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Experts here, need your inputs on 1971 SS Chevelle Value

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riverwabbit703

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi Guys,

I'm just trying to re-live my highschool years. I had a 1971 SS Chevelle with 454 back in 82'. I sold it for a VW bug when I went to college (sigh). Now I can finally go after what I loved and missed the most back in my hay days.

I found a 1971 SS Chevelle with correct VIN, build sheet and Z15 package with aircraft shifter just like one I had. Problem is, the motor was swapped to Chevy 502 few years ago and 454 was sold to the mechanic who did the work. All the bushings been replaced, suspension, TH400 is rebuilt, no rust, dents anywhere, excellent interior and original paint is still great. Car has 56K miles on odometer. Is this car worth going after? It belong to the seller's uncle and he passed and left the car to his nephew and he has 71 HO 455 GTO and does not want to keep it. Seller is asking 25K for the SS Chevelle.

He said it appraised for 40K which I don't agree since it's not numbers matching and missing the most important original big block. What do you guys think? Should I pursue for what he is asking? Any advices?

Thanks fellas.
 
#7 ·
Car looks nice to me. Does the "mechanic who did the work" still have the original 454? This car is similar to Hank Kalin's Chevelle but definitely not his car, as Hank's is a Malibu, not an SS, and Hank's is a 396/4 speed.

If I was looking for an automatic trans-equipped '71 SS Chevelle, I would definitely consider this car.
 
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Discussion starter · #8 ·
Saltherring said:
Car looks nice to me. Does the "mechanic who did the work" still have the original 454? This car is similar to Hank Kalin's Chevelle but definitely not his car, as Hank's is a Malibu, not an SS, and Hank's is a 396/4 speed.

If I was looking for an automatic trans-equipped '71 SS Chevelle, I would definitely consider this car.
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Mechanic sold the engine is what i heard. Sigh. So 25K is good deal for SS without original motor?
 
#9 ·
riverwabbit703 said:
Mechanic sold the engine is what i heard. Sigh. So 25K is good deal for SS without original motor?
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I would have to personally inspect the car to tell you whether I'd consider $25K to be a good deal. I only said it looks like a nice car and I would consider $25K. That said, $25K is the owners asking price, in other words, a starting point for negotiations. I would check the car over thoroughly, drive it if you can, and make a list of what you would need to spend to make it "the car you always wanted". Then consider making the seller an offer.
 
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Discussion starter · #10 ·
Saltherring said:
I would have to personally inspect the car to tell you whether I'd consider $25K to be a good deal. I only said it looks like a nice car and I would consider $25K. That said, $25K is the owners asking price, in other words, a starting point for negotiations. I would check the car over thoroughly, drive it if you can, and make a list of what you would need to spend to make it "the car you always wanted". Then consider making the seller an offer.
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That is very true. I'll see it this Saturday and decide. Thanks for your advice.
 
#13 ·
427L88 said:
If it has good skin... heck yes. Bring a magnet. Not as nuanced as Ole's analysis, but....
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Yes, steel is good, bondo...not so. OP did say original paint, however?
 
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#15 ·
I say go for it! Numbers matching is the most over used term in the industry. Say it had the original LS5 in it, but the cam, pistons, intake, etc was all changed. Would you be willing to put down another $10-15k for that? My car didn't come with the flapper either, but it's the original hood and it's an SS454.

Of course you'll need to take a closer look, drive it (or get a solid ride in it). Check for leaks or anything you will need to repair. Make sure it's not just a giant bondo job.

If it's as good as it appears, that car would sell up here for that price easily.
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
-SS454- said:
I say go for it! Numbers matching is the most over used term in the industry. Say it had the original LS5 in it, but the cam, pistons, intake, etc was all changed. Would you be willing to put down another $10-15k for that? My car didn't come with the flapper either, but it's the original hood and it's an SS454.

Of course you'll need to take a closer look, drive it (or get a solid ride in it). Check for leaks or anything you will need to repair. Make sure it's not just a giant bondo job.

If it's as good as it appears, that car would sell up here for that price easily.
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He says, 502 dyno'd around 430hp and it's easy on highway because of it has 3.23 rear. I will make sure to check every inch of the car this saturday and hopefull i have my high school ride back! Thanks.
 
#19 ·
-SS454- said:
I say go for it! Numbers matching is the most over used term in the industry. Say it had the original LS5 in it, but the cam, pistons, intake, etc was all changed. Would you be willing to put down another $10-15k for that? My car didn't come with the flapper either, but it's the original hood and it's an SS454.

Of course you'll need to take a closer look, drive it (or get a solid ride in it). Check for leaks or anything you will need to repair. Make sure it's not just a giant bondo job.

If it's as good as it appears, that car would sell up here for that price easily.
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:thumbsup:

I agree... take a good look...

IMO, IF it is as good as it looks (big IF); nice paint, I am assuming no rust/rot or questionable repair jobs on the body, decent frame and runs and drives well, then $25k doesn't sound bad at all... Does it have a 12-bolt rearend?

Without paperwork to document it, it could just be a clone/tribute based on a Malibu anyway... But even so, it has the "SS" round pod dash, has the correct SS hood (as noted above, that is the standard SS hood, the "Cowl Induction" with the flapper was an extra cost option).

The hood stripes don't look correct to me (but I am not an expert).

But IMO, a nice, solid, running/driving, big block, bucket seat with SS gauges, etc for $25k asking, sounds reasonable...

As mentioned, the asking price is a starting place, and you can and should reduce your offers based on any issues you find...
 
#20 ·
riverwabbit703 said:
He says, 502 dyno'd around 430hp and it's easy on highway because of it has 3.23 rear. I will make sure to check every inch of the car this saturday and hopefull i have my high school ride back! Thanks.
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Hmmm...

Make sure you know how to identify a true Chevrolet 12-bolt rearend (and not a BOP with 12 cover bolts, etc)...

He could be mistaken, but 3.23 gear ratio was NOT offered in the Chevy 12-bolt... and ALL SS454 cars will have the 12-bolt rearend originally...

But that shouldn't make it a deal-breaker, just another place for negotiation... You can always buy a 12-bolt later if you desire...
 
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