'73 t-top 454 auto - Pricing?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Scottsdale Arizona
I think Alan, Tom and Ed all made good points and I won't repeat them.
There are a number of things that are non-stock that always make me wonder why. There are possible explanations for most but they are things you need to consider as they may lead to future work and cost.
The passenger head liner panel is drooping (I think they came from the factory this way
) but the screw holes should not be there. A warning here is that Bubba loves drywall screws. This panel will likely have to be replaced.
The weather-strip in the drip rails of the engine compartment should be on the hood, not there.
The HEI was not stock, though this change is probably a good thing. I'm surprised that it doesn't interfere with the air cleaner. You might want to check the back of the cleaner for "modification."
The radio fit is kind of shoddy though at least they didn't cut the bezel to fit it.
That aftermarket gauge makes me nervous . Looks like oil pressure so I would speculate that the connection or hose at the back of the stock gauge broke at some point in its history. Creates a spectacular mess ,by the way, when it goes. You'd likely find some oily residue on the tunnel behind the gauge cluster.
That manual pull beside the aftermarket gauge makes me nervous too. I would guess that it's a choke actuator. Unless they spectacularly modified the stock Q-jet I would then expect to see an aftermarket carb. This theory is bolstered by the fuel line having been cut at the front of the intake manifold and replaced with flexible tubing. Quite a fire hazard and something you'd want to address.
Since it was an A/C car, don't forget to ask for the old brackets. If he has the old compressor, all the better because the brackets are probably attached. These are hard to find and at today’s prices are about $3 million.
Last observation is that the mufflers weren't mounted correctly. They should be angled and tucked up under the fender more. They are kind of low as they are now so may drag on bumps. They look pretty new though.
As Ed said earlier, these cars are pretty old and stuff will go wrong. You just want to minimize the number of things that are wrong to start with. If the additions are things you can live with, then it's no big deal. In my opinion the price isn't out of line for that car.
There are a number of things that are non-stock that always make me wonder why. There are possible explanations for most but they are things you need to consider as they may lead to future work and cost.
The passenger head liner panel is drooping (I think they came from the factory this way
) but the screw holes should not be there. A warning here is that Bubba loves drywall screws. This panel will likely have to be replaced.The weather-strip in the drip rails of the engine compartment should be on the hood, not there.
The HEI was not stock, though this change is probably a good thing. I'm surprised that it doesn't interfere with the air cleaner. You might want to check the back of the cleaner for "modification."
The radio fit is kind of shoddy though at least they didn't cut the bezel to fit it.
That aftermarket gauge makes me nervous . Looks like oil pressure so I would speculate that the connection or hose at the back of the stock gauge broke at some point in its history. Creates a spectacular mess ,by the way, when it goes. You'd likely find some oily residue on the tunnel behind the gauge cluster.
That manual pull beside the aftermarket gauge makes me nervous too. I would guess that it's a choke actuator. Unless they spectacularly modified the stock Q-jet I would then expect to see an aftermarket carb. This theory is bolstered by the fuel line having been cut at the front of the intake manifold and replaced with flexible tubing. Quite a fire hazard and something you'd want to address.
Since it was an A/C car, don't forget to ask for the old brackets. If he has the old compressor, all the better because the brackets are probably attached. These are hard to find and at today’s prices are about $3 million.
Last observation is that the mufflers weren't mounted correctly. They should be angled and tucked up under the fender more. They are kind of low as they are now so may drag on bumps. They look pretty new though.
As Ed said earlier, these cars are pretty old and stuff will go wrong. You just want to minimize the number of things that are wrong to start with. If the additions are things you can live with, then it's no big deal. In my opinion the price isn't out of line for that car.
Last edited by CA-Legal-Vette; Feb 28, 2010 at 11:06 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA
I think Alan, Tom and Ed all made good points and I won't repeat them.
There are a number of things that are non-stock that always make me wonder why. There are possible explanations for most but they are things you need to consider as they may lead to future work and cost.
The passenger head liner panel is drooping (I think they came from the factory this way) but the screw holes should not be there. A warning here is that Bubba loves drywall screws. This panel will likely have to be replaced.
The weather-strip in the drip rails of the engine compartment should be on the hood, not there.
The HEI was not stock, though this change is probably a good thing. I'm surprised that it doesn't interfere with the air cleaner. You might want to check the back of the cleaner for "modification."
