I'm looking for a C3 (1971-1977).

newbie to C3 world I need your expertise ...

What about the price ($20000 = market price ?), rust, .... (all comments are welcome)

Good deal or not ?

thank you all for your advice.


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Original, numbers matching, investment quality, 1973 Chevrolet Corvette T-top coupe. This is an original California Corvette in excellent condition with original issue California plates, factory AM/FM radio, PS, PB, & new suspension. 47,000+ on Odometer.

1973 is the 3rd generation/20th anniversary edition Corvette, with a total of 25,521 coupes made. One of the last desirable classic years produced.

Vehicle Specifications: J code Production, correct 922 medium blue exterior, original 400/V black interior, original factory L48 350 engine / M21 four speed, J50 power brakes, N40 power steering, U69 factory AM/FM radio and optional custom interior trim package.

This is a nice example of a well cared for, well maintained, garage-kept, 35 year old investment quality Corvette. $19,900 firm.

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pictures :

 

This should get you started
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buying.html

but do a search on this forum for buying guides.
(You're not the first one to come here asking for what to look for in a Corvette.)

These cars are fiberglass (which you already know) so there is no body rust or dents. Check the frame carefully especially in front of the rear wheels where it kicks up. Also check the windshield frame and the birdcage. If you can, contact someone in your area who knows these cars and bring him along to check it out for you.

 

The first thing I would do is ditch that fuel filter before that car burns up. Nice spary can detail job, note where the brake line stopped the black paint and you can see surface rust on the frame. Someone did not take their time with that job.

I would definately look close at the numbers and vin on the block.

Non stock intake, valve covers, headers, aircleaner, plug wires routed incorrectly. Fiberglass rear leaf and aftermarket strut rods. Now not all of this is bad, but it kind of negates the statement "investment quality" but it is a very nice looking driver by the photos.

Where in CA is this car?

 

In my opinion, that car looks pretty nice. Like others have said, it's not exactly perfectly stock, but it's only got a few different parts. If you are looking to restore it to perfectly stock, it wouldn't take too much. I also think the price is very fair.

Despite being sprayed in a few areas with black paint, the frame looks pretty good. If it were me, I would get someone who knows Corvettes well to visit it and look at it in person. Sometimes it's hard to see everything from photos. Perhaps someone here who lives in CA can look at it for you. (I'm guessing you're still in Brussels). They would also need to examine the engine numbers and VIN numbers, etc.

Good luck!

 

Hi Scott,

I'm not lookking for a 100% stock car. I just want to buy a 'in good condition/reliable' car (not a daily drive, will be too expensive here in Belgium). I don't want to start a restoration process (would be nice but time is missing). I've always wanted a vette, now it's time to look for one.

Car is located in San Francisco region.

Thank you for your comments

jean-luc

 

Hi Z-man

Thanks for your comments.

Yes I'm still in Brussels and won't be able to check the car by myself .... and will then need some local help.
But before asking for help, I wish this car been checked by experts (this community) to know if it's good deal (don't waste someone's time for a too expensive car or .... )

Jean-Luc

 

jld,
The car in the photos looks very nice, but you can't always tell a lot from pictures. The car is called "Investment Quality", I always think a car needs to be VERY stock to be a good investment. A non stock car is a TOY, probably more FUN, but not as good an investment.
Have you made a conscious decision about a chrome bumper car as opposed to a 73 and newer? Many people have strong feelings about the difference.
Regards,
Alan

PS: Do you know about the NCRS chapter in the Netherlands? Perhaps they can offer you some advice.

 

have it independently appraised or professionally inspected before commiting, if you're not in a position to do-so yourself.
I see as much "attention to detail" missing, as I see "well cared-for, well maintained" showing,, just judging from the pics posted.
I don't want to pick your potential~buy apart, but I've spotted enough questionable issues to make me feel leary about the car's "truth".

 

Paint is fresh too. A lot of blue overspray on the suspension and frame. Makes you wonder why it was repainted and what may be covered up? Definately have it professionaly inspected. Looks like a very nice toy, but not sure I consider it collectible or an investment. Price seems a bit high for a recent refreshed car.

