I just took my newly traded for 73 to have it inspected. My trusted mechanic thought it was in terrific shape but suggested it will soon need front and rear bearings, trailing arms, etc. He said most of the work was something I could do myself. I am looking for recommendations for a repair manual that would help someone unfamiliar with this car. BTW, I traded an '82 Mercedes 380 for this 73 Vette and the mechanic thought it was in great shape inside and out and assured me I made a good trade. The Vette didn't have any documentation, owners manual, etc. so I am using the forum for even the most basic info like how do you access the spare tire or what grade of fuel to use.

 

Moved to C3 Tech.

 

Buy the dealers shop manual.

 

And the AIM for your model and familiarize yourself with the search feature here on the forum, very much good info here. Welcome aboard

 

Use 91, docs arent really needed. Whatever was done over the last few decades is kind of a moot point as the car is pretty old. Tackle one thing at a time all the answers youll need are here if you ask.

 

73 owner's manual.

Congrats.

 

Here's a sampling of the vette books from my library accumulated over the first 15 years of ownership):

1. Shop Manual for your year corvette - I have used mine heavily for most step-by-step (especially bleeding brakes
2. How to Restore & Modify Your Corvette 1968-82, Richard Newton, Motorbooks International, ISBN 0-7603-0052-6
3. Chevrolet Corvette Restoration Guide, Lindsay Porter, Motorbooks International, ISBN 0-7603-0325-8
4. Corvette Weekend Projects - Maintenance and Repair How-tos for 1968-1982 Corvettes, John Pfanstiehl, HPBooks 1218, ISBN 1-55788-218-5
5. How to Restore Your C3 Corvette 1968-1982, Walt Thurn, Car Tech, ISBN 978-1-61325-037-2

For reference:

• Motors Auto Repair Manual (used. Out of print but you will find plenty on eBay)
• Clymers # 6843
• Haynes # 24040
• Assembly Manual for your year corvette

Also, get as many corvette parts catalogs from the many different mailorder/online stores that you can. Sometimes, being able to open a catalog (when greasy hands) is easier than cleaning up, starting the computer and then ordering online.

 

Thanks for the info. I'm looking forward to the journey

 

How about sharing a couple pics of that new Vette?

 

 

Very nice!

 

73 is the best of the C3's........... Yours is a beautiful example.......


the C3's

 

Nice car (I was born in ‘73 so I think it’s cool), I love the color as well!

Here’s your first “Like”

Enjoy and welcome to the CF!

 

Nice looking car! Welcome aboard the Forum and especially to the 1973 club! This place is a great source of info on C3's with great people from everywhere willing to share their knowledge with you. Share with us more pics as you have time including the various ID numbers on the engine and the trim plate (driver side door pillar, by the hinges). Remember to fill out your profile.

Enjoy your new ride!!

Fran

 

Thanks. Numbers match. I believe it’s all original except radio and paint and carpet as there is very little wear. It’s been well cared for. I’ll add it to the registry when I figure out how to access it

 

Tires have decent tread but DOT code on sidewall ends in 2710. Any recommendations? Should I wait on tires until after changing front and rear bushings?

 

Very nice. I *believe* your tires are from the 27th week of the year 2010 (from last time I researched tire dating). Either replace them or don't drive it. Not worth destroying your body if you have a blowout......and I have to ask: What is that structure in the background on the second picture???? I just can't make it out.

 

checking myself. Yep 27th week of year 2010. You ought to replace them.
Tire dating system: https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/...of-your-tires#

 

Front bearings are so easy and inexpensive they fit under the heading of, "yeah, sure why not?" .......and just do 'em.

The rear trailing arms and bearings though....... lot's of ways to go.

You'll want to really have a plan in place for the car and what you want when all is said and done.

If you're so new to the C3 that you're completely unfamiliar with what is going back there........first thing you'll want to do is get it up on a lift and have your "trusted mechanic" show you .....EVERYTHING involved so you can get your head wrapped around what you're in for here.

If it's obvious the trailing arms, bushings and bearings all look to be in really bad shape you could make a solid case for just pulling out the entire arm and replacing it. Expensive but probably not a whole lot more than shop labor plus parts with your mechanic doing the work. Before you spend though.......give your project a real once over on paper and where you want to land when it's done. This is an opportunity to buy offset arms at very small additional cost if you go the completely rebuilt rear arms route. I did this in my car 10 years ago and since we installed them ourselves at home the only shop labor involved was an alignment.

In truth if you're looking to replace both rear bearings ......... you may find, as I did, that it's well worth it to just do the arms as complete assemblies rather than just make repairs as they go bad over time. I like the idea of a "one and done" back there rather than doing piecemeal as problems come up.

 

Welcome aboard. Your C3 looks fantastic. As others have mentioned above, your tires are 10 years old and really need to be replaced first and foremost. Congrats and enjoy your ride!