The radio fit is kind of shoddy though at least they didn't cut the bezel to fit it.
That aftermarket gauge makes me nervous . Looks like oil pressure so I would speculate that the connection or hose at the back of the stock gauge broke at some point in its history. Creates a spectacular mess ,by the way, when it goes. You'd likely find some oily residue on the tunnel behind the gauge cluster.
That manual pull beside the aftermarket gauge makes me nervous too. I would guess that it's a choke actuator. Unless they spectacularly modified the stock Q-jet I would then expect to see an aftermarket carb. This theory is bolstered by the fuel line having been cut at the front of the intake manifold and replaced with flexible tubing. Quite a fire hazard and something you'd want to address.
Since it was an A/C car, don't forget to ask for the old brackets. If he has the old compressor, all the better because the brackets are probably attached. These are hard to find and at today’s prices are about $3 million.
Last observation is that the mufflers weren't mounted correctly. They should be angled and tucked up under the fender more. They are kind of low as they are now so may drag on bumps. They look pretty new though.
As Ed said earlier, these cars are pretty old and stuff will go wrong. You just want to minimize the number of things that are wrong to start with. If the additions are things you can live with, then it's no big deal. In my opinion the price isn't out of line for that car.
There are a number of things that are non-stock that always make me wonder why. There are possible explanations for most but they are things you need to consider as they may lead to future work and cost.
The passenger head liner panel is drooping (I think they came from the factory this way
) but the screw holes should not be there. A warning here is that Bubba loves drywall screws. This panel will likely have to be replaced.The weather-strip in the drip rails of the engine compartment should be on the hood, not there.
The HEI was not stock, though this change is probably a good thing. I'm surprised that it doesn't interfere with the air cleaner. You might want to check the back of the cleaner for "modification."
The radio fit is kind of shoddy though at least they didn't cut the bezel to fit it.
That aftermarket gauge makes me nervous . Looks like oil pressure so I would speculate that the connection or hose at the back of the stock gauge broke at some point in its history. Creates a spectacular mess ,by the way, when it goes. You'd likely find some oily residue on the tunnel behind the gauge cluster.
That manual pull beside the aftermarket gauge makes me nervous too. I would guess that it's a choke actuator. Unless they spectacularly modified the stock Q-jet I would then expect to see an aftermarket carb. This theory is bolstered by the fuel line having been cut at the front of the intake manifold and replaced with flexible tubing. Quite a fire hazard and something you'd want to address.
Since it was an A/C car, don't forget to ask for the old brackets. If he has the old compressor, all the better because the brackets are probably attached. These are hard to find and at today’s prices are about $3 million.
Last observation is that the mufflers weren't mounted correctly. They should be angled and tucked up under the fender more. They are kind of low as they are now so may drag on bumps. They look pretty new though.
As Ed said earlier, these cars are pretty old and stuff will go wrong. You just want to minimize the number of things that are wrong to start with. If the additions are things you can live with, then it's no big deal. In my opinion the price isn't out of line for that car.
The non original aspects of the car aren't an issue for me, provided Im buying the car at the right price. What I do want is great, fun, good looking, reliable car. For example, if there was a better carb to buy that would increase power/improve reliability - then I'd buy it.
And sorry guys, this Aussie doesn't understand the "bubba" reference?
The radio fit & console looks ugly. This is one aspect that I would change - I love my music, so a high end stereo is a must
As far as the mufflers go, I'd REALLY like to fit side pipes to any vette I buy. I have to blame Ed for that - as he has a stunning looking '73 vert with side pipes.
Again - your help is is great guys, please continue to fire away if you have comments on this car. I want to be well armed when I have the car inspected. I figure that I'd be prepared to spend up to $20k on a good '73 454 coupe, so if I can buy this car for $13k AND it only needs up to $5k put into it, then I'm a happy camper. If the car has expensive mechanical issues or bad frame damage - then I'll run away
You guys are awesome!!!
Aussie Markare you sure some of you guys dont live in Seattle...lol...I WISH!
