Considering a '73
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Considering a '73
Hello All,
I'm currently looking at purchasing a '73, L82, 4spd. The owner says it's a no-hit body (minor paint work needed though) and claims it runs strong at 103,000 miles ... asking 6g. I'm probably going to check it out this weekend.
Is there anything special and/or caveats that I should know about '73s/C3's/Vettes? Maintainability? Reliability? Part availability? Trouble points? Recalls? etc.
Thanks in advance,
Future (hopefully) 'Vette owner.
I'm currently looking at purchasing a '73, L82, 4spd. The owner says it's a no-hit body (minor paint work needed though) and claims it runs strong at 103,000 miles ... asking 6g. I'm probably going to check it out this weekend.
Is there anything special and/or caveats that I should know about '73s/C3's/Vettes? Maintainability? Reliability? Part availability? Trouble points? Recalls? etc.
Thanks in advance,
Future (hopefully) 'Vette owner.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Considering a '73 (wcsinx)
Buy it .......Sounds like a deal..check numbers and look for rust .....There are a ton of other things to do.....Someone will give you a link for sure...if it needs painting..That is NOT Cheap
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,145
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: Considering a '73 (wcsinx)
If the numbers match and it is rust free then it sounds like a good deal to me. For more info on the '73, check out The '73 Spot below.
My favorite price guide is the one from Cars&Parts Corvette magazine. I assume the car is a coupe. They list a '73 coupe, L82, 4-speed in "Driver" condition as $7,500 or "Very Good" condition as $11,000.
tom...
[Modified by Tom73, 4:09 PM 3/11/2002]
My favorite price guide is the one from Cars&Parts Corvette magazine. I assume the car is a coupe. They list a '73 coupe, L82, 4-speed in "Driver" condition as $7,500 or "Very Good" condition as $11,000.
tom...
[Modified by Tom73, 4:09 PM 3/11/2002]
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Re: Considering a '73 (Tom73)
Hey Tom,
That's an awesome site. I had no idea that the '73's were the "Duntov" 'Vettes. How much does that factor into the '73's collectability and desireability?
(yes, it's a T-top Coupe)
Keep the posts coming guys! :)
Thanks again,
That's an awesome site. I had no idea that the '73's were the "Duntov" 'Vettes. How much does that factor into the '73's collectability and desireability?
(yes, it's a T-top Coupe)
Keep the posts coming guys! :)
Thanks again,
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 9
From: Fairport NY
Re: Considering a '73 (Tom73)
wcsinx, Tom73 has the best site going for the 73 vette. If the price is right and the frames not rusted, buy it. The forum has plenty of 73 vette owners that have either all original, numbers matching vettes to those that are modified that can help you with any issues with you car. Pics of my car are at my site below. Rod :cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 4,143
Likes: 0
Re: Considering a '73 (wcsinx)
'73 Collectible ? ...yeah, they're climbing in value everyday. :)
...and I'm sure to get heckeled at for this remark, but if it were me I'd get a '73 convt. or a '72 coupe & earlier.
The '72's had a removeable back glass which helps the air flow for cruisin' without tops ! :D
Also - and I may be wrong - but '71 and earlier had fiber optics which were discontinued due to cost.
...But don't listen to my b.s. :bs - if it's a nice clean vette with decent paint.
Check the bushings & look for grease oozing out of the bearings, rearend, etc.
It's an old car so you can forgive a lot based on the price.....
Good luck & post pics if you can, - to help others give ya better feedback ! :chevy
btw - 1973 was known as the 'closest' to being a 100% shark in true form - one of Bill Mitchell's favorites ! <did that for you 1973 vette owners :p: >
...and I'm sure to get heckeled at for this remark, but if it were me I'd get a '73 convt. or a '72 coupe & earlier.
The '72's had a removeable back glass which helps the air flow for cruisin' without tops ! :D
Also - and I may be wrong - but '71 and earlier had fiber optics which were discontinued due to cost.
...But don't listen to my b.s. :bs - if it's a nice clean vette with decent paint.
Check the bushings & look for grease oozing out of the bearings, rearend, etc.
It's an old car so you can forgive a lot based on the price.....
Good luck & post pics if you can, - to help others give ya better feedback ! :chevy
btw - 1973 was known as the 'closest' to being a 100% shark in true form - one of Bill Mitchell's favorites ! <did that for you 1973 vette owners :p: >
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,145
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: Considering a '73 (verskel)
btw - 1973 was known as the 'closest' to being a 100% shark in true form - one of Bill Mitchell's favorites ! <did that for you 1973 vette owners>
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 418
From: Chester Virginia
Re: Considering a '73 (wcsinx)
I have owned two Corvettes, both 73 coupes, wouldn't own any other older Vette. Try to find a Corvette owner and take him with you to look at the car. The 73 Spot is an excellent resource. There are several other sites telling you what to look for when inspecting an older Vette.
Roger
Roger
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Moro IL
Re: (wcsinx)
Thanks so much, guys. I'm going to call the seller tonight and set up a meeting. If everything checks out, I'll be joining your ranks. :)
:cheers:
Pat Kunz
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,145
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: (The Wanderer)
Don't forget the pictures... we love pictures ! At least the '73 still had one chrome bumper :) Good luck and enjoy !
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Re: Considering a '73 (wcsinx)
DamnDamnDamnDamnDamnDamnDamnDamn
Well I checked it out this past Sunday, and it looked great, ran decent, and the interior wasn't as ratty as a lot of cars I've seen.
BUT! On the advice of you fellers, I reached behind the passenger rear wheel, grabbed the frame, and came up with a handful of rust. :eek: And I specifically asked on the phone him if it was suffering from any frame rot, and he told me that the frame was perfect! :mad
Ahh well ... still searching. Does anyone have a good, manual tranny C3s for sale? I'd prefer a year before the horsepower fell through the floor, but I'm open to anything really.
Well I checked it out this past Sunday, and it looked great, ran decent, and the interior wasn't as ratty as a lot of cars I've seen.
BUT! On the advice of you fellers, I reached behind the passenger rear wheel, grabbed the frame, and came up with a handful of rust. :eek: And I specifically asked on the phone him if it was suffering from any frame rot, and he told me that the frame was perfect! :mad
Ahh well ... still searching. Does anyone have a good, manual tranny C3s for sale? I'd prefer a year before the horsepower fell through the floor, but I'm open to anything really.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,145
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: Considering a '73 (wcsinx)
Does anyone have a good, manual tranny C3s for sale? I'd prefer a year before the horsepower fell through the floor, but I'm open to anything really.
tom...