Long Time Member First Post
 

After 15 years I finally have my 71 back on the road. Purchased the car in 2001 and started a resto-mod in 2004. With the time commitments of raising a young family and work I lost interest and the car sat unfinished for years. After moving to Tampa a couple years ago my wife gave me the ultimatum to get it running or get rid of it. She didn't want the car and a pile of parts sitting in the garage.

This forum has been a great resource. It is long overdue for me to share my experiences and help others.

The car started as a numbers matching low optioned small block 4 speed convertible. The modifications I have made to date are: Chevy ZZ4, Tremec TKO 500, Steeriods rack and pinion steering, FITech Go Street EFI, AR Racing Torq Thrust II 17x8 5x4.75, Nitto NT555 G2 255/50R17, Ford Taurus electric fan, CS-144 Alternator. I have also recovered the seats, replaced the carpeting, the convertible top, replaced the brake lines, calipers, master cylinder, wiring harness and a bunch of miscellaneous items..

The car is finally running well but I am still a little nervous driving it since I am not a mechanic and I did all the work myself. The only thing left to do is the suspension and new paint.

Congrats on the great looking car and your first post.

Hi DJF,
Let me be the first to congratulate you on a job well done. Whats not to like with a
'71 black convertible.:thumbs::woohoo:
72 Project beat me!

:eek: :smiliedrool: stunning

Very nice.

Sweet ride. Nice job for a non-mechanic:thumbs:

Excellent MO! Lurk, learn, lurk, learn, and then BAMM! Beautiful ride! Nicely Done! Congrats! :cheers:

Absolutely beautiful! Paint looks great in the photos. The hole package looks just right. Congratulations

Very nice!

That's one great first post!
Drive the car locally to see if it will not overheat, and to make sure the brakes and suspension work well. Then take the car on local highways until you have 1,000 miles on the upgrades. If all is well try a short same day road trip.

:thumbs:

EDIT: Have you bought any Year-Specific repair manuals for your car?

Sweet ride ! :thumbs:

You are a mechanic now! Great job, congratulations:thumbs:

Get rid of it or fix it!
She motivated you with an ultimatum and you chose well.
Now take the wife and Corvette out for a ride.
Enjoy!

Man what a great looking car! You have done a wonderful job! Thanks for the encouragement 15 years is a long time! Keep it up and tell us what Mr Non Mechanic did to it!

Well done
 

Well done mate, looking good and all your own work.

Hi DJF,
It looks like you've ended up with a very nice 71!
I hope it gives you lots of pleasure now!
Good Luck.
Regards,
Alan

It appears as if a bit of LAX has been played in your yard over the years!?!

This is my plan. Drive it locally to make sure everything works before I take it on the highway or longer trips.

We are a big LAX family. The kids were raised in Long Island and Maryland. We spent 15 years in Damascus, MD prior to moving down to Florida.

Very nice.

Nicely done..drive it with pride.