72 or 73?
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Juneau Alaska
The 72 vs the 73
Great thread! I am picking up some great info and I appreciate the different opinions as well!
Any points of advice considering I am in Alaska and may be buying based on photos and the word of the seller. I know this is risky.
Many Corvettes selling on Ebay and that it is a strong temptation.
Thx,
Steve
Any points of advice considering I am in Alaska and may be buying based on photos and the word of the seller. I know this is risky.
Many Corvettes selling on Ebay and that it is a strong temptation.
Thx,
Steve
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 97
From: Lake Norman, NC
mechanically not a lot of diff btw 71-73. The 71-72 are almost exact same with the 72 not having the fiber optic light monitoring system as earlier models did. 73 had a redesign in the front cross member of the frame to accommodate the vacuum reservoir and the molded front bumper along with a change in the side quarter panel vents and removal of the wiper door with a new design of an extended hood. Most of the rest of the car is the same. 71-72 will cost more than a 73. But I'd love to get a hold of a 73 vert with a big block. I love my 72 coupe also.
Educate yourself about these cars and their problems and then set a price you want and get the best possible one you can within those limits.
Sully
Educate yourself about these cars and their problems and then set a price you want and get the best possible one you can within those limits.
Sully
- '72 did indeed elimate the fiber optics, but GM then substituted the security alarm as std equip. Until '72, the alarm was an option, so some cars prior to '72 will and some will not have the alarm.
- 1973 introduced the "long hood", doing away with the (I think it's cool) wiper cowl/door. Beware though - these can sometimes bring maintenance headaches, but at least to me, a worthy feature
You may want to consider recruiting an experienced early C3 hobbyiest to help you evaluate the cars you are considering. This may come at a modest cost, however, you'll then be going into it with your eyes wide open.
I hope this helps.
Last edited by redrdstr72; Dec 19, 2012 at 03:58 PM.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,988
Likes: 6,212
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
It's true a '72 should always outsell a comparable '73, but don't forget, it will cost more when you buy it.
The major difference is styling. They are both good cars. Decide which one you like better. I think it's a personal preference.
The major difference is styling. They are both good cars. Decide which one you like better. I think it's a personal preference.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 823
Likes: 102
From: St Louis
St. Jude Donor '13
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/ctd/3392811604.html
Here is a Craigslist ad for a '72 in Columbia, IL for $11,900. It appears to be a complete original car. It's been on CL for a month or 2.
Here is a Craigslist ad for a '72 in Columbia, IL for $11,900. It appears to be a complete original car. It's been on CL for a month or 2.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Juneau Alaska
For the experts: Hood styling
Did the 73 hood have the same styling as the 72 hood? I am not referring to the scooped hood on the big blocks. I have seen some 72s with a hood that had a slight ridge that tapers to a point at the front. Did the 73s have this?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 4
From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
I tend to prefer the chrome bumper cars but I like the '73's as well. I wouldn't mind having a small block '73 as a daily driver and wouldn't think twice about picking up a big block '73 if the deal was right.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 164
Likes: 4
From: Riverside CA
Take your time
Hey Steve, When I decided that I was going to look for a fixer upper, I was looking for 3 Chevy makes and when I showed the 3 makes to my wife, she said the stingrays looked cute. Yes, CUTE. (her words... not mine) Anyways, I was looking at spending 6 to 8 grand for a POS fixer upper and after not finding anything in my area, I started looking at areas within a 6 to 8 hour drive from So Cal and one day I found an add for a 73 with original paint and under 37,000 miles. This baby sat in a barn covered up since 1984. The next day I drove 7 hours with $12,000 and a trailer and it was mine. I went way over budget but for the condition it is in, It was a steal.
SO TAKE YOUR TIME.
On another note, if you find something in So Cal and your serious about buying it, I would be happy to go and look at it for you and give you a detailed description of the Vette. I'm a retired mechanic and I actually used to do that as part of my shop.
SO TAKE YOUR TIME.
On another note, if you find something in So Cal and your serious about buying it, I would be happy to go and look at it for you and give you a detailed description of the Vette. I'm a retired mechanic and I actually used to do that as part of my shop.