C3 Purchase Advice...
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 515
Likes: 66
From: Grosse Pte. Mich.
Not sure if this is too late, or it's been mentioned, but...
The smartest thing to do is to get a thorough inspection from a party who knows Corvettes intimately. Not an appraisal but an inspection that includes frame, suspension, brake system, drivetrain, electrical, body, etc.
Sometimes this can be done be a facility that does Corvette restoration, or try and get a referral from someone with the NCRS.
It helps that you know some of the history but there are occasions where that is not enough. These cars have a lot of unique problems. Best to be made aware before you purchase.
Good luck!
The smartest thing to do is to get a thorough inspection from a party who knows Corvettes intimately. Not an appraisal but an inspection that includes frame, suspension, brake system, drivetrain, electrical, body, etc.
Sometimes this can be done be a facility that does Corvette restoration, or try and get a referral from someone with the NCRS.
It helps that you know some of the history but there are occasions where that is not enough. These cars have a lot of unique problems. Best to be made aware before you purchase.
Good luck!
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 515
Likes: 66
From: Grosse Pte. Mich.
There are countless horror stories in the archives of this Forum that you could look for. Allow me to share one I witnessed first hand.
A guy in Fla buys a Vette for his brother in Michigan (coincidently a '73) from a guy he knows. Everything seemed fine about the car, good history, some docs, etc. The Michigan guy thought a Fla made sense, no salt, no winters, etc, so he had his brother find him one. Price was 13k, everyone thought that they did good on the purchase, everyone is happy. The Fla guy parks it under a carport, throws a tarp on it and waits for his brother to come down and retrieve his new car. A year later, the brother contracts a carrier to freight the car up to Michigan.
The owner finds 2 things that he doesn't like about his new Vette. First, the doors are very hard to open and close, and second, the car wanders all over the road, badly, when driving. He then takes it to a local Vette shop for repair.
This is when the nightmare begins. They try to put the car on a hoist only to find out that they cannot lift it off the ground. Everything forward from the firewall is ready to fall off the car. The frame has the consistency of cardboard. The birdcage as well. The owner is told that a replacement frame (used) can be had for about 10k. This does not include labor.
The owner is speachless. (He has no budget for this). Now it gets worse.
He tells the shop that he will just live with this for now and will come up with a solution later. He then goes to leave with his car and they tell him he cannot leave with it. He will have to get it towed to where ever. They tell him that his frame was in such dangerous condition that it is not road worthy to drive, it could separate in 2 just going around a corner. By law, they cannot let him drive this car out of their shop. I was told the guy was practically in tears.
I never found out how this was resolved. The shop owner told me he recommended finding a collision recovery vehicle with a good frame and transfer his car to that. He thought that would be the most cost effective way to go.
A guy in Fla buys a Vette for his brother in Michigan (coincidently a '73) from a guy he knows. Everything seemed fine about the car, good history, some docs, etc. The Michigan guy thought a Fla made sense, no salt, no winters, etc, so he had his brother find him one. Price was 13k, everyone thought that they did good on the purchase, everyone is happy. The Fla guy parks it under a carport, throws a tarp on it and waits for his brother to come down and retrieve his new car. A year later, the brother contracts a carrier to freight the car up to Michigan.
The owner finds 2 things that he doesn't like about his new Vette. First, the doors are very hard to open and close, and second, the car wanders all over the road, badly, when driving. He then takes it to a local Vette shop for repair.
This is when the nightmare begins. They try to put the car on a hoist only to find out that they cannot lift it off the ground. Everything forward from the firewall is ready to fall off the car. The frame has the consistency of cardboard. The birdcage as well. The owner is told that a replacement frame (used) can be had for about 10k. This does not include labor.
The owner is speachless. (He has no budget for this). Now it gets worse.
He tells the shop that he will just live with this for now and will come up with a solution later. He then goes to leave with his car and they tell him he cannot leave with it. He will have to get it towed to where ever. They tell him that his frame was in such dangerous condition that it is not road worthy to drive, it could separate in 2 just going around a corner. By law, they cannot let him drive this car out of their shop. I was told the guy was practically in tears.
I never found out how this was resolved. The shop owner told me he recommended finding a collision recovery vehicle with a good frame and transfer his car to that. He thought that would be the most cost effective way to go.
