Blessed with a vett
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Cordova Ca
Blessed with a vett
I recently inherited a 1973 stingray corvette from my father. I don’t know much about them. Trying to learn. It was very fun driving it home even though I was nervous lol. The only thing I noticed was the oil pressure gauge was running on max (70) not sure if that normal when pushing the gas- it would lower when idling and the RPM tac wasn’t working at all. Does anyone know what I should be looking at to fix these?
Last edited by BlessedVett; Aug 21, 2024 at 09:04 PM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 295
Likes: 502
From: Vail, AZ
Welcome aboard. Is it a BB or SB car? My 73 BB car runs oil pressure at 70 when cold and drops down after it warms up and at idle around 35-40 ish range. It goes up when driving when the rpm's increase. The tach issue could be a broken tach cable, broken tach or not hooked up. Should be hooked up to the distributor under the cap. You would see a threaded part sticking out if it's not hooked up. I would suggest getting a 73 Corvette repair manual, it would help you with a lot of questions that may arise. I got one after I got my 73. Been a great help with all the maintenance.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Cordova Ca
It a 350 so it a SB. Thanks for the information. I did grab a Chiltons repair manual from his garage just haven’t cracked it open yet. 🤦♀️
Last edited by BlessedVett; Aug 21, 2024 at 09:44 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Genuine GM manual is more detailed and much more year specific. Chilton manuals tend to like to cover a number of years in one book. , poorly.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4,247
From: US-PNW
I recently inherited a 1973 stingray corvette from my father. I don’t know much about them. Trying to learn. It was very fun driving it home even though I was nervous lol. The only thing I noticed was the oil pressure gauge was running on max (70) not sure if that normal when pushing the gas- it would lower when idling and the RPM tac wasn’t working at all. Does anyone know what I should be looking at to fix these?
As Laughing Coyote said, the tach in a '73 should be mechanical with a cable from the back of the gauge to the distributor housing. If the distributor is a replacement non-tach-drive style, then there's no where to connect the cable. If the cable is present, you can use a drill in reverse to check the inner cable and the gauge's movement.
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 295
Likes: 502
From: Vail, AZ
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,234
Likes: 7,827
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Sorry, earlier I failed to say, Welcome to the forum!
And yes , each of us are blessed to have a Vette.
I bought mine many years ago. And it still puts a grin on my chin when I row her quickly threw the gears!
And believe me, we all come on here and ask questions. No one knows everything.
And yes , each of us are blessed to have a Vette.
I bought mine many years ago. And it still puts a grin on my chin when I row her quickly threw the gears!
And believe me, we all come on here and ask questions. No one knows everything.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 2,328
From: Central UT
Hi OP, sorry to hear about your father. Welcome to the forum. There are some really helpful people here that share the same passion. You'll learn more about vette heritage, the fun and sometimes frustrating quirks of our C3s, and get lots of help when you need it.
As mentioned above, we like to know more about one another's vettes. Pictures of your C3 will help members help you. They're not hard to add - just go to the bottom of a thread to "manage attachments" (or if you don't see that option, choose "go advanced" and then you'll see it. When you post up some pictures members here can identify ways to help you enjoy your new ride. You might also consider adding your city to your profile - you never know who you might meet! Best, Paul
As mentioned above, we like to know more about one another's vettes. Pictures of your C3 will help members help you. They're not hard to add - just go to the bottom of a thread to "manage attachments" (or if you don't see that option, choose "go advanced" and then you'll see it. When you post up some pictures members here can identify ways to help you enjoy your new ride. You might also consider adding your city to your profile - you never know who you might meet! Best, Paul
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,541
Likes: 1,975
From: Temple Terrace Florida
Welcome to the forum. I would check to see if any paperwork came with the car. It might give you insight into what was done to the car in the past. Pictures are always nice. Jerry
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Cordova Ca
The oil was checked by me and the appraiser I had come out it was clean and full for the weight I’m not sure as I can’t figure out how to get the hood open again. One side is closed and the other not.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,062
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From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
welcome to the forum. as many have stated, lots of knowledgeable folks here to help with just about anything.. as far as your hood question, that is somewhat common if you try to close it from one side. if you can't get it opened, have someone apply downward pressure gently to the locked side and pull the release, virtually all the corvettes i have owned over my lifetime prefer to be closed by pressure from the middle open edge when closing. it seems to apply pressure more evenly to the 2 side hinge locks.
