New '73 vette Owner..In need of help.
01-31-2010, 11:27 PM
#2
Safety Car
As far as I can remember, I've been a Mustang guy. My dad has owned well over 20 since I can remember.
I told myself after I turned 21, which I recently did, I would attend Mecum's auto auction in Kissimmee, FL and find a nice car to restore; figuring it would be a Mustang. Well...In all the excitement, I raised my hand for a '73 Stingray, at first I was a little hesitant because It's a Corvette, than I realized It doesn't matter, it's a beautiful car.
This is it shortly after I brought it home..
Now to my questions...mind you, I know absolutely nothing about Corvettes, so I'm a bit out of place and slightly lost.
Where should I begin a restore? The interior is in great condition, but a few things (seat belts, steering wheel, etc) need to be changed out, but I'm not even sure where to begin. Americanmuscle.com is where most of my mustang parts come from, but I've had no luck in finding a friendly Corvette website.
It just had a new 454 put into it, so the only thing I wish to focus upon at the moment is the interior. Any tips, hints, suggestions would be of big appreciation.
A new steering wheel would be great though, the stock one feels a bit "loose"
I told myself after I turned 21, which I recently did, I would attend Mecum's auto auction in Kissimmee, FL and find a nice car to restore; figuring it would be a Mustang. Well...In all the excitement, I raised my hand for a '73 Stingray, at first I was a little hesitant because It's a Corvette, than I realized It doesn't matter, it's a beautiful car.
This is it shortly after I brought it home..
Now to my questions...mind you, I know absolutely nothing about Corvettes, so I'm a bit out of place and slightly lost.
Where should I begin a restore? The interior is in great condition, but a few things (seat belts, steering wheel, etc) need to be changed out, but I'm not even sure where to begin. Americanmuscle.com is where most of my mustang parts come from, but I've had no luck in finding a friendly Corvette website.
It just had a new 454 put into it, so the only thing I wish to focus upon at the moment is the interior. Any tips, hints, suggestions would be of big appreciation.
A new steering wheel would be great though, the stock one feels a bit "loose"
02-01-2010, 05:24 AM
#3
Melting Slicks
Without additional photo's it would be very hard to say which way to go. Based on the one photo provided...it appears this car has had some type of restoration effort applied, or at least....has been repainted. So I would leave it be and just fiddle with the little items you mentioned.
There is a vendor on this site for just about anything you need,.... can think of .....and or dream up.
Become familiar with the site, fill out your profile form, do some searching, and ask as many questions as you like. You will always get a reply...maybe not the right one, or the one you were looking for ...but a reply just the same. There is a lot of 73 owners in here with a wealth of information and its all only a few keystrokes away....
Car looks great...its a NOM BB (as stated) so whats not to like....If it were mine, I would lose the rally's and slap on a set of YJ-8's. But thats me, a lot of guy's & gal's on here prefer the rally look. Suggest you look at my profile....
You done good kid..... and you came to the right place...Welcome aboard.
Stay in tune...
There is a vendor on this site for just about anything you need,.... can think of .....and or dream up.
Become familiar with the site, fill out your profile form, do some searching, and ask as many questions as you like. You will always get a reply...maybe not the right one, or the one you were looking for ...but a reply just the same. There is a lot of 73 owners in here with a wealth of information and its all only a few keystrokes away....
Car looks great...its a NOM BB (as stated) so whats not to like....If it were mine, I would lose the rally's and slap on a set of YJ-8's. But thats me, a lot of guy's & gal's on here prefer the rally look. Suggest you look at my profile....
You done good kid..... and you came to the right place...Welcome aboard.
Stay in tune...
Last edited by GREGG-73; 02-01-2010 at 05:55 AM.
02-01-2010, 07:42 AM
#4
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Aug 2005
Location: Europe, France
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Always nice to meet a new '73 owner ! 
You can see pictures of my interior and smaller steering wheel by clicking on my avatar picture,
then by clicking on "My Album" on the right.
Welcome to the forum !
It would be great if you could post some pictures of your interior, too...
And tell us if you want to keep a stock look, or do something that will make your Corvette unique...
