Hi All!  I have an interesting story on how I arrived here.  In 1973 I was a cadet at the US Air Force Academy.  I purchased a new 73 Vette with virtually no options (AM/FM, HD battery, Map light) all I could afford at the time).  It was my daily driver for 8 years until my wife got pregnate with my first child in 1982.  At that time I figured it was time to grow up and become a Dad so I sold my first car the 73 vette.  Last week I was surfing vetts on ebay and stumbled upon what I am 99% sure is my origonal 73.  I bought it back yesterday and am going to California to pick it up next week.  So far I am having trouble finding the VIN on my 73. USAA is no help (only 7 yrs of records). NM DMV records no help (origonal title was in NM with plates AZL813 till 1980).  Still I know it is my baby, since I special ordered it in med metalic blue 922 with med saddle 418, and no air or power anything, and in 74 a colo springs sandstorm caused a repaint and the body shop pursuaded me to lower the rear of the front fenders down to the bottom of the frame (cutting off the ss strip).  This car has that mod.  It is in Pleasanton Calif 40 miles from where I sold it in 82 (Cupertino CA.)  My wife was very supportive in buying it back since we have many wonderful memories of trips taken in that car including a 2 month cross country and back road trip/honeymoon in the Summer of 74.  So thats my story and I am sticking to it!!!  I currently reside in Austin Texas.  If anyone has any tips on tracking down a VIN which was titled to me in NM 73 to 80 and Calif 80 to 82 I would appreciate the help.

John & Debbie Reinschmidt

jrflyboyVP2@yahoo.com

I know we here have a vin decoder.   It's under TOOLS between Shopping and Fun (blue highlights).

If that doesn't help you I know others here will help you in your request.

JOEL and everyone......  Where are you......    

Thanks for the reply.  I have the origional Chev shop manual for the car which I purchased in 73.  I have decoded the vin, and it is correct for the car, but I did not record the vin on my origonal car in 73.  The vin on the car I think is mine is 1Z37J3S418784 so it is the 18,784th vette built in 73.  It is a coup with L48 and M20 trans (std).  The paint code is correct 922 418 and the plate intact on the body.  From the photos it even has the speakers I installed in the quarter panels up behind the seat (not necessarly the exact same pioneer speakers).  The radio has been replace by an AM/FM Cassette unit though.  I figure the odds of a twin no option vette in my colors with the fender mod and owner installed speakers in the roll over structure located 40 miles from where I sold it in 82 would be quite a stretch.

John

John,

Have you checked with the dealer where you purchased the car?  It's possible, but not probable that they might still have the records. You should  paste the eBay site so we can see your car.

Good Luck....hope it's your original car.

Try your car insurance agent for that period of time - maybe they still have a record of the VIN

Welcome  Big Al

John,

I found the car on eBay. If you bought it for the price eBay shows, you might be charged with "auto theft". That is one NICE car. I hope the dealer reimbursed you for a days pay. It took that long to read the description and view all the pics.

Here it is for the rest of you guys. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1973-CORVETTE-SPORT-COUPE-T-T OPS-RESTORED-CA-CAR_W0QQitemZ4622397894QQcategoryZ6168QQrdZ1 QQcmdZViewItem

Yes, that's my car, and I am convinced that I am the origonal owner.  I have checked with USAA insurance, no records more than 7 years old.  I didn't keep any of the origonal records myself (young and foolish in my 20's), although somewhere I have the origonal NM AZL813 license plates.  I called Daniels Chevrolet and they informed me they only have records going back 5 years.  However the distinctive lower flare on the front rear fender opening, and the 418 interior with 922 paint which had to be special ordered after the dealer told me that was not an avalible combination, tells me it is my car.

John

Jim,  I paid quite a bit more than that Ebay price.  I knew it was my original car, and didn't want to risk losing it, so I contacted the seller and negotiated a fair price $15,500.  Considering it is a no option car with original (not yet rebuilt) engine and trans with 150k miles on them, I think the price is fair.  Obviously the body and interior are in great shape.  I will need to find a passenger shoulder belt in dark Saddle, and would like to replace the wire wheels with original standard silver with trim ring and center cap.   Also If possible I would like to track down an original 1973 vette delco AM/FM radio. Hopefully I can sell those wire wheels for a decent price to help buy originals.  Anyone know a good place to get original stanard 73 style C3 wheels?Believe it or not, my brother and I are going to fly out to Calif and drive it back next week.  I must be crazy!

John

Wow, what a beautiful car.  And to get it back after all these years is simply remarkable.

Enjoy the drive home.   And by the way, we want a few pictures of the trip.