Last edited by seacliffe301; Aug 17, 2015 at 03:30 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 810
Likes: 48
From: West Chester Pennsylvania
73 is going to become a sought after year given the remaining chrome on rear and longer hood etc. it's a transition year which makes it interesting . $12,500 is not bad given the history. Doubt there's deep rust if garaged. If you can do $11,500 to $12k you'd be in better shape. Change all the fluids, check brakes, tires, belts.
Drive it. Enjoy it
Drive it. Enjoy it
Wow, what great info available on this forum!
First time poster, please be gentle…
I have the opportunity to buy a 1973 Corvette L82 coupe withclose ratio 4-speed (VIN - 1Z37T3S432505). 57,000 original miles, Original Mille Miglia red paint
The current owner is a friend and former colleague of mine; but we’ve been out of touch for the last few years since he changed jobs. He contacted me recently because he is selling this ’73 L82 and he knew I would be interested. His father initially bought the car in ’76 froma Chevy dealer in Massachusetts. The history of the car between ’73 and ’76 is a little fuzzy, but my friend’sfather, after purchasing the car in ’76 actually tracked down the original owner (they actually became friends). My friend’s father passed away in the late ‘80s and my friend inherited the car and has been its caretaker since then.
I know the car is pretty much stock except the Q-jet was changed out for a 650 Holley , the points replaced with HEI, the radio updated to factory fit digital model. All original parts were saved and come with the car if I buy it.
Some suspension parts have been replaced due to wear & tear, as well as brake rotors, belts , some hoses; but OEM correct parts were used whenever possible. The Urethane nose disintegrated a few yearsback and was professionally replaced with a “Flexi-glass” nose and repainted to match. This car has not been modified(or Bubba-fied) in any way. In mylimited experience with these cars, I’d call it a “survivor” (maybe not Bloomington standards, but not too much different now than it was in ’73).
It’s always been garaged, never seen snow, never intentionally driven in rain.The original paint is a little rough (especially the hood), but no body damage. Having spent it’s life in Massachusetts, my main concerns is about the frame and birdcage. I will have a mechanic friend of mine take alook at the frame before I purchase… To me it looks like there is just surface rust on the frame, no real rot. All parts of the birdcage that I can see look OK to me.
The interior is great and entirely original. Everything works (even the clock!); rug is starting to fade a little just behind the seats.
It runs and drives very well. I’ll need to put tires on it right away. The tires on it now only have about 2,000 miles on them, but they are 15 years old (BFG Radials).
Anyway …He is asking$12,500.
Does this sound like a good deal?
Are there specific things I should check on this car,specific questions to ask the owner?
Any and all advice is appreciated.
Thank you.
First time poster, please be gentle…
I have the opportunity to buy a 1973 Corvette L82 coupe withclose ratio 4-speed (VIN - 1Z37T3S432505). 57,000 original miles, Original Mille Miglia red paint
The current owner is a friend and former colleague of mine; but we’ve been out of touch for the last few years since he changed jobs. He contacted me recently because he is selling this ’73 L82 and he knew I would be interested. His father initially bought the car in ’76 froma Chevy dealer in Massachusetts. The history of the car between ’73 and ’76 is a little fuzzy, but my friend’sfather, after purchasing the car in ’76 actually tracked down the original owner (they actually became friends). My friend’s father passed away in the late ‘80s and my friend inherited the car and has been its caretaker since then.
I know the car is pretty much stock except the Q-jet was changed out for a 650 Holley , the points replaced with HEI, the radio updated to factory fit digital model. All original parts were saved and come with the car if I buy it.
Some suspension parts have been replaced due to wear & tear, as well as brake rotors, belts , some hoses; but OEM correct parts were used whenever possible. The Urethane nose disintegrated a few yearsback and was professionally replaced with a “Flexi-glass” nose and repainted to match. This car has not been modified(or Bubba-fied) in any way. In mylimited experience with these cars, I’d call it a “survivor” (maybe not Bloomington standards, but not too much different now than it was in ’73).