 

One thing that stands out is the master cylinder. You would think with all the cleaning and detial done to the engine compartment the owner would have cleaned that up. It sticks out like a sore thumb.

 

Lots of little things like the Hankook tires (cheap) mounted inside out bug me - especially for a car that's "investment quality". I'd also like to see some paperwork included for that price range.

But for a car to drive occasionally this one will work nicely IF there are aren't ant issues like rust or a rebuild. You're already at the top end, and if you have to start fixing high dollar things you'll be upside down real quick.

 

I have to agree completely with everything in Scott's post.

 

No question, befor you put your hard earned money down, pull the kicks, just one screw in back, up near the firwe wall, and the sill covers, first 3 screws ought to do it, and check the lower cage to body mount, second there are little covers in the front rear wheel wells, 6 1/4in bolts, pull theses and check the rear cage mounts, the other two, called #1 and #4 you can see from underneath the car, there open to the air. Don't let a little surface rust scare you off on htese, the main thing is that thier not pitted or seriously rusted, no holes! I've included pics off mine,, these are "ok", but no worse would be acceptble. If that checks out, and you like the car and price, It Needs to go on a lift to check the frame for ters and/or rust, same thing applies, a little surface is ok , but no pitting, pay attention to around the front suspension areas and to the take off areas for the rear kick-ups, the front for ters and the rear for rust. the windshield surround can be fixed for about $2k, so it's not that bad if it's rusty, but the cage is a death knel for everything but a high value (+35k) Vette, loking upwards of $10k for that, and I do mean upwards. put a camera in the front kick panel holes and take a picture up into the cage rails, you can see the condition rails. cage and a frame inspection is a must for any C3 buy, and if he won't let you do it, I'd walk away from it.

Front:



Up into the front rails:




Rear:



Good luck!

 

Excellent Answer!!!

 

I think its a little pricey for an L48. No ac,pw or locks. The more options the better. I'd keep looking.

Jim

 

Jean Luc,
PM sent. The bay area NCRS guys suggested having this, or any other Bay Area car checked out by Pat Hendrix at Precision Motive in Hayward, CA. Supposedly a top notch Corvette and GM guy.

Good Luck,
Scott

 

It's a very nice looking 'Vette, and i don't think 20k would be out of line for it, if the birdcage and frame check out. It should, as it looks like an original Cali car, but don't take anything for granted. Incedently, I don't think J codes (L48 base motor) came with the close ratio M21. beleive they came with a M20 wide ratio, like my J-code 4sp 350. CHRCK THE BIRDCAGE LOWERS! MOUNTS #2 & #3, BOTH SIDES, AND THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD SUROUND (you can see it through the top of the windshield)! that will tell you allot right there. If those are good, That 'Vette would be a winner, in my book. C.

 

You indicate that you want something that is a "reliable daily driver". Everything I've seen in the write up indicates that the body/interior/cosmetic portions of the car are in good shape. However, it's the mechanicals that dictate how reliable the car will be. If the engine is original and has never been overhauled and if same for the transmission/clutch, you really can't expect dependability.
My opinion [which is what you have asked of us] is that the car is very "pretty"...nice appearance and cleaned-up/painted to look good; but it really is overpriced (at least for the U.S. market). It really can't be marketed as totally original with the many aftermarket/non-GM components that have been used for replacements. I personally think that you would be better served to look for a similar car in just as good condition that has a recently rebuilt engine/transmission...even if it isn't original to the car. That should be easily achievable for the $20K that you are willing to pay for a '73 coupe. Good luck in your search.

 

There are a few good looking cars in the for sale section.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1927002

 

Hi all,

I want to thank you all for your input.

I will try to compile all your comments.

Am i right if I say :

- Price : upper limit
- car looks nice (interior/exterior)
- this car is a toy and not an investment / collectible (too many non stock pieces)
- has to be inspected locally
- Ask for paperwork, car history
- pay attention to frame / birdcage / windshield
- pay attention to mechanical status
- some details have to be checked : fresh paint, brakes

I will send additional questions to seller in order to check points here above.

Jean-luc