LS5 Survivor in Arizona

**John C.** · May 30, 2009, 05:21 PM

Re: LS5 Survivor in Arizona

Robert

I live in Scottsdale and would be happy to look at the car for you. If you need me just send me a private message and we can work out the details.

John

**Pete B.** · May 30, 2009, 08:06 PM

Re: LS5 Survivor in Arizona

Robert, I'm in Chandler...south of Scottsdale...I am right in the middle of a body off on my 71 coupe..... and i would love to help John if he wants.
I will pm you also

**Jay G.** · May 31, 2009, 02:44 AM

Re: LS5 Survivor in Arizona

Robert,

One of the first things I noticed in the picture is that the A/C hose that is connected to the rear of the A/C compressor is not original. This isn't really a problem EXCEPT that the car is advertised as a Survivor and make me wonder what other parts may have been replaced.

If you aren't looking for a true survivor then you may not care if all of the original parts are there or not.

Regards,

Jay

P.S. In looking at the pictures again, I would have to say that the fuel filter and A/C expansion valve are also not original so you should definitely have someone who is knowledgeable with '71's take a closer look for you.

**Robert D.** · May 31, 2009, 04:31 AM

Re: LS5 Survivor in Arizona

Thanks for offering help!

But first: this looks tot be some sort of a 'fixed' survivor. The history of the LS5 Ralph Anderson gave me is:
I purchased the car last July from a man in Texas. This man did not title the car in his name. He claims to have only put a few hundred miles on the car, replaced the battery and fixed the fiber optics lighting. Per statements by previous owners: no wrecks, no body work, no repaints, all matching numbers, factory a/c, no problems in last 20 years.

I believe that I am 4th titled owner. Car was sold 20 years ago with 13000 miles. Sold again ten years ago with 15000 miles. Sold a few years later with 15000 miles....this is where the mileage is a little questionable.....I believe odometer to have been disconnected for a short period of time. I bought the car with 15026 miles. I have heard that the car spent time in Missouri, Alabama and Texas...now in Arizona. The following are things that I had done to the car after my purchase:
8 cylinder engine tune-up, replace old spark plugs with A/C Delco Patinum Tip Plugs.
Perform Oil Change.
Replace Air Filter
Brake System Flush
Power Steering System Flush
Flush and refill cooling system
Drain and refill Differential system
Flush Clutch system and confirm normal operation

I have no photos of "NUMBERS" on the car. I have had engine looked at and it has been determined that it has not been opened. The car is in excellent mechanical condition...there are no leaks.

So, a closer look seems necessary.
I wonder, what are my chances of finding a 'real' survivor? This one does not cost too much but that was not the reason for being interested. I simply want a car like this and preferably 'untouched'. If my chances are less than zero, I'll go for this one and I will be happy to use your knowledge.

**Patrick H.** · May 31, 2009, 08:18 AM

Re: LS5 Survivor in Arizona

Seat covers sure look good, even for 15000 miles.
Replaced...?

The bit of engine paint I see sure looks good for 35 years old.
Repainted...?

**Robert D.** · May 31, 2009, 10:58 AM

Re: LS5 Survivor in Arizona

Well, I asked the things mentioned and the reply was: 'Yes, I advertised car as a survivor because more than 95% of car is original. I know that the fuel filter is not original and I seriously doubt all hoses and belts to be original, after all, the car is 38 years old. There has been NO repaint of the car or engine to my knowledge. I also think the exhaust system to be original. Seats and interior are all original...the worst wear is the driver's side carpet. Tires of course, are not original. All non - original parts were replaced prior to my purchase. Door and window seals should be replaced in time as they seem to be original.'
So, I think taking a look is worth the trouble. I'l send John Carlson (43123) a private message to work things out.

**Loren L.** · May 31, 2009, 12:19 PM

Re: Cold Gatorade Wash

I hate to be the bearer of real news, but because the car bears an Arizona license plate does NOT make it an "Arizona car", ie, you go under the car, squirt the 45 year-old bolt to be removed one time with penetrating oil, use the wrench to turn it one-half turn and finish removal with your fingers.
Two years ago, I was aware of an Arizona dealer that bought 12 cars at Bloomington and 15 cars at Carlisle.............

