then you'd better reconsider buying that particular car.
Other than those 2 things, there's nothing special. Rear wheel bearings, bushings, rusted in control arm bolts that prevent alignments, worn 1/2 shaft yokes, and other things are 'common' C3 ailments from all years. The key is to check over the particular car that you're looking at, and check it over thoroughly! Know what you're getting into from the get-go and you'll be less surprised as things eventuallty go wrong.
IN proper shape, there's no reason why a 30+ year old car can't be a reliable daily driver and/or a cross country cruiser. I drove mine down to Bowling Green & back this year and last with no more problems than a fan belt breaking on me.
2) Bubba. If he's owned the car and messed a whole lot up, then you'd better reconsider buying that particular car.
Other than those 2 things, there's nothing special. Rear wheel bearings, bushings, rusted in control arm bolts that prevent alignments, worn 1/2 shaft yokes, and other things are 'common' C3 ailments from all years. The key is to check over the particular car that you're looking at, and check it over thoroughly! Know what you're getting into from the get-go and you'll be less surprised as things eventuallty go wrong.
IN proper shape, there's no reason why a 30+ year old car can't be a reliable daily driver and/or a cross country cruiser. I drove mine down to Bowling Green & back this year and last with no more problems than a fan belt breaking on me.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,653
Likes: 6
From: North Royalton, OH
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Re: 1971 C3 Issues? (j3studio)
The '71 is a wonderful year. Some will have the 5-port headlight washer system, which likely will not work, and that's not a cheap fix - but it's really :cool: ... They run on regular gas with the lower compression engines; lots of interchangeable parts with others of similar years (70-72). Check out the fiber optics - some have no problems at all, but some will have to be replaced completely. And make sure the grilles are not crummy - a recent discontinuation by GM has caused these pieces to skyrocket in price. All in all, nothing to keep you away from a '71! Little stuff, but nothing major. Good luck! :cheers:
[Modified by BSiegPaint, 12:38 AM 8/17/2003]
[Modified by BSiegPaint, 12:38 AM 8/17/2003]
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 28,982
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From: Connecticut
Re: 1971 C3 Issues? (BSiegPaint)
Rust Rust Rust! As with any classic car, rust is a major problem (duh!). A coworker of mine tried to sell me his dad's beat up '70 coupe. He said 'They're made of fiberglass so they dont rust.' That is not true. They body won't rust but the frame will rust out from under you. Best thing to do is get the car on a lift and check it out. Especially make sure to check the birdcage. (not that I know really what that is, but I hear it associated with rust around here alot.)
Since you hopefully plan on getting a '71, you will probably need to clear out some garage space. I've got some extra garage space and your 50th anniv. would look great occupying it :D. Just kidding. Good luck with the '71 search. Sorry I could not be much of a help.
Since you hopefully plan on getting a '71, you will probably need to clear out some garage space. I've got some extra garage space and your 50th anniv. would look great occupying it :D. Just kidding. Good luck with the '71 search. Sorry I could not be much of a help.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: 1971 C3 Issues? (j3studio)
j3, best you can do....go to the web site for NCCC, that's National Council of Corvette Clubs....and see where/who your local vette club is, who to contact, and meet up with the guys, go to a couple of meets, hang loose, find out who head ghuru is.....he's your man on the search, he knows the jungle...and you may have to pay him say 150 bux or so to look hard at any car you interested in...and that means ON A LIFT.....if the owner will not put it on a lift for inspection....don't buy the car...period....Ghuru should talk you through what/where/how he is looking at the car....and explain it to you, helps if you mechanically smart, if you don't know a carb from an exhaust pipe...welll you in over your head allready...
GENE
GENE
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 6
Re: 1971 C3 Issues? (mrvette)
Go here for vintage road tests - http://www.corvettearchive.com/
Go here: http://www.corvettefaq.com under the "misc" section and have a good look at the three part series "Mechanic Inspection before buying C3".
Go here: http://www.corvettefaq.com under the "misc" section and have a good look at the three part series "Mechanic Inspection before buying C3".
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 769
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From: Granbury TX
Re: 1971 C3 Issues? (j3studio)
An interesting note on the orange color..... It came about when a GM executive made points with his girlfriend by letting her pick a color she wanted on her new Corvette.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 2
From: New Zealand
Re: 1971 C3 Issues? (j3studio)
There's a '71 Ontario Orange vert down here in NZ.....maybe it's the same one?????
I can't think of any issues that haven't already been mentioned.......on the bright side......'71 Verts are :cool: !!!!!
I can't think of any issues that haven't already been mentioned.......on the bright side......'71 Verts are :cool: !!!!!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,175
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From: Philadelphia Burbs
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Re: 1971 C3 Issues? (Strike3)
An interesting note on the orange color..... It came about when a GM executive made points with his girlfriend by letting her pick a color she wanted on her new Corvette.
