Looking at getting a 73 c3 soon... any tips?

[Flared69]

Yeah, looking at getting a 73 c3 soon. Now, I'm only 20, but have no real expenses. I'm looking at around $9000 (minimum) to $12000 (maximum).

Will I find a decent one at this price? I have a small time constraint - december this year is the latest I can buy it due to laws back in australia and my need to evade customs tax (you pay tax if you import it before 1 year after purchase - reason being, that its considered an import for sale).

Anything specific I can look out for? Cause I want a vette real bad D:

I live in the Alexandria VA region, and am thinking it might be a decent idea to get one from the south-south, where it doesn't snow.

Any tips are appreciated Manual or auto doesn't bother me but back in aus I will be a city driver. But the idea of manual just seems more at home in a vette.

Nik.

 

[Stallion]

Go manual. You will be much happier that way. It's a Corvette. Just think.

That price range will get you a decent '73 in good condition. But if you are willing to go away from that year constraint, you could get a mighty fine '76 - '79 with that price range.

It's up to you.

 

[Michel73]

Nik,
I bought a 73 about a year ago. I paid less than your min. price but it is a fixer-upper. It needed a new carb, carpet and some other interior work. But it's been a blast :J Be sure and look the frame over well. Check out the part of the frame thats in front of the rear wheels (this is a place to find rust). When I was looking for my Vette I didn't want a roadster but after taking it for a ride I thought it was pretty cool :cool I do more city driving than highway so I wanted an auto but most people prefer sticks.
Well good luck - I have to go get ready for the Caravan that starts soon.


Save the Wave

 

[Stallion]

Nik,
I bought a 73 about a year ago. I paid less than your min. price but it is a fixer-upper. It needed a new carb, carpet and some other interior work. But it's been a blast :J Be sure and look the frame over well. Check out the part of the frame thats in front of the rear wheels (this is a place to find rust). When I was looking for my Vette I didn't want a roadster but after taking it for a ride I thought it was pretty cool :cool I do more city driving than highway so I wanted an auto but most people prefer sticks.
Well good luck - I have to go get ready for the Caravan that starts soon.


Save the Wave

All you needed was a new carb and carpet and you got a '73 for less than $9k!?!?!? :eek That is definitely a good deal.

 

[69_Dream]

Hiya

Recently saw this one selling locally for $14 000 Canadian, so roughly $10 400 US. Just thought I'd pass it on. Looks good.

Automatic, blue coupe 77000 miles, and he states the mechanic is good (A1).

Listing for the 73

It's definetely possible to find a good deal. Good luck!

Sly

 

[Stallion]

I agree with Sly. Be patient, look hard, you will be happy.

 

[Flared69]

thanks for the replies guys

by the way, if you see a green 96 vette with diplomatic plates @ kentucky in the next week, tell the guy your were expecting him through one of the people @ his work

wish i could go damn, maybe they will have something for the 51'st anniversary... would be cool just so I could go

 

[Flared69]

thats it, im campaigning for a 51st anniversary show... reason being, then they can say "ITS A PRIME NUMBER ANNIVERSARY! ONLY HAPPENS EVERY FEW YEARS, AND THAT AUSSIE DUDE CAN COME "

sweet.

 

[Red73BB]

If you 're not not that familiar with Corvettes have a good mechanic look at it. Rust is major, paint can be expensive, mechanical problems all are $. Be wary of lower cost cars, you can spend much more getting it into driving shape. My '73 is on the market ,I have a offer for 14k.
The prices with vary on small block vs. BB, Auto vs. manual, plus any options foe that year. A/C, PS, PB, etc.

Check around though e-bay, corvette trader or anyother internet site.

 

[robert kirk]

Check for rust, and when your done check again. To replace a rusted out windshield frame will cost you big bucks. To do it right it includes a new front surround, and a windshied frame, and last but not least a new paint job. I can tell you this from experance. To do it right you are now stripping your $10,000 73 and spending 3 years and $10,000 more. Buy the best car you can for the money you have, you will be time and money ahead. You are better off waiting another year saving and getting a finished or near finished car then fixing up a beater. just my o2 robert

 

[Stallion]

By the way, just make sure the rust isn't too deep. Surface rust is pretty much inevitable. Something most of us (if not all) have to live with.

Good luck!

TR

 

[gooney0]

Alexandria?

Have you looked at Corvette Speclialists?

http://www.corvettespecialists.com/

They are on Eishenhower in Alexandria. They're always selling cars on consignment. You might get to look at a couple of cars in one trip. That is where I bought my 72 coupe.

A word of caution... don't let them work on your car! they are very sloppy, and slow.

There is also a Vette dealer in Triangle Va down 95 a bit. Its like exit 53 or something I don't recall.

Good luck! If you are looking at a local car (Alexandria etc.) and need a second opinion let me know I work in Alexandria (on Eisenhower ave). I like looking at Vettes essp. early C3's


-Gooney0

 

[Flared69]

Thanks for the info!

very grateful.