1st Vette
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
1st Vette
Hello Everyone,
I just purchased my first vette ever, a 1987 coupe, for $2,000.....so as you might guess, it needs work done on it. Where should I start? Engine has 107,000 miles on it, seems to be okay at the moment. I changed the trans fluid, filter, ring, it might be needing a rebuild on it. Body seems to be good, will need a paint job soon as it is fading. Interior is okay, but could use new door panels and seats. I am posting the first pic of it. This is my first time restoring anything, so will need plenty of help and advice. Thank you. Jason
I just purchased my first vette ever, a 1987 coupe, for $2,000.....so as you might guess, it needs work done on it. Where should I start? Engine has 107,000 miles on it, seems to be okay at the moment. I changed the trans fluid, filter, ring, it might be needing a rebuild on it. Body seems to be good, will need a paint job soon as it is fading. Interior is okay, but could use new door panels and seats. I am posting the first pic of it. This is my first time restoring anything, so will need plenty of help and advice. Thank you. Jason
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,030
Likes: 10
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Not bad for 2 grand, but be forewarned, interior parts are pricey and these cars can turn into money pits very quickly. Good luck
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 1
From: panama panama
congratulation. on the car. I just got my 86 vette 2 weeks ago my need a lot of work. yours look very good compare to my.
Iam working on dash and interior . and today I mecanic friend of my is going to take a look of the motor since is not working properly. a lot of mistfire and backfire.
good luck and enjoy
Iam working on dash and interior . and today I mecanic friend of my is going to take a look of the motor since is not working properly. a lot of mistfire and backfire.
good luck and enjoy
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Thank you guys. I have had mostly boats, so I definately know about money pits....ha!! It's an automatic and seems to run pretty good. I think the previous owner just let it sit around in the Florida sun. According to the codes, its got a 3.07 rear. I guess I'm battling with myself as to whether I should stay pure with it or modify it. Leanin towards purist. I'm old school.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 711
Likes: 3
From: charlottesville Virginia
With that many miles and that much work needing to be done its going to take a lot of money to get it back to "pure" shape. I personally say drive it and fix whats broke with newer/better parts then modify till your hearts content. Pretty much the same thing I got myself into a few years ago, its been a lot of money and time but a load of fun.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 222
From: Delta B.C. Canada
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Way to jump in with both feet! 
Hopefully you can salvage the paint, because re-doing it would negate anything you saved on the purchase price.
107,000 miles on a sbc is not excessive. What leads you to think it needs a rebuild? Maybe its just something small like valve seals leaking oil?
Good luck with the project. From the pic, it looks pretty good.
Hopefully you can salvage the paint, because re-doing it would negate anything you saved on the purchase price.
107,000 miles on a sbc is not excessive. What leads you to think it needs a rebuild? Maybe its just something small like valve seals leaking oil?
Good luck with the project. From the pic, it looks pretty good.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
Our 87' has a few faded 'patches' and we're leaving it as is for now, as nearly everything else has been replaced, repaired or serviced (less the rear end and suspension). Just give it a good wax and it won't seem that bad! Many of the early C4's suffer from this.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,470
Likes: 2
From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
especialy about the money pit part!! 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,777
Likes: 5
From: Wichita Ks
Congratulations on your 87 and welcome to the Forum. 
If it were me I would stay stock and look for good used parts to help keep the cost down. Good luck with which ever direction you go with it.
If it were me I would stay stock and look for good used parts to help keep the cost down. Good luck with which ever direction you go with it.