1973 Corvette Restored in 142 DAYS

John Hibbert is a true car guy, and he has restored more C3 Corvettes than anyone I know. He was also involved with Bloomington Gold for close to twenty years and he is a contributor to the Corvette Black Book.
But as he shares in this video, 1973 Corvettes are the ones he's passionate about. And so far, he's restored three of them that are part of his collection. I say "so far" since he's still searching for a Vette like his first one.
And even though the search has proven challenging, I have no doubt he will find and restore the final '73 Corvette for his collection.
Or at least that's what he claims, and I for one would not be surprised if, at some point soon, I go back to Orlando to shoot a video of his fourth C3.
We will have to wait and see.
In the meantime, I hope you will enjoy this video of John's beautiful Dark Blue 1973 Corvette Stingray convertible.
Thank you for watching! 🙂👍🏻
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CORVETTE REPAIR MANUALS (sponsored)
- C3 Assembly Manuals: amzn.to/3MUFDDC
- 68-82 Corvette Manual: amzn.to/3devEEW
- How to Restore Corvette: amzn.to/35B6L0R
- 68-82 Corvette Resto: amzn.to/2QvvIGQ
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DISCLAIMER: Even though I like to wrench on my Corvettes and most of my videos are of a how-to nature, I am not responsible nor liable should you decide to follow my musings on the subject.
I am a DIYer, and the repairs and work shown are for my benefit and entertainment. If videos appear to give technical how-to advice, that is not my intention.
Working on a vehicle can be dangerous. If you're not confident, qualified, or lack the tools to do the job correctly and safely, hire a professional mechanic.
#corvettec3 #c3 #c3corvette

[@alzg8779]

So cool hearing people loving these corvettes! Thanks Luis!

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@keithsclassicgarage1133]

I love all C3's but my 76 L82 is my favorite.

[@76vette]

Spirit of ‘76! 🇺🇸😊👍🏻

[@angeldawnmorningstar]

The '74 Split Boat-Tail has always been my fave .. I just don't see enough of them Kudos to John for setting and achieving his dreams and goals ..EPIC THUMBS UP 😇❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@toddcraft7788]

I always wanted a Black C3 Convertible with tan interior, and with the chrome bumpers. Kind of an ode to the Miami Vice Daytona Spyder, but still a Corvette

[@TheJagjr4450]

Nice, my brother has a 33,000 mile 73 L82 4 speed original paint original interior engine never out of the car. NCRS top flight and he drives it a few thousand miles per year. I have an original unrestored 71 LT1 46k miles 3 star survivor, national topflight which I drive often.

[@76vette]

Great cars! Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@TheJagjr4450]

@@76vette I should have mentioned my brother's car is one of the HORY Chevrolet Special Ordered Factory BLACK painted cars. The day it was delivered, him unloading it from the transport. kzbin.infoy3feLtPuk2c?si=wjb5ynNci7irH3um

[@FrankKnight8846]

Beautiful...❤❤ I love all C3 Corvettes.

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@bronzesnake7004]

Great job! C3s are my favorite!! 73 awesome car!! Almost bought one last year, it was purple and had a mako hood and custom rear bumper but it came with the original parts in the same color. The paint was new and professionally done the owner had a heart attack and didn't have the energy to finish the car. He had the dash pulled and was in the middle of replacing all the wiring but he was replacing it all piecemeal and had a rediculous bird's nest...no, more like Sasquatch nest going on!! I took a pass but it didn't take long for old man regret to bite my ass!! It was priced to sell FAST at $3,000 Canadian and it would have taken around two grand to put it together properly. Dan I wish I hadn't seen this video now because it's a reminder of one of the stupidest things I've ever done!! D'OH!!! I'll get one, but it won't be anywhere near the deal that was. So, ya you've done a really nice job brother!! Jack ~'()'~ Canada AKA "Commie-Da" Ruler Comrade Crime Minister Justa Turdo!

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@TheTaxreliever]

Everyone has a different story and I love hearing about them....great piece Luis!

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching, Ken! 😊👍🏻

[@neonvoid]

fantastic restoration work, congratulations - and beautiful car. kudos for keeping everything original!

