The 73 Reborn - part I

Back to the project.

Its been about 10 months out and there is definitely progress. The ‘73’ (calling it ‘the Corvette’ is just too impersonal) came in with the engine and drive-train already worked on (not up to mark but definitely on the to-do list once the car is fired up). Over the past 3 quarters, there’s been a lot of planning and sourcing, and body work has since started and completed, with the 73 going through the motions of being sanded down, filled, primed, and painted. Just enough reason to neglect postings to this here blog.

In the absence of details, here’s a pictorial log. At least on the work done while it was in Texas..

The bay when I got it. A sleeper showing its age.

The numbers matching 350 chained out. Sent for cleaning, porting, balancing, block painting, and to be later mated with new pistons, conrods, cams, recut crank, and heads. I'll spare you the details.

Engine bay - frames still in good nick, but showing slight signs of surface rust, linkages enveloped with layers of grease.

Back from the shop. Block painted yellow with Weiand heads.

600 cfm Edelbrock performance carb sitting on the Weiand.

Recond small block stock valve cover, yellow striped to match the block, new jet hot coated Sanderson headers.

14" 360deg performance chrome Edelbrock air filter, and chrome power brake booster.

Cooling system hooked up - original radiator pressure tested, flushed, fins straightened, and repainted with new 350 chrome thermostat housing. Brake, ignition and air-conditioning systems all set up.

(Mental note to self : replace radiator rubber hose with braided hose & to have chrome plate rivetted on fan shroud (single fan)).

Fired up with a new HEI distributor and AC Delco starter. Plug wires haphazardly fitted.

Stock calipers heat painted with new organic brake pads.

Calipers slotted over recut rotors.

New B&M traveller torque converter.

To be continued...