FS: 71 War Bonnet Conv Lots of restoration Done on nice unmolested original car
02-08-2019, 11:30 PM
#2
I thought I would list the car here first before EBay, where some real Corvette enthusiast could evaluate my information description, my car and give me their opinions on both. I've done my best to describe the cars condition in detail. There's nothing worse than misrepresenting a car and wasting peoples time. Buying a car from thousands of miles away without physically seeing it is a huge gamble. If there is specific thing you have questions on please call me and I will walk out to the car and give you an honest answer. This is a high quality car with lots of restoration work done. I would like it go to someone who has a real interest in the car and not go to some dealer trying to make money. I will sell the car for a decent price. Not trying to make a killing but not going to give it away. I'm wanting to get some better interior pictures but the weather is not cooperating. The interior is really nice but the pictures I have don't really reflect that. If there is anything thing you think I need to add to my description or pictures please let me know. My contact info is listed in my add the price is $28,000. A few years ago the car was professionally appraised as a # 2 car at over $30K. Hagerty #2 car was at $38K. The Professional appraisal was a few thousand less than Hagerty. Thanks for your time and if you have any comments or input send me a PM, Text, email, text or phone call. 409-771-4455[img]data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAA AAQCAYAAAAf8/9hAAABcklEQVR4XpXTPUvDUBTH4aR2c2hBQXGpTi IORhBcBOvgYKf0Awi+4Ggr1MVPIIrYdnEpShddHI yLi6AVXVxsRRDRwbi4KNgu4lCIv8i/i6QRDzycy+09555LqOl5nhEUptPoJe1iDHU8oYlr lDw79m4QEbSLPexzsIc8hDRm8YBjLpj4q8EgxQda b+MNd4ghhQ2adIc1+ORAFEnWWfTDRp7GDfImlsIa vKALLuqoqMGUCs4wHtagiQ5uc8kDyCOBKlP1k78Q NTOZnMXCQRxWsbjl6iuskV41SQG2Gj9rikvcR1Wc gKFDBa1LOEUK56hqv8BUFV3SGWkVS9JQ6Dsv4wQ1 DKMPORUvkm78BhdQMI1CTa5I0yrcwSFqFD+SZ7DQ esIkCG5S/JpkHYERQRmuNsrZ7Grc+Ef8/Bcoslkfae8Wc7CUHZ++TuAEBj86pHntjaDKXllPy 6PW/gkKFaThwp/K87N8hDcQTTKKFTioSxqB8Q2BNX5JtAljwgAAAAB JRU5ErkJggg== mikes66vette@gmail.com
Thanks, Mike
P.S. I will get back with you ASAP. I am a shift worker and not always available.
P.S.S. There are a few Pictures of the car where there is a set of Chrome American Racing Torque Thrust "D"s. They are off my dads Vette while I was having my Ralley's painted.
For sale: 1971 Corvette Convertible. War Bonnet Yellow with Saddle interior. Matching number 350 automatic.
Components replaced: No receipts, but you can physically see that all these parts are New. I went to Corvette Central and ran all the numbers for the parts listed below. The total came to a little over $5300 without the labor to install the new convertible top.
New Black Convertible Top with all new weather-stripping
New vinyl seat covers and foam kit
Original seat belts were sent off and restored.
New carpet and matts
New storage compartment trays
New parking brake handle assembly & console with T armrest- vinyl
New center console, console assembly and ash tray
New center dash trim console gauge bezel assembly
New door panels with trim and inside door handles
New door sill plates and weather-strip
New interior review mirror
New sun visors
New tach drive gear and cable
New heater core
New power brake booster
New GM heater hose kit and water pump
New aluminized exhaust and mufflers
New stainless-steel exhaust tips
New license plate bezel
Rear bumpers re-chromed
Components that are new or have been rebuilt. With receipts:
Rebuilt trailing arms, bearing assemblies, swing arm bushing and new shocks installed
Rear-end differential rebuilt. New u-joints on driveshaft & half shafts
Transmission rebuilt with reverse cushion kit installed
Front control arm bushings replaced, new shocks installed and new BFG white letter tires
Front and rear rotors replaced
Complete tune-up with points, condenser, cap, rotor, spark plugs, plug wires, ignition coil, and oil filter
Interior:
The interior condition is easily a 9.5+ on a 10 scale. The only issues on the inside of the car are is one of the dash lights intermittingly goes of and on when you hit a bump, a loose connection I’m sure. The right-side blinker indicator has the same intermitting issue. All other interior lights work even the fiber optic lights and the push button seatbelt light. The speedometer is a little slow to work. I have multiple classic cars and I only drive this car every few months. It’s currently winter and I haven’t drove the car in over 4 months. I’m in Texas and the summers are a quite hot for a convertible during July & August. This car usually only gets driven in the spring or fall. After you drive the car for an hour or so the speedometer works fine.