[@jeffconley6366]

To me the C3 Corvette is the most beautiful sports car ever made. John Hibbert, love the Dark Blue exterior with the tan interior of your car.

[@thor8640]

Fantastic job, congrats. "I build 'em for myself and love to drive them" keep it up sir, that's why they were build in the first place.

[@thedrivewayC3]

Inspired to make more progress on my 71! I think we can all relate to the sentiment of “I do this for myself.” The real value is in the driving experience.

[@bobbybenn8275]

I had a 1972 454 4 speed t top. It was red with a red interior. Now I have a 2007 C6, 6.0 automatic 6 speed, atomic orange coupe. I just turned 74 and enjoying weekend cruising.

[@tonysteppan8495]

How enjoyable! Your 1973's are truly neat. The way you enjoy your cars and don't make garage queens out of them, bringing them back to semi stock is also a plus. I went for a 1990 that I always wanted but couldn't afford at the time. It's been a couple of years since I started bringing it back to life. Even being a low mileage car like you everything has to be mechanically right. Stock is important but some parts can be a challenge but that's half the fun. the accomplishment of getting it right is the pay off. THANK'S for sharing your 73's Look forward to seeing your next one.

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@angeldawnmorningstar]

1990 is a good year model .. Although I'm not a big fan of the intake setup on the L98 engines , at least it doesn't have that stinky Optispark distributor in those years 😇

[@Supermankev2001]

Love the rubber bumper cars I have owned 2 1974s a coup and a convertible. I presently own a 1975 L82 convertible 4-speed car. I like that you really like 73s and make no apologies for it. They are great cars.

[@letitiagosman1925]

I Love it . I had a 68 and I now have a 1981 L81. I would love to have one like yours.

[@clays1507]

I love the ‘73. Great work

[@davidwarburton8890]

great seeing the love for the C3's!

[@richsmith9063]

Those '73s are indeed nice looking

[@Mncrr]

Color combination is perfect

[@rockyhendrick8630]

love the color comb.

[@user-ch4ld2co6c]

I bought a 1967 Camero it's perfect from 10 foot away. It's got a couple of small things a few scratches here and there. Somebody said you should do a full restoration. I said for what? It's got a create 350 AC and I want to drive it every day. I have no use in storing a beautiful car. I drive it because that's what I bought it for.

[@anthonyf.9170]

Gorgeous classic American muscle car. Congratulations. 🇺🇸👍🇺🇸

[@johnatanasio1420]

Nice cars , I have a 73 coupe , 2nd owner fully documented ,back to dealer sales order . All original except I had it repainted factory color silver . It was taken apart to paint and reassembled , L82 M21, 4 speed , . Have original air pump system that has been removed , still has original Quadrajet carb , etc .

[@-ZIO]

Nice. My 73 coupe has 28K orig miles, same blue as your convertible but I have the black deluxe interior

[@johnmcaleese8459]

A great looking Vette !! Beautiful job. Glad you are able to do what you love. Fine job. Down to the proper clock.

[@f.davidbush9093]

I had a 72 with both tops. I had a great time with mine. I think at 42 he’s a little more than I’d pay

[@andyjohnson6548]

You have a awesome collection of Corvettes. I used to have a blue 73 Corvette myself. Thank you for posting the video 👍👍

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@ButchNackley]

73 is my favorite year too.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Beautiful car! Thanks for sharing!

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching, Mitch! 😊👍🏻

[@jamesmoon8947]

Splendid 💯👌

[@markwest9447]

It's GOOD TO BE A BIT CRAZY... BEAUTIFUL CAR....

[@chrispopiel1162]

Very nice C3 Corvette love the color

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@bos6782]

Beautiful 73, great job with it. I like the blue much better than that gold color

[@Nobamaable]

Great story... I like that he doesn't give a rat's ass about resale, but he really doesn't need to since he keeps them all stock.

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@letitiagosman1925]

Great work,

[@raykelly404]

Great video and you did a fantastic restoration. Always wish I still had my 68 427 4 speed.

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@gtzaskar6353]

Pretty car.

