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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 11:37 AM
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Default C4 Tips and Tricks

Was reading a thread by glenn87 with a tip about the drain for the fuel tank cover and go to thinking:
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE GREATEST TIPS YOU'VE FOUND OR HEARD OF THAT MAKE LIFE WITH YOUR C4 GREATER?
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 11:40 AM
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GAS TANK FILLER/COVER ~GLENN87'S TIP:
I am sure that a lot of people on here are aware that the COVER for the gas tanks on some C4's have a small drain hole located in it so water doesn't collect. Wel... the drain got clogged and water will get in your tank around the cap thread and then it is a lot of money for repairs to the engine due to water in the fuel. I took the cover off, (only 4 small screws) and drilled out the drain hole to about 7/16 so nothing will collect. Hope this helps someone out and maybe save a big repair bill. Lets keep them running.
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 11:42 AM
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WEATHERSTRIPPING TIP by Corvetteronw:
Another tip that many do not know about is his (Gordon Killebrew) advice to coat your weatherstripping with dialectric grease and then wipe it down. This keeps the material supple and will make it last much longer.
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 11:43 AM
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HEADLIGHTS TIP by Corvetteronw:
Replace your headlights with the plastic ones. This will ease the load on the headlight motors and gears and allow them to last much longer too.
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 12:21 PM
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505 - you seem to be the only one posting, so i'll add one. not a big deal, but this is a little item i've added to both my c4's. i really didn't know the emergency pull wire for the rear hatch was there, until i was installing new carpet on my 85. the thing was buried up under the rear trim panel, and if i ever needed it, well, you know, its the out of sight, out of mind thing. anyway, i just crimped a lug and installed a keyring. if need be, it can be tucked back under the trim, but would be a little easier to access. just makes it a little more user friendly...



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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 01:10 PM
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Installing emergency hood release cables on both hood latches is a smart thing to do, too. (Sorry, no pics or links with this post)
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by johnnymo63
Installing emergency hood release cables on both hood latches is a smart thing to do, too. (Sorry, no pics or links with this post)
Don't worry about it. Sooner or later, people will need to learn how to use the CF Search Button. Seriously, it's RIGHT THERE!
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by CoolVette86
Don't worry about it. Sooner or later, people will need to learn how to use the CF Search Button. Seriously, it's RIGHT THERE!
but it seems like it never works when you need it to!
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 01:55 PM
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Default Tip from another Forum member

Can't remember who told me about this, but thanks!
Clean the grunge out of your coolant overflow bottle, (and similar tanks), with some fish tank gravel and some of your favorite cleaning soap. Put a hand full in and shake it all around. The gravel scrubs in the places you can't reach and makes things clean as new inside
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 01:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Klondike
Can't remember who told me about this, but thanks!
Clean the grunge out of your coolant overflow bottle, (and similar tanks), with some fish tank gravel and some of your favorite cleaning soap. Put a hand full in and shake it all around. The gravel scrubs in the places you can't reach and makes things clean as new inside
Or you can use some small nuts. It worked perfectly on mine that was full of DexCool sediment. I didn't even have to use soap (and I was afraid of leaving soap behind).
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by janarvae
Or you can use some small nuts. It worked perfectly on mine that was full of DexCool sediment. I didn't even have to use soap (and I was afraid of leaving soap behind).

Excellent Ideas! Thanks! Sure beats buying a new one!
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Joe C
505 - you seem to be the only one posting, so i'll add one. not a big deal, but this is a little item i've added to both my c4's. i really didn't know the emergency pull wire for the rear hatch was there, until i was installing new carpet on my 85. the thing was buried up under the rear trim panel, and if i ever needed it, well, you know, its the out of sight, out of mind thing. anyway, i just crimped a lug and installed a keyring. if need be, it can be tucked back under the trim, but would be a little easier to access. just makes it a little more user friendly...



Wow! Did not know this!! Thanks for the tip!
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 03:50 PM
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For that drain in the Gas filler area.. I just use compressed air to blow out once in a while.. while checking the tire pressure or when ever ! that seems to keep mine clear.

For hatch release switches in my doors (or any other flakey switch), I just spray some electrical cleaner in them and they started to work many times !
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 07:43 PM
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SHOCKS INSTALLATION
Try using that nifty distributor wrend for holding the top of the bolts while you unsocket the nut on the bottom connections, the bend in the wrench is perfect to help make it a "quick" one man job, at least on the front shocks, haven't done the back yet.
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 10:20 PM
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REARVIEW MIRROR (INSIDE ONE)
If it is loose and "readjusts" itself everytime you hit a bump that put a small screw thru the ball of the mirror from the top, make sure you have it adjusted to about where you like it before doing so.
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 10:49 PM
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I would like to thank all the forum members who have given me their "tips" to help me keep my vette what it is today.

Corvette Mike
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 12:28 AM
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More, More, More Tips.
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 01:25 AM
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There are a few different mods you can do for your saggy door panel if you have one other then to replace the whole thing.

I did the zip tie method which worked pretty well and was super easy/cheap.

No pictures for this one either but they're out there somewhere.

I'm not sure if only certain year C4's got the saggy doors or not. So i know at least my 96 had the problem.
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 02:18 AM
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Wonder if we could get this added to the sticky posts.

Mike
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 07:43 AM
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Originally Posted by johnnymo63
Installing emergency hood release cables on both hood latches is a smart thing to do, too. (Sorry, no pics or links with this post)
Like these:
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