[cpo122455]

I have the following info on this car. Trying to determine if it's legit. Can anyone help?

Vin: 136671B121900
Car build date: 02B, 2nd wk of Feb. 71
Engine block casting: 3969854, Date A20 71
Engine pad: T0127CLA, 71B121900
Trans: P1A14, 71B121900 *still has original muncie shifter.
Rear: CF C 257 *matches protect o plate.
Intake manifold: 3955287, A22 71
Exhaust manifold: Rt side 3989310, Lt side 3989343
Alternator Delcotron: 1100834, 0J15
Carburetor: Original Rochester Quadrajet
Radiator: Original Harrison 4core
Original power steering pump.

Appreciate any help.

 

[mmurphy77]

All those numbers tell you is its a '71 Malibu Convertible with it's original 402 cubic inch engine and 4-speed transmission. Only the build sheet can tell you if it also had the SS option package. The fact that it is a Big Block, 4-speed car it is MOST LIKELY an SS, however the 402 was available in all models in '71 so it could be a Malibu 400 (which is probably more rare now). Does it have round gauge pod dash or rectagular sweep style?

 

[cpo122455]

All those numbers tell you is its a '71 Malibu Convertible with it's original 402 cubic inch engine and 4-speed transmission. Only the build sheet can tell you if it also had the SS option package. The fact that it is a Big Block, 4-speed car it is MOST LIKELY an SS, however the 402 was available in all models in '71 so it could be a Malibu 400 (which is probably more rare now). Does it have round gauge pod dash or rectagular sweep style?

It has the Round gauges. It sure seems like SS, although you hit right on the issue I'm concerned with. Big money difference.

 

[DaleM]

Alternator is a 70 but that's a minor point.

When you say it has round gauges, caution. Round gauge pods with warning lamps is a base SS dash, gauges themselves were optional. Round gauge pods with tach and other gauges could be SS or Malibu with U14 gauge option.

 

[cpo122455]

Alternator is a 70 but that's a minor point

When you say it has round gauges, caution. Round gauge pods with warning lamps is a base SS dash, gauges themselves were optional. Round gauge pods with tach and other gauges could be SS or Malibu with U14 gauge option.[/quote]

Thanks again Dale,
This is unbelievable. So no way to tell if this car is a SS? Check out the pics.

 

[DaleM]

Trim tag has no SS/non-SS information. Looks to have round gauge pod with gauges so that's not an indication; looks to have remote mirror and that's good but still no proof. Are the wheels original type and are they 15-inch? Are there function symbols on the control knobs? Not 100% proof, but good indications.

Here's what the base SS package consisted of in 1971. Of these items, there's nothing that can't be replaced on a non-SS car to make it appear to be an SS. Car looks pretty good though with the Copper and Saddle combination. :thumbsup:

Is the car your's or are you considering buying it and whether it's a SS or not is holding up the purchase?

 

[mmurphy77]

SS should have a black steering column and steering wheel regardless of interior color. As Dale said that dash was optional on the Malibu (RPO U14). I know it's frustrating but regardless of how perfectly configured it is, without original documentation (which is now also being reproduced) you can only presume. I'm in the same boat with my car (and I'm not lucky enough to have the original engine). EVERYTHING points to it being a real SS but since I don't have any documentation, I'll never really know. Since this car is all numbers matching it pretty much has to be either an SS or a Malibu 400. Either way, in a convertible, it's a very desirable car.

 

[cpo122455]

SS should have a black steering column and steering wheel regardless of interior color. As Dale said that dash was optional on the Malibu (RPO U14). I know it's frustrating but regardless of how perfectly configured it is, without original documentation (which is now also being reproduced) you can only presume. I'm in the same boat with my car (and I'm not lucky enough to have the original engine). EVERYTHING points to it being a real SS but since I don't have any documentation, I'll never really know. Since this car is all numbers matching it pretty much has to be either an SS or a Malibu 400. Either way, in a convertible, it's a very desirable car.

I was looking to buy it. Looks real nice though.

 

[dreis454]

thats a Baltimore car. maybe the build sheet is still under the back seat.