C3 Purchase Advice...
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Blackstone Mass.
C3 Purchase Advice...
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.
Last edited by SDex; Aug 13, 2015 at 12:53 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,744
Likes: 278
From: Akron OH
Based on your written word, it sounds like a nice car worthy of serious consideration. Do you have any pictures of the car that you can upload to this thread? Pictures can really help the forum members give you a more accurate assessment of the cars value.
Also make sure you read the sticky: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
Also make sure you read the sticky: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
Last edited by AkrHack; Aug 13, 2015 at 02:05 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Blackstone Mass.
Based on your written word, it sounds like a nice car worthy of serious consideration. Do you have any pictures of the car that you can upload to this thread? Pictures can really help the forum members give you a more accurate assessment of the cars value.
Also make sure you read the sticky: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
Also make sure you read the sticky: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
Thanks ArkHack. I am familiar with the "10 Rule" thread and video. That's what got me really thinking about the frame and birdcage.
I have uploaded a bunch of pictures into this album: https://www.corvetteforum.com/g/album/4061088
Thanks again, any and all advice is welcome.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Blackstone Mass.
Hi BarryB72. Actually that is another concern. I don't have a ton of extra income. I will be able to afford some routine maintenance, save up for a decent paint job, etc... but I don't see the funds for a full on restoration anytime soon. I hope to get a few years of routine maintenance and pleasure driving out of this '73, but I know I'll eventually have to invest some significant $$$ into it.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Blackstone Mass.
Hi Easy Mike. Thanks for the reply. I actually do think it is a good deal. Mainly because I know the history of the car and the family that has owned it for so long. It really is one of the cleanest '73s that I've seen in my price range. I do want it. If I have unlimited funds I'd be looking at C2s, but those just aren't in my budget. If I cant have a C2 then the '73 C3 is the next best in my opinion. I actually like the Urethane nose / chrome rear bumper combination. The L82 power is fine for me, I like the close ratio 4-speed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,623
Likes: 22
From: Boise Idaho
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '15, '17
It might be good deal, depending on how much you're going to have to sink into it. If the paint if full of lacquer checking or other issues its going to add to the cost of a new job.
You can check ebay completed auctions for prices. Here is the Hagerty values for a 73 L82. https://www.hagerty.com/valuationtoo...port?vbe=90495
You can check ebay completed auctions for prices. Here is the Hagerty values for a 73 L82. https://www.hagerty.com/valuationtoo...port?vbe=90495
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 530
Likes: 10
If the birdcage and frame checks out then it is a good deal. It will take some $$$ to bring it back to its full glory, but 1973 and earlier C3s are the ones that everyone wants, that bring decent $$$ and are likely to retain their value and possibly even go up a little over time.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 115
From: Yelm Wa
Known history of a well cared for car certainly has some value.
Price seems in the ball park.
Rust..not to be taken lightly. My attention would be to inspect the frame very closely.
New paint can be very expensive or not so much, depending on how involved you are in the process.
Good luck, if you buy it, be sure to post pics.
And welcome to the forum.
Price seems in the ball park.
Rust..not to be taken lightly. My attention would be to inspect the frame very closely.
New paint can be very expensive or not so much, depending on how involved you are in the process.
Good luck, if you buy it, be sure to post pics.
And welcome to the forum.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 695
Likes: 55
From: Palm Desert California
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.
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.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,182
Likes: 4,178
From: Kannapolis NC
A decent 73 is well worth 12,500. Junk sells for more. I'd be interested in why you say it's a close ratio 4 speed. Standard 4 spd was a wide ratio and a lot of people say close ratio based on the shifter pattern rather than the gears. Do you have a sticker or build sheet that says close ratio? That in no way affects the fact that a car as you describe is a bargain at that price.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Blackstone Mass.
Thanks for warm welcome and all the advice guys. I think I will make an offer on this '73.
@Tpfarm - That '73 convertible looks awesome. Is that new paint? Also - looks like new tires there, but I cant tell what kind. Are you happy with them? Could you recommend a good set of raised letter tires?
@65GGvert - The only reason I mention the close-ratio 4-speed is because that is what the current owner tells me it is. To be honest, this is the only C3 4-speed I've driven, so I have no basis of comparison. It could very well be the wide-ratio in there after all... From the driving perspective I'd be OK with either 4-speed; I'm hoping it really is a close-ratio just so it might be a little more valuable in the future.
