Put $$ down on my first Corvette. '73
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Put $$ down on my first Corvette. '73
Was looking at mid 90's and an '04 but went with a '73. I wanted a stock car and it is, except for the wheels. I don't care for the brown/tan interior or the auto trans. but I can live with that. I just read the "10 things to know before buying first Vette" thread and luckily, I checked all of those things.
The water pump, Q-Jet, Alternator, A/C, radiator, battery, belts, plugs, cap/rotor have all been rebuilt or replaced. It also has new calipers, wheel cylinders, rotors and pads. It does need painting but there are no cracks and I couldn't find any repair work.
I know Camaros, not Corvettes, so I would like opinions on whether I got it for a fair price. I paid $9000
What rear end gears did they use on Stingrays? L-48 engine
Here is the E-Bay link
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...38.l2649#v4-41
Thanks
The water pump, Q-Jet, Alternator, A/C, radiator, battery, belts, plugs, cap/rotor have all been rebuilt or replaced. It also has new calipers, wheel cylinders, rotors and pads. It does need painting but there are no cracks and I couldn't find any repair work.
I know Camaros, not Corvettes, so I would like opinions on whether I got it for a fair price. I paid $9000
What rear end gears did they use on Stingrays? L-48 engine
Here is the E-Bay link
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...38.l2649#v4-41
Thanks
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,988
Likes: 6,212
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Looks like L82 valve covers. Did the numbers match on the engine?
Are the colors as on the trim tag?
If you have never bought a Corvette before, are you satisfied it was checked properly? Did anyone help?
Looks like a decent car in the pictures. Hard to give an opinion on value with just a few pictures.
Are the colors as on the trim tag?
If you have never bought a Corvette before, are you satisfied it was checked properly? Did anyone help?
Looks like a decent car in the pictures. Hard to give an opinion on value with just a few pictures.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 810
Likes: 48
From: West Chester Pennsylvania
I wanted a stock car and it is, except for the wheels. I don't care for the brown/tan interior or the auto trans. but I can live with that. I just read the "10 things to know before buying first Vette" thread and luckily, I checked all of those things.
The water pump, Q-Jet, Alternator, A/C, radiator, battery, belts, plugs, cap/rotor have all been rebuilt or replaced. It also has new calipers, wheel cylinders, rotors and pads. It does need painting but there are no cracks and I couldn't find any repair work.
I know Camaros, not Corvettes, so I would like opinions on whether I got it for a fair price. I paid $9000
What rear end gears did they use on Stingrays? L-48 engine
Thanks
The water pump, Q-Jet, Alternator, A/C, radiator, battery, belts, plugs, cap/rotor have all been rebuilt or replaced. It also has new calipers, wheel cylinders, rotors and pads. It does need painting but there are no cracks and I couldn't find any repair work.
I know Camaros, not Corvettes, so I would like opinions on whether I got it for a fair price. I paid $9000
What rear end gears did they use on Stingrays? L-48 engine
Thanks
Let's see what kind of a deal you made.
$9k for car plus shipping
$7k for paint?
$3k for new seat foam (those are done), new leather seat covers (not gonna put those covers on new foam), carpet (it's faded and done) and deluxe door panels (cracked)
$40 new wood insert for console - missing sections
$300 (guesstimate) Clean up under hood; gunk, pressure wash, spray paint, chrome polish, replacement decals where applicable; replace any hoses belts etc.
$2,000 reserve for unseen but likely required maintenance... be it steering box, hoses, whatever. It's a given. The car is 40 years old and based on the paint & interior, not exactly highly maintained.
Figure you'll into it $21k in no time.
Your reaction will be "no way".. but let's revisit this post in 2 years.
Last edited by PhilaScott; Jul 19, 2012 at 09:16 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Welcome to the 73 club. I think you got a good buy from looking at the photos. Those rims make the car look good too.
There are a couple of cosmetic things to check on, and some hidden stuff may surprise you. Look at some of our supporting vendors and request their catalogs. You will find all the stuff you need to get this vette back in great shape.
kdf
There are a couple of cosmetic things to check on, and some hidden stuff may surprise you. Look at some of our supporting vendors and request their catalogs. You will find all the stuff you need to get this vette back in great shape.
kdf
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 46
From: Hebron IN
Ad sounds fishy, like the guy just purchased it and knows very little about it. I'm betting the title will still be in "her" name. Not a big deal but be prepared for some grief at the BMV if that's the case.
He remembered to check the a/c but not heat? How difficult is it to roll the selector to heat and feel for warm air? If the heater core is bypassed, you know he's being deceptive and you need to go over that car with a fine tooth comb before taking delivery.
He remembered to check the a/c but not heat? How difficult is it to roll the selector to heat and feel for warm air? If the heater core is bypassed, you know he's being deceptive and you need to go over that car with a fine tooth comb before taking delivery.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
Nice 73! I am partial to RED!!! I think you got a good deal based on what could be seen. The couple paint chips can be repaired. Get it and drive it before you do anything. Get a feel for the car - make sure is is 100% safe first.
I am pretty sure 1973 was the first year the aluminum wheels were offered. They were recalled because there was a problem with the manufacturing and they leaked. They could be correct to your car!
Good luck with it.
I am pretty sure 1973 was the first year the aluminum wheels were offered. They were recalled because there was a problem with the manufacturing and they leaked. They could be correct to your car!
Good luck with it.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi KLV,
A new, old Corvette! NICE!
As you get to know it you may be looking for some information about working on it and how it was put together.
I'd like to suggest 2 books that many people find very helpful:
First, the G.M. 1973 Chassis Service Manual. This is the book that the mechanics at the dealership's service department used.
Second, the 1973 Assembly Instruction Manual, (referred to as the AIM).
This is the book that was used on the production line in St. Louis.
Good Luck, and I hope you get lot's of pleasure from your 73.
Regards,
Alan
A new, old Corvette! NICE!
As you get to know it you may be looking for some information about working on it and how it was put together.
I'd like to suggest 2 books that many people find very helpful:
First, the G.M. 1973 Chassis Service Manual. This is the book that the mechanics at the dealership's service department used.
Second, the 1973 Assembly Instruction Manual, (referred to as the AIM).
This is the book that was used on the production line in St. Louis.
Good Luck, and I hope you get lot's of pleasure from your 73.
Regards,
Alan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 205
From: Lewes Delaware
Welcome aboard! Looks like a nice original 73, similar to my L82. Have you checked for frame rust? Pull each rear wheel and check where the trailing arm connects to the frame - that is where I had a problem that was expensive to fix. Also check the entire suspension - it may have to be replaced - $2K and up.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Looks pretty good. The VIN is for an L48 car so the valve covers are not correct but I like the L82 ones better anyways. As someone said earlier, as long as the frame is good, I think you did well.
Welcome to the 73 club!
Welcome to the 73 club!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 2
From: Frederick Md
The paint is the only thing I noticed that would scare me..I buy Cosmetics because I can wrench but painting is a horse of another story and cosmetics is much more expensive then mechanic repairs in my opinion...
Bob G
