1971 Chevrolet

GT Hatchback

6 - Cyl.

Manual

141771U129360

Gasoline

I purchased this Vega to get me back and forth to work, until I retired. That day is nearing soon, and although I would like to keep it, it is the project that must be sold. I did most of the work to this car. My original intention was to modify the original four cylinder, but I soon discovered all the rumors are correct. Those engines are really piles of garbage. During the process of making this car more roadworthy, I went a little overboard, as I usually do. What I ended up with was a really neat car that has enough power to set you back in the seat through third gear, but without the common twisting and tearing that a V8 would cause. I started with a nice, solid original car which had never been hacked up, or modified. There is also no rot, or cancer which you would normally expect in one of these cars. I added a 2002 Vortec 4.3 liter V6 from a two wheel drive Blazer. It was a lot of work to get it in and adjusted to fit without too many modifications. The engine has about 80,000 miles on it now, based on the original 49,000 mile figure I was given when it was purchased. It is the only part of the drive train I have not had rebuilt. The transmission is a 1989 T-5 World Class which has about 2 or 3 thousand miles since it was rebuilt by a very worthy and competent transmission shop. Same with the 1979 Monza V8 differential, which was given a tight Posi unit and full rebuild. The 4.03 first gear ratio and 2.29 differential ratio give this car great acceleration through third gear, and awsome fuel mileage. The tires have about a thousand miles on them and the wheels are Cosworth Vega which have been painted and clear coated. All four Vega side marked light holes were welded closed and 1969 Camaro side marker lights were fitted. These changed the whole look of the car, because the camaro lights are much smaller and fit the proportions of the car better. The rear spoiler is a new second generation Camaro "tall" unit that has been cut down both in width and height. The louvers in the rear hatch were filled with a steel plate and the tail lights were doubled up on both sides, to eliminate the non-lighted reflector units. The front spoiler is a cheap aftermarket unit made specifically for a Vega. The rear hatch and rear side windows are medium tinted. This car has all new weatherstrip on all three doors, including the whisker strips. I also removed the spare tire well in the trunk and made room for the "Hemi" type muffler. This kept any of the exhaust from hanging too low under the car, plus the entire system was designed to handle a V8, in case that had ever become an option. I added power steering and power brakes, as well as the GT dashboard and steering wheel. I painted the bumper with a rattle can, with the intention of seeing what they looked like before committing to powder coating them. The paint is 2010 Mercedes Mars Red, and the interior is original black cloth, with all original black interior pieces, except the dash pad, which has been painted. As you can tell , I have spent a lot of time and more money than I am willing to admit, to make this car a very nice grocery getter. People love it, wherever I go. It has an Eclipse AM/FM/CD player and two 6"x9" Eclipse speakers, which provide for a fair sound system. This car gets 25 MPG on the freeway, consistently. I have checked it several times to ensure it wasn't a fluke. It also gets 18 to 20 in the city, depending on how it is driven. The paint and interior are showing some signs of wear, but nothing serious. Mostly, the paint has chips, due to a lengthy freeway construction project that happened directly between my home and work. This is a perfect car for a just about any age driver, or for adding two more cylinders, for those who haven't yet worked that out of their system. There are very few issues, and all are minor in nature. I have too many cars and not enough time left to complete them, so this one goes first. It has never let me down. I would consider delivering this car depending on location and final sales price. This can be discussed on a case by case basis and does not apply just because it sells. Of course. this car does not come with a warranty or guarantee. However, I do believe it would drive to any location a normal car would go. I would not suggest it, because these cars were not built for lengthy drive comfort. It needs the speedometer repaired; probably a broken cable, and a straight pitman arm to correct the front suspension geometry. Neither of these would be difficult. If it meets the reserve price, which is lower than you might think, I will include front and rear N.O.S. bumpers, the 4.3 fuel injection with new updated injectors, flashed computer and wiring harness, and any other Vega parts in my inventory. Its just a great little car to drive. There are not many times that has been written about a Vega. Please ask any and all questions before committing to this purchase. You can count on my honesty in answering those questions.On Feb-25-12 at 11:08:25 PST, seller added the following information: I've had several people come and view the Vega in the last couple of days, and apparenly, the general consensis was that I was too picky with my description. Although the paint has a couple chips here and there, it looks very nice. The interior is complete and does not show much sign of wear. This is a great car, that can immediately be driven on a daily basis. It needs nothing to make it roadworthy. I have had several offers that are very near the reserve, but I will not sell it, if the reserve is not met. I'm considering making the car my next project, if it does not sell. There is no necessity for me to sell this car, and it is a GREAT deal as is, at the set reserve. Thank you all for your comments and compliments.On Feb-26-12 at 20:13:25 PST, seller added the following information: I have had many inquiries regarding this Vega and rust. When I purchased this car a few years ago, I crawled in, around and under it and could not find signs of rust in any of the places they are known for this problem. I pulled the fenders loose at the rear and discovered clean, factory metal on the back side of the fenders, as well as on the bottom of the A pillar/Door hinge pillars. I recently noticed a small pimple on the bottom rear of the driver's door and the body shop did address a small amount of rust in the windshield track. Othe rthan that, I know of no other "rot" on the car. I have replaced a bunch of parts on this car with new, including all three lock cylinders, windshield, outside mirrors, and other items I can't recall. Although this car is modified from original, it is not a hacked up, rattle trap. If the buyer is not satisfied with this car, upon inspection, there will be no necessity to complete the transaction. They can walk away without negative fedback or other negative results. If you are not happy, I will not be happy. The reserve is close to being met, so future bids will more than likely mean ownership. Please continue to ask questions and thanks for all the kind words and compliments.