What issues can you identify? Potential purchase
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 0
From: Texas
What issues can you identify? Potential purchase
So I'm looking for a project car, but I want to know as much as possible going into it so figured someone on here may spot a thing or two. I only have a few pictures of the car, but I'm going to look at it on Saturday most likely.
The car is a 1973 Vette. The owner told me the seats, steering wheel, and wheels are off a 1979 Vette. Are the door panels off of a newer model as well? Are they interchangable or is it more likely that the entire door has been swapped?
He also commented on the factory carb not being included and he's unaware if anything is numbers matching. The a/c compressor is missing and there are a few other non-functioning parts that are easy to fix. Paint is in rough condition.
Anything else you guys spot would be appreciated. I'm not looking for a mint car, obviously, but I'd like to know what I'm dealing with and I don't want to purchase a monster built out of 3 other cars if possible.
The car is a 1973 Vette. The owner told me the seats, steering wheel, and wheels are off a 1979 Vette. Are the door panels off of a newer model as well? Are they interchangable or is it more likely that the entire door has been swapped?
He also commented on the factory carb not being included and he's unaware if anything is numbers matching. The a/c compressor is missing and there are a few other non-functioning parts that are easy to fix. Paint is in rough condition.
Anything else you guys spot would be appreciated. I'm not looking for a mint car, obviously, but I'd like to know what I'm dealing with and I don't want to purchase a monster built out of 3 other cars if possible.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
Paint isn't original anyway, no black in '73. Seat covers are probably hiding destroyed seats, those door panels... are interesting, Bubba has visited that engine compartment, mirrors aren't correct. I am sure 20 minutes with this car and you will discover a laundry list of items that are incorrect, and improperly installed.
It is a project. But at least you have two power window switches!
And definitely not for $7500.
It is a project. But at least you have two power window switches!
And definitely not for $7500.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,374
Likes: 224
From: Beecher Illinois
78-82 style door panels, probably changed the entire doors. NOT a direct swap old style panels to new style.
Maybe wanted the power locks and sport mirrors, maybe wrecked and cheap replacements?
Trying to make out the door jambs, got a better pic of the latch side? Is that a fabric welting at the edge?
Maybe wanted the power locks and sport mirrors, maybe wrecked and cheap replacements?
Trying to make out the door jambs, got a better pic of the latch side? Is that a fabric welting at the edge?
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 323
Likes: 8
Bubba visited the entire car! 4 power window switches. 78 wheels, a 73 body, sport mirrors from a 78-82, 78-79 door panels, 79 steering wheel, 79-82 seats, probably the wrong steering column. Forget about the fact that the valve covers are not original, they look awful. Did you check any numbers to see what that motor might be? Sorry to be so hard on this car but I am a purist. I want original and unmolested. Unfortunately, a lot of these cars tend to be disasters even if they look pretty due to negligence by all the prior owners. There are still solid projects to be had if you persist and keep looking. Heck, I finally found my project after looking for 18 years. Just kidding. But really my advice, pass and keep looking. Or you can always go offer him 2k and spend another 8k on getting it right. $7500 is waay high! I bought my 78 4 speed l-82 numbers matching and it had a freshly rebuilt engine and new clutch for less than that!
Last edited by Bagpype; Jan 14, 2013 at 10:05 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
Hi
are u considering a restoration if so a few things to change i think.
I would think the whole door has been changed wrong mirrors and door panels window switch should be on console and they didnt have remote mirrors,but heh i like it except if u want it original.I am new ish to this forum but that my thought for what its worth.
I have been thinking of another project and if i lived there i would do it here is australia u cant get even a roughy for less than 10 ,000 dollrs
regards Ian
are u considering a restoration if so a few things to change i think.
I would think the whole door has been changed wrong mirrors and door panels window switch should be on console and they didnt have remote mirrors,but heh i like it except if u want it original.I am new ish to this forum but that my thought for what its worth.
I have been thinking of another project and if i lived there i would do it here is australia u cant get even a roughy for less than 10 ,000 dollrs
regards Ian
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 0
From: Texas
78-82 style door panels, probably changed the entire doors. NOT a direct swap old style panels to new style.
Maybe wanted the power locks and sport mirrors, maybe wrecked and cheap replacements?
Trying to make out the door jambs, got a better pic of the latch side? Is that a fabric welting at the edge?
