http://rides.webshots.com/album/556315770SLRYie

Guys, I need some help evaluating this 71 454. Supposedly it is "real" for the owner has a build sheet (which I haven't seen yet nor the car). We've had a handful of e-mails back and forth and he finally forked over some pictures. Highly doubt it is matching numbers for the $24.5k he is asking (though I have a sense he might not really know what he has other than it's an SS...I don't think he's a wrench).

Yes, the white seat inserts are not original. The grille is silver, not blacked out? No hood pins? Didn't I read there is to be a remote pass mirror in 71?

He states the car did indeed come as a 454 car, with posi and auto.

So what do you think? He's about 30-40 miles away...close enough to check out if it's not a hoax.

As a true restored SS, there are so many items either entirely incorrect and or aesthetically incorrect. The paint is very nice (at least in the photos), and the engine bay is clean and well kept. It was appraised at 60,000 but he's selling for 24,500???

If the build sheet is correct to that vehicle; I'd buy it, but check it mechanically really well.

If it is matching numbers and a correct build sheet, then I'd buy it right now;

If the build sheet is questionable, and not matching numbers, well, then it might still be a nice car to own - restoring a car does take alot of money, and don't forget your time. That car restored to what I see in the pictures, if the paint is pretty good qaulity and the rust was eliminated before paint, is likely about that much (asking) money to restore, maybe somewhat less, but your paying for some labor as well.

I'm not fond of the seat color combination, but it does look as they recovered with fairly nice qaulity and labor. To pay to have them recovered including covers will run about 600 -700 for the fronts and maybe the same or likely less for the rear.

He has alot of nice optional stuff such as steering wheel, console, AC, and everything looks either restored or new.
From what I can tell, it appears to be the correct tach for a 454.

It's unlikely you'll ever get a restored SS at the qaulity as seen in those photos for less than 25k, but a nicely restored non verified SS or a Clone at less than 25,000 looks like a pretty decent deal to me, especially with a 454. If you were to count every penny sunk into a restore, I'm talking bolts, screws, spray cans, cleaners, sandpaper, and not to mention the big ticket items, it cost alot of money.

See if the numbers on the rear end are true factory posi or a converted open ended, because this would sweeten the deal with factory posi. 12 bolt???

Is the trans a TH400?

Check it completely underneath, and trunk for rust.

Well, thats my opinion, and I'm restoring two el caminos at the same time.

But, I'd wait for more opinions.

396driver...thanks for your detailed input.

From the pictures, yes it does look nice...but as we all know, pictures can be very, very deceiving, but at least it sets the initial impression for the car.

If I do go see it, I will be all over, under, and in it. Especially looking at the body (rust) and to see if per chance the numbers do match up. I just so wish and didn't have an auto and those seats. I highly suspect, for those two issues, it has played in to why it hasn't sold yet. He previously had it for sale at $29K.

Thanks again.

I'd want to see the build sheet and definately check all numbers before buying. Definately worth seeing in person.
I got a kick out of the appraisal. 450 engine, 5 bolt mains, 3 speed standard transmission? Lots of typos.

I think it means 5 main bearings, which of course all Chevy V8's have. Doesn't sound like this appraiser knows enough about Chevies to base much on what he considers the value to be (or either his secretary can't type and nobody there proofreads):clonk: .

Personally I can't imagine ANY '71 LS5 SS to be worth 60K, regardless of condition. The nicest one on the planet wouldn't be worth over a quarter to me, given the dismal performance. I had a super nice original paint, 4sp, bucket seat, no cowl hood one that I sold for cheap about 10 years ago just because the color combo and anemic smog motor was so boring. In the case of a '71 I'd a lot rather have one with some performance upgrades than a dead original.

Thanks guys...appreicate the feedback...the more I think about it, the more I am inclined to pass. My heart is set on a 70, whose isn't! so I'll continue my search.

http://image06.webshots.com/6/7/33/97/2639733970059607956DWHhPL_fs.jpg

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2232320350059607956uskxjy

i think it has been for sale for quite a while. sure is a nice looking car though. mike

some of the guys at yenko.net are very good at id'ing fake build sheets.

Remember if somethings sounds to good to be true it prolly isn'tt. Nice looking car tho.

ratuned...I'll check it out...thanks.

69 Chevelledude....oh so true in life...buyer beware.