**Patrick H.** · May 31, 2009, 12:50 PM

Re: LS5 Survivor in Arizona

Originally posted by Robert Didier (50217)

Well, I asked the things mentioned and the reply was: 'Yes, I advertised car as a survivor because more than 95% of car is original. I know that the fuel filter is not original and I seriously doubt all hoses and belts to be original, after all, the car is 38 years old. There has been NO repaint of the car or engine to my knowledge. I also think the exhaust system to be original. Seats and interior are all original...the worst wear is the driver's side carpet. Tires of course, are not original. All non - original parts were replaced prior to my purchase. Door and window seals should be replaced in time as they seem to be original.'
So, I think taking a look is worth the trouble. I'l send John Carlson (43123) a private message to work things out.

I would suspect that the paint is at least lacquer and it may very well be original.

There are 37 year old cars with original hoses still on them. Two of them are in my garage, so it's not impossible. However, they are often replaced so that's not an uncommon thing.

Power brake booster should be gloss black and now it appears to be a dull dark gray.

Alternator has been replaced (see white sticker on it.)

Fuel line has a crappy aftermarket filter inserted into it. Whatever you do, buy a new all-steel fuel line and put it on the car. Throw the one away that is currently on there.

Incorrect oil filler plug.

My opinion is that the AC hose has been repaired, as the "square block" style where it mounts to the compressor has never been available in the aftermarket so it can only be GM original, but the actual hoses (at least one) have been replaced. In addition, the system has had work as the black sticky goop has been replaced.

The engine stamp pad has been painted, so we now know that the engine color has been touched up.

Don't get me wrong - there are a lot of original elements and pieces on the car. And, it's a nice car. But, I would not use "95%" to describe it.

I wish there were more frame and chassis pictures as well.

Patrick

**Patrick H.** · May 31, 2009, 12:50 PM

Re: Cold Gatorade Wash

Originally posted by Loren Lundberg (912)

I hate to be the bearer of real news, but because the car bears an Arizona license plate does NOT make it an "Arizona car", ie, you go under the car, squirt the 45 year-old bolt to be removed one time with penetrating oil, use the wrench to turn it one-half turn and finish removal with your fingers.
Two years ago, I was aware of an Arizona dealer that bought 12 cars at Bloomington and 15 cars at Carlisle.............

Yes.
One of them came from IL to MI (where I worked on it) and then to an AZ dealer.

Patrick

**Reba W.** · May 31, 2009, 08:24 PM

Re: LS5 Survivor in Arizona

I agree with Patrick; the seats look AWFULLY good. Although it is hard to see with the lighting in the photos, two of the guages appear to have white numerals, which were used from 1972-76.

**Patrick H.** · May 31, 2009, 09:42 PM

Re: LS5 Survivor in Arizona

Originally posted by Reba Whittington (8804)

I agree with Patrick; the seats look AWFULLY good. Although it is hard to see with the lighting in the photos, two of the gauges appear to have white numerals, which were used from 1972-76.

Now you made me look again.

The upper right and lower right gauges "may" be white, which are 72-74(?). I know they changed font in the mid 70s as well but at least the font appears correct.

Windshield wiper door vacuum can - I think it's also been painted black.

Patrick

**Robert D.** · June 1, 2009, 06:30 AM

Re: LS5 Survivor in Arizona

Well, how about that. First of all: I'm well aware of the fact that this LS5 is no 'Arizona car' and That is what the owner mentioned in : 'I have heard that the car spent time in Missouri, Alabama and Texas...now in Arizona.'
Then, as far as I can conclude: 95% survivor is slightly exaggerated

but many things can be replaced by the better things, like the all-steel fuel line and the oil filter plug. All in all, there are many 'may be's' and it might be worth the trouble to take a closer look. John Carlson and Pete Bergmann offered to do this for me and I'll let you know.

**Robert D.** · June 6, 2009, 04:17 AM

Re: LS5 Survivor in Arizona

And as expected: '95% survivor' was not really near the truth. John Carlson (43123) and Pete Bergmann (47041) took a closer look and: 'Sorry for the bad news but I think you should keep looking. Pete and I spent and hour looking at the car, but could tell in 5 minutes you don't want it.'
Now I also sent a message to the owner to wish him good luck with selling it and his reply was 'Thank you, Robert.....I just sold car last night....$29,500.00....Ralph.' How lucky I am to be a NCRS member! Thank you all for the comments.

**Harmon C.** · June 6, 2009, 07:00 AM

Re: LS5 Survivor in Arizona

By putting the word out here about the car if it is real and a great price it will be sold by now. The longer the word is out and it don't sell the more problems it has. I would only tell about a car I know about on this site after I decided not to buy it.

LS5 Survivor in Arizona

LS5 Survivor in Arizona

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