looking at a '73 - need some advice

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Jun 15, 2013 | 09:50 PM

bra$$monkey

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looking at a '73 - need some advice

Hi all - brand noobe to corvette's here - I've taken a shine to a 73 coupe with AC. 40k original miles - been stored (inside) since 2003. Gas went bad in the tank & gummed up the carb - but the owner is having this fixed & says it is all 100% original.

White with black interior.

We have spoken a couple of times but I have not seen the car in person. He says its a 7 out of 10 - & the frame is not rusty.

I love the idea of the car & the price is right assuming its a running driving & stopping car.

I've been searching & trolling google for a while trying to figure out what I can on the car.

Does anyone have a complete list of the VIN numbers produced in 1973? I know the 4k were skipped, but is there a spreadsheet where I can number crunch to see how rare/common this coupe is?

Its a 4 speed - so its 1 of 3700 - but maybe there are other options that narrow that down some??

So when I finally go drive this car - tell me what I need to look at....frame I'm aware of & will give it a good look. Any other problem areas or things to avoid?

Neither the seller nor I are in a great hurry - we have a couple weeks before we expect to make any transaction.

Thanks in advance!!

Jun 15, 2013 | 10:58 PM

CA-Legal-Vette

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From: Scottsdale Arizona

Try

Www.73spot.com

Jun 15, 2013 | 11:56 PM

bra$$monkey

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Thanks! Cool site - lots of info.

It doesn't really tell me what parts commonly fail or should be checked during an inspection.

Anyone have a "buyers guide" short list?

Jun 16, 2013 | 01:50 AM

oldalaskaman

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its a 30 year old car, and on and on and on, everything on it commonly breaks. look thru the forums, you'll find questions about every part.

Jun 16, 2013 | 08:40 AM

Ontario73

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From: London Ontario

Common with all C3s is a concern with rust in the frames and bird cage. If the common areas are good, next is the interior. Every part is available, but, quickly add up to major cash if you need to replace a lot!

Mechanical repairs are actually reasonable compared to most of today's cars.

I'm sort of partial to white 73s for some reason!

Jun 16, 2013 | 09:33 AM

LoneStarV

Burning Brakes

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bra$$monkey

Will you be wrenching on the car or having it done? These cars are simple to work on so you save a ton of money if you do it yourself. As for condition?

Check the frame for rust. Right in front of the rear end at the bottom is the worst place. Take an ice pick with you. Then check the bird cage starting at the top of the windshield and work your way down both sides. Take pillar covers off and look carefully.

If all that checks out clean next is the interior. Obvious wear/broken parts. Factor in what it will take to replace them in your offer.

Make sure headlights cycle up and down properly.

All the rest is standard Chevy mechanical parts as far as engine tranny rear end go.

The front suspension is standard chevy and straight forward. The rear end is unique since it's independent. Again look for worn broken parts.

Fiberglass. Check for repairs by going over it carefully with a bright light inside and out.

If you have access to a scope check the gas tank out. If it's been sitting a long time and clogged the carb like you say the tank may be a goner.

Jun 16, 2013 | 10:54 AM

Mike Ward

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bra$$monkey

Does anyone have a complete list of the VIN numbers produced in 1973? I know the 4k were skipped, but is there a spreadsheet where I can number crunch to see how rare/common this coupe is?

Its a 4 speed - so its 1 of 3700 - but maybe there are other options that narrow that down some??

GM kept no records of which individual car had what options, so any claims you see of a car being '1 of X' are guesses pulled out of the sky. Aside from a big block with 4 speed, there's really no options that significantly drive up the desirability of a '73. Don't go down the path of rarity = desirability. Doesn't work with later C3s.

There were 12537 four speed cars built in '73. Most were M20, the 3700 you quote were M21.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldalaskaman

its a 30 year old car,.

Maybe 40?

Jun 16, 2013 | 09:27 PM

bra$$monkey

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Lone star - I will do the wrenching myself - I have a pretty good shop setup & have done most kinds of work including replacing heads & painting. THough funny enough I've never replaced a clutch!

Mike - thanks for the advice on the M20 vs M21 I didn't realize there were two different 4 speeds offered. Is one better than the other?

How do I take the pilar covers off w/o hurting anything?

I found the thread from this forum on what to look for & what to avoid. I sure hope this car lives up to what the guy is saying. I'm going to be very disappointed if it turns out to be a turd.

I love the thought of a classic 4 speed muscle car. Glad to hear it's standard GM mechanicals - I've read that vette's get a 20% premium added to every quote just because its a vette.

If I pull this one off - or another if this one falls through - I plan to putts around town with it & drive to work if the weather is nice - but then take road trips with the wife - we go 6 hours south & 10 hours north often enough - so whatever I get needs to be reliable enough to get there & back w/o using a tow truck.