Exterior:
The car retains its original color of War Bonnet Yellow. It appears to have only one re-spray done many years ago and was done in lacquer. The paint is very presentable and has a great old lacquer patina. I personally would not repaint this car. The lacquer paint has a different look and appeal compared to a basecoat/clearcoat paint job. Personal preference I guess? Whomever did the last paintwork looks to have blocked the car down and put a light coat of lacquer back on. At certain times of the day and at certain angles you can vaguely see the bonding areas. This tells me that there is very little paint on the car. It also shows the car has never had any collision damage. If someone were wanting to repaint this car it would be easy considering the car has very little paint. I thought about blocking it with 1500 and buffing it out but I was afraid there isn’t enough paint on the car and didn’t want to chance it. The paint is somewhat deceiving. Depending on the time of day the car looks dark gold. Then other times when it’s in the sun it sparkles like a piece of shiny gold. You will notice that in the pictures I post. The bumpers on the rear have been re-chromed and are virtually perfect. The front bumper has not and is about an 8 on a 10 scale. Headlight operation is great; they open and close very fast. The hideaway wiper door operates as it should. It has the original spare tire and cover. The convertible top is new and is in perfect condition. The windshield is in perfect condition with no cracks, wiper scratches or delamination. There is no rust in the birdcage and the frame is in excellent condition. The only real flaw on the exterior of the car is a crack on the front spoiler under the front license plate where someone pulled up too close to a parking curb, but it’s small.
Engine:
The car has its original matching number engine and runs great with 62,167 miles. It appears that the engine has never been out of the car. It starts right up, the choke holds idle at about 1300 rpms, let it warm up a few minutes, tap the accelerator and it idles down to about 850 rpms. The intake, valve covers, and water pump have been repainted, but the block looks like it still has its original paint. All the original ignition shielding is in place and in excellent condition. The engine is 48 years old and has 62,000 miles on it. It leaks a little oil and has a little blow by, but it still runs great.
Air Conditioning:
The car came equipped with air conditioning. Not currently working. The prior owner said when he purchased the car it was not working. He had the AC Serviced and the receipt states that there was a bad wire and block relay. It was serviced with two cans of freon and was working but he said it leaks down after a few weeks. I never pursued the problem because when I drove it the top was always down.
Documents:
I have the original window sticker but it’s in poor condition. It’s hard to read the writing on the left side of the page. On the right side you can read the cost of the options the car came with. It has $834 worth of options. I looked them up and they are air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, white stripe tires and AM/FM radio which does not work. There is also a wheel and trim ring sheet and a consumer information pamphlet. Plus, I have the receipts for the work listed above.