You can see pictures of my interior and smaller steering wheel by clicking on my avatar picture,
then by clicking on "My Album" on the right.
Welcome to the forum !
It would be great if you could post some pictures of your interior, too...
And tell us if you want to keep a stock look, or do something that will make your Corvette unique...
Last edited by 73StreetRace; 02-01-2010 at 07:49 AM.
02-01-2010, 07:54 AM
#5
Burning Brakes
Whoa! Great 1st Vette! Congrats.
You know, "every Mustang wants to grow up to be a Corvette"!
Willcox has already been mentioned. Great source for advice and products. Loose steering in a C3 may mean a worn rag joint. I would make a check of the steering and steering column your first priority.
Rickman
You know, "every Mustang wants to grow up to be a Corvette"!
Willcox has already been mentioned. Great source for advice and products. Loose steering in a C3 may mean a worn rag joint. I would make a check of the steering and steering column your first priority.
Rickman
02-01-2010, 08:04 AM
#6
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Mar 2006
Location: Piedmont Va
Posts: 3,456
Received 100 Likes
on
85 Posts
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
Beautiful looking car from that pic! Looks from here to be original dark blue 927 code? One year color on a one year body style! Very Nice....and is that a 454 badge on the cowl?........please show us more!....and welcome...you'll forget all about those fords....quickly!
02-01-2010, 09:42 AM
#7
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Aug 2005
Location: Europe, France
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-opinions.html
02-01-2010, 10:39 AM
#8
Burning Brakes
I have a '73 as well. I would start by making sure it is safe. Check out all the brake components, fuel lines and connections, carb, steering and suspension components, and a visual of the wiring. There is a lot of "bubba" work out there you may need to correct.
As others have said, all the vendors you need for parts and knowledge are right here on the forum.
You should also get the service and overhaul manual as well as the AIM (assembly instruction manual with illustrations). This is a must. As long as you own an old car like this there will always be things to fix and upgrade so you need to learn to do things yourself unless you have a truckload of money.
As others have said, all the vendors you need for parts and knowledge are right here on the forum.
You should also get the service and overhaul manual as well as the AIM (assembly instruction manual with illustrations). This is a must. As long as you own an old car like this there will always be things to fix and upgrade so you need to learn to do things yourself unless you have a truckload of money.
02-01-2010, 11:24 AM
#9
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2000
Location: Southbound
Posts: 38,928
Likes: 0
Received 1,470 Likes
on
1,249 Posts
Cruise-In II Veteran
Do not do anything to the car this early on. Drive her through the summer and make a list of things she is going to need.
Welcome to the Forum.
Last edited by Easy Mike; 02-01-2010 at 11:49 AM.
02-01-2010, 12:26 PM
#10
Advanced
Member Since: Jul 2009
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Buy or request all the catalogs for Vettes you can get your hands on. It gives you an idea what's available, what's correct for your 73, and the price differences from the vendors. Then keep your eye in ebay, craigslist and other used parts sources. Remember, used is used, but reproduction doesn't necessarily mean they're reproduced well!
The NCRS has guides to bring it to originality, and it is helpful, but you have to be a perfectionist with some of that stuff. They are a great organization for Corvette owners.
I'd take it to local Vette only car shows, too. You'd be surprised at how many knowledgable guys who own these are willing to help you. You probably have some kind of local show finder magazine where you live to see what events are out there. Even all inclusive car events have that niche of Vette owners that come out that'll help you. You'll get a lot of "keep it original" guys as well as modifiers trying to convince you to do one or the other, but the beauty of it is- you make the calls!
The NCRS has guides to bring it to originality, and it is helpful, but you have to be a perfectionist with some of that stuff. They are a great organization for Corvette owners.
I'd take it to local Vette only car shows, too. You'd be surprised at how many knowledgable guys who own these are willing to help you. You probably have some kind of local show finder magazine where you live to see what events are out there. Even all inclusive car events have that niche of Vette owners that come out that'll help you. You'll get a lot of "keep it original" guys as well as modifiers trying to convince you to do one or the other, but the beauty of it is- you make the calls!
