Help! Is this 1973 worth 4K

ptorlax18 · 12-08-06, 07:53 PM

Hey guys i already have a 86 coupe im looking at this 1973 coupe the guy is asking 4k. it obviuosly needs a ton of work. it has no interior. its a 4 speed with 70,000 miles. im not sure if it has a 454 or a 350 im guessing a 350 but the guy hasent gotten back to me yet. Let me know what you guys think im new to the C3 world. Thanks Alot

ptorlax18 · 12-08-06, 08:00 PM

sorry images didnt work try this link its to world is round. i put 2 up. no account is needed to see them

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/321157/index.html

bossvette · 12-08-06, 08:40 PM

be sure the frame is solid check just in front of the rear wheels where it "Kicks up" thats about right for a project car but be prepared to spend a bundle to get it where you want it. If you can do the work yourself and spread it out over time you can have a real nice shark.
the 73 is a one year car with steel bumpers in the back and soft in the front, many feel it is the closest in looks to the show car which the C3 was designed from.

Pseudomind · 12-08-06, 09:03 PM

I am sure Bossvette knows more about this then I, as I am not really the mechanical type, but in my opinion, the answer is, "No!" Looks like a lot of either Bondo or poor fiberglass work was attempted. The drivers side front fender looks as if it has been shattered and is still coming apart. Of course this is just my opinion, maybe a few others will chime in.

fine69 · 12-08-06, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptorlax18

Hey guys i already have a 86 coupe im looking at this 1973 coupe the guy is asking 4k. it obviuosly needs a ton of work. it has no interior. its a 4 speed with 70,000 miles. im not sure if it has a 454 or a 350 im guessing a 350 but the guy hasent gotten back to me yet. Let me know what you guys think im new to the C3 world. Thanks Alot

I'd say you're looking at $15K just to get the bodywork, paint, and interior up to par.

You'll want to know the condition of the engine, drive train, steering, brakes, electrical components, vacuum. Look for the obvious of course, like leaks, worn / cracked suspension bushings, etc. It would good to hear the engine run on a cold start. Ask the owner to pop the hood and feel the engine to check if it's warm. Then start the engine....

Also look for rust around the birdcage, and windshield header and pillars. If the interior is missing, it may provide you with an opportunity to get a close look at things.

If the owner is willing, ask to jack up the rear, check both wheels for excessive play. I understand replacing rear bearings requires an expert and can be costly.

Depending on the extent of the necessary (and elective) repairs and upgrades, adding to the $4K cost of the car, this is easily a project that could be in the mid $20K range.

Decisions... decisions.... spread out the costs over time to bring the old girl back, or pay the same amount and get a car that's ready to show?...

Good luck, and keep us updated on what you decide!

BruceBed · 12-10-06, 10:47 AM

By the time your done with that project you could've bought an exceptional Vette and been done with it. Unless you want to or need to build a project- this looks like a money pit. Good luck whatever your choice is.

bossvette · 12-10-06, 11:17 AM

Having been a Hot Rodder for 40+ years the Idea of buying a finished car is foreign to me unless its a daily driver like my C5 (104,000 miles and counting) most of the enjoyment comes from working on the cars and seeing an old bucket of bolts come back to life. You asked if the 73 was worth $4000 and thats about the bottom price for a pre 76 C3 coupe project car; presuming the frame is OK. Try finding a Midyear project under $20,000

It will take a bunch of money to get it into "Show Condition" but if you want a Driver you can get serviceable parts from Ebay that the "Show Guys " sell.
I replaced the whole interior with a mix of new and old in my 76 for about $800-900 if you do the work yourself the enjoyment is hard to put a value on and your Wife will know you are out in the garage working on your "Girl" not out chasing them.

ptorlax18 · 12-10-06, 12:33 PM

hey guys thanks alot for some great advice. And for having my wife worry about me lets just say im not there yet . im a college student, but i am in love with vettes i dont know if can let this oppurtunity pass. me and my dad fixed up my 86 (we did all the work, interior exterioir brakes etc...)and that was in some pretty crappy condition so i was looking for a new mountain to climb. im still thinking it over but i will let you guys know. once again thanks alot for the info

bossvette · 12-10-06, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptorlax18

me and my dad fixed up my 86

that is worth more then money, I wish my Kids were interested in cars; nothing like a Father-Son project to keep you close together.

6880 Mike · 12-11-06, 09:32 AM

A lot of work needed on this '73. Still, I've seen worse.

ptorlax18 · 12-11-06, 03:44 PM

update! just got off teh phone with the guy 3k for everything hasent run in a couple of years but the guys thinks a new carb and battery should do teh trick but he is also is throwing in teh fiberglass front bumber and a how carpet set for the interior what do u guys think now? im goin copy the vin # to see what is really in teh car. if im not mistaken its between teh hood and teh front glass...i hope bit of a long drive but really excited talk to you guys later

ptorlax18 · 12-11-06, 06:07 PM

ok got the vin#1Z37J3S410533. now all i know from this is it has the smaller 350 with 190 horses because the 5th digit is a J. Is their any other info i can get from the #. and is this still worth 3k? thanks

Jack · 12-12-06, 07:27 AM

If chassis, windshield frame/pillars and birdcage are rust-free and not bent and car is mostly all there ... yes on $3K ... but it still ain't a steal at that.

For what it's worth, I really don't recommend any automotive resto project for a full-time student ... not for newlyweds or recent parolees or recent military inductees either.

tx73vette · 12-12-06, 03:55 PM

Hey prolax here is the breakdown on the vin #

1. first digit 1=Chevrolet
2. second digit Z= Corvette
3. third & fourth digit 37= 2 door coupe
67=convertible
4. fifth digit engine codde
L48= J
L82= T
LS4= Z
5. sixth digit 3= 1973
6. seventh digit S= St Louis Mo.
7. Last digits Represent production numbers (starting number was 400001/up

Look at this web site it is dedicated to the &3 Vette just click on the link

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/vette73/

Hope that this helps you and keep us posted okay?

GaryS · 12-13-06, 10:46 PM

Like others have said, this is going to be a real challenge. IF (big qualifier here) you have a garage, the time to work on it, the money to work on it, the know-how to do MAJOR fiberglass repair, interior work, paint, suspension, engine, transmission, etc, etc, and the frame and birdcage are good then I would go for. Of course, I am cheap and would offer no more than $2000. I like working on cars and could bring this car back and I have all of skills, time and money to do it. On the other hand, I agree with the others and would put the money into a better car. I would rather repair/restore than start with a basket case like this.

Just my opinion.
Gary