History & Information:
I purchased the car several years ago from a retired Continental Airline pilot. He said this was his retirement project to keep him busy. He said the car was in very good condition when he bought it, but he wanted to make it even nicer. He said he did all the drivetrain and suspension work because even though there were no issues, it didn’t change the fact that it was a 40-year-old car. He said that he had a great time working on and enjoying the car for several years. But, he had just moved into a gated golf course community and didn’t have room at the house and did not want it sitting in a storage facility. The only thing I have done since purchasing the car was re-paint the wheels. The original ralley’s were a little dull and scratched. I had them blasted epoxy primed and painted silver. I have the caps and rings but chose not to put them on. I like the look without caps & rings. Plus, I didn’t want to scratch the new paint. So, I painted the dust caps a cast metal color and installed chrome lug nuts. The next guy can scratch up the rims. The car runs great, no shakes, no rattles and it tracks down the road great. I’ve owned more than a few Corvettes over the last 30 years and this is definitely one of the nicest. But I prefer my C2 and have my eye on another one. This is the reason this one is for sale. If you are a C3 person this is a great car. The C3 is starting to come up in value and quality cars will start getting harder to come by. If your going to own one it should be a convertible. They are the most desirable and bring the most money. The car is located in Texas City, Texas 77590 just south of Houston. I have done my best to describe the condition of the car but if you have any questions you can call or text 409-771-4455[img]data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAA AAQCAYAAAAf8/9hAAABcklEQVR4XpXTPUvDUBTH4aR2c2hBQXGpTi IORhBcBOvgYKf0Awi+4Ggr1MVPIIrYdnEpShddHI yLi6AVXVxsRRDRwbi4KNgu4lCIv8i/i6QRDzycy+09555LqOl5nhEUptPoJe1iDHU8oYlr lDw79m4QEbSLPexzsIc8hDRm8YBjLpj4q8EgxQda b+MNd4ghhQ2adIc1+ORAFEnWWfTDRp7GDfImlsIa vKALLuqoqMGUCs4wHtagiQ5uc8kDyCOBKlP1k78Q NTOZnMXCQRxWsbjl6iuskV41SQG2Gj9rikvcR1Wc gKFDBa1LOEUK56hqv8BUFV3SGWkVS9JQ6Dsv4wQ1 DKMPORUvkm78BhdQMI1CTa5I0yrcwSFqFD+SZ7DQ esIkCG5S/JpkHYERQRmuNsrZ7Grc+Ef8/Bcoslkfae8Wc7CUHZ++TuAEBj86pHntjaDKXllPy 6PW/gkKFaThwp/K87N8hDcQTTKKFTioSxqB8Q2BNX5JtAljwgAAAAB JRU5ErkJggg==. I will return your text or call ASAP. I’m a shift worker and not always available. Thanks, Mike.
Pros:
Extremely nice well-kept car its entire life. Matching number low mile convertible. Most all the drivetrain has been rebuilt. All the interior has been restored. New Top. Very easy car to take to the next level and bring to high end.
Cons:
AC needs to be repaired. The lacquer paint is 25-30 years old. Has two intermitting interior lights. The original engine has 62,000 miles and leaks a little oil. It sounds like the donut gasket on the right side is starting to leak. The power steering pump makes a little noise if you turn the wheel when not moving, but don’t all old Chevy’s. Nice car for a nearly 50-year-old Corvette.
Thanks, Mike
P.S. I will get back with you ASAP. I am a shift worker and not always available.
P.S.S. There are a few Pictures of the car where there is a set of Chrome American Racing Torque Thrust "D"s. They are off my dads Vette while I was having my Ralley's painted.
For sale: 1971 Corvette Convertible. War Bonnet Yellow with Saddle interior. Matching number 350 automatic.
Components replaced: No receipts, but you can physically see that all these parts are New. I went to Corvette Central and ran all the numbers for the parts listed below. The total came to a little over $5300 without the labor to install the new convertible top.
New Black Convertible Top with all new weather-stripping
New vinyl seat covers and foam kit
Original seat belts were sent off and restored.
New carpet and matts
New storage compartment trays
New parking brake handle assembly & console with T armrest- vinyl
New center console, console assembly and ash tray
New center dash trim console gauge bezel assembly
New door panels with trim and inside door handles
New door sill plates and weather-strip
New interior review mirror
New sun visors
New tach drive gear and cable
New heater core
New power brake booster
New GM heater hose kit and water pump
New aluminized exhaust and mufflers
New stainless-steel exhaust tips
New license plate bezel
Rear bumpers re-chromed
Components that are new or have been rebuilt. With receipts:
Rebuilt trailing arms, bearing assemblies, swing arm bushing and new shocks installed
Rear-end differential rebuilt. New u-joints on driveshaft & half shafts
Transmission rebuilt with reverse cushion kit installed
Front control arm bushings replaced, new shocks installed and new BFG white letter tires
Front and rear rotors replaced
Complete tune-up with points, condenser, cap, rotor, spark plugs, plug wires, ignition coil, and oil filter
Interior:
The interior condition is easily a 9.5+ on a 10 scale. The only issues on the inside of the car are is one of the dash lights intermittingly goes of and on when you hit a bump, a loose connection I’m sure. The right-side blinker indicator has the same intermitting issue. All other interior lights work even the fiber optic lights and the push button seatbelt light. The speedometer is a little slow to work. I have multiple classic cars and I only drive this car every few months. It’s currently winter and I haven’t drove the car in over 4 months. I’m in Texas and the summers are a quite hot for a convertible during July & August. This car usually only gets driven in the spring or fall. After you drive the car for an hour or so the speedometer works fine.
