To clarify... Without ordering anything and waiting for parts or components. Which items that could use greasing, oiling, taping, toothbrush cleaning, gluing, adjusting etc. for the guys who pick up their new "old" Vettes?

I bought my '88 coupe about 4 weeks ago now. The second week I was down from an accidental "tune down". (screwed up the firing order) but, once corrected runs killer!

I just finished slathering the leather shift boot with Zymol leather conditioner and it did do the trick softening it.

I spent the last two days installing stereo items (speakers, amp)

Car had 3 bent rims when I found it, found a set of '90 stockers for $150 and substituted for the bent ones.

Replaced a leaky hose on the block.

Did the outer window seals last Monday.

Man, it feels like I have rebuilt the car in the last couple weeks. It's been really fun but, I guess I haven't really done a ton of stuff... Oh yea, I spent a whole week replacing the ignition system due to the firing order fiasco... that's probably why I feel this way)

I have 3 more days off to work on it before going back to work so, I can't order any parts but, I have an Autozone around the corner so, for this question, stuff from there is good if needed to accomplish your suggestions.

So, what do you guys think? Having experience with these cars, what kind of maintenance things would you suggest to a new owner?



I'm thinking lube the headlight assemblies? Is there something you do to them? Oil or grease something?

Bleed the brakes with fresh fluid? Any tricks or weird things about Vette brake bleeding as opposed to other systems?

Lube suspension?

Do you guys use the silicone rubber conditioners on the weatherstripping? Is there an equivalent to the GM stuff at Autozone?

Both of my seat tracks make noise when the buttons are activated but, no seat movement. Is there any success in doing any home repair/service on them without ordering the rebuilt ones?


I figure these questions and suggestions would be helpful for anyone who has not owned a Vette and wants to work on it even if a pile of new restoration parts is not sitting in the garage.

 

Bleeding brakes, get a mighty vac. You can pull fresh fluid through the system by yourself. Your seat tracks are wasted, I don't know of a DIY fix on those, replacement is easily doable, just do a search for those. I've heard Vasoline works good on preserving weather striping. Good luck.

 

I just bought mine a month ago and it also had 2 bent rims. Several of The rotors turned out to be warped too. I replaced all the rotors for around $200 at Oreillys. Thier Performance Brake Best (or sumethin like that) looked like quality parts. Luckily the previous owner had replaced the ceramic pads and put new tires on shortly before I bought it, to the tune of $3000.00, but didn't put new rotors, I know cuz they were still the originals, looked like they just kept turning them till they were way to skinny so they warped. Glad to get my vette out of that idiots hands.

Anyhow, check the rotors for warpage, thickness and runout, They are super easy to get off and on. They should be able to check em at your local parts store. And replace all the brake fluid too, as mentioned above.

Don't wanna see anything bad happen to your nice new Corvette!!!

 

When you bleed your brakes, put your front wheels on the right sides.
Happy New Year. Bob

 

Just hit the backup lights lenses with headlight lenses restoration polish... nice and clear now!

 

Anytime I get a new vehicle I go through and change/check all the fluids and blubs.