I have my 1971 Coupe and it is currently a project that was totaled by the one and only owner way back aproximatly in 1973-1975?   With 24,000 miles on it and then stored inside for almost 40 years.  This car is pretty much needing everything from in front of the seats forward. The original engine and trans has long since gone missing. I will be using a good frame from a 1979 doner Corvette and I have a 1971 Corvette 4-speed 350 coded CJL complete  engine minus the carb. Considering the condition and the restoration of the car missing so many of the original parts, I am looking for some info or opinions of the future value of it when completed. I would think being an interesting tale of woe this car has suffered it might be of more value in the marketplace than your typical non matching 1971 Coupe.  I will put a mild build on the engine to about 360-380 H.P. keeping of course the small block but the issue of a 4-speed compared to auto is perplexing to me.    I do have the tank sticker in tact and it was a low optioned Vette when built. P/S P/B auto 270 h.p. 350 am/fm push button radio  War Bonnet yellow with dark saddle interior 3:36 axle tilt/tele column  I do believe it to have been equipped with wheel covers and luggage rack but the tank sticker makes no mention of those options. Would it have been possible to have been equipped with a few options and it not be indicated on the tank sticker??  I have the original title signed by the owner dated back to 1971 I have confirmed it to be a 1 owner 1971 Corvette and the circumstances under which this car was wrecked and therefore totaled.

Wheel covers could have been installed by the selling dealer. Luggage racks were NEVER a factory option. 1980 cars did have a t-top carrier option from the factory, tho.

Very true.   Thanks

Regarding auto or 4 speed, you made mention of the '79 donor frame. Is the cross member welded to the frame (manual trans) or bolted to the frame (auto trans) ?? May not be a huge significance, you could go 4 speed either way, but if it's welded in, it would make R&R of the transmission a bit more difficult with the motor in place.

I can't recall. The 79 is an L-48 Auto car, so is the 71    I have been restoring "old cars" for the better of 30 years and I can weld and/or fabricate most parts if needed..  Yeah, back in the day when they were "old cars" and people thought we were nuts, LOL... I can always transplant any good sections or parts from the original frame to the 79 if necessary..     Thanks

I'd go auto, since both frames were autos to begin with. It keeps you from having to source/hang the pedal assembly for one, plus, the auto frames will not have the bracket for the clutch Z-bar to pivot on. Of course, you could go hydraulic, depending on what standard trans you opted for. The removable trans crossmember is a plus, tho.

I'd do a newer auto with overdrive.  I have to wear ear plugs on the highway with my 4 spd. 

Sounds like a great candidate for a kick azz restomod.

Will a '79 frame set up for rubber bumpers fit under a '71 chrome bumper car?


|UPDATED|12/4/2015 11:09:37 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Front bumper is all bolt on brackets from the frame horns. The rear bumper is a matter of cutting off the rear section and transplanting the approximately 18 or so inches from the rear of the original frame off the 71.  Exact measurements are a mystery until I actually do the cutting and welding..  Yes, it would be much easier and probably pleasurable to drive as an auto.  I restored a friends 70 Chevelle SS and we took it to the Woodward Dream Cruise 2015. It was awesome to feel that 4-speed wind out but on the freeway it was not too much fun between the engine revving and being passed by newer cars doing 75-80.  To do 80 in the 454 4-speed Chevelle would have been ear plug time!  My 71 Vette has a 3:36 axle which would make for decent freeway cruising. Sure it would cost me some stop light hole shots but overall it would be pretty nice I think.    Maybe a newer trans with overdrive would really be the best of both worlds.  Any suggestions from anyone out there of the least headache approach to fitting a 71 350 mild build to an updated O/D auto trans? 

Hey F4Gary   love that 72 LT-1   is that brands hatch green?  I am really considering restoring my 71 in that very same color. I have dark saddle interior so it appears your 72 does also.  How do people like that color?  Not that it matters, but I'm looking for some help in pushing me  over that line of decision.  My 71 is originally war bonnet yellow and I really don't care that much for the color.