Exterior:
The car retains its original color of War Bonnet Yellow. It appears to have only one re-spray done many years ago and was done in lacquer. The paint is very presentable and has a great old lacquer patina. I personally would not repaint this car. The lacquer paint has a different look and appeal compared to a basecoat/clearcoat paint job. Personal preference I guess? Whomever did the last paintwork looks to have blocked the car down and put a light coat of lacquer back on. At certain times of the day and at certain angles you can vaguely see the bonding areas. This tells me that there is very little paint on the car. It also shows the car has never had any collision damage. If someone were wanting to repaint this car it would be easy considering the car has very little paint. I thought about blocking it with 1500 and buffing it out but I was afraid there isn’t enough paint on the car and didn’t want to chance it. The paint is somewhat deceiving. Depending on the time of day the car looks dark gold. Then other times when it’s in the sun it sparkles like a piece of shiny gold. You will notice that in the pictures I post. The bumpers on the rear have been re-chromed and are virtually perfect. The front bumper has not and is about an 8 on a 10 scale. Headlight operation is great; they open and close very fast. The hideaway wiper door operates as it should. It has the original spare tire and cover. The convertible top is new and is in perfect condition. The windshield is in perfect condition with no cracks, wiper scratches or delamination. There is no rust in the birdcage and the frame is in excellent condition. The only real flaw on the exterior of the car is a crack on the front spoiler under the front license plate where someone pulled up too close to a parking curb, but it’s small.
Engine:
The car has its original matching number engine and runs great with 62,167 miles. It appears that the engine has never been out of the car. It starts right up, the choke holds idle at about 1300 rpms, let it warm up a few minutes, tap the accelerator and it idles down to about 850 rpms. The intake, valve covers, and water pump have been repainted, but the block looks like it still has its original paint. All the original ignition shielding is in place and in excellent condition. The engine is 48 years old and has 62,000 miles on it. It leaks a little oil and has a little blow by, but it still runs great.
Air Conditioning:
The car came equipped with air conditioning. Not currently working. The prior owner said when he purchased the car it was not working. He had the AC Serviced and the receipt states that there was a bad wire and block relay. It was serviced with two cans of freon and was working but he said it leaks down after a few weeks. I never pursued the problem because when I drove it the top was always down.
Documents:
I have the original window sticker but it’s in poor condition. It’s hard to read the writing on the left side of the page. On the right side you can read the cost of the options the car came with. It has $834 worth of options. I looked them up and they are air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, white stripe tires and AM/FM radio which does not work. There is also a wheel and trim ring sheet and a consumer information pamphlet. Plus, I have the receipts for the work listed above.
History & Information:
I purchased the car several years ago from a retired Continental Airline pilot. He said this was his retirement project to keep him busy. He said the car was in very good condition when he bought it, but he wanted to make it even nicer. He said he did all the drivetrain and suspension work because even though there were no issues, it didn’t change the fact that it was a 40-year-old car. He said that he had a great time working on and enjoying the car for several years. But, he had just moved into a gated golf course community and didn’t have room at the house and did not want it sitting in a storage facility. The only thing I have done since purchasing the car was re-paint the wheels. The original ralley’s were a little dull and scratched. I had them blasted epoxy primed and painted silver. I have the caps and rings but chose not to put them on. I like the look without caps & rings. Plus, I didn’t want to scratch the new paint. So, I painted the dust caps a cast metal color and installed chrome lug nuts. The next guy can scratch up the rims. The car runs great, no shakes, no rattles and it tracks down the road great. I’ve owned more than a few Corvettes over the last 30 years and this is definitely one of the nicest. But I prefer my C2 and have my eye on another one. This is the reason this one is for sale. If you are a C3 person this is a great car. The C3 is starting to come up in value and quality cars will start getting harder to come by. If your going to own one it should be a convertible. They are the most desirable and bring the most money. The car is located in Texas City, Texas 77590 just south of Houston. I have done my best to describe the condition of the car but if you have any questions you can call or text 409-771-4455[img]data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAA AAQCAYAAAAf8/9hAAABcklEQVR4XpXTPUvDUBTH4aR2c2hBQXGpTi IORhBcBOvgYKf0Awi+4Ggr1MVPIIrYdnEpShddHI yLi6AVXVxsRRDRwbi4KNgu4lCIv8i/i6QRDzycy+09555LqOl5nhEUptPoJe1iDHU8oYlr lDw79m4QEbSLPexzsIc8hDRm8YBjLpj4q8EgxQda b+MNd4ghhQ2adIc1+ORAFEnWWfTDRp7GDfImlsIa vKALLuqoqMGUCs4wHtagiQ5uc8kDyCOBKlP1k78Q NTOZnMXCQRxWsbjl6iuskV41SQG2Gj9rikvcR1Wc gKFDBa1LOEUK56hqv8BUFV3SGWkVS9JQ6Dsv4wQ1 DKMPORUvkm78BhdQMI1CTa5I0yrcwSFqFD+SZ7DQ esIkCG5S/JpkHYERQRmuNsrZ7Grc+Ef8/Bcoslkfae8Wc7CUHZ++TuAEBj86pHntjaDKXllPy 6PW/gkKFaThwp/K87N8hDcQTTKKFTioSxqB8Q2BNX5JtAljwgAAAAB JRU5ErkJggg==. I will return your text or call ASAP. I’m a shift worker and not always available. Thanks, Mike.
