Hi everyone, I'm new here so just wanted to connect.
Decided to start with a complete rebuild of my 73 C3. I can already see it's going to be a fun and long process
Best of all I am learning so much stuff about these amazing cars!
Currently preparing for a body lift and bellow some photos of the current progress.





body job numbers visible

took this photo while holding camera above the fuel tank looking for famous build sheet. it's only recently while looking at this image I noticed something stuck between top body and some metal frame. Could this be it? or a leftover piece if it?

 

Nice looking car bother
Welcome aboard!

 

Glad to have you here! Looking forward to your progress on keeping another 73 on the road. Ask any question: that is how WE all learn. Also, post plenty of pictures.
Good chance that is a portion of the build sheet. Let us know what you find....
Fran

 

Welcome to the madness and to the 73 club.
What are your plans?
Restoration or restomod?
Four speed, auto, five speed?
I’ll be starting a restomod on my 73 soon.
Keep us posted on your progress.

 

Awesome welcome to a lot of 1 year only stuff... 😂😂

 

Hi,
Car is base model 73, automatic with AC, PS and all the options.
I have already a new GM crate motor SP350/357 waiting to go in, as well a TREMEC TKO 500,
Borgeson steering and a carbon leaf spring.
Don't want to make a trophy car, just a reliable and safe weekend driver.
Keep you all posted and will need your help along the way

 

Mediium Blue Metallic with black leather----beautifull!

Please post progress pics for all of us to enjoy! Good luck with your project!

 

We will be watching as the progress continues!

 

Yes, that sure looks like the build sheet alright. Be extremely careful with the gas tank when taking it out. The build sheet is very fragile and can be damaged very easily. When they put them on the gas tank they put a big cob of glue between the build sheet and tank. There will be a lot of dirt and foreign material on the sheet, so be very careful trying to clean it off. Take pictures before and after everything you do. Really should have a professional help you with this. I have a 1973 corvette, and when I took it apart I found the build sheet on top of the gas tank. Could not read it so I took a horse-hair brush to it, and tried to be as careful as I could but I ruined it. So, be careful.

 

Thanks a lot everyone for all the support.
I sure hope this is the build sheet, I will see once the body get’s lifted.
Keep you all posted,
Matko

 

Little bit of update...
So body is finally separated from chassis, but it was quite a ride to get to this point.
I never imagined it would take me so much time to disassemble and prepare for the lift itself. There is just endless amount of - it’s just one more bolt to get loose and we are there. Radiator and radiator shroud alone took a day of my life.
All in all I missed only the cable from automatic shifter handle to tranny - I guess not bad for a rookie. However this forum and the amount of tips I got from you guys that did this work before is just priceless! You saved me!
As for the lift itself, I went the hard way...Please don’t laugh!
I thought initially to try it will 4 hydraulic jacks and slowly lifting and putting in supports along the way. Don’t do it.
In the end I did it with a chain hoist on each side of a car and using a 2x4 across the bottom while keeping the car in balance. This worked like a dream!
No damage in the end and one big happy face
Body is now lying on a low dolly, easy to maneuver around garage. As for chassis it really looks to be in good shape, no dents and no damage, occasional surface rust, but no rot. I can see someone played with fuel lines as return line is cut and plugged, as well the line to carbon canister. Fuel tank was changed or taken off at some time so no build sheet
I did find however inside the car a 1 cent coin from 1977. It was stuck in seat rails. Lucky coin, will epoxy it somewhere to body and let it continue the journey.
Time for a small victory beer, cheers everyone
Matko

Oh, and almost forgot...had a strange looking tire in spare tire well. Didn’t pay too much attention to it, but it turns out its a Firestone 500. DOT points to 25th week of 1972. How cool is that ))

 

Cool, finding the penny.
I also like your body dolly.
Simple design.
How well does it roll?

 

That frame looks pretty good. Definitely not a Massachusetts car like mine was.

 

Awesome start! I will be watching closely, my 73 needs this treatment. Good luck and have fun!

 

Welcome!

Good Luck, may you avoid most of the potential pitfalls (nobody misses them all)!

Keep the posts and PICTURES coming...

Paul

 

Few more update photos
Getting ready for sandblasting and paint


Getting those springs out was a real nightmare

 

Guys few more progress fotos...

 

When I was installing lower control arms, the thread of LH nut plate gave in
I am reluctant to cutting it and welding a new one, so I thought to just attach it with a nut from above.
Should hold even better that before, what do you think?
Anyone had similar issues?

Also, when I try to tighten lower control arm bushing retainers, arms will not even move anymore.
I am worried if this is normal and how should suspension work then?
I have rubber bushings on lower and poly on upper control arms.

Thank you guys for any inputs!
🍻

 

You need to have the body back on and the engine in before you tighten the A-arm bushings. They need to be centered on the weight of the car
so they can flex up and down evenly.

Donnie

 

Oh, I see...thanks