02-01-2010, 01:23 PM
#11
Le Mans Master
CONGRATULATIONS! My 2nd favorite year after 70. Nice looking Vette.
I have some questions:
-Did it come with any original documentation, owner history, service reciepts etc... This will help knowing the history of the car.
- How many miles on it?
- 4-speed or auto?
- What options does it have?
Why do you feel it needs to be restored? That's a broad area to cover. From the pic, it looks very good.
If the car is mostly original except the engine, I would try to keep it as original as possible. Most buyers don't like modified vette's if you decide to sell it some day.
When you say loose steering wheel, do you mean it's loose at the steering column, or it feels sloppy when you drive it. Could mean the steering box needs a rebuild, front suspension needs rebuilding or as stated, the rag joint is worn.
If it has the original seat belts, KEEP THEM! Correct replacements are expensive.
-How's the frame & bird cage re; rust?
Many vendors are listed in the panel to the left on your screen.
Paragon is another good vendor. They make a lot of the parts they sell and have a large vintage used parts department.
Doc Rebuild has great parts they also make. Especially rubber vacuum systems.
Now, we need MANY MORE DETAIL PICS so we can drool a bit more.
Good luck with it and welcome to the forum.
Glenn
I have some questions:
-Did it come with any original documentation, owner history, service reciepts etc... This will help knowing the history of the car.
- How many miles on it?
- 4-speed or auto?
- What options does it have?
Why do you feel it needs to be restored? That's a broad area to cover. From the pic, it looks very good.
If the car is mostly original except the engine, I would try to keep it as original as possible. Most buyers don't like modified vette's if you decide to sell it some day.
When you say loose steering wheel, do you mean it's loose at the steering column, or it feels sloppy when you drive it. Could mean the steering box needs a rebuild, front suspension needs rebuilding or as stated, the rag joint is worn.
If it has the original seat belts, KEEP THEM! Correct replacements are expensive.
-How's the frame & bird cage re; rust?
Many vendors are listed in the panel to the left on your screen.
Paragon is another good vendor. They make a lot of the parts they sell and have a large vintage used parts department.
Doc Rebuild has great parts they also make. Especially rubber vacuum systems.
Now, we need MANY MORE DETAIL PICS so we can drool a bit more.
Good luck with it and welcome to the forum.
Glenn
02-01-2010, 02:25 PM
#12
Platinum Supporting Dealership
Post a couple shots of the interior and the components you want to replace. If they are original, you might want to leave them alone !!
By the way........... welcome to the 73 society ! I am a member also !
By the way........... welcome to the 73 society ! I am a member also !
__________________
Tom Hendricks tom@budschevy.com
Corvette Specialist Since 1993
BUDS CHEVROLET
St. Marys, Ohio
800-688-2837
WEBSITE WWW.BUDSCHEVY.COM
HOURS MON-WED 7:00AM - 5:00PM
FFRIDAY AND SATURDAY BY APPT.
OFF THURSDAYS
NCRS # 23758 Miami Valley Chapter ( Ohio )
NCM Founding Member #1143
NADA Classic Car Guide Advisiory Board Member
C5/C6 Registry Corporate Member # 5
My Corvettes. 63, 71, 73, 78.
Tom Hendricks tom@budschevy.com
Facebook Post
Corvette Specialist Since 1993
BUDS CHEVROLET
St. Marys, Ohio
800-688-2837
WEBSITE WWW.BUDSCHEVY.COM
HOURS MON-WED 7:00AM - 5:00PM
FFRIDAY AND SATURDAY BY APPT.
OFF THURSDAYS
NCRS # 23758 Miami Valley Chapter ( Ohio )
NCM Founding Member #1143
NADA Classic Car Guide Advisiory Board Member
C5/C6 Registry Corporate Member # 5
My Corvettes. 63, 71, 73, 78.
02-01-2010, 03:04 PM
#13
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2006
Location: Westminster Maryland
Posts: 30,173
Likes: 0
Received 2,878 Likes
on
2,515 Posts
Hi T,
Very nice looking 73. The 73 is a lot of people's favorite because of the combination of rubber front and chrome rear bumpers.
