427SIXPACK
Le Mans Master
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Today
- Member SinceNov 2001
- LocationLONG ISLAND
- Posts:8,639
- Veteran Field #12025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
- Veteran Field #22024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
- Veteran Field #32023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Quote:
I’ve built many cars, boats, and motorcycles over the past 50 years.
As far as building my 73 Corvette, it is really no different than any other car I’ve built.
The frame, chassis, brakes, engine, transmission, suspension, and steering are no different than any other GM make and model cars.
The rear differential, and complete IRS is daunting to think about, but in the end is pretty straight forward when comparing it to any other posi traction differential.
The interior is straight out of any other 60’s thru 80’s GM car and reproduction interior parts are available from many different vendors.
The only issues I’ve found has been with fit and finish of the body panels and the fact that the body is fiberglass makes it challenging.
Many people have learned to work with fiberglass with great results and many, like myself, elected to have a professional do the body and paint work.
Like any other vehicle I’ve built or restored, a lot depends on who has been making repairs before you and the quality of the workmanship.
I’ve found some really poor quality work done by the prior owner’s mechanics.
Poor body workmanship from prior repairs can be really expensive to fix.
If you want a Corvette, buy it and enjoy it.
It will be as dependable and as fun as any other classic car on the road as long as you make it so.
Originally Posted by OldCarBum
I have to somewhat disagree with Cam33.I’ve built many cars, boats, and motorcycles over the past 50 years.
As far as building my 73 Corvette, it is really no different than any other car I’ve built.
The frame, chassis, brakes, engine, transmission, suspension, and steering are no different than any other GM make and model cars.
The rear differential, and complete IRS is daunting to think about, but in the end is pretty straight forward when comparing it to any other posi traction differential.
The interior is straight out of any other 60’s thru 80’s GM car and reproduction interior parts are available from many different vendors.
The only issues I’ve found has been with fit and finish of the body panels and the fact that the body is fiberglass makes it challenging.
Many people have learned to work with fiberglass with great results and many, like myself, elected to have a professional do the body and paint work.
Like any other vehicle I’ve built or restored, a lot depends on who has been making repairs before you and the quality of the workmanship.
I’ve found some really poor quality work done by the prior owner’s mechanics.
Poor body workmanship from prior repairs can be really expensive to fix.
If you want a Corvette, buy it and enjoy it.
It will be as dependable and as fun as any other classic car on the road as long as you make it so.
with you , but poor CAM33 is painting with a VERY broad brush !!* SOMEWHAT * ??????????? Not somewhat, I totally disagree ! My 68 has been the most desirable, reliable, fun, muscle car I have ever owned.
" There's Nothing like a Corvette " ...................Nothin !!!
DWAVette
Drifting
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May 4, 2026
- Member SinceMay 2020
- LocationBaton Rouge, Louisiana, metro area
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rev Ron
Thanks, Gents, all of you raise some very valid points. Yes, I want a nice ride. Yes, I want it to run well, but am afraid that all the sitting has hardened the seals and gaskets. Yes, it will take an effort to get it started when it hasn't started in 5 years... much les new battery, brakes, tires and what else? And they are hard over on the $28k. Thanks much!
There is a beautiful 72 Vert 4-speed on this forum for $25K. I think 28 is too much for even a pristine 73.
Quote:
Cribs?Originally Posted by Cam33
ok… I have been a mechanic and have own 60’s and 70’s muscle cars for over 35 yrs.. I have always heard people say they are not fans of corvette’s because of there design and build quality. I wasn’t looking but one day I came across a 70 corvette that the owner started to rebuild and got so frustrated he just wanted out .. I bought it for a great price so I decided to challenge myself and try to put to rest all the negative things I have heard about them and find out myself.. WELL I have to tell you , these cars are the biggest piece of crap I have ever worked on !!! Nothing is easy, simple things on any other cars are major problem . I can go on and on with a laundry list of things. The Chevy 350 is a solid engine but the design and planning of these cars is absolutely horrible . It seems GM slapped together these cars to try and compete with other sports cars of the era but failed .. GM knew when they built the corvette it wouldn’t last more than 5 years but it looked good and made them millions of dollars.. I ran into a older gentleman at a car show a while back and he said he worked at the St. Louis plant in the 60’s and 70’s on the corvette assembly line and told me they were a piece of junk and would never buy one .. . I can’t wait to finish these car and sell it . I took on the challenge and this car beat me up .. My advice be very careful what you wish for !!! If you decide to buy the 78 i promise you it will be a long and expensive road .. You will drive it one day and repair it 2 days . A car that sat for that long will need everything. This is just my opinion but what do I know I only have been working on cars for 35 years .do yourself a favor take my advice and buy a good muscle car and restore it back to it’s glory.. the restoration will be enjoyable and it will be much more dependable Good luck 👍
Zanny1
Pro
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Today
- Member SinceMay 2019
- LocationFountain Hills (Phoenix) AZ
- Posts:556
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Having recently purchased a one owner 42K mile 1975 L48 auto trans car, I will chime in here with a few comments.
This is undoubtably the most difficult car to work on that I have owned. And I have had dozens of vintage cars over the years. It seems like everything is hard to reach and poorly fitted. Having said that, I am working through the HVAC system and controls, a host of issues under the hood, and am now replacing the leaf spring carrier which is cracked. The car is a dry Arizona car but still has underbody rust on the rear suspension points (which I believe are original) making removal a real PITA.
Last week I took the center HVAC control plate out to fix one of the thumbwheels which was not moving the pointer. Another big hassle, as the wiring had been routed incorrectly resulting in interference with many of the moving parts. Probably spent 40 hours getting everything right.