It’s always been garaged, never seen snow, never intentionally driven in rain.The original paint is a little rough (especially the hood), but no body damage. Having spent it’s life in Massachusetts, my main concerns is about the frame and birdcage. I will have a mechanic friend of mine take alook at the frame before I purchase… To me it looks like there is just surface rust on the frame, no real rot. All parts of the birdcage that I can see look OK to me.
The interior is great and entirely original. Everything works (even the clock!); rug is starting to fade a little just behind the seats.
It runs and drives very well. I’ll need to put tires on it right away. The tires on it now only have about 2,000 miles on them, but they are 15 years old (BFG Radials).
Anyway …He is asking$12,500.
Does this sound like a good deal?
Are there specific things I should check on this car,specific questions to ask the owner?
Any and all advice is appreciated.
Thank you.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Blackstone Mass.
Thanks for all the advice guys. We negotiated price a little and I managed to get it for $11,500. Just need to finalize the insurance and get to the RMV this week. Hopefully I'll be driving it in no time...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 810
Likes: 48
From: West Chester Pennsylvania
One thing you might consider is take it to a local NCRS chapter event and pay the $75 or whatever they charge. You'll have access to 6 judges and a master judge who, after a full day inspecting everything will effectively give you about 12 pages that detail the actual condition compared to as delivered. The bonus is, depending upon condition, you might even garner a third flight award even with not much preparation. It's not about the award--but rather getting connecting with Corvette owners who will in one day teach you more about that 73 than you could ever imagine....
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Blackstone Mass.
Perfect. That's the right money for what you described. Once you get done sprucing it up and doing the right things, 5 years from now you'll be looking at $19k.
One thing you might consider is take it to a local NCRS chapter event and pay the $75 or whatever they charge. You'll have access to 6 judges and a master judge who, after a full day inspecting everything will effectively give you about 12 pages that detail the actual condition compared to as delivered. The bonus is, depending upon condition, you might even garner a third flight award even with not much preparation. It's not about the award--but rather getting connecting with Corvette owners who will in one day teach you more about that 73 than you could ever imagine....
One thing you might consider is take it to a local NCRS chapter event and pay the $75 or whatever they charge. You'll have access to 6 judges and a master judge who, after a full day inspecting everything will effectively give you about 12 pages that detail the actual condition compared to as delivered. The bonus is, depending upon condition, you might even garner a third flight award even with not much preparation. It's not about the award--but rather getting connecting with Corvette owners who will in one day teach you more about that 73 than you could ever imagine....
Great advice PhilaScott. Thank you. I will check into the local NCRS Chapter. It would be nice to meet some locals to talk with who are really vetted experts. I also need to start looking for a decent local paint / body shop. Maybe the NCRS guys could give me some advice there too.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Blackstone Mass.
Thanks Tpfarm. I'm pretty excited... Going to start saving up for a paint job now. Hopefully my new red paint will look as good as yours...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 810
Likes: 48
From: West Chester Pennsylvania
Great advice PhilaScott. Thank you. I will check into the local NCRS Chapter. It would be nice to meet some locals to talk with who are really vetted experts. I also need to start looking for a decent local paint / body shop. Maybe the NCRS guys could give me some advice there too.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 40
Hi SDex;
Welcome to the forum and if you get this car welcome to the '73 club.
It looks good from the pics and as you said mostly original under the hood. I think price is in the ball park especially if all systems are working and minimal rust. I bought my '73 L82 convertible with close ratio four speed about 18 months ago and paid a few G's more than the car you are looking at. I have still sunk another 10G's into it since purchasing and it's still climbing. don't mean to discourage, it's definitely a hobby. Here's a couple of pics. Let us know if you get it.
Attachment 47907942
Attachment 47907943
Welcome to the forum and if you get this car welcome to the '73 club.
It looks good from the pics and as you said mostly original under the hood. I think price is in the ball park especially if all systems are working and minimal rust. I bought my '73 L82 convertible with close ratio four speed about 18 months ago and paid a few G's more than the car you are looking at. I have still sunk another 10G's into it since purchasing and it's still climbing. don't mean to discourage, it's definitely a hobby. Here's a couple of pics. Let us know if you get it.
Attachment 47907942Attachment 47907943
My buddy in the late 70's , had the exact same car ....he added side pipes , ......he screwed up selling it to buy a NEW 1986 Corvette .....
Which is practically worthless to anybody today...
