Thinking about saving a C4
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 69
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From: Oceanside California
Thinking about saving a C4
Howdy all,
I'm marinating on saving a C4 that's been sitting for almost two years in a field under a cover
Not really worried about "what its worth" I'll make my offer and be content with what happens.
I'm more curious on what things are notorious for going bad after sitting that long. Its a 94' LT1 6 speed coupe that needs a new clutch installed. This car has an interesting story behind it, kinda sad. This was obviously someones baby.. master mechanic, took care of the car planned a repair, he removed the serp belt and mass air with plans to replace the clutch and fell ill and passed away. His kids parked it not sure what to do and now they need to sell it so I'm here. Only bummer is regardless of how nice he treated it, the poor car has been subjected to no love for two years.
Always been a Mustang guy but my Dad wants this exact car and I can get it up and running for him. That and it sure would be nice to honor the previous owner and get his baby back in tip top shape. I'm a sucker for a car guy story though....
Thanks for any support
I'm marinating on saving a C4 that's been sitting for almost two years in a field under a cover
Not really worried about "what its worth" I'll make my offer and be content with what happens.
I'm more curious on what things are notorious for going bad after sitting that long. Its a 94' LT1 6 speed coupe that needs a new clutch installed. This car has an interesting story behind it, kinda sad. This was obviously someones baby.. master mechanic, took care of the car planned a repair, he removed the serp belt and mass air with plans to replace the clutch and fell ill and passed away. His kids parked it not sure what to do and now they need to sell it so I'm here. Only bummer is regardless of how nice he treated it, the poor car has been subjected to no love for two years.
Always been a Mustang guy but my Dad wants this exact car and I can get it up and running for him. That and it sure would be nice to honor the previous owner and get his baby back in tip top shape. I'm a sucker for a car guy story though....
Thanks for any support
Last edited by TGTINT; Sep 14, 2010 at 12:04 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 8,171
Likes: 17
From: Eugene Oregon
I believe in the Beer Fairy
St. Jude Donor '15,'19
it is a sad story, but you can make it a happy one for your dad and maybe that mans kids by getting that car back to the way it should be. sound like a great idea to me. good luck keep us posted
Drifting
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 2
From: Gaithersburg MD A member since 2007 but then the computer crashed and then the car crash loss of memory X 2
Gas turns to shellac. Brake fluid turns to sugar. Mice and other rhodents chew on wiring and establish small colonies, mold can grow inside the cabin, rotors can become bonded to brake pads, oil can turn to sludge. The list can go on and on.
The bright side, if none of the 4 legged creatures have taken up housekeeping or practiced "carry out" on the electrical components or seating, the mechanical problems are minimal, nothing a few thousand as in 3,4,5 and maybe even 6 couldn't correct.
Begin with full flush of the dexcool out of the block and radiator it's probably turned to jello by now. remove motor and trans from it's resting place, disassemble motor, to make certain pistons, rod bearings and crank bearings are not siezed. replace all gaskets from oil pan up flush out fuel system, flush out brake system, replace all broken and dried up vacuum hoses, coolant hoses,probably needs a new heater core and replace that serpentine belt. New battery, new tires.
This is just the beginning of a rather long list. Are you up for it ?
The bright side, if none of the 4 legged creatures have taken up housekeeping or practiced "carry out" on the electrical components or seating, the mechanical problems are minimal, nothing a few thousand as in 3,4,5 and maybe even 6 couldn't correct.
Begin with full flush of the dexcool out of the block and radiator it's probably turned to jello by now. remove motor and trans from it's resting place, disassemble motor, to make certain pistons, rod bearings and crank bearings are not siezed. replace all gaskets from oil pan up flush out fuel system, flush out brake system, replace all broken and dried up vacuum hoses, coolant hoses,probably needs a new heater core and replace that serpentine belt. New battery, new tires.
This is just the beginning of a rather long list. Are you up for it ?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside California
I've started motors that have sat longer than two years without tearing down!
I'm not new to resurrecting vehicles but I'm not after that big a project either. My plans were clean, flush, turn over, start. Oil looks fantastic, def 100% with you on brakes, coolant, etc...
Def had some critters, mostly spiders everywhere but I'm pulling it further out to inspect. Grass was short around it but that means nothing.
I'm not new to resurrecting vehicles but I'm not after that big a project either. My plans were clean, flush, turn over, start. Oil looks fantastic, def 100% with you on brakes, coolant, etc...
Def had some critters, mostly spiders everywhere but I'm pulling it further out to inspect. Grass was short around it but that means nothing.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,882
Likes: 234
From: Bangkok, Thailand
My 69 Road Runner sat in the previous owners front yard for 10 or 11 years - he couldn't remember the year he parked it. I put a battery in it and it started up on the old gas, points, plugs and everything. That car ran great, no tear-down required - even beat a small-block Pinto from a stand still.
If you don't see any obvious damage, I say go for it.
If you don't see any obvious damage, I say go for it.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 5
From: 2010 C6 Grand Sport Convertible
It's only rwo years, not twenty two. I agree on the critters dining on the plastics and foam etc, but the car should be able to move and be flatbedded to its new home for further inspection. If the vette can be purchased cheaply enough, go for it!
Mike
Mike
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Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
Two years is really nothing. I'd be more worried about transmission problems. Present condition and price would be the biggest concerns. Paint and interior is a lot more expensive than mechanicals (outside of the transmission).
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 69
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From: Oceanside California
Thankfully arachnophobia isn't an issue because thats what took residence in the car. She is a sweet car, diamond in the rough for sure but a LOT of work will be needed. Once I know if its a go I'll share more details.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,700
Likes: 3
From: Lebanon KY
And if only the MAF and belt are currently removed, I'd throw them back on along with a charged battery to just see how the motor sounds. Plus make sure all the electronics work and rodents didn't get to them. You never know, might have been more than just the clutch needing replaced and his kids didn't know all the details. Do you know how many miles it has on it?
Be sure to let us know what you decide. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside California
And if only the MAF and belt are currently removed, I'd throw them back on along with a charged battery to just see how the motor sounds. Plus make sure all the electronics work and rodents didn't get to them. You never know, might have been more than just the clutch needing replaced and his kids didn't know all the details. Do you know how many miles it has on it?
Be sure to let us know what you decide. Good luck.
In the rear hatch there is an AC Delco clutch, new plugs, and serp belt. So it seems he had everything ready to go on some repairs.
Just gotta worry about those critters, and the mystery issues
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 225
Likes: 1
From: Lake Hughes Ca.
St. Jude Donor '10
I purchased a 1973 Chevy pick-up, in 1984. It had been sitting for 4 years out in the California desert, (outside of Barstow). I had to "pour" the sand out of the air cleaner, plus drain, flush and replace all fluids and etc.. The truck had 96K miles on it, at the time, and now has well over 750K on it, and still running. It is my "secondary truck" but I just can't part with it. It has been with me too long. It is a good example of "American Iron".
This is a good luck story. There are stories out there with a lot different endings. Just use "good common sence". You should be OK
Thanks for "saving a C4".
This is a good luck story. There are stories out there with a lot different endings. Just use "good common sence". You should be OK
Thanks for "saving a C4".
