1973 Build Sheet

[Jim R.]

I have a friend that needs help deciphering a build sheet for his 1973 454 Coupe. First of all it is optioned differently than most, Radio Delete, Rear Window Defroster, and seems to be a export car (not known to actually leave the country) Also is there is a persons name and a date (approximately 2 months after the build date) on the sheet that we are attempting to identify. Build sheet attached, Any help?1973 Tank_Sticker.jpg

[Michael D.]

Re: 1973 Build Sheet

Tom Russo knows 73-82 build schedules inside and out. He'll be tickled to see this one.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1973 Build Sheet

We see a lot of 1970-1972 Corvette with export preparation that were delivered to dealers in the USA. We believe this is due to military people from Viet Nam who ordered Corvettes for their return.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1973 Build Sheet

I have a friend that needs help deciphering a build sheet for his 1973 454 Coupe. First of all it is optioned differently than most, Radio Delete, Rear Window Defroster, and seems to be a export car (not known to actually leave the country) Also is there is a persons name and a date (approximately 2 months after the build date) on the sheet that we are attempting to identify. Build sheet attached, Any help?

Jim

Most interesting configuration...no radio but the buyer ordered rear window defogger? I have heard this before of a buyers name added to a build sheet but this is first time I've seen something that could represent a buyer. It is apparent it is not a common American name from the early 1970 period. It does include the RPO codes for export preparation, statement of origin and a tax code of some sort.

I just flipped through my 1973 copies and have a few with names...but no consistency. A couple use a last name, another first and last, most have no name printed on the build sheet. However, this practice ends with 1973 and I do not see this practice continuing beyond 1973. Also note key codes in the upper left boxes.


The 4/27 date is the expected date of production and probably varies by a day or two from the trim tag date code. The 4/27 is the date production was scheduled to begin. So the 6/14 is interesting...perhaps that is the date to take delivery at the dealer...Sullivan Chevrolet also in NJ. I'll drop you a PM.

We see a lot of 1970-1972 Corvette with export preparation that were delivered to dealers in the USA. We believe this is due to military people from Viet Nam who ordered Corvettes for their return

As Terry shared, this practice continued well into the 1970s. During the 25th anniversary year, dealers where adding surcharges to Corvettes. I tracked down the original buyer of my 78 who explained that the dealer wanted $5,000 extra for a Silvery Anniversary Corvette. So on his trip overseas to Germany...he ordered it from an Opel dealer and it was delivered to the Silver Springs MD dealer. Saved himself $5k.

[George C.]

Re: 1973 Build Sheet

A rear defroster is a mandatory requirement on new vehicles sold in New Jersey. This same law was enacted in 1973 here in New York. I am not sure what year it was mandatory for New Jersey.