Door panels off last month to check the power window operation.... one of the wheels had fallen off the window and both bottom stops had fallen off the tracks and were laying in the bottom of the door. Got this all back together and the PW system works well.
In short.... much more difficult to work on than my 1967 vert, but a really nice ride which I enjoy. With the L48/auto, it's an old man's car (I am 72) that drives effortlessly, is quiet with no squeaks or rattles, just a whole different experience compared to the C2 version.
Just a PITA to fix anything.... my 2 cents.
This is undoubtably the most difficult car to work on that I have owned. And I have had dozens of vintage cars over the years. It seems like everything is hard to reach and poorly fitted. Having said that, I am working through the HVAC system and controls, a host of issues under the hood, and am now replacing the leaf spring carrier which is cracked. The car is a dry Arizona car but still has underbody rust on the rear suspension points (which I believe are original) making removal a real PITA.
Last week I took the center HVAC control plate out to fix one of the thumbwheels which was not moving the pointer. Another big hassle, as the wiring had been routed incorrectly resulting in interference with many of the moving parts. Probably spent 40 hours getting everything right.
Door panels off last month to check the power window operation.... one of the wheels had fallen off the window and both bottom stops had fallen off the tracks and were laying in the bottom of the door. Got this all back together and the PW system works well.
In short.... much more difficult to work on than my 1967 vert, but a really nice ride which I enjoy. With the L48/auto, it's an old man's car (I am 72) that drives effortlessly, is quiet with no squeaks or rattles, just a whole different experience compared to the C2 version.
Just a PITA to fix anything.... my 2 cents.
Bikespace
Race Director
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Today
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I wonder if most of the frustration of these cars could be fixed by understanding a few things.
1. The braking system IS NOT like nearly any other classic car. Rotor run-out matters. After the C3s ended, GM did not use fixed-caliper, multi-piston brakes on another Corvette until the C6 Z06. My 2022 Mustang has fixed-caliper, multi-piston brake only on the front wheels. And all of these cars come with wheel bearing cartridges, instead of the black magic required to work on C3 wheel bearings (especially the rears).
2. Keeping things stock is all well and good, but there are much better, modern solutions for nearly everything in a C3. The looks can't be improved on much, though.
3. They say, if you have a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Well, if you have a welder, perhaps the C3 is not the correct platform for you.
1. The braking system IS NOT like nearly any other classic car. Rotor run-out matters. After the C3s ended, GM did not use fixed-caliper, multi-piston brakes on another Corvette until the C6 Z06. My 2022 Mustang has fixed-caliper, multi-piston brake only on the front wheels. And all of these cars come with wheel bearing cartridges, instead of the black magic required to work on C3 wheel bearings (especially the rears).
2. Keeping things stock is all well and good, but there are much better, modern solutions for nearly everything in a C3. The looks can't be improved on much, though.
3. They say, if you have a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Well, if you have a welder, perhaps the C3 is not the correct platform for you.
Bally
Racer
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Yesterday
- Member SinceNov 2005
- LocationPennsylvania
- Posts:285
- Veteran Field #12016 C3 of Year Finalist
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Quote:
It's true that a C3 can be very difficult to work on, and there were some cost-cutting measures at GM so as to make the cars affordable compared to the more expensive offerings from Europe. In the case of my '71 LS5, once the restoration was completed (2016), and the car sorted, post-restoration, I find the car so much fun to drive. The power and handling are the reason why. I've never even felt the ride to be rough. The car has minimal squeaks (T-tops, only occasionally), and there are no rattles. The brakes are excellent. Yes, I've had a fuel pump go out on me not far from home, and the Z-bar engine stud broke off once, rendering my clutch pedal dead, with both these events requiring a tow home, but that's what AAA is for! Otherwise, the car has been very reliable and I can't wait to drive it here in a few days when the last of the ice/snow melts and the roads are washed by the rain we'll be getting this week. Driving a muscle car is great, but just not the same experience as driving a Corvette.Originally Posted by Cam33
ok… I have been a mechanic and have own 60’s and 70’s muscle cars for over 35 yrs.. I have always heard people say they are not fans of corvette’s because of there design and build quality. I wasn’t looking but one day I came across a 70 corvette that the owner started to rebuild and got so frustrated he just wanted out .. I bought it for a great price so I decided to challenge myself and try to put to rest all the negative things I have heard about them and find out myself.. WELL I have to tell you , these cars are the biggest piece of crap I have ever worked on !!! Nothing is easy, simple things on any other cars are major problem . I can go on and on with a laundry list of things. The Chevy 350 is a solid engine but the design and planning of these cars is absolutely horrible . It seems GM slapped together these cars to try and compete with other sports cars of the era but failed .. GM knew when they built the corvette it wouldn’t last more than 5 years but it looked good and made them millions of dollars.. I ran into a older gentleman at a car show a while back and he said he worked at the St. Louis plant in the 60’s and 70’s on the corvette assembly line and told me they were a piece of junk and would never buy one .. . I can’t wait to finish these car and sell it . I took on the challenge and this car beat me up .. My advice be very careful what you wish for !!! If you decide to buy the 78 i promise you it will be a long and expensive road .. You will drive it one day and repair it 2 days . A car that sat for that long will need everything. This is just my opinion but what do I know I only have been working on cars for 35 years .do yourself a favor take my advice and buy a good muscle car and restore it back to it’s glory.. the restoration will be enjoyable and it will be much more dependable Good luck 👍
Regarding the '73 in question, if I were you, I'd find one that's ready to go. I believe you could find a very good one for well under $28K. And the '73 is a very nice looking car, and a one-year-only car, with the clean-looking urethane front cover (no protruding bumperettes, a la '75-up), and rear chrome bumpers.
