I'm very very close to owning a C4 (hopefully in my garage by friday!) but I need your advice! I'm looking at a 85, with 117K on it, white exterior, auto, gray/black interior. I hope to be looking at it thursday night or friday. This would be my 1st Vette so I have no idea of where the "bad" areas are to look at. What should "flat out scare me off" from this one? Its a little drive away, so I havent seen it in person yet, but the pics look good and the seller says it has a rebuit transmission, woodgrain trim, the only thing major wrong is the A/c isnt very cold (not a problem). He says hes looking for a vert' Vette so I really think hes taken care of it (lower mileage). Other than looking for rust underneath, what should I be looking at (I am in Michigan, rust belt, so you never know)? The price is very good IMO for a "jump in & drive" Vette. It has a kind of ugly spoiler on it and ground effects that I'm not sure of yet. Those are not factory right? Also, I was wondering about the interior. It has black leather seats with grey carpet, is this factory?
What I'm looking for is a pretty much "untouched" C4 in good shape (not looking for perfect, just a new toy). Other than the ground effects & spoiler, this is just like it rolled off the assembly line right? heres a link to the ad (if it belongs to anyone here, contact me!!)-

http://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/car/719541597.html


I'm very familiar with the engine/trans combo and theres not much there to scare me off. I've been messing with 2nd & 3rd gen Camaro's for a long time now, lol. Hey, its time for a vette!


I've wanted to post here for a long time, now I belong here! Great message board, thank you very much for any info

 

Ground effecs or spoiler are NOT stock but I rather like the look of both on that car.

The most expensive area is paint, then interior, then WS and tires. Of course engine & tranny can cost some $$.

Drive it and operate all accessories including headlights, heater, radio (antenna) power windows, etc. Look under the hood & inspect fluids for signs of "trouble".

If you like it put it on a lift and check out the frame, suspension and steering and check for leaking fluids.

Overall these C4s are pretty damn rugged. Got mine 8yrs ago with 96k miles, have put another 90k on it (many 1/4 mile at a time... ) and she's still pulling strong.

Good luck with the test drive.

 

Thanks Z01! I'm not sure on those ground effects & spoiler too. The spoiler really makes me scream, but its a decent price. I did find a complete 93 rear bumper/taillight assembly, would that swap right on? I like the 93 tail lights a lot...Heck, the paint even matches!

She'll see the 1/4 sooner or later! I been racing for a long time, but not since I sold the last Z28 off a couple years ago. The bug doesnt go away, lol. It'll run 11's in no time

 

I'm not sure about swapping rears; the rear went from concave to convex in '90 or '91.

I hear ya on the racing thing. I used to street race, though not by today's standards when quite young. Then work got in the way of toys till I picked up the '86 IROC-Z and just had to take it down the 1/4 mile (first time in my life on the track). So, when I was looking for a Vette it had to be an A4 for the Corvette Challenge braket series.

 

If you've been messing with 3rd gen camaros, maybe your familiar with tuned port injection? These cars came equiped with the l98, same engine can be found in some 87-92 camaros, firebirds, and trans ams.

I've never seen that body kit before, definitely not stock. The only stock body kit in 85 was the greenwood option like I have on mine.

Do what 65zo1 suggested in terms of checking things. These things can get a bit expensive to maintain, so be sure everything is in good order.

If you get it, watch out for the "corvette tax." Gotta be the worst part about owning a vette. Everybody thinks you're made of money, Wrong!

 

Not a bad looking car (of course pics can be taken to make a queen out of a frog).

Might take a REAL good look at how the side skirts mount to the car. It almost looks (to me anyway) like you might be able to take those parts off with no ill effects to the paint.

I hope it turns out well Friday.

 

Ah yes, the L98!

Will the rear bumper cover off the 93 fit it? I really like the "ZR1-ish" taillights. Another question, where can I find the RPO codes at on the car? I saw the link here to what is what, I'd just like to check it when I actually get to look at the car. It doesnt matter too much, but I'd like to know when looking at it -better than guessing! Maybe I should read the link again, lol!

I actually dont care on the actual value or rarity of the car, its going to a good home, just as long as its a good starting point. Its just a Vette to get my feet wet with, there will be a Z06 here someday, I just might be too old to drive it! Anyway, my daughter would really love helping building this into a toy for her, shes only 12 but can spot a vette on the road before I can! (picturing the DFI 383 in it right now)

Thanks for the info everyone, I really appreciate it I'll keep you updated-and with any luck show some new pics of it. I got my fingers crossed

 

The paint on a 93 won't match an 85. 85 white is kind of a cream color, the 93 is Arctic White, a very bright white.
There are some very good buyer's guides out there.

 

The rpo code list can usually be found under the drivers side storage compartment door in the rear hatch. If it isn't there, try under the center console.

Go buy that Vette!

 

Here is a buyers check list

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buyform.html?

 

There was no stock body kit for these cars,ever.There was a dealer installed option in the late 80s.As far as paint goes,once you remove the wing from the back of the car theres going to be some holes that will need to be filled.Years ago there was a trim kit,the black rub strip, that would allow using the late bumpers but haven't seen it in awhile.

 

Woodgrain trim wasn't stock either.

 

hmm...I was told there were 200 corvettes produced in 85 that came with the greenwood body package. Nobody around my area seems to know anything about corvettes!

Oh well, its on the car anyways.

 

Just bought my first one too, last week. That car looks really clean and for a good price too. Keep us posted!