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RPO Codes for '73 model

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Old Nov 15, 2009 | 09:34 PM
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Default RPO Codes for '73 model

How does one determine what options and standard equipment a 36 year old car came with if there are no RPO Codes on the vehicle?

By the way, I'm new to the C3 forum. Thanks
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Old Nov 16, 2009 | 12:19 AM
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1) VIN to determine engine type
2) trim tag to determine exterior and interior colours
3) physical evidence for everything else.

No tank sticker?
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Old Nov 16, 2009 | 09:41 AM
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RPO Custom interior trim ($154)
RPO A31 Electric power windows ($83)
RPO A85 Custom shoulder belts ($41)
RPO C07 Auxiliary hardtop for convertible ($267)
RPO C08 Vinyl cover for auxiliary hardtop ($62)
RPO C50 Rear window defroster ($41)
RPO C60 Air conditioning ($452)
RPO G81 Positraction rear axle, all ratios ($12)
RPO J50 Power brakes ($46)
RPO L82 350-cid 250-hp V-8 ($299)
RPO LS4 454-cid 275-hp V-8 ($250)
RPO M21 Four-speed close-ratio manual transmission (n/c)
RPO M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission (n/c)
RPO N37 Tilt-telescopic steering wheel ($82)
RPO N40 Power steering ($113)
RPO P02 Custom Wheel covers ($62)
RPO QRM White stripe nylon steel-belted radial tires GR70 x 15 ($32)
RPO T60 Heavy-duty battery ($15)
RPO U58 AM-FM radio ($276)
RPO U69 AM-FM radio ($173)
RPO UF1 Map light ($5)
RPO YJ8 Cast aluminum wheels ($175)
RPO Z07 Off-road suspension and brake package ($369)

Hope this helps.....
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Old Nov 16, 2009 | 10:27 AM
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Try this website:

http://www.100megsfree4.com/corvette/1970/vet73.htm
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Old Nov 16, 2009 | 01:24 PM
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Original documentation with the vehicle.

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Old Nov 16, 2009 | 05:15 PM
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Hi Eddie, and the Cruisers too,
If there is no tank sheet on the tank or hidden behind the dash the last hope is clues from the body's fiberglass tub for a few options. Written on the tub in crayon in various places are notes like p/b (power brakes), a/c (that one is easy), p/w (power windows).
Nothing beats the window sticker and the tank sheet. Here's what you're looking/hoping to find.
Regards,
Alan

Here's a crayon number on the fiberglass tub... 437 indicates a coupe tub.


Here's a tank and tank sheet.


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Old Nov 16, 2009 | 11:13 PM
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OK, I can figure out the obvious options and I know its a coupe. I have the list of offered RPO options.
Now the gas tank sheet would be something that would tell me "As Built". The car has a 454 ci engine and is a 3 speed TH400. I would like to know what the differential ratio is and and is it a posi, things like that.

My '94 has a "As Built" RPO sheet glued to the underside of the console lid. I thought possibly the '73 would have one stuck somewhere to it.

Thanks guys!
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Old Nov 17, 2009 | 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Eddie & the Cruisers
OK, I can figure out the obvious options and I know its a coupe. I have the list of offered RPO options.
Now the gas tank sheet would be something that would tell me "As Built". The car has a 454 ci engine and is a 3 speed TH400. I would like to know what the differential ratio is and and is it a posi, things like that.

My '94 has a "As Built" RPO sheet glued to the underside of the console lid. I thought possibly the '73 would have one stuck somewhere to it.

Thanks guys!
Nothing like that on a '73. Just the build sheet glued to the top of the gas tank (if it's still there and if you can still read it).
I got lucky, mine was there. Shows options, key codes, dealer originally delivered to and a bunch of other stuff.
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Old Nov 17, 2009 | 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Eddie & the Cruisers
I would like to know what the differential ratio is and and is it a posi, things like that.
As I mentioned above, if there's no tank sticker, you have to go by physical evidence for info not on the trim tag or part of the VIN. All 73s came with posi, and the diff housing is stamped with a code that will tell you what the original ratio was.

Late(r) C3s didn't have much in the way of special or desirable performance options that would make them a rare collectible car, but it's nice to know from a general knowledge point of view.
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Old Nov 17, 2009 | 02:40 PM
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Rear is Posi; TH400 required Posi. Ratio is probably 3.08:1. There is a code stamped on the bottom of the differential for the original gear set but that does not guarantee the ratio has not been changed.

'73 and later build sheets are landscape format and larger than the previous 68-72 documents. Here's an example of what you're looking for:



Good luck with the hunt.


Last edited by Easy Mike; Nov 17, 2009 at 02:47 PM.
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Old Nov 17, 2009 | 08:01 PM
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OK, I found some helpful info on the Willcox website. They have some code stampings and charts that can help for some options that are obvious since they can only be for a certain size engine, transmission, differential combination, etc.
They have charts with stamped codes, casting marks for differentials, heads, blocks, intake, exhaust, starters, generators and alternators that were used in an original year car. Just click on 'Casting Numbers and Codes' in the menu on the left side of the page.

Thanks guys, I'm learning.

Last edited by Eddie & the Cruisers; Nov 17, 2009 at 08:07 PM.
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 12:08 PM
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Since this thread is regarding RPO codes for 73 my build sheet shows code VK3 which I think indicates a front license plate bracket, I can't find this code listed on any RPO list that I can find, anyone else have this code on their build sheet, I have the bracket on the car with no center grill behind it.
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 06:47 PM
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My BB 73 was built for sale in Canada, it has codes for mandatory canadian base equip modifications (Z49 ) also has front lic. plate bracket ( VK3 )
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 10:10 AM
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Originally Posted by oldsarge
...front lic. plate bracket ( VK3 )...
Technically, the VK3 was not an option in the sense you could order it. It was required equipment for any car being shipped to a location where front plates were required. If memory serves, the front license bracket was shipped in the car and was dealer installed as part of the required GM new vehicle preparation. The VK3 on the build sheet alerted the assembly line staff to ship the bracket with the car.

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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Technically, the VK3 was not an option in the sense you could order it. It was required equipment for any car being shipped to a location where front plates were required. If memory serves, the front license bracket was shipped in the car and was dealer installed as part of the required GM new vehicle preparation. The VK3 on the build sheet alerted the assembly line staff to ship the bracket with the car.

Although I always wondered what would appear on the tank sticker for single plate destinations instead of VK3. These car would get the centre grill instead of the ugly plate.
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 02:45 PM
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Iam running my 73 in Ontario Canada with the center grille instead of the lic. plate and it looks so much better. Haven't been stopped yet for no front lic. plate.call me living dangerous!!
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 03:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Technically, the VK3 was not an option in the sense you could order it. It was required equipment for any car being shipped to a location where front plates were required. If memory serves, the front license bracket was shipped in the car and was dealer installed as part of the required GM new vehicle preparation. The VK3 on the build sheet alerted the assembly line staff to ship the bracket with the car.

Thanks Mike for a simple common sense explanation.
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