to replace or not?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 15
From: Montreal Quebec
to replace or not?
quick question... i bought an all original 1980 and i will change all fluids/filter when i get it out (april) but will it be a good idea to replace the fuel pump as prevention as it is 30 years old and only +/-40$ anyway! i want to keep the trouble out of the way and the vette reliable for next summer 
Any other things to look for or replace suggestions welcome...
Any other things to look for or replace suggestions welcome...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 807
Likes: 2
From: VIRGINIA BEACH VIRGINIA
I bought a 79 a 2 years ago and I have had to replace among other things:
oil pump, fuel pump, tranny gasket, oil pan gasket, all the vacuum hoses, carb, intake gasket, header gaskets, valve cover gasket, distributor, spark plugs and wires, power steering pump, water pump, light bulbs, brake pads and master cylinder. Do it while it is in storage. It was a bummer missing those nice sunny days driving and spending the summer under the car.
oil pump, fuel pump, tranny gasket, oil pan gasket, all the vacuum hoses, carb, intake gasket, header gaskets, valve cover gasket, distributor, spark plugs and wires, power steering pump, water pump, light bulbs, brake pads and master cylinder. Do it while it is in storage. It was a bummer missing those nice sunny days driving and spending the summer under the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
While it's asleep for the winter take a good look at all the systems looking for leaks, cracks and other damage which might kill the fun next season. Inspect the belts, hoses and fuel and vacuum lines closely and replace any that seem dicey. Ditto the brake and steering components, tires and all gaskets and seals. My bet is you will have a pretty good list in a short afternoon's look see. After addressing the obvious then see what's left for budget and patience before you add "what ifs and why nots" to the list.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi fr87v,
Since you mention that your 80 is "all original" I''ll encourage you to keep ALL the parts you replace (except the fluids). These parts may be of value to you or another owner if in the future you decide to have the car judged along NCRS or Blomington guide lines.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Since you mention that your 80 is "all original" I''ll encourage you to keep ALL the parts you replace (except the fluids). These parts may be of value to you or another owner if in the future you decide to have the car judged along NCRS or Blomington guide lines.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 15
From: Montreal Quebec
alan 71 since you mention the NCRS... i will have the car judged at the québec (canada) chapter in may 2010 before i remove any of the important parts but fluids can be done... the rest of prevention parts will be done after that trying to keep the most points on my side... i already check that the number match and the car worth what i paid for (15k)
but i think its worth it as the car is low miles (for a 30 yrs car) and the owner (since 1983) is the kind of guy that dont take the car out if more than 40% chance of shower outside,put towels on steering for the sun when out and seat covers... the glass t-tops have been removed twice since 1983 
I do have all the documentations/maintenance receipts since day one and the only *original* parts that have been replaced are the battery,tires,spark plugs and belts...(even pads & rotor are 1980's) and i will lose a lot because the original air pump and catalyst converter have been away since 1984
the only thing that's not working is the clock that doesn't move at all but even the A/C is working
but i think its worth it as the car is low miles (for a 30 yrs car) and the owner (since 1983) is the kind of guy that dont take the car out if more than 40% chance of shower outside,put towels on steering for the sun when out and seat covers... the glass t-tops have been removed twice since 1983 I do have all the documentations/maintenance receipts since day one and the only *original* parts that have been replaced are the battery,tires,spark plugs and belts...(even pads & rotor are 1980's) and i will lose a lot because the original air pump and catalyst converter have been away since 1984 the only thing that's not working is the clock that doesn't move at all but even the A/C is working
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Franksville Wisconsin
quick question... i bought an all original 1980 and i will change all fluids/filter when i get it out (april) but will it be a good idea to replace the fuel pump as prevention as it is 30 years old and only +/-40$ anyway! i want to keep the trouble out of the way and the vette reliable for next summer Any other things to look for or replace suggestions welcome...
Any other things to look for or replace suggestions welcome...I have to date $4000 + in parts alone. Your car is low milage so hopfully you will not have many of the problems I've been dealing with. remember low milage can be good or bad and age of parts can still be deteriorated
like rubber bushings,hoses,seals,cam from lack of use,etc.... Give it a good look over and look for leaks and craking rubber parts.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Good luck in May.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Dec 29, 2009 at 09:53 AM.
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