That's a pretty rare car, more people decided to buy the Centurion convertible, also a B-body. The convertible was a LeSabre Custom model, there was no "regular" LeSabre ragtop. One of only 1,856 for model year 1971, against 2,161 Centurion convertibles
It came with the 350, so it has a Custom badge under the LeSabre script on the front fender (instead of the 455 badge) Here's a pic of the 1971 LS info: Good description of the car in the for sale ad (but for some reason the seller decided to use the old gross HP ratings, they do that a lot....) 1971 Buick LaSabre Custom Convertible This is a two owner car that has been in the same ownership since the late seventies/early 80's. The widow of the owner has decided, with her family, that it's time to move her on to a new family. She said she can't remember if they bought the car in 79 or 81... either way, they've had the car for at least 40 years. In that time they drove it to Montreal several times and up and down the east coast, amassing just about 78,000 miles. The owner was a car guy but not one who owned multiple classics, usually had just one or two and he kept them in immaculate shape. Always serviced when they were supposed to get it and always kept in great condition. This car is a prime example of his caring towards his automotive children. The interior, finished in Saddle, shows the level at which he kept the car and is in pristine condition. The exterior was painted roughly 15 years ago in it's original Verdemist Green metallic, but despite the age, it still shines deeply and has only a couple of very small scratches or chips. The car has always been garage kept. This car is well optioned and is reportedly one of less than 1000 produced with the optional 350 4 barrel carb engine, which produced 285 HP, through a single exhaust. (Only 1800+/- LaSabre convertibles were produced that year) The standard engine was a 250 HP 2 BBL version. A TH350 3 speed AT puts the torque to the rear GM corporate 10 bolt rear axle. The tires are 90's era white walls in beautiful condition, Value Mark Steel Belted Radials in 215/75/R15s, no dry rot or odd wear, however, if regular highway driving is expected, wouldn't be a bad idea to invest in new tires. This car came from the factory with AC (the R12 needs a recharge), power steering, power brakes (discs in front and drums in the rear), power seat, power windows, power locks and power top, all of which work as they should. All the lights work and even the safety speed sensor works as heard in the video as I had it set too low..lol. The only non operational item is the 8 track tape player. The radio works but the tape player doesn't .. it's a shame as the owner has a box of some great 70's era classic 8 track tapes. The white top is in great shape, the undercarriage is also in spectacular condition with only some surface rust hear and there. Recent work done to the car was an oil and filter change and a rear oil seal on the pan, done just several weeks ago as the widow prepped the car for sale. The car drives like a dream, stops on a dime. A great big boat of a cruiser, ready for some summer fun.
Yep, that's my car now. Interior is like no one ever sat in it. I'm getting new wheels and tires soon, a Retro Radio just arrived in the mail yesterday. New headlights are already installed, new 140A alternator is in the mail as is a new wooden three spoke steering wheel. Anybody know how to replace the dash speakers???
Very nice, welcome to the big boat club! To replace the dash speakers, you have to remove the dash. Not super hard but after 45+ years the dash has become brittle so you have to be extremely careful to not crack it while you take it off an put it back on. I'm assuming you have two speakers in the front on each side of the dash. The next difficulty you will find is the original dash speakers were very small and compact. I'm not aware of new speakers that are that small but you can find something close. Passenger side it will fit no problem. Driver's side will be a problem. You will have to move/adjust things that are underneath where the speaker goes. Your replacement speaker will be 'taller' so it won't go down all they way when you go to re-install the dash (speakers are mounted to the dash and then the dash is put in).
If you have to ask that (and add three (3!) question marks): buy a 1971 Buick Chassis Service Manual Here's how to remove the dashpad: Group 129, page 10
Awesome, thanks Nailhead! I'm actually ordering the service manual from Rockauto, and I'm on the hunt for a .pdf I can put on my tablet too.
