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Topic: My 1st C3 - 71 LS5 is Finally Mine!

in Forum: C3 General Discussion


My 1st C3 - 71 LS5 is Finally Mine!

Posted: 3/21/09 1:40pm Message 1 of 48
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Lino Lakes, MN - USA
Joined: 1/8/2009
Posts: 138
Vette(s): 71 Coupe LS5 454 Auto
Newbie C3/Corvette Owner. It's taken over 20 years but I finally bought my dream car!
 
71 Coupe LS5 454 365hp, auto, power everything. To top it off, it has those cool side pipes, power evrything and even A/C! Mille miglia red w/ black interior (deluxe, i think.)
 
Most important, though, is that I bought it from 2nd owner that I call a true friend and mentor. He may be 70-something, 40 years my senior, but both of us share an appreciation of 'old iron.'
 
It comes with 2 heaping folders of receipts and meticulous records of upkeep and upgrades. I still going through the paperwork, but i have the owner's manual, documents from previous sellers indicating mileage (just over 100,000), and history.
 
Being patient has been so hard. 
 
History- I orginally saw this car in junior high, late 80s. I've always kept good contact with the owner, a good friend of my dad's who has taught both of us how to work on cars. To say both parties were happy to finally pass this beauty on is an understatement.
 
I plan on driving the heck out of it. And when i have kids, they'll be the next owners. Next month, i'm going to drop the tank and hopefully find the build sheet.
 
Just thought i'd share my passion and excitement. This is what drives the hobby.



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My 1st C3 - 71 LS5 is Finally Mine!

Posted: 3/21/09 1:54pm Message 2 of 48
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Phoenix, AZ - USA
Joined: 3/13/2004
Posts: 537
Vette(s): 1975 Stingray Nomad Wagon, with Daytona front, custom hood scoop, dual side vents; 420HP 350; Doug Nash 5 speed; 1980 rear end W/4:11 gears; Cherry Red metallic paint.
WoW! Totally Cool!


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My 1st C3 - 71 LS5 is Finally Mine!

Posted: 3/21/09 1:58pm Message 3 of 48
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Joined: 7/2/2006
Posts: 8205
Hey are you happy or what?         Cograts, glad you got to realize your dream.............ENJOY!!!Thumbs%20Up


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My 1st C3 - 71 LS5 is Finally Mine!

Posted: 3/21/09 2:19pm Message 4 of 48
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JERMYN, PA - USA
Joined: 11/6/2001
Posts: 285
Vette(s): 1977 #s matching Orange L48 4-speed and a 2000 Black FRC 6-speed BOTH SOLD :(
Great story; glad your dream finally came true.  This is THE spot for answers to any questions you might have.  Lots of knowledgeable folks here.
 
Welcome to the forum, and congrats on the car. 
 
EDIT:  Post up some pics of that beauty.
Biff2009-03-21 14:20:02


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'77 Orange L48 SOLD
'00 Black FRC SOLD


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My 1st C3 - 71 LS5 is Finally Mine!

Posted: 3/21/09 2:20pm Message 5 of 48
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Lino Lakes, MN - USA
Joined: 1/8/2009
Posts: 138
Vette(s): 71 Coupe LS5 454 Auto

It's still stored right now. The only 'part' i got to see uncovered is the front grill. It has a special CA full width grill section. Looks awesome.

Only sad deal was i had to sell my chevelle to pay for it. Chevelle was by far more practical, but, hey- a vette's a vette.
 
Once it's home, i'll post pics like crazy.
 
It's mostly original- i say that because it has a Holley (still get OEM Q-jet), a few other mods over the years for driveability (harmonic balancer).
 
And the brakes were done twice - I know they can be a problem.
 
Right now it rides on white walls and finned hubcaps over the 8'' ralleys.
It looks cool-stock. Debating on putting some trim rings on them?
 
I hear these 'caps are stolen a lot.
 



My 1st C3 - 71 LS5 is Finally Mine!

Posted: 3/21/09 2:55pm Message 6 of 48
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Sebago Lake, ME - USA
Joined: 2/15/2007
Posts: 964
Vette(s): 1978 Silver Anniversary L82 4spd (M21) Red Leather. Pace Car is in the hands of a new caretaker.
Way to go!  Thumbs%20Up Congratulations.
Pretty cool you been keeping an eye on it all these years.
Sounds like you got a good one.
If she's been in storage a long time be sure to get some pictures before you even blow the dust off.



My 1st C3 - 71 LS5 is Finally Mine!

Posted: 3/21/09 4:31pm Message 7 of 48
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Indianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2431
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Congratulations on attaining your dream car!!  Glad to have you here!


I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!


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My 1st C3 - 71 LS5 is Finally Mine!

Posted: 3/21/09 4:39pm Message 8 of 48
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Victor, NY - USA
Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6842
Vette(s): 2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe
When you start to tinker with her, you may have a few questions that we can help you with.
That's why we are here.
Welcome aboard and congrats.



 
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My 1st C3 - 71 LS5 is Finally Mine!

Posted: 3/21/09 5:10pm Message 9 of 48
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Woodland, WA - USA
Joined: 10/14/2003
Posts: 1171
Vette(s): 1977 T-Top,350,Auto Black Ruby Pearl,Steeroids R&P conversion
Welcome to C3VR you will the the best help here. Congrats on getting your dream. Reminds me when I first baught mine


My 1st C3 - 71 LS5 is Finally Mine!

Posted: 3/21/09 5:52pm Message 10 of 48
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Holland Patent, NY - USA
Joined: 6/3/2008
Posts: 4422
Vette(s): #1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker
Congrats! Now what color did you say it was again...RED LOLLOL



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in Forum: C3 General Discussion


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