1973 Project Advise
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: El Paso, Texas
1973 Project Advise
Hi all!
I'll be staring work on my recently acquired automatic '73 L48 but wanted to get some input from the community. This particular shark is originally from Oklahoma. After two owners, it made its way to Dallas, Texas where I purchased it. After a 9 hour drive, the car and I made it all the way to El Paso, Texas for our final destination. The engine stayed cool, no fluid leaks, and overall it passed the endurance test which I was confident of from the start.
I'll be staring work on my recently acquired automatic '73 L48 but wanted to get some input from the community. This particular shark is originally from Oklahoma. After two owners, it made its way to Dallas, Texas where I purchased it. After a 9 hour drive, the car and I made it all the way to El Paso, Texas for our final destination. The engine stayed cool, no fluid leaks, and overall it passed the endurance test which I was confident of from the start.
Now, although it made it ordeal, there are things that I must address, like with any other corvette.My biggest concern has to do with a jolt that is experienced at higher rpms when the transmission shifts. When reving up, the car sways to one direction, and when releasing the accelerator, it was to the other side. It is my understanding that this can be a combination between: wheel alignment, old motor/transmission mounts, and suspension, which coincidentally are what I wanted to work on even before I considered getting a corvette. My question is, does anyone have any experience with Zip's suspension package? I want to save time and headaches and just rebuilding the suspension all together, but I want to get some input before I go ahead with getting started. Please know that I am open to all suggestions, and will take all advise for its worth.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
FWIW: why not drive the car for the rest of the summer and get acquainted with it before deciding which way you want to go on the rebuild/restoration? After driving it a while, you may find your priorities change.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: El Paso, Texas
Thanks Easy Mike! I do intend to work on it slowly and not jump right into a something that may be overwhelming - simply small projects here and there on the weekends. It's definitely a driver, and I've been going out to take it for a stroll on the evenings just to get acquainted. My main concern, really, is that jerking motion when stepping on the accelerator, and conversely, when letting go. This just makes me feel very unsafe even though I'm not constantly going high speeds, and I'm also afraid that this will cause other problems if I don't address it now.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,399
Likes: 8,204
From: Napa Valley California
I second what Easy Mike is telling you.
You could end up doing a lot of the work twice and spending more money.
If you start doing a full bushing replacement you might drive it for a few months and find you want to convert over to a composite spring or go to a coil over system.
You may find that you want to swap out a arms and steering components and you will be doing the same work twice and tossing those new bushings.
I bought my 73 two years ago and I'm still driving it and purchasing new parts to do everything at once.
In the mean time check the date code on your tires and replace them if they are over 5-6 years old to avoid a blow out, even if the tread is good.
Check the brakes for leaks or seepage.
Check fuel lines and water hoses, replace those that are stiff and aging.
If you do by new bushing don't purchase the cheap ones.
Call Van Steel and get the top quality Moog bushing kit and they will last for the next 40 years.
You could end up doing a lot of the work twice and spending more money.
If you start doing a full bushing replacement you might drive it for a few months and find you want to convert over to a composite spring or go to a coil over system.
You may find that you want to swap out a arms and steering components and you will be doing the same work twice and tossing those new bushings.
I bought my 73 two years ago and I'm still driving it and purchasing new parts to do everything at once.
In the mean time check the date code on your tires and replace them if they are over 5-6 years old to avoid a blow out, even if the tread is good.
Check the brakes for leaks or seepage.
Check fuel lines and water hoses, replace those that are stiff and aging.
If you do by new bushing don't purchase the cheap ones.
Call Van Steel and get the top quality Moog bushing kit and they will last for the next 40 years.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,948
Likes: 4,506
From: Virginia
Can you get under the car easily? You may see something obviously amiss that can be repaired easily and cheaply to get you through the summer.
I thought rear strut rods would be such an item. I ended up pulling out the entire rear suspension, so beware of scope creep.
If it is strut rods, engine mounts, control arm bushings, or a simple alignment, see if you can fix what's wrong while you plan everything else. Perhaps have a shop do it. Even if it costs more, summer driving time is priceless. Though less so for you, since you can drive all year.
I thought rear strut rods would be such an item. I ended up pulling out the entire rear suspension, so beware of scope creep.
If it is strut rods, engine mounts, control arm bushings, or a simple alignment, see if you can fix what's wrong while you plan everything else. Perhaps have a shop do it. Even if it costs more, summer driving time is priceless. Though less so for you, since you can drive all year.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,399
Likes: 8,204
From: Napa Valley California
What I did and would recommend to anyone who purchases any classic corvette, is to find a corvette specialty shop near you and pay them to do a complete safety inspection on your car.
They will give you a list of items that need to be dealt with.
You may not need a complete bushing replacement and they might find the specific thing that is causing your condition.
The shop I went to charged $125.00 for the inspection and I was able to convert that into labor costs for the couple of items they found that I had them replace while it was up on the rack.
They will give you a list of items that need to be dealt with.
