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Sadly my father-in-law recently passed away and I now have his 1973 350 base. It sat for years and was never driven. Unfortunately several years it was outside, but luckily I live in New Mexico and we dont have much moisture. Got it it running and before I got serious about getting it fixed up I checked out some some of the 10 things to do before you buy sticky. Looks Ok to me but I wanted everyone's thoughts. Below are some pictures of kick panel area, windshield, and under car. Thoughts before I put too much time and money?
Sorry to hear of the loss of your father, but congratulations on receiving this memory from him. There are a number of us on the forum here that are rebuilding projects that we have inherited from our fathers. Check out ChazD build thread and mine at GiddyUpGo - Daddy's Vette. There are others as well. Lots of good knowledge here. From the pics that you posted it seems to me you are in pretty good shape. I did not see anything that would scare me. No scale type rust and everything looked solid. I would say it looks like you have a real good foundation upon which to go. Your brakes will probably need redone and may not hurt to do fuel lines too. There is much else to consider, but this is a great place to be. I am sure there are others who will take a look that have more experience and a keener eye than I do and will offer some outstanding advice. Welcome, and enjoy the ride!
Hi q,
I think the pictures show a pretty solid car too.
The only thing I see that might only indicate a bit of bubba maintenance is that the rear tie-rods are bent. This often means the rear alignment was done with a sledge-hammer.
The tie-rods are available, relatively inexpensive, and quite easy to replace.
"Back to glory"! That sounds nice… and like some fun!
Regards,
Alan
Thanks for the input Alan. Yes I noticed they were bent. I have noticed a few other visits from bubba such as a straightened paper clip holding open the carb valve because there was a blockage elsewhere. Also fuel to carb was bubba rigged. So I know there will some more hidden "gems".
My father in law was the owner since 84. And I do not believe he was a big fan of bubba. So I am hoping it is minimal, but nothing a little hard work, time and money can't solve?
Looks better than my '73 when I started. All the rust looks superficial - I think you have a solid car there. Engine looks nice and stock as well.
Check the radiator support bracket - the original radiator in mine had been weeping for years and rusted out the bottom of the mount. It can be replaced fairly easily. I replaced the support, the radiator, hoses and rubber surrounds - the car runs very cool now.
Your 73 is in great shape compared to what I began with.
I wouldn't hesitate to restore it.
This is what I began with and the results with just using a power buffer.
I too am sorry about your loss. But, at least, something tells me your dad-in-law is happy that you have the car.
Like everyone said, it looks in very good shape. It IS 43 years old you know. And it must have been a very tight engine, with the superficial rust on the bottom frame.
You'll get lotza good help and advice here q. Don't worry about asking questions which you might think are "dumb". The Search feature of the forums can often find your answers quick, and many folks here enjoy parting their experience upon those with less as well.
Welcome aboard! Sorry for the loss of your Father-in-law; his spirit will be there with you in the corvette.
Car looks good; better than mine whe I got it 11 years ago.
Ask questions as we are here to help
Fran
1973 pics
Seems like almost one a week popping up lately! PLease keep us posted on progress! 
