73' Resto question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
73' Resto question
I found a 73 in a junkyard a few weeks ago.The car is pretty well shoy,will need a frame and birdcage work,and a motor too.So here's the question,I can get it for next to nothing,is it worth dragging it out and try to put it back together or should I leave it there to die in peace?
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 135
Likes: 39
From: Chardon Ohio
I'm interested to see what kind of answers you get. I own a '73 that needs a frame, needs some bird cage work, needs a buncha money thrown at the interior, etc., etc.
I'm on the fence about restoring it. If it were a convertible / big-block / 4-speed, or some combination of the above, I'd say I could build a damn nice car and not get upside-down on the money.
But since it's a base small-block automatic coupe, I'm sitting back and watching- hoping the right deal on a frame will come along, and I'm also watching sale prices. The price of these cars is all over the place.
I'm on the fence about restoring it. If it were a convertible / big-block / 4-speed, or some combination of the above, I'd say I could build a damn nice car and not get upside-down on the money.
But since it's a base small-block automatic coupe, I'm sitting back and watching- hoping the right deal on a frame will come along, and I'm also watching sale prices. The price of these cars is all over the place.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 758
Likes: 14
From: Ville de la Baie Quebec. A winner is just a loser who tried again.
I also have a 73 and got it for 5gs without a motor,, but it wasn't a basket case, and most of the work was cleaning and restoring, in other words mostly time was required. In my line of work I have access to welding, machining and painting facilities as much as I want so this helps a lot.
Its difficult to tell you what to do,, it all depends on what you are capable of accomplishing with the ressources at hand. Personally I would pick it up (if the price was right) and most likly part it out to make a down payment on a better one.. or even keep it as a donner for a better project
Its difficult to tell you what to do,, it all depends on what you are capable of accomplishing with the ressources at hand. Personally I would pick it up (if the price was right) and most likly part it out to make a down payment on a better one.. or even keep it as a donner for a better project
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville NC
To me, any Vette is worth having if you can get it for next to nothing. Even if I don't do much with it, I can say I have two Vettes. You say it's a '73. That's one chrome bumper. One more than I have now. I say get it!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 0
From: Philo Illinois
I say get it, these cars are not goint to get any easier to get no matter what year it is. Don't look at it as an investment, just do it because you want the car, if you are looking at it as a way to return your money it might not be a wise choice.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Michel B
I also have a 73 and got it for 5gs without a motor,, but it wasn't a basket case, and most of the work was cleaning and restoring, in other words mostly time was required. In my line of work I have access to welding, machining and painting facilities as much as I want so this helps a lot.
Its difficult to tell you what to do,, it all depends on what you are capable of accomplishing with the ressources at hand. Personally I would pick it up (if the price was right) and most likly part it out to make a down payment on a better one.. or even keep it as a donner for a better project
Its difficult to tell you what to do,, it all depends on what you are capable of accomplishing with the ressources at hand. Personally I would pick it up (if the price was right) and most likly part it out to make a down payment on a better one.. or even keep it as a donner for a better project
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,434
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St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by carl a
i have ''been there done that''--------------http://www.geocities.com/carlclub2/-------i got around 65,000 in it currently-----------------------------
65 grand
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,135
Likes: 1
i made up my mind when i bought my car that i was gonna keep it so what i dump into it is actually for my pleasure,, i know if its stolen i get 35,000 from haggerty and loose 30 g but thats what i decieded to do.. and as soon as i move and get that pole barn w/ a lift im starting on a tube frame 600 hp c2 and ill dump a ton in it also but im keeping them,,thats what floats my boat
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
If you can get a clear title it would probably be worth it, but a salvage title is going to ding the value of the car big time. Even at that, you could part it out and make a handsome piece of change.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Big Fish
If you can get a clear title it would probably be worth it, but a salvage title is going to ding the value of the car big time. Even at that, you could part it out and make a handsome piece of change.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Buy it for parts.
If it's that rusty it's not worth fixing. You'll spend years and ahelluvalotta loot on that car and it will never be right.
Rust is terminal.
I've worked on many rusty cars over the years and when I see one now I just say a prayer so it rests in peace and then I keep walking.
If it's that rusty it's not worth fixing. You'll spend years and ahelluvalotta loot on that car and it will never be right.
Rust is terminal.
I've worked on many rusty cars over the years and when I see one now I just say a prayer so it rests in peace and then I keep walking.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 458
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Originally Posted by Red73
If you can get it that cheap buy it. If you're not going to buy it let me know, I'm looking for another 73 project car. How far is Fairport, NY from Ausable Forks, NY?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,266
Likes: 156
From: Galloway Twp. NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
I paid $1500.00 for my '73 convertible.
#'s matching drivetrain, AC, optional hardtop, leather interior.
It is basically a "basket case" though, needs some birdcage work, and maybe a frame.
I will be doing most of the work myself.
#'s matching drivetrain, AC, optional hardtop, leather interior.
It is basically a "basket case" though, needs some birdcage work, and maybe a frame.
I will be doing most of the work myself.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by RPOZ4Z
I paid $1500.00 for my '73 convertible.
#'s matching drivetrain, AC, optional hardtop, leather interior.
It is basically a "basket case" though, needs some birdcage work, and maybe a frame.
I will be doing most of the work myself.
#'s matching drivetrain, AC, optional hardtop, leather interior.
It is basically a "basket case" though, needs some birdcage work, and maybe a frame.
I will be doing most of the work myself.