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From: Scottsdale Arizona
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Racer
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From: Seattle WA
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 348
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From: Seattle WA
"Bubba" is a reference to any shade tree mechanic that doesn't have a clue what he's doing. You'll often see jokes about Bubba fixing everything with silver duct tape or drywall screws. Also, the only tool that Bubba uses is a hammer. A big one though. Perhaps a picture might help you remember Bubba:
Safety Car
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From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
There are a number of issues that indicate Bubba was at work on that car most of which CA-Legal has identified from your pictures...I'll add one more, tie wrapping the upper radiator hose to keep it away from the alternator belt/pulley. One thing that should concern you....the drifting to the right as you drove the car. This could indicate at worst a bent frame or at least the need for new tires and a wheel alignment. In any case have the cause identified.
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Seattle WA
There are a number of issues that indicate Bubba was at work on that car most of which CA-Legal has identified from your pictures...I'll add one more, tie wrapping the upper radiator hose to keep it away from the alternator belt/pulley. One thing that should concern you....the drifting to the right as you drove the car. This could indicate at worst a bent frame or at least the need for new tires and a wheel alignment. In any case have the cause identified.
The tire pressures, just at a glance, were off. The vette has been in storage for months....
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,678
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From: Scottsdale Arizona
The tire pressures would have to be pretty far off and unbalanced for this to be the case. Could be wheel alignment, could be the frame, could be control arm bushings, could be wheel bearings, could be sticking brakes (or a bad caliper on the other side), could be..........
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Racer
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From: Seattle WA
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Seattle WA
Im a Corvette Owner!!!
WoooHoooo....the Corvette passed its inspection today, deposit paid, and I collect it on Wednesday! Super Excited...
Thanks to EVERYONE for their input, not only regarding this thread, but others I have posted. Comments on this car certainly helped me when contacting the previous owner and when I had the car inspected.
Here is what I found out today:
I spoke with the previous owner, Joel (not the current owner). The car was originally from CA, where the original owner had it until about 2005. The car found its way to Washington where the owner decided to paint it red. Joel purchased the car in 2008, and wanted to return the car to its original color. .... This is where Bubba steps in...
The painter was an "acquaintance", repainting the car between jobs for a "mates rates". Unfortunately this meant 12months went by and it still wasnt finished. Joel became frustrated with the painter, whom had the interior fitted by a "bubba" in a hurry to get the car back to Joel - hence the poorly fitted trim. Joel has original A/C unit, plus other misc items and possibly side pipes that were fitted to the car when he bought it. Joel sold the car to current owner last year as he decided to concentrate on his other project, and AC Cobra replica.
Current owner purchased car in summer last year and had the 454 rebuilt due to a knock in the engine. Machine shop bill was $2700, plus another $2600 for the mechanics shop to remove/install, shocks, and some brake work. Engine has 1500 miles since rebuild.
I had the mechanical inspection today, which it passed with flying colors. Only issue raised were:
* Adjust kick-down for trans
* Flashers work intermittently
* Slight weep at trans pan, bolts tightened
* Poor tire pressures
* Front wheel alignment
The mechanic showed me under the car and inspected the frame with me. No sign of any repairs (frame hadn't been repainted to nothing to hide), no rust.
Overall the mechanic said the vette was in "great condition", he has a passion for vettes and has worked on many.
So at $13k, I thought it was a great buy for me. I intend to purchase a new trim kit as that is all that lets it down cosmetically. I figure even if I have to sink $5k into the car, it'll be a great '73 454 for under $20k
The car is rust free, not hit car, with me being the 5th owner.
I pick the car up Wednesday - WooooHoooooo
Thanks again to EVERYONE whom has helped me out - you guys have been awesome. Although I suspect that my list of questions has only just begun
*an excited* Aussie MarkP.S. Sorry Gregg, its not Canary Yellow
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Racer
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From: Seattle WA
Thanks TOM.
25 years ago whilst living in Australia, my Uncle (defacto "Dad") bought an excited 13year old boy a poster with a drawing of every corvette model - 1953to1982. I remember picking out the 1973 coupe, as I thought it had the longest profile with the long rubber nose, and the tail that kicked up.
To this day its still my fav shape. I just never dreamed I'd end up with a 454!
25 years ago whilst living in Australia, my Uncle (defacto "Dad") bought an excited 13year old boy a poster with a drawing of every corvette model - 1953to1982. I remember picking out the 1973 coupe, as I thought it had the longest profile with the long rubber nose, and the tail that kicked up.
To this day its still my fav shape. I just never dreamed I'd end up with a 454!
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Racer
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From: Seattle WA