I, too, suggest you drive it for a while, make a list of things that need attention, buy the GM CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL, and factory AIM, and then start your projects!
Good Luck with your first Corvette!
Regards,
Alan
Very nice looking 73. The 73 is a lot of people's favorite because of the combination of rubber front and chrome rear bumpers.
I, too, suggest you drive it for a while, make a list of things that need attention, buy the GM CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL, and factory AIM, and then start your projects!
Good Luck with your first Corvette!
Regards,
Alan
02-01-2010, 03:08 PM
#14
Race Director
I have a '73 as well. I would start by making sure it is safe. Check out all the brake components, fuel lines and connections, carb, steering and suspension components, and a visual of the wiring. There is a lot of "bubba" work out there you may need to correct.
As others have said, all the vendors you need for parts and knowledge are right here on the forum.
You should also get the service and overhaul manual as well as the AIM (assembly instruction manual with illustrations). This is a must. As long as you own an old car like this there will always be things to fix and upgrade so you need to learn to do things yourself unless you have a truckload of money.
As others have said, all the vendors you need for parts and knowledge are right here on the forum.
You should also get the service and overhaul manual as well as the AIM (assembly instruction manual with illustrations). This is a must. As long as you own an old car like this there will always be things to fix and upgrade so you need to learn to do things yourself unless you have a truckload of money.
73 owner as well, luv it 454 orig.
02-01-2010, 09:23 PM
#17
Racer
Very nice. Congratulations. A big block Oooo so very cool. I really like the unique style of a 73'. I also have had my 73 since I was 21. I just turned 44 on Saturday.
02-03-2010, 08:38 AM
#18
Melting Slicks
Without additional photo's it would be very hard to say which way to go. Based on the one photo provided...it appears this car has had some type of restoration effort applied, or at least....has been repainted. So I would leave it be and just fiddle with the little items you mentioned.
There is a vendor on this site for just about anything you need,.... can think of .....and or dream up.
Become familiar with the site, fill out your profile form, do some searching, and ask as many questions as you like. You will always get a reply...maybe not the right one, or the one you were looking for ...but a reply just the same. There is a lot of 73 owners in here with a wealth of information and its all only a few keystrokes away....
Car looks great...its a NOM BB (as stated) so whats not to like....If it were mine, I would lose the rally's and slap on a set of YJ-8's. But thats me, a lot of guy's & gal's on here prefer the rally look. Suggest you look at my profile....
You done good kid..... and you came to the right place...Welcome aboard.
Stay in tune...
There is a vendor on this site for just about anything you need,.... can think of .....and or dream up.
Become familiar with the site, fill out your profile form, do some searching, and ask as many questions as you like. You will always get a reply...maybe not the right one, or the one you were looking for ...but a reply just the same. There is a lot of 73 owners in here with a wealth of information and its all only a few keystrokes away....
Car looks great...its a NOM BB (as stated) so whats not to like....If it were mine, I would lose the rally's and slap on a set of YJ-8's. But thats me, a lot of guy's & gal's on here prefer the rally look. Suggest you look at my profile....
You done good kid..... and you came to the right place...Welcome aboard.
Stay in tune...
Well I guess I along with others here.... can delete their posts....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1973-...item27af136025
02-03-2010, 12:11 PM
#20
Congratulations on a VERY VERY nice looking ride......"SWEET" ....
Corvette hobby can be addictive .
Love the 73's ........especially the 454 model.
I think you chose well" young skywalker"
Welcome back form the DARKSIDE.
Freddie your friendly LS4 PILOT
PS ...... a GM CORVETTE 73 ASSEMBLY manuel is a good item to have .....about $20.00 or so from ebay .....then you can see what you go or what you want or need.
Corvette hobby can be addictive .
Love the 73's ........especially the 454 model.
I think you chose well" young skywalker"
Welcome back form the DARKSIDE.
Freddie your friendly LS4 PILOT
PS ...... a GM CORVETTE 73 ASSEMBLY manuel is a good item to have .....about $20.00 or so from ebay .....then you can see what you go or what you want or need.
Last edited by LS4 PILOT; 02-03-2010 at 12:13 PM.