Hey BigBlock73

[Low87on20s]

Is your truck an original big block truck? Did some 73's come with big blocks? Where can I find info on this??

The reason I ask is that I might have the opportunity to trade my 87 for an 84 K5 Blazer and a 73 fleetside, 2wd, bigblock truck. I have seen the Blazer. It's nice! It's black, 1984 tub and is sitting on a 1991 frame and running gear. It's fuel injected, complete 91 interior, and the 91 front grill assembly. The 73 needs work but is said to be a fairly straight, almost original big block truck.

I am very tempted to do this, but I want to find out more on the 73 before I commit.

[Jonboy]

my truck was an original big block truck. It was a Custom trim package, 454/TH400/12 bolt posi, with gauges (no tach) and heavy duty brakes, cooling, and suspension. It even had a cardboard dash pad, the only one I had ever seen. Hope this helps.

[bigblock73]

Paul, my truck was not originally powered by a big block...it originally had a 350.

454's were available in '73, but they were obviously not as common as 350's. If it is a long bed model, they were much more common than short bed models..something to keep in mind.

I say go for it...but what would you do with TWO trucks? Would you be selling the 73? If so, keep me in mind.

[Low87on20s]

I have 2 now with the 87 and the 2004. The trade would actually net me a 3rd.

The 73 is a short bed truck. I was thinking of just of playing with the Blazer during the summer and then selling it. I would then use that $$ to start a restoration on the 73.

My wife is gonna kill me if I go through with this, but hey it is her dad that wants to trade with me. He is the one that I got the 87 from about 5 years ago.

He also has an all original, 1 owner, two-tone black/silver 1985 Silverado that is absolutely immaculate! It has 60,000 miles on the odometer. I don't know for sure, but it's been said that he is saving that one for my son. I guess I'll see in about 13 years.

[bigblock73]

Paul...

why can't I find deals like that!?

keep us posted, and get us some dang pics!

[Low87on20s]

Do the 1973 grills denote 350 or 454?? Also, does the VIN denote whether or not it was an original big block truck?

[bigblock73]

Originally posted by Low87on20s
Do the 1973 grills denote 350 or 454?? Also, does the VIN denote whether or not it was an original big block truck?

The grills will have badges indicating engine size, but I believe the VIN's do not.

292's were also offered...maybe even 307's.

[1974StepSide]

Originally posted by Low87on20s
Do the 1973 grills denote 350 or 454?? Also, does the VIN denote whether or not it was an original big block truck?

The VIN numbers Do tell you what size engine the truck had. From 1973-1975, if you look at the Third letter in the VIN it corresponds to these engine sizes.

Q = 250 6CYL
T = 292 6CYL
X = 307 V8
V = 350 2-Barrel V8
Y = 350 4-Barrel V8
U = 400 4-Barrel V8
Z = 454 4-Barrel V8

[Low87on20s]

Thanks Big Moe! That's exactly the information I was looking for!

[bigblock73]

Looks like Moe was right, I was unsure, but when I got home I found out the same thing.

Question for Moe, where did you get that info at? The information I have varies slightly from yours and I am just curious as to whos may be correct. I got mine off Chucks Chevy Truck pages..so it may not be 100% correct. I dunno.

Thanks

[swervin ervin]

Jeff,

I'm surprised you have to go to another site to find info you have on your own.

http://www.73-87.com/7387stuff/7380vin.htm

[Captkaos]

Swerv beat me to it with the easy shot to you Jeff, but it's on mine too....
http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/VIN.htm

[bigblock73]

Originally posted by swervin ervin
Jeff,

I'm surprised you have to go to another site to find info you have on your own.

http://www.73-87.com/7387stuff/7380vin.htm

Mike, that must be a link not currently showing on my site...I must have missed updating that one during the changeover.

I am still learning I guess.

[swervin ervin]

Nope. That link is from your site.

It's under 73-87 Info link.

http://www.73-87.com/7387info/7387info.htm

Then 73-87 Pickup Numbers.

http://www.73-87.com/7387stuff/7387traneng.htm

[bigblock73]

Guess I better pay attention better!

[swervin ervin]

No problem. If you are like me, you can't afford to pay attention.