[@michaelmixon2479]

1973 is my favorite year!

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@michaelmixon2479]

@@76vette Thank You for posting!

[@76vette]

Of course 😊👍🏻

[@MarcWNY]

Hi John, I had owned two 454- 4spd 1973 Corvettes. 1973 Corvettes are my favorite of the C3 generation. My first one was a med-blue and the 2nd one was a sunbonnet gold/ yellow. I really like your stories and your dedication to the 73 Corvette. You have done some great work on your all of your 73 Vettes. I remember that my first 454 had an oem aluminum license plate frame that was a very nice-looking which was a thin surround frame. If you get a chance to buy that frame, get it. I had 4 other corvettes and now I have a beautiful new 22 HTC C8 Red Mist Corvette. Really like the mid-engine but I still have fond memories of my 1973 Corvettes.

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@hpmotorcars]

Hey John, your presentation was awesome. You really know your stuff about 73's and you're passionate about them. I just got a 73 convertible with a powerful GM create engine. The car is solid, but it needs some work on the suspension. What kind of shocks and bushings would you recommend? Much appreciated, Howard (liked & subscribed)

[@larryharry7221]

Very nice. I would like to see under the hood.

[@ericpeterson1965]

I have 73 L-82 all orignal . I bought it back in 2002. Still has the original paint Elkhart green, has the hardtop with it. . Had the engine rebuilt. It had 112,000 miles. Wife gets upset, that I don't drive it much.

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@tomgerrard7738]

Got a ‘71 and ‘85. Love them both.

[@albertpendergraff5720]

I am happy that you have the Corvette now and that you had one when you were 17 I still have mine and I had it sent's I was 16 years old and it been with me all the time I will never sale the Corvette no matter what it dose I will always fix the car

[@kcbroncohater]

No kidding, what year is it?

[@fraserobrien3828]

wow great thanks so much sir toronto canada

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@temujinkhan6326]

I have always wanted one of these but bad life decisions have made it impossible now. maybe when I turn 60 i might be able to get one

[@76vette]

“You’re never too old to have a happy childhood.” -Bruce Meyer

[@danielvandusen5724]

As ive gotten older, for some reason I am compelled to try and make cars look exactly the way they did the day they drove off the dealership lot. Not just looks either, the doors have to sound the way they did when they shut and the body has to have the same rattle or lack thereof as it did new. It's almost a sickness to look for the crap no one else cares about.

[@76vette]

I think it’s dedication, not a sickness. 😊👍🏻

[@danielvandusen5724]

@@76vette With the way your vette looks it seems you suffer from the same affliction.

[@76vette]

Guilty! Lol 😆

[@sixsixtysixanhour]

Somewhere out there is a guy or gal that just collects ‘83 corvettes…..🤓well done interview 🏅

[@76vette]

Yes, and I heard he paid for them in cash with $3 bills. Allegedly he keeps them in an air conditioned barn along with his prized unicorn. Lol 😆 Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@sixsixtysixanhour]

@@76vette 🤭

[@louisrauzi3872]

Oops there are no 83 Corvette's

[@76vette]

Actually, there’s ONE 1983 Corvette left (out of 61 built), and it’s at the National Corvette Museum. The remaining 60 were all destroyed by GM.

[@sixsixtysixanhour]

@@76vette yep and those alum wheels on it seem to be inspired by the yj8 wheels like on yours. wonder why they never offered them.

[@billp5656]

I had a L48 coupe white with midnight blue interior. I never saw another the same combo

[@paulhatch7759]

17 years old with a vette?

[@76vette]

Lol 😆. I know, right? I didn’t get my first Vette until I was 19.