You may not need a complete bushing replacement and they might find the specific thing that is causing your condition.
The shop I went to charged $125.00 for the inspection and I was able to convert that into labor costs for the couple of items they found that I had them replace while it was up on the rack.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: El Paso, Texas
I second what Easy Mike is telling you.
You could end up doing a lot of the work twice and spending more money.
If you start doing a full bushing replacement you might drive it for a few months and find you want to convert over to a composite spring or go to a coil over system.
You may find that you want to swap out a arms and steering components and you will be doing the same work twice and tossing those new bushings.
I bought my 73 two years ago and I'm still driving it and purchasing new parts to do everything at once.
In the mean time check the date code on your tires and replace them if they are over 5-6 years old to avoid a blow out, even if the tread is good.
Check the brakes for leaks or seepage.
Check fuel lines and water hoses, replace those that are stiff and aging.
If you do by new bushing don't purchase the cheap ones.
Call Van Steel and get the top quality Moog bushing kit and they will last for the next 40 years.
You could end up doing a lot of the work twice and spending more money.
If you start doing a full bushing replacement you might drive it for a few months and find you want to convert over to a composite spring or go to a coil over system.
You may find that you want to swap out a arms and steering components and you will be doing the same work twice and tossing those new bushings.
I bought my 73 two years ago and I'm still driving it and purchasing new parts to do everything at once.
In the mean time check the date code on your tires and replace them if they are over 5-6 years old to avoid a blow out, even if the tread is good.
Check the brakes for leaks or seepage.
Check fuel lines and water hoses, replace those that are stiff and aging.
If you do by new bushing don't purchase the cheap ones.
Call Van Steel and get the top quality Moog bushing kit and they will last for the next 40 years.
What I did and would recommend to anyone who purchases any classic corvette, is to find a corvette specialty shop near you and pay them to do a complete safety inspection on your car.
They will give you a list of items that need to be dealt with.
You may not need a complete bushing replacement and they might find the specific thing that is causing your condition.
The shop I went to charged $125.00 for the inspection and I was able to convert that into labor costs for the couple of items they found that I had them replace while it was up on the rack.
They will give you a list of items that need to be dealt with.
You may not need a complete bushing replacement and they might find the specific thing that is causing your condition.
The shop I went to charged $125.00 for the inspection and I was able to convert that into labor costs for the couple of items they found that I had them replace while it was up on the rack.
I've now got new BFG Radial T/As that are between 2 to 3 months old. Brakes will be next after suspension work, though I plan to get them to an acceptable level until I can do more. The previous owner was a mechanic who just had a bunch of classics in his garage and had to part with the '73 because he had just acquired a Cyclone GT and needed the space, so the engine is probably the last thing that needs work done, though I will take a look at those fuel lines and water hoses as you mentioned.I reached out to the local Corvette Club in El Paso and asked for a recommendation. While most of the cars in that club are newer models, they did recommend a local "Motor Clinic" which seems very knowledgeable from when I called and talked to the owner and has been family owned for three generations. I inquired about an inspection and like your experience they can move over inspection cost towards any work that they can get started with. I will be taking the car first thing in the morning so I can get that list that you mentioned.
Again, thank you for your input!
Can you get under the car easily? You may see something obviously amiss that can be repaired easily and cheaply to get you through the summer.
I thought rear strut rods would be such an item. I ended up pulling out the entire rear suspension, so beware of scope creep.
If it is strut rods, engine mounts, control arm bushings, or a simple alignment, see if you can fix what's wrong while you plan everything else. Perhaps have a shop do it. Even if it costs more, summer driving time is priceless. Though less so for you, since you can drive all year.
I thought rear strut rods would be such an item. I ended up pulling out the entire rear suspension, so beware of scope creep.
If it is strut rods, engine mounts, control arm bushings, or a simple alignment, see if you can fix what's wrong while you plan everything else. Perhaps have a shop do it. Even if it costs more, summer driving time is priceless. Though less so for you, since you can drive all year.
like I mentioned to OldCarBum, I will be taking it to a shop, and I am thinking maybe if they can give me a good diagnosis, I’ll just go ahead and let them proceed with the big jobs, and after I can work on the smaller stuff on my own but at that point I’ll be sure I can keep driving without putting myself at bigger risks.
Thanks Bikespace!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,948
Likes: 4,506
From: Virginia
Sounds like you have a solid plan! Please let us know what the shop finds. I'm glad to hear that you'll soon be able to safely enjoy the car, and take your time planing upgrades. Driving the car and making improvements are my two favorite things about this hobby, with a strong preference for driving.
Best of luck to you!
Best of luck to you!
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 151
Likes: 12
From: Burleson Texas
If you are going with standard bushings, suspension and steering parts go to RockAuto.com. Cheap prices, fast shipping, and the same parts you get from auto parts stores and vendors unless you want to change to coil overs or something nonstock.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
Power steering? There is a bushing where the steering ram mounts to the frame. It turns into squishy mush. Do that and replace the idler arm. You will see the idler arm go up and down as someone turns the wheel. Those are the 2 always-worn-out parts that give steering play. And brakes. They are always first.
