CodyPrince

Ok, I'm with the majority vote and wanting to keep it original. I have a few co workers, non vette owners, but gear heads, that keep talking "put this on it, do that". I like what I got and want to keep it original. Thanks guys.

Now, last question, but perfect noob question... I have to replace the starter. Do I go with a rebuilt starter from local auto parts store for $50, acdelco lifetime warranty local parts store $125, or something else. Does every part need to be original?

Thanks, cody

Easy Mike

Is your starter the original? Have you checked? In all likelihood, the original was replaced long ago, but stranger things have happened.

Revi

If the car has the original starter on it, you should either save it or have it rebuilt using the original parts/case. If original, do not trade it in as a core exchange. These items are date stamped, etc.. Once they are gone they are hard to find.

If it's not original to the car, use whatever starter you like.

CodyPrince

I have used this site to check the VIN and found that it did come with an L82.

I have used this site to check engine code and see that it is the L82

I have found other sites that told me it came with rochester carb, which i have, but just assume it is original. The more I read on this site, the more i wonder if its actually the original carb or just another rochester 4 barrel. i did see some where that there were two numbers of carbs for that year. i didn't save the link or check, but will need to.

How do I find out if my started is original? I do I find out if my radiator cap is original? Is the one big awesome site with all this info?

Thanks, Cody

Revi

Carb #'s are on the drivers side.
L82 Auto - 7043212 Fed. (7043512 CA.)
L82 Manual - 7043213 Fed. (7043513 CA.)




For the starter, you can lay on the ground on the passenger side and get a decent look at it. You should be able to see the part # (1108418) and date code. Take a picture if it's hard to read.

For the radiator cap, it should be a RC 15lb cap, but there are different variations. Post a picture.

Mike Ward

Most 'gear heads' have read too many speed shop catalogues and believed everything they're read in Hot Rod magazine. I bet at least one of them mentioned a Holley or Edelbrock carb, right?

CodyPrince

quote... "Holley all the way. Rip that quarda junk off".

CodyPrince

The starter I need now and was going to buy today locally, if you guys didn't talk me out of it. i wasn't to get this sucker driving, but with no regrets.

the radiator cap was just an example. I know and have found articles explaining date codes needing to be within the "pre 6 months and car build date, but how and where do i buy a new part? For example, do i search the web for a 41 year old, used radiator cap? how good is the cap going to be?

I need a starter to get back on the road. If I have original starter, do I find someone to rebuild it, or do I just go buy another starter, and keep the original one for when, and if i resell? i know the solenoid is bad and the plastic where the connections are made is cracked. Parts are going to need to be replaced.

Thanks, Cody

CodyPrince

Makes good sense.

Thanks

Mike Ward

Not surprised in the least. I enjoy jerking these boy racers around by asking what their real life experience is that lead them to that conclusion. Nine times out of ten there's none.

PRNDL

Is there any chance your radiator cap is original to the car? Does it say "STANT" on it in red? Just save the old one and get a new functional cap, which can be harder than it sounds. I bought a new AC Delco radiator cap made in India that leaked right out of the box. Personally I would never go down that dangerous expensive road of looking for old parts that were originally on similar cars so that if I buy it and put it on my car it will be just like original equipment except that it is not really the original part even tho I just paid a fortune for some old piece of junk!

Starter, as someone mentioned above, if there is any possibility your starter is original to your car just take it off and save it; do not trade it in for a new one.

If your carb or starter has the right part numbers - and especially the right dates - it is most likely original to your car.

Easy Mike

Does the VIN derivative stamp next to the engine stamp match your VIN?

Order a copy of The Corvette Black Book or The NCRS 1968-82 Corvette Specifications Guide. If you go the NCRS route, order the 1973 Technical Information and Judging Guide while you're there.

RMS73

I say original in appearance, not every part. To the extreme the oil and coolant water and windshield fluid won't be original. Tires and the air in the tires can't be original. The NCRS crowd drives me crazy. They what every nut and bolt to meet some requirement that they say is correct. I say the car should look original more or less and be driven, no trailer queens, but to each their own. I was lucky enough to get my last 73 "tuned by Lars". His professional tuning really made a difference in the car. Start with tuning first and then up the compression ratio, as I did in my 1st 73. It makes a difference, but for everyday driving the tuning was a bigger difference. Make the car yours and don't worry about others.