[@ramonedetroitguam6075]

great hobby 😅

[@andrecassis9844]

Hello John and congratulations on your beautiful 73 Corvettes. I appreciate your passion and enthusiasm as well as your skill set. While viewing your video on the blue convertible you mentioned that you were able to bring the restoration to just under $45,000. USD. Your skill set, conservatively speaking has saved you how much on this beautiful restoration? Please mention this for viewers and potential future owners of C3 Corvettes. The reason being that I make this request to you is for the benefit of future owners of C3 Corvettes that don't have your skill set. I for one, don't have your skill set so whenever I get involved with the purchase of a collectible classic I look for all original low mileage loved cars that basically require a large upfront investment. If memory serves me your convertible cost you initially $22,000 ...and inspite of your knowledge and talents quickly doubled to just under $45,000. Oh and I do own a 1973 coupe LS4 M21 with 10,700 miles that I thoroughly enjoy. Best regards, André

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@AlbertPendergraff-rp7jp]

I hope you find the one you really want I have my Corvette sent's I was 16 years old and it's a 1977 but there is nothing like owning a Corvette yes they do give us trouble but it's all worth it if you really love the car

[@jamescasello8100]

Awesone !! I love the rims on your green vette. Where can I get those ?? I suppose somewhere online. Is there a name for those rims. They kind of look like the old turbine rims I have seen on 60's dodge chargers

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻 I’m pretty sure he has Western Cyclone II wheels on his green Vette (then installed them on the white 73). They were very popular back in the day and they do look great. Had a set of those on my first 76 back in the early 80s. I think they were 8.5” wide and made by American Racing. The ones used on Dodge cars had fewer spokes and were called Vectors, if memory serves. 😊👍🏻 You can still find good pre-owned sets since they were very popular. Or even buy restored wheels: www.ebay.com/itm/204455159517

[@MM-fq3ys]

This man has (2) 73s just almost the way I’d want mine to be…he has good taste! Love the blue one too. I’d like to know who does his paint and specialty rebuilds here in FL.

[@76vette]

John does all the work himself. Even the bodywork. He just hired a guy to paint the car for him. He showed me photos of Corvettes he has restored over the years, and the list seems endless. Some of the cars were totaled and he brought them back, so he is quite talented. 😊👍🏻 Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@kerrybloxham7741]

Great cars John, I like 73s myself, one question for you, where do buy your new parts from thanks.

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@albertpendergraff5720]

It's a 1973 blue conv I like it and having one is fun if you can afford one I have a coup it's a 1977 it's also fun but you can get these car cheap

[@timothydecelle3201]

John, just discovered your channel. It’s great videos. I have a 93 C4 but am researching for a C3. I did some fixing up of my C4 which I think has prepared me to take on a small restore job of a C3. I’m just not good with body work or paint. What do you recommend on a car that has great paint but stone chips and some medium gouges? I don’t want to respray if I don’t have to. Do you have a FB page or website I can post some pics?

[@76vette]

This is not John’s channel. I interviewed him for 76vette. I don’t know if he has a FB page. 😊👍🏻

[@samrotolo7303]

I did not know the Lic. plate frame was rare.....

[@kcbroncohater]

I want a c2 but I have only one spot left in my garage and my c5 sit there.

[@otisgoree5711]

The car used to be war bonnet yellow

[@76vette]

Yes, but this is the exact color it was when it rolled off the assembly line. 😊👍🏻

[@danielgriffiths4246]

love the interior colour, i assume that's custom?

[@76vette]

No. That’s a factory color. And John restores his cars to original condition. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@danielgriffiths4246]

@@76vette Dark Sadlle 418/422 ?

[@76vette]

According to the Corvette Black Book (John was one of the contributors), Dark Saddle Leather 418 (422 is Dark Saddle Vinyl). 😊👍🏻

[@otisgoree5711]

I have a 73 Ontario Orange convertible 4-speed solid I would trade it for a 72 Camaro four speed

[@ReddiX0]

Which interior color is that?

[@76vette]

I’m pretty sure it’s Medium Saddle.

[@toddnaccarato5004]

Would you be interested in selling?

[@orlandominichiello]

Corvette was the only car that sold for more than paid, love the C3, but bit of money pits.

[@buddyjohn]

@6:21 wow thats the shiznit💞

[@vette63]

My 73 has been modified alot. I'm in Australia so it's was changed to RHD. The trouble with RHD change over is that anything under the bonnet has to be modified to fit but the old girl still turns heads.

[@jackmanfredo1215]

Beautiful car, thanks for sharing!