Maybe wanted the power locks and sport mirrors, maybe wrecked and cheap replacements?
Trying to make out the door jambs, got a better pic of the latch side? Is that a fabric welting at the edge?
Thank you for the quick replies on the doors!
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,374
Likes: 224
From: Beecher Illinois
I think the door JAMB is wrong, too.
Your pic showing the seats appears to show the fabric edging trimming out the inside edge. That's a (77?)78-early79 detail.
The "window" switches on the doors are actually power lock switches, mounted far forward on the doors as on 79/80. 81 had electric mirrors, not the "joysticks" on the door so I'd guess the doors are 80s.
Your pic showing the seats appears to show the fabric edging trimming out the inside edge. That's a (77?)78-early79 detail.
The "window" switches on the doors are actually power lock switches, mounted far forward on the doors as on 79/80. 81 had electric mirrors, not the "joysticks" on the door so I'd guess the doors are 80s.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 807
Likes: 2
From: VIRGINIA BEACH VIRGINIA
RUN! FAST! It is not in that bad of condition on the inside but if the engine compartment looks that rough, he has not taken care of it underneath, inside or outside. We all have a little pride in our cars. Our Vetts are not all perfect but we all strive for it at one point and for you to get that far, you are looking at thousands of dollars to get it close to "right".
AC, engine wiring harness, carpet, door panels, probably the interior parts for the doors, paint job, time, ignition wires all over the place and not to mention the little things that are wrong.......There are plenty out there that look better, are closer to original and for less money.
If I can not afford a certain part for awhile, I clean my car or try to make it look better until the money comes. This guy did not!
AC, engine wiring harness, carpet, door panels, probably the interior parts for the doors, paint job, time, ignition wires all over the place and not to mention the little things that are wrong.......There are plenty out there that look better, are closer to original and for less money.
If I can not afford a certain part for awhile, I clean my car or try to make it look better until the money comes. This guy did not!
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 350
From: No Where USA
If you are going to modify it and make it the way you want it then get it. If you are going to want a restored car walk away. $5000 is as high as I would go. In New York they ask $10,000 for a car like that. When I was looking they were selling cars that were worse than that for $5000.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 16,510
Likes: 2,400
From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
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2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Modified
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If you haven't checked out the frame and birdcage yet that should be your next priority. The mirror adjusters on the door panels would be correct all the way up to 82. Power mirrors were optional in 81/82. Defintely look under those seat covers. Lots of Bubba work under the hood and that means there's probably more Bubba work elsewhere.
Look at all of the suspension bushings, trailing arms, U-joints, shocks, and rear axle bearings. If you can get the car on a lift, that would make inspecting these items much easier.
Unless it has been wired for the power door locks, my guess is the switches on the door panels are just filling the holes.
Headlights in the up position could mean no vacuum or bad actuators.
Look at all of the suspension bushings, trailing arms, U-joints, shocks, and rear axle bearings. If you can get the car on a lift, that would make inspecting these items much easier.
Unless it has been wired for the power door locks, my guess is the switches on the door panels are just filling the holes.
Headlights in the up position could mean no vacuum or bad actuators.
Last edited by Tally Ho; Jan 15, 2013 at 07:50 AM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: candler nc
Bubba visited the entire car! 4 power window switches. 78 wheels, a 73 body, sport mirrors from a 78-82, 78-79 door panels, 79 steering wheel, 79-82 seats, probably the wrong steering column. Forget about the fact that the valve covers are not original, they look awful. Did you check any numbers to see what that motor might be? Sorry to be so hard on this car but I am a purist. I want original and unmolested. Unfortunately, a lot of these cars tend to be disasters even if they look pretty due to negligence by all the prior owners. There are still solid projects to be had if you persist and keep looking. Heck, I finally found my project after looking for 18 years. Just kidding. But really my advice, pass and keep looking. Or you can always go offer him 2k and spend another 8k on getting it right. $7500 is waay high! I bought my 78 4 speed l-82 numbers matching and it had a freshly rebuilt engine and new clutch for less than that!
i didnt see 4 window switches.. unless there were two more on the console plate. i saw 2 power door lock switches and 2 window switches and where is everybody gettin 7500? i didnt see a listed price. i dont think 4 or 5 gs would be out of line. probably no rust or not alot if its a texas car. its not like he has tried to make it out to be original. and remember .... sometimes its not about getting it factory original. some of us are very happy just to have one that can be made the way we want it. .
