Beaters???
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: No link, No dupe
Re: Beaters??? (Terry McIntyre)
You've got me on that one! My only guess is that the 84 and 85 models were problematic cars. Especially the engine management and electrical systems.
Actually, I have always considered my 79' a beater.
[Modified by shotgun_000, 6:58 PM 8/3/2002]
Actually, I have always considered my 79' a beater.
[Modified by shotgun_000, 6:58 PM 8/3/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,900
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From: Green Cove Springs FL
Re: Beaters??? (Terry McIntyre)
My guess?
84 = Xfire
85 = Fixing what was wrong with the 84
But then that goes for 86, 87, 88.... :)
They really didn't get things right until the 90s with the C4. Some people even say LATE 90s production like 94-96! :eek:
84 = Xfire
85 = Fixing what was wrong with the 84
But then that goes for 86, 87, 88.... :)
They really didn't get things right until the 90s with the C4. Some people even say LATE 90s production like 94-96! :eek:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: Beaters??? (Terry McIntyre)
Who are they? I don't think I've every heard anyone generalize '84s & '85s as beaters.
I guess I've always thought of a beater as a car you're just going to drive and not really take care of.
I don't think many Corvette owners would look at their cars as beaters. And someone who treats a Corvette that way probably wouldn't have it for very long.
The mid '70 and early C4 Corvettes are probably the lowest priced right now. I would think that would attract more people who are looking for the Corvette experience without having to spend a fortune. But I'd be willing to bet that most of those people would also be planning to fix the car up rather than just drive it or let it degrade.
Just my $0.02
[Modified by jerryp58, 10:08 PM 8/3/2002]
I guess I've always thought of a beater as a car you're just going to drive and not really take care of.
I don't think many Corvette owners would look at their cars as beaters. And someone who treats a Corvette that way probably wouldn't have it for very long.
The mid '70 and early C4 Corvettes are probably the lowest priced right now. I would think that would attract more people who are looking for the Corvette experience without having to spend a fortune. But I'd be willing to bet that most of those people would also be planning to fix the car up rather than just drive it or let it degrade.
Just my $0.02
[Modified by jerryp58, 10:08 PM 8/3/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Beaters??? (Terry McIntyre)
Hate to sound snide, like a know it all snob, BUT...in fact I suspect all newer vettes in the last 20 years or so are going to be considered 'beaters' as the years go by...why...???
easy...too much electronics and lousey reliability...connectors that corrode, gaskets that leak letting high humidity into the interior, corroding everything from fuse panels to power window connectors...
cheap plastic everywhere, mostly that can't be even glued or reinforced in a repair...tons of overwiring for the sake of being cute with computers...use of 11 computers or some silly high number to run a damn CAR???
unavailability of some service parts even today for earlier C4....
Been there seen that done that...like every other car since the early 80's...
born into junk by it's very nature...
GENE :confused: :confused: :mad :rolleyes:
easy...too much electronics and lousey reliability...connectors that corrode, gaskets that leak letting high humidity into the interior, corroding everything from fuse panels to power window connectors...
cheap plastic everywhere, mostly that can't be even glued or reinforced in a repair...tons of overwiring for the sake of being cute with computers...use of 11 computers or some silly high number to run a damn CAR???
unavailability of some service parts even today for earlier C4....
Been there seen that done that...like every other car since the early 80's...
born into junk by it's very nature...
GENE :confused: :confused: :mad :rolleyes:
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,363
Likes: 1,059
From: Virginia USA
Re: Beaters??? (mrvette)
Have you ever ridden i n a 84 or 85 Vette? The suspension is soooooo tight they will beat the snot out of you. That may be why. Chevy actually tuned down the suspension in the latter part of 85 and throughout the rest of the C4 production run because of such a harsh ride. I think you could still order the original 84 suspension as the Z51 option (not to sure if it is the same as the 84 standard suspension though).
John
John
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Beaters??? (theandies)
Andies, I have worked on '84 electricals extensively, beach car, accelerated moisture conditions, electrical/connectors nitemare, like every one...leaky roof panels, rust, the works...melted electrical connectors, nearly destroyed fuse panel....car was not rougher riding than my '72, which is urethane and stiff springs...the '86 my friend has here is like my old '87 ie not so bad on the ride, when it's together...My old '87 suffered many faults, and electricals were just ONE of them...but judging from how extensively overwired it was, that's another reason I got rid of it....and the '84 project here substantiated my worst fears....now these C4-5 vettes are only getting worse as the time went by...'84-92?? had only what one engine computer, and another for the dash early on...90 up may have had one also, think so...by the time they got through with them...they had what..8 computers in them???
as the years go by them things be setting more codes than SamFB Morse....
GENE :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :D :D
as the years go by them things be setting more codes than SamFB Morse....
GENE :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :D :D
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 399
Likes: 1
From: LBL TN
Re: Beaters??? (Terry McIntyre)
In reply to JerryP58 "They" refer to the writers of articles, including the owner of an 84, in both "Vette" and "Corvette Fever" magazines. None of the articles explain why they call them "Beaters". I just thought I was missing something. I really don't have a clue as to why they referred to them as that. Oh well...You guys did come up with some good stuff though. Thanks
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
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Re: Beaters??? (Terry McIntyre)
I can say that I love my 84. Yea, the 84 Z-51 is "harsh", but it will take corners like a real race car. Plus, as far as the cross-fire goes, you can make decent power with it. And worst case, it is just a 350 chevy. Nothing to be scared of. I consider the 84 my "daily driver" and the 71 and 69 are the toys. I only drive the 84 two to three times a month, but I love it! And I have only run a few cars with it, but 4.6 sohc mustangs are no problem at all!