Last edited by derekderek; Jul 28, 2018 at 09:40 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
stefansangreal, give the folks at Al Knoch at 9010 N. Desert Blvd, Canutillo, a call and ask them who they recommend for working on a C2-C3 Corvette. Al will know just the right folks to help. 915-886-5800
Ask to talk to Al, or Melanie. Al is great to talk with and definitely knows his early Corvettes. He also happens to sell some of the best interior pieces if you happen to need anything.
The jolt you're feeling in the automatic trans may be something as simple as a previous owner added a shift kit to the transmission. Most of them shift pretty smoothly under normal acceleration, but when accelerating aggressively they will definitely shift more abruptly. Years ago, I installed a B&M kit in a C4 automatic in a V8 Falcon I had and it drove my wife crazy. I kept telling her just wait until it gets broken in... it will smooth out.
Good luck... GUSTO
Ask to talk to Al, or Melanie. Al is great to talk with and definitely knows his early Corvettes. He also happens to sell some of the best interior pieces if you happen to need anything.
The jolt you're feeling in the automatic trans may be something as simple as a previous owner added a shift kit to the transmission. Most of them shift pretty smoothly under normal acceleration, but when accelerating aggressively they will definitely shift more abruptly. Years ago, I installed a B&M kit in a C4 automatic in a V8 Falcon I had and it drove my wife crazy. I kept telling her just wait until it gets broken in... it will smooth out.
Good luck... GUSTO
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: El Paso, Texas
Thanks for the replies everyone.. The first thing I did, which was on my list of priorities, was to replace the current wheels with BFG Radials. Just the new tires alone reduced some of the jolt specially at lower speeds. I'll be taking it in to get a proper overall alignment and check for any changes. After all your replies, I've concluded it's going to be a process to figure out what was causing it, or maybe the combination of all things mentioned will be the overall cause. No rush though, I'll be taking it one step at a time.
Thanks for the suggestion 72 Project - I was amazed at how neatly organized RockAuto is. Are these parts Made in USA?
Thanks GUSTO, I just called and had a run in with a rude receptionist who told me Al wasn't in, so I'll be calling in next week and try to reach Al. Thank you! Canutillo is real close by.
I'll take a look into this, Thanks derekderek!
I'm hoping to get some photos up once I do some more work on it, take it out to a nice scenic location and have ourselves a nice photoshoot 
stefansangreal, give the folks at Al Knoch at 9010 N. Desert Blvd, Canutillo, a call and ask them who they recommend for working on a C2-C3 Corvette. Al will know just the right folks to help. 915-886-5800
Ask to talk to Al, or Melanie. Al is great to talk with and definitely knows his early Corvettes. He also happens to sell some of the best interior pieces if you happen to need anything.
The jolt you're feeling in the automatic trans may be something as simple as a previous owner added a shift kit to the transmission. Most of them shift pretty smoothly under normal acceleration, but when accelerating aggressively they will definitely shift more abruptly. Years ago, I installed a B&M kit in a C4 automatic in a V8 Falcon I had and it drove my wife crazy. I kept telling her just wait until it gets broken in... it will smooth out.
Good luck... GUSTO
Ask to talk to Al, or Melanie. Al is great to talk with and definitely knows his early Corvettes. He also happens to sell some of the best interior pieces if you happen to need anything.
The jolt you're feeling in the automatic trans may be something as simple as a previous owner added a shift kit to the transmission. Most of them shift pretty smoothly under normal acceleration, but when accelerating aggressively they will definitely shift more abruptly. Years ago, I installed a B&M kit in a C4 automatic in a V8 Falcon I had and it drove my wife crazy. I kept telling her just wait until it gets broken in... it will smooth out.
Good luck... GUSTO
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Thanks for the replies everyone.. The first thing I did, which was on my list of priorities, was to replace the current wheels with BFG Radials. Just the new tires alone reduced some of the jolt specially at lower speeds. I'll be taking it in to get a proper overall alignment and check for any changes. After all your replies, I've concluded it's going to be a process to figure out what was causing it, or maybe the combination of all things mentioned will be the overall cause. No rush though, I'll be taking it one step at a time.
Thanks GUSTO, I just called and had a run in with a rude receptionist who told me Al wasn't in, so I'll be calling in next week and try to reach Al. Thank you! Canutillo is real close by.
I'm hoping to get some photos up once I do some more work on it, take it out to a nice scenic location and have ourselves a nice photoshoot
Thanks GUSTO, I just called and had a run in with a rude receptionist who told me Al wasn't in, so I'll be calling in next week and try to reach Al. Thank you! Canutillo is real close by.
I'm hoping to get some photos up once I do some more work on it, take it out to a nice scenic location and have ourselves a nice photoshoot
When you do speak to them, let them know that you wanted to go to Carlisle but were unable to, and don't be surprised if they offer you the Show Discount anyway.
Good luck... GUSTO