I know, "Use the search"!! OK, now we have that out of the way. I bought my '73, which was the 1st time ever even sitting in one, 1 week ago and am still learning Corvettes, RPO's, VIN id, engine/tran id. My service manual and some other books are on the way. I have also spent time on 73spot.com. My questions....

I entered my VIN on the "decode sticky" and it says to enter a valid 17 digit id. What am I missing? My VIN is 13 digits. I just want to be sure the engine trans. and wheels are correct. According to 73spot, the aluminum wheels were installed on late production model 73's. Mine is May '73. It isn't a major problem if it isn't, but if it is, I want to keep it that way.

Do I verify the engine #'s thru the VIN? Wheels? Trans.?
VIN 1z37j3s422354
Back of engine code is 8970010
Front is vo426cla
Or /\ 0/\
Do the Vettes have RPO's like 3rd Gen camaros? If so, where are they?
I am not a novice shadetree mechanic, I have rebuilt a 3rd gen Z-28 and several air cooled VW's. I am just completely new to Corvettes and this is my first big and expensive, project.

pics...http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...38.l2649#v4-41

 

Decode won't work with our old cars. Your vin has correct number of digits. Newer cars have 17

 

One more thing.. HOW does the alarm work? I turn the key and it goes off. Are there "switches" somewhere like the ones that operate the interior lights? Doors, Hood?? Something is obviously stuck "on" to make the alarm go off.

 

You have 2 door switches and 1 hood switch.

 

There is very limited info in the VIN:
Your's says 73 base engine coupe serial # 22354, which would have been built in early April 1973.

'CLA' would be the correct engine suffix for a 1973 base engine with automatic. On the same pad with the engine suffix, you should find another group of numbers that contains the serial number for your car. That would (assuming that the engine was not restamped - and not much reason to restamp a base 73) indicate that it's the original engine that the car left St Louis with.

The RPO codes would be on the build sheet. Build sheets have been found in numerous locations - behind dash, under seats, under carpets - but the most common place is on top of the gas tank. These are sometimes called 'tank sheets'. If your's is still there, then it is most likely dust, but sometimes they are found in reasonable condition. These are much valued because there was a fire that appearently destroyed most of GM's records at the St Louis plant, so you can not get a build sheet from GM. So if you are lucky enough to find your build sheet on top of the tank, be very carefull removing it, and make sure to take a picture first.

Also, the door switches are on the rear of the doors, the ones in the front are for the courtesy lights, and the key buzzer. I also think that the coupes had switches for the T-tops, I'm not positive about that because mine is a convertible. Also for the alarm, there is an alarm relay, and a flasher relay under the storage compartment tray behind the passenger seat - this is also were your jack should be if it's still there.

Aluminum wheels where offered as an option in 73 (YJ8), but records indicate that only 4 cars were sold with them. Those cars were early producation, and were sold before GM realized that the wheels were defective. If you think your's is one of the 4 cars with the stock aluminum wheels, the casting number on the wheels is 329381. YJ8 aluminum wheels were not offered again until 1976.

 

No '73 has been documented to have left the factory with mag wheels. All sets found so far were over the counter spares or from later year cars. The options on the car are listed on the tank sticker, on top of the gas tank.

 

THANK YOU all for the info. It would be nice to have 1 of 4. I know that would be impossible.

I'm going to get busy and see if there is anything left of the RPO sheet.

Thanks again!!!!

 

Looks like a nice solid car.

 

 

Thanks Vettebuyer. I was on Vacation last week and just haven't had time to upload any pics. Working 12-13 hrs a day after vac doesn't help either.

Thanks Roco, It needs paint but I am going to worry about new suspension first. Every part of the birdcage was smooth and still covered in black paint. Guess I got lucky on that one.

 

If you got her for $7000, that looks well bought. Welcome aboard. Nice ride.

 

Does anyone have a pic of the wiper door on the car? I must be missing a piece. There is nothing between windshield and hood.

Vettebuyer, do you fly the vintage warbirds? I have my private license for single/non complex. I had the absolute joy to fly in a SNJ-6 last year with an instructor. There is nothing like making your roller-coaster in the sky. I made it to 6g's before having a grey-out.

 

It appears to be a very well kept all original car. Looks great.

 

[QUOTE=K&L_Vette;1581504307]Does anyone have a pic of the wiper door on the car? I must be missing a piece. There is nothing between windshield and hood.

72 was the last year for the wiper door. Looks like a nice car good luck with it!

 

Your car does not have a wiper door(from the pics I see) You have a long hood which covers the wiper/ cowl area.

 

That 'vette sits perfectly!!!!!! I mean.......perfectly! If it doesn't have a rusted out frame, you got a helluva deal, my friend!


Keep the shiny side up!
Scott

 

Sweet looking 73. Welcome to the forum from another Newbie.

 

Congrats on a sweet looking ride.

 

That block code is 3970010, not 897...

Car looks great, btw.

 

Damn that's nice ! Welcome to the 73 club !

As said before, no wiper door on your car but if you look close you do have a cowl induction "flapper" door right at the grill on the hood