:)
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Fort Lauderdale FL
Re: 1971 C3 Issues? (j3studio)
The windshield wiper systems are prone to failure.
Watch for rust in the windshield pillars, it can be spotted by looking behind the kick panels and the windshield pillars and around the windshield.
Listen for any 'clunking' in the rear end.
Brakes are prone to leak - check them for fluid leaks behind wheels.
The a/c are very weak and an uninsulated car floors heat up tremendously. When you drive reach below the dash and see if heat is coming in the passenger compartment.
I've restored my 71 conv from the ground up, if I can help let me know.
Watch for rust in the windshield pillars, it can be spotted by looking behind the kick panels and the windshield pillars and around the windshield.
Listen for any 'clunking' in the rear end.
Brakes are prone to leak - check them for fluid leaks behind wheels.
The a/c are very weak and an uninsulated car floors heat up tremendously. When you drive reach below the dash and see if heat is coming in the passenger compartment.
I've restored my 71 conv from the ground up, if I can help let me know.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 574
Likes: 32
From: Clarkston MI
C3 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
Re: 1971 C3 Issues? (ddecart)
1) Frame rust. Yes, plastic cars are rust-prone
2) Bubba. If he's owned the car and messed a whole lot up, then you'd better reconsider buying that particular car.
Other than those 2 things, there's nothing special. Rear wheel bearings, bushings, rusted in control arm bolts that prevent alignments, worn 1/2 shaft yokes, and other things are 'common' C3 ailments from all years. The key is to check over the particular car that you're looking at, and check it over thoroughly! Know what you're getting into from the get-go and you'll be less surprised as things eventuallty go wrong.
IN proper shape, there's no reason why a 30+ year old car can't be a reliable daily driver and/or a cross country cruiser. I drove mine down to Bowling Green & back this year and last with no more problems than a fan belt breaking on me.
2) Bubba. If he's owned the car and messed a whole lot up, then you'd better reconsider buying that particular car.
Other than those 2 things, there's nothing special. Rear wheel bearings, bushings, rusted in control arm bolts that prevent alignments, worn 1/2 shaft yokes, and other things are 'common' C3 ailments from all years. The key is to check over the particular car that you're looking at, and check it over thoroughly! Know what you're getting into from the get-go and you'll be less surprised as things eventuallty go wrong.
IN proper shape, there's no reason why a 30+ year old car can't be a reliable daily driver and/or a cross country cruiser. I drove mine down to Bowling Green & back this year and last with no more problems than a fan belt breaking on me.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,066
From: Virginia USA
Re: 1971 C3 Issues? (maccc)
I almost bought a '71 Ontario Orange LT1 vert but they wanted way too much money for it so I found my current War Bonnet Yellow vert. I like having a unique color...everyone comments on it in a positive way! Just don't make an emotional decision. All the above suggestions are great.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Troll Free Zone
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Re: 1971 C3 Issues? (j3studio)
1971 Convert? Good choice!! (see my sig)
As far as the color, the choice is really up to you. Mine was Mulsanne Blue when built, BUT, I'm not convinced it will be so when finished.
TRIM TAGS are available to denote color, inside and out, of choice. This tag is NOT the VIN tag. NEVER MONKEY WITH A VIN TAG!!
http://www.trimtags.com/index.html
1971 colors are here: http://www.71corvette.com/colors.html
As far as the color, the choice is really up to you. Mine was Mulsanne Blue when built, BUT, I'm not convinced it will be so when finished.
TRIM TAGS are available to denote color, inside and out, of choice. This tag is NOT the VIN tag. NEVER MONKEY WITH A VIN TAG!!
http://www.trimtags.com/index.html
1971 colors are here: http://www.71corvette.com/colors.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 145
Re: 1971 C3 Issues? (j3studio)
I'm not sure this applies in your case, but unless you are a mechanical maniac, buy the Corvette in the best possible shape you can afford. If you look at ads selling any older car, you will see lots of: "$17,000 in receipts, will sacrifice for $14,000."
In other words, it is almost always cheaper to pay for someone else's time when they are trying to sell their car than to pay mechanics' bills up front.
Finally, would you and your wife consider a '72? Cosmetically, they are almost identical.
In other words, it is almost always cheaper to pay for someone else's time when they are trying to sell their car than to pay mechanics' bills up front.
Finally, would you and your wife consider a '72? Cosmetically, they are almost identical.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
From: Ardsley Pa
Re: 1971 C3 Issues? (j3studio)
1971....nice choice. I'll tell you this, I haven't had a problem at all with mine over the past 7 years. I maintain it...sometimes to much :lol: I sure my car is not the norm, and some people will have problems no matter what year they get. Just by the best condition you can afford