Last edited by straitjacket; Jan 15, 2013 at 09:56 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
i thought in the begining it was a project car he was looking for,so wont it be getting rebuilt anyway.and i thought 73 were worth a bit more than later c3 i no over here worth heaps maybe buy it and u could triple your money if sent here
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: candler nc
I think the door JAMB is wrong, too.
Your pic showing the seats appears to show the fabric edging trimming out the inside edge. That's a (77?)78-early79 detail.
The "window" switches on the doors are actually power lock switches, mounted far forward on the doors as on 79/80. 81 had electric mirrors, not the "joysticks" on the door so I'd guess the doors are 80s.
Your pic showing the seats appears to show the fabric edging trimming out the inside edge. That's a (77?)78-early79 detail.
The "window" switches on the doors are actually power lock switches, mounted far forward on the doors as on 79/80. 81 had electric mirrors, not the "joysticks" on the door so I'd guess the doors are 80s.
and it doesnt appear you have a telescoping wheel on it either. probably original column.
Last edited by straitjacket; Jan 15, 2013 at 10:05 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Me either, but who's counting? PW switches in the e-brake console; power lock switches on the door panels which, my hunch, are inoperable.
Electric mirrors were optional for 81.
Electric mirrors were optional for 81.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
There's going to be more than meets the eye on this car, that's for sure! Note the center instrument console is jutting out at the top of the dash. You can only imagine what's behind it! It's been out and reinstalled incorrectly, where it doesn't even line up.
Engine compartment. Gawd, I see the coil has been moved from the firewall, to the top of the intake manifold and all the ignition wires are ziptied together. I also see a bunch of zip ties, hose clamps that are too big, black tape. The MSD box sits where the ignition coil used to be.
The air cleaner screams mod'd, but... no headers, still running the stock exhaust and likely, the stock intake manifold too. Not a hot-rod, that's for sure. Not a stick-shift either. Probably a soft driver. Be prepared to find surprises and throw a lot of money at it. If it was mod'd with headers, intake, carb, etc and was a hard runner, with a good stance, nice wheels and a four speed, that would paint a different picture, because the small block C3's with a stick shift are a blast to drive, but this isn't that C3.
In the Los Angeles area, if it ran, he'd probably get between $7,500 and $9K. Nice 73's go for about $15K average, with faded examples coming down to the $10K level.
Engine compartment. Gawd, I see the coil has been moved from the firewall, to the top of the intake manifold and all the ignition wires are ziptied together. I also see a bunch of zip ties, hose clamps that are too big, black tape. The MSD box sits where the ignition coil used to be.
The air cleaner screams mod'd, but... no headers, still running the stock exhaust and likely, the stock intake manifold too. Not a hot-rod, that's for sure. Not a stick-shift either. Probably a soft driver. Be prepared to find surprises and throw a lot of money at it. If it was mod'd with headers, intake, carb, etc and was a hard runner, with a good stance, nice wheels and a four speed, that would paint a different picture, because the small block C3's with a stick shift are a blast to drive, but this isn't that C3.
In the Los Angeles area, if it ran, he'd probably get between $7,500 and $9K. Nice 73's go for about $15K average, with faded examples coming down to the $10K level.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 252
Likes: 3
I wouldn't pay $7500.00 for the car in the condition it is in if you are planning on doing substantial work on it. I learned this from experience with my car, which I actually bought to not be a project. on the surface my car looked sound and only needed a few "minor" repairs....the problem was every time I looked I found something else broken or patched up. As a result, I have spent thousands of dollars on a car that I should have just walked away from. That is a lesson learned the hard way, and I guess at this point I don't regret it because in the end I hope to have a real nice car.
If you can buy this car and enjoy it like it is, or with minor repairs, I say go for it. If you want to bring it up to standard, be careful.....a professional paint job alone on this car will cost between $6,000-$10,000. I just spent over $6000.00 on mine and I own a paint shop. Here is a link to my project in case you are interested:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-any-tips.html
Good luck!
Gary
If you can buy this car and enjoy it like it is, or with minor repairs, I say go for it. If you want to bring it up to standard, be careful.....a professional paint job alone on this car will cost between $6,000-$10,000. I just spent over $6000.00 on mine and I own a paint shop. Here is a link to my project in case you are interested:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-any-tips.html
Good luck!
Gary
