73's had a AIR pump (you'll see the pipe plugs in the exhaust manifold where the air injection pipes used to go) and EGR for emissions control along with a high temp thermostat. Mechanical advance wasn't all in 'til about 4,500 rpm. When mine was all stock, I could get 20-22 mpg and that's w/ the L-82.

Nice looking interior. Looks new. I see that it has A/C. Be sure to check it out. Also some aftermarket speakers in the kick panels. The psgr side door closing handle looks loose at the top. Not a biggy tho.

Someone who owns a C4 saying a '73 rides rough is laughable. I test drove a new '84 when they first came out and my kidneys hurt on the way home. And I thought loud was the whole idea. She might be a little on the low side for a paint job too. If you get it painted, be sure they strip down to factory primer and fix all cracked bond lines.

I agree w/ PG on the conv. Only thing better than a '73 L-98 roadster is a '73 LS-4 roadster.

If you get it and $14K sounds in the ball park, ask about the ring that sits on the air cleaner housing that held the rubber seal that sealed to the bottom of the cowl induction hood that you said they had. There was a solenoid actuated door in the hood that opened w/ WOT and allowed cold air in. Also sounds good. So good that I took the door out of mine.

From what you've said and what I can see in the pics, I'd say pull the trigger on this one.

 

My blunder, [&:]I know that a 73 doesn't need to be smogged,..[sm=oopssign.gif]

But ah tell ya what,....
If ya take it down and get it tuned/smogged, ya can basicly find out
what shape the engine is in, by the emmisions report.

 

Now that statement hurts my feelings! Your car still comes with true duel exausts, and fiberglass floors that aren't rusted out.
Smog: look at the emissions sticker on the left side near the hood latch, if it says Auto CCS/EGR than you never had an AIR pump, if it says AIR/EGR than as 73shark said the pump has been removed and the exaust manifold has been plugged. Check out the link he posted to verify that.
Wheels are a personal choice, the aluminum wheels you have on now are nice, if you want the original look plan on spending about $400.00 for replica trim and caps.
Having extra weatherstripping save you about $350.00.
All C3's get hot inside thats wht there are so many posts on eliminating cockpit heat. Ask the PO what he put down under the carpet.
195 HP: Yes thats what you get with the base motor, need 400HP you can get a 383 stroker or the like, or even more depending on your budget, the sky is the limit, what are your goals? Do you want a fun car to drive daily or do you want a drag strip car.
My car is pure stock and I can do the speed limit all day and not burn it out in the process.
Convertible too loud? Is there more noise in your vert than there is with my tops off? I doubt it.
I like loud! I put undercar chambered exhaust on mine. No I can not hear the radio at highway speed with the tops off, but when I'm going that fastwho cares!
72 and earlier being more valualbe: Not if they did not come with an original high HP big block.
New lenes: I guess you mean in the rear, thats a plus and saves you about $50.00 per light.
Compession test: Run the motor to normal operating temps, pull all the plugs, open the throttle and check the compression, all cylinder should be within 15%, better if thay are within 10%.
Your prospectve purchase is in the ball park. The big minus as far as I can see is the paint job. Does it shine cause it looks a little flat in the picture?
My 74 has cost just under $25,000 to get in this shape. PG.





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Hi Mike,
Be smart and be sure before you buy this 73.
Take a look at this website AOL Autos and enter 1973 you will be amazed on how many 73 Vets are forsale out there and are in better shape for less money.
The picture you posted of the engine compartment looks as though the engine was rebuilt years ago.

It's easy to get screwed when buying a classic, take your time.

Schoon

 

Thanks. Yes, I'm still looking. Thanks for all the links and info.

The heater core needs to be replaced, tranny leaks from the lines going in/out even though it was just rebuilt, a/c not blowing cold air, tach does not work (probably from gear inside dist.), clock not working, wiper washer not working, trip odometer not working. A bad paint job was bubbling so sanded and put on black primer.