Also - I should mention that the current owner in recent years began to collect some items in preparation for a paint job. He has new emblems (nose, gas cap, side "Stingray" emblems, C-O-R-V-E-T-T-E letters for the tail), mirrors (including the passenger side mirror which the car was not equipped with originally), new chrome rear bumpers, T-top weather stripping, trim rings, maybe a few other pieces. This would all come with the purchase as well.
@Tpfarm - That '73 convertible looks awesome. Is that new paint? Also - looks like new tires there, but I cant tell what kind. Are you happy with them? Could you recommend a good set of raised letter tires?
@65GGvert - The only reason I mention the close-ratio 4-speed is because that is what the current owner tells me it is. To be honest, this is the only C3 4-speed I've driven, so I have no basis of comparison. It could very well be the wide-ratio in there after all... From the driving perspective I'd be OK with either 4-speed; I'm hoping it really is a close-ratio just so it might be a little more valuable in the future.
Also - I should mention that the current owner in recent years began to collect some items in preparation for a paint job. He has new emblems (nose, gas cap, side "Stingray" emblems, C-O-R-V-E-T-T-E letters for the tail), mirrors (including the passenger side mirror which the car was not equipped with originally), new chrome rear bumpers, T-top weather stripping, trim rings, maybe a few other pieces. This would all come with the purchase as well.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 695
Likes: 55
From: Palm Desert California
Thanks for warm welcome and all the advice guys. I think I will make an offer on this '73.
@Tpfarm - That '73 convertible looks awesome. Is that new paint? Also - looks like new tires there, but I cant tell what kind. Are you happy with them? Could you recommend a good set of raised letter tires?
@65GGvert - The only reason I mention the close-ratio 4-speed is because that is what the current owner tells me it is. To be honest, this is the only C3 4-speed I've driven, so I have no basis of comparison. It could very well be the wide-ratio in there after all... From the driving perspective I'd be OK with either 4-speed; I'm hoping it really is a close-ratio just so it might be a little more valuable in the future.
Also - I should mention that the current owner in recent years began to collect some items in preparation for a paint job. He has new emblems (nose, gas cap, side "Stingray" emblems, C-O-R-V-E-T-T-E letters for the tail), mirrors (including the passenger side mirror which the car was not equipped with originally), new chrome rear bumpers, T-top weather stripping, trim rings, maybe a few other pieces. This would all come with the purchase as well.
@Tpfarm - That '73 convertible looks awesome. Is that new paint? Also - looks like new tires there, but I cant tell what kind. Are you happy with them? Could you recommend a good set of raised letter tires?
@65GGvert - The only reason I mention the close-ratio 4-speed is because that is what the current owner tells me it is. To be honest, this is the only C3 4-speed I've driven, so I have no basis of comparison. It could very well be the wide-ratio in there after all... From the driving perspective I'd be OK with either 4-speed; I'm hoping it really is a close-ratio just so it might be a little more valuable in the future.
Also - I should mention that the current owner in recent years began to collect some items in preparation for a paint job. He has new emblems (nose, gas cap, side "Stingray" emblems, C-O-R-V-E-T-T-E letters for the tail), mirrors (including the passenger side mirror which the car was not equipped with originally), new chrome rear bumpers, T-top weather stripping, trim rings, maybe a few other pieces. This would all come with the purchase as well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,738
Likes: 644
From: Lincoln, CA
That looks like a very good start.
You may be surprised how much paint can shine with a good cut and buff.
May not be perfect but will make it look better.
Go over the suspension and brakes. Good tune up and drive.
You may be surprised how much paint can shine with a good cut and buff.
May not be perfect but will make it look better.
Go over the suspension and brakes. Good tune up and drive.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Blackstone Mass.
BTW - I am located in a little one-horse town called Blackstone in Massachusetts, nice and quiet, just the way I like it
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Blackstone Mass.
Hi ddawson. Thanks for the reply. when you say 'cut' and buff, do you mean a clay bar treatment or light wetsandind before buffing??
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,703
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Thanks Tpfarm. I will check out the Cobras, I was thinking BFG Radials, but those Cobras look nice... Do you happen to know if there is any minor difference in wheel well on the '73 convertible versus coupe? I don't imagine they'd be any different, but you never know...
BTW - I am located in a little one-horse town called Blackstone in Massachusetts, nice and quiet, just the way I like it
BTW - I am located in a little one-horse town called Blackstone in Massachusetts, nice and quiet, just the way I like it
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Blackstone Mass.