Howdy!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
From: Auburn CA
Howdy!
Hi there guys! I'm a first time Corvette owner. I've wanted a C3 for as long as I can remember and I'm finally in a position I could get one and get some things done on it. Like a lot of you, I was really lusting after a '68-'72, but alas, I'm not rich. I was able to find a decent deal on a good running, matching numbers, cosmetically challenged '73. It's really not too terrible, but it does need a new front bumper and paint. Eventually I'll be redoing the interior as well, though it is serviceable. The clock actually works! For now, I want to enjoy it awhile. Down the road, I want to make it brand new. She looks pretty good from behind, but you walk around the front and she needs some help. I won't go into the schoolyard term for it.
Anyway, for this reason, and the fact that I'm not ready for an all-in restoration, I'm wondering if anyone has done a partial paint job and whether you all think it'll come out okay for a weekend driver for the time being. I'm thinking fiberglass or true flex bumper and strip and paint the front fenders and bumper.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 268
From: iowa city iowa
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C3 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Hey, Congrats on fulfilling your dream. I really like the 73 and yours looks nice. Really from the photos the front nose is the only thing keeping it from being a really nice driver. The interior does not look that bad either. If that is the case it is something you can drive around and enjoy and fix things up as time/money allows.
Beautiful car!
Beautiful car!
Last edited by brent319; Apr 25, 2016 at 07:15 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
From: Auburn CA
Thanks Brent! It really is fine for now, I'd just like to take care of those two minor issues, and have a mechanic sign off on the motor, brakes and cooling system. The nose I think you noticed readily, but there is also cracking paint on the left front fender.
Anyway, I've already started customizing a bit. I was lucky enough to go to Augusta this year for the Masters, and when I got the car, it was missing whatever was in the auto-trans shift button. I noticed it looked pretty close to the size of some ball markers I bought at Augusta. Turns out it was more than close, it was PERFECT!
A little more back-story, my dad was a huge golf fanatic, as am I, but not like him. He also happened to own a '73 Classic White Vette before I was born. Unfortunately, he passed away in January. This is starting out to be sort of a tribute car to him.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,153
Likes: 9,283
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Welcome aboard. Cool tribute. Make it what you want, you'll love it even more. Sorry to hear of your Dads passing.
An you post a side view of your car. I like the red stripe tires. I wanted to check out the rims too
An you post a side view of your car. I like the red stripe tires. I wanted to check out the rims too
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Apr 25, 2016 at 08:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
From: Auburn CA
Thank you very much!
Hopefully the pic above gives you a better idea. They are 16X8 and 16X10 Chrome Rallies with 265 50 16s and 295 50 16s, respectively. The tires are BFG radials customized to be red lines at some shop. I didn't do it, but I can probably find out who did. Also, I realize the rallies are original-esque, but I'm contemplating a change already. I may be selling this setup. I'd like to go a little more narrow on the rears too as I like them a little more flush with the fender.
Last edited by Beedub73; Apr 25, 2016 at 09:01 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I realize she isn't perfect but to me she has more heart and soul than many others I have seen,
When I got my 69 it had a 73-79 front clip and boy did that look grow on me, just stunning the chrome rear bumpers and slick front end, no wonder it is said to be Duntovs favorite c3 year,
just please do not take the bumpers off....
When I got my 69 it had a 73-79 front clip and boy did that look grow on me, just stunning the chrome rear bumpers and slick front end, no wonder it is said to be Duntovs favorite c3 year,
just please do not take the bumpers off....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 66
From: Killeen Texas
Most of the work I'm doing you can find here on the form and if not just ask. People here will jump in and help.
Ill be watching your progress. Keep posting..
Tim
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
From: Auburn CA
No worries there Bats, I absolutely love the rear end. The front does need to be replaced, but I'll likely just go with an off the shelf fiberglass unit. I have toyed with the idea of making a custom front bumper, but whatever I'd do there wouldn't change the structure of the front end, so it could always just be put back to stock. I also have the stock hood, which is in better condition than the one on it, so if I don't go with a high intake, I might put that back on. Whatever is done, I want it to be classy, but I'm not opposed to making it drive better.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 27
From: Sonora CA
Nice looking car!
I just had a Tru-Flex bumper (from "CC") put on my 73 and for the most part it went on pretty well, according to the guy that put it on. However, when I got it back, I had problems getting the grills in. I had to remove all the braces and realign them. And in doing so, I found that a couple of them were bent, (possibly from a front-end collision) Not too bad, but just enough to throw things off.
I did take the old one off myself, but neglected to check the front-end components for straightness, and or damage.
After realigning and straightening all the braces, all three grills fit better than they ever did.
I just had a Tru-Flex bumper (from "CC") put on my 73 and for the most part it went on pretty well, according to the guy that put it on. However, when I got it back, I had problems getting the grills in. I had to remove all the braces and realign them. And in doing so, I found that a couple of them were bent, (possibly from a front-end collision) Not too bad, but just enough to throw things off.
I did take the old one off myself, but neglected to check the front-end components for straightness, and or damage.
After realigning and straightening all the braces, all three grills fit better than they ever did.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
From: Auburn CA
Thank you very much, and thanks for the feedback on the bumper! I actually just started tearing the old one off last night. I grabbed one piece of it and the whole thing just started disintegrating in my hands. It is mostly off now and everything looks pretty good underneath, aside from a bit of surface rust. Since you've now been through it, I'll ask you, did you have to buy the extra kit they sell for attachment (should come with it in my opinion), or does the stock stuff work fine?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 140
From: Sadieville Kentucky
Hi there guys! I'm a first time Corvette owner. I've wanted a C3 for as long as I can remember and I'm finally in a position I could get one and get some things done on it. Like a lot of you, I was really lusting after a '68-'72, but alas, I'm not rich. I was able to find a decent deal on a good running, matching numbers, cosmetically challenged '73. It's really not too terrible, but it does need a new front bumper and paint. Eventually I'll be redoing the interior as well, though it is serviceable. The clock actually works! For now, I want to enjoy it awhile. Down the road, I want to make it brand new. She looks pretty good from behind, but you walk around the front and she needs some help. I won't go into the schoolyard term for it.
Anyway, for this reason, and the fact that I'm not ready for an all-in restoration, I'm wondering if anyone has done a partial paint job and whether you all think it'll come out okay for a weekend driver for the time being. I'm thinking fiberglass or true flex bumper and strip and paint the front fenders and bumper.
Wes
Last edited by 530planeman; Apr 27, 2016 at 10:56 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 231
Likes: 39
From: Imboden Arkansas
Welcome aboard. It's pretty cool feeling to finally realize a long time dream isn't it? It looks like you have a very good starting point and the tribute to your dad is awesome. Great bunch of guys on this forum to help you out also.