Pros:
Extremely nice well-kept car its entire life. Matching number low mile convertible. Most all the drivetrain has been rebuilt. All the interior has been restored. New Top. Very easy car to take to the next level and bring to high end.
Cons:
AC needs to be repaired. The lacquer paint is 25-30 years old. Has two intermitting interior lights. The original engine has 62,000 miles and leaks a little oil. It sounds like the donut gasket on the right side is starting to leak. The power steering pump makes a little noise if you turn the wheel when not moving, but don’t all old Chevy’s. Nice car for a nearly 50-year-old Corvette.
Last edited by Mike Lera; 02-11-2019 at 12:00 PM.
02-09-2019, 11:25 AM
#6
No engine compartment pics?
02-10-2019, 10:11 PM
#11
The Phoenix in the picture is for the town I live in. I'm from the petrochemical town of Texas City, Texas. In 1947 we had a ship filled ammonium nitrate explode. It killed the entire fire department, leveled an entire refinery and destroyed half the town. It was felt on the Richter scale in Denver Colorado. We have adopted the Phoenix because the city had to literally rise from the ashes. This is where I take pictures of all my cars.The Phoenix sits in front of the Convention Center here in town. It's just a bit of trivia in case you didn't know.
Mike
Mike
The following users liked this post:
C3_DH (01-15-2020)
02-11-2019, 04:05 PM
#12
Melting Slicks
Hey Mike, beautiful car, and you have done a lot to it. And your description is great! I do have one suggestion for you. You're asking fairly high $ for a '71 auto, and it looks like it may just be worth it - - however, your pictures don't do your car justice. The first two are good, but the rest are so overexposed, and/or a really dirty lens, that it's difficult to really see the details on the car - to see how nice it really is. My suggestion would be to take some new pics that are correctly exposed, or get a friend to help - then replace the pics with the new ones that really show your car off. GLWS!!!
Last edited by Hopper12; 02-11-2019 at 04:19 PM.
02-12-2019, 06:17 AM
#13
Yes I will take some new pictures. They were taken with my old phone and the camera was not that good. I have a new phone with an awesome camera. As soon as I can get a sunny day I will post some new pictures.
Thanks, Mike
Thanks, Mike
02-15-2019, 07:49 PM
#15
Le Mans Master
Very nice Vette.
Great detailed description. GLWS.
Great detailed description. GLWS.
02-17-2019, 08:59 PM
#17
QWar bonnet
Hey Mike,Was going over your extensive write up,It appears u and I are in the same position,I have a 76 TTop,,I have been replaceing parts to just update and refresh for the past 8 years,and to date have over $ 46k invested not counting my labour.I know nobody would ever believe that Buti have the receipts.Besides that I invested in a $18k paint job.that includes Lamborgina door hinges,and front and rear spillers with filled bumper seams,and new interior,Most parts came from Eck
lers in Fla Postage is very expensive today.U should really up your $$$ to reflect the true value. Just a thought.
lers in Fla Postage is very expensive today.U should really up your $$$ to reflect the true value. Just a thought.
02-18-2019, 09:03 AM
#18
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,642
Likes: 0
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13 Posts
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
P.S.S.S......
I would go over to your dad’s and steal those Torque Thrust wheels back, the car looks killer with those!
Bump for a gorgeous car and GLWS!
I would go over to your dad’s and steal those Torque Thrust wheels back, the car looks killer with those!
Bump for a gorgeous car and GLWS!
