Need some help ST 71 43437F(L) or (T)1 157247BDY TR158 19B PNT O4C Am I correct in assuming the only way to tell this is a Stage 1 is from the TS and Vin on the block? It does have a BB trans. Will protecto plate tell me anything?
71 gs 2 door hard top black with black vinyl top Black notchback seat and interior POP will help. VIN does not help but TS does ther are many other indicia like the BB trans but there is no factory paperwork for 71s. Built the 3rd week of April 1971.
Are 71s less valuable because of lack of documentation? or if you find one with complete documents is it more of a rarity?
1971 is an interesting year... 'BB' trans will most likely prove it's a stage1, but the serial number on the driver's side must match the VIN. I do know of a '71 GS455 with a towing package which received a 'BB' (or 'OW') trans (in a non-stage1 car). Post the P-O-P.
VIN on BB trans an TS block with VIN are pretty good proof it is Stage-1. Also check carb and distributor for correct part #s and appropriate date codes. Still not absolute proof but al these things adding up are more than most idiot fakers could have handled.
Also 71 are a bit less valuable then 70's (don't know why as much rarer) but probably more than 72's. 71's have several things going for them that 70's did not however including N25 rear bumber and sport mirrors available on all not just GSX's and you could say only hood tach and spoilers are correct on 71-72 as 70's they were only available on GSX. I am a 71 fan so screw the value just enjoy.
Oh, I think you know why - horsepower, and supply and demand! However, like most GM products, the low-compression cars have come into their own quite nicely. It wasn't too long ago that the '71-72 were the red-headed step children of the musclecar world.
I bought the car today. I couldn't find the TS on the block between the plugs. The 41H and serial was on the front of the block, BB trans with last four letters of the serial and LWB rear. Dist, carb all are right. P_O_P 158 19 B 434371H___557 TS 205 LWB098 4 BB357 2 6 Purchased from son of original owner, supplied pix of car with his dad in 71, bill of sale, registrations for every year and all the papers given to a new owner from the dealer. I'm thinkin it's got to be right?
I'm a big fan of the 71's also, Very nice find, Will you not be able to find a build sheet inside the car or on the gas tank to prove your car up as a stg 1?
He has the BB with the VIN. Best proof in the world on a 71 until someone finds the docs from the factory like they have for all the other years.
