C4 General Discussion General C4 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech

Project C4

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 8, 2012 | 07:23 AM
  #1  
Backtolife's Avatar
Backtolife
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: New York City NY
Default Project C4

Hi everyone, My father, brother and I just was given a 1986 corvette thats been in my family since new. Unfortunately the car has been sitting since 1991 .....after a little backyard brighting, a family member of mine wants the car gone, so instead of junking it we decided to turn it into a family project car.. I havent been inside or under the hood yet so I dont know much about it all i know that the last inspection sticker is from 1991, the odometer from the window reads 55k miles and it has the L98. My first step which will be getting it back home and taking the engine apart hopefully its not seized! Wish me luck....And happy easter!
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2012 | 07:36 AM
  #2  
scrappyloz's Avatar
scrappyloz
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
From: Hereford UK
Default

I see no reason to strip the engine down. With that mileage and as long as it isnt seized it should be ok with just a good service and a replacement of hoses thermostat etc.
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2012 | 07:36 AM
  #3  
Tommy T-Bone's Avatar
Tommy T-Bone
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,198
Likes: 10
From: Homestead Fl
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Default

Good thing it's a family project. Sounds like it's gonna take family resources. Most everything is replaceable and the forums are a good source of technical assistance. Make sure you get a Helm Factory Service manual for your project car. In cases like this it's a "must have" item. Best of luck and enjoy the challenge.
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2012 | 11:39 AM
  #4  
Backtolife's Avatar
Backtolife
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: New York City NY
Default

[QUOTE=Tommy T-Bone;1580499227]Good thing it's a family project. Sounds like it's gonna take family resources. Most everything is replaceable and the forums are a good source of technical assistance. Make sure you get a Helm Factory Service manual for your project car. In cases like this it's a "must have" item. Best of luck and enjoy the challenge.[


Thanks for the heads up! Yea I know a lot of information can be found on forums that's why as soon as I found out about this I joined. I have had decent amount of luck with ls1tech for my 98 trans am so I figured why not.....I eagerly waiting to start!
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2012 | 12:06 PM
  #5  
johnnymo63's Avatar
johnnymo63
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,032
Likes: 204
From: Greenwood Indiana
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Default

Welcome to the forum.

I wouldn't tear the engine apart right away. Take the spark plugs out, squirt some oil into each cylinder, let it sit for a day, then try to turn it over with the key.
If it turns okay, put the plugs back in and see what happens.

Of course, you want to empty out the gas tank and put fresh fuel in there first. Change the oil and filter, too.

It's a requirement that you post some pics of your new project. (We love pics)

Good luck with it.
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2012 | 12:41 PM
  #6  
Backtolife's Avatar
Backtolife
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: New York City NY
Default

Pics soon to come!!! Don't worry I love looking at pics also I'm ganna take a ton tomarrow!
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2012 | 04:06 PM
  #7  
mrmtrtrnd's Avatar
mrmtrtrnd
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,777
Likes: 5
From: Wichita Ks
Default

Originally Posted by johnnymo63
Welcome to the forum. :see ya

I wouldn't tear the engine apart right away. Take the spark plugs out, squirt some oil into each cylinder, let it sit for a day, then try to turn it over with the key.
If it turns okay, put the plugs back in and see what happens.

Of course, you want to empty out the gas tank and put fresh fuel in there first. Change the oil and filter, too.

It's a requirement that you post some pics of your new project. (We love pics)

Good luck with it.


Don't tear it down unless you find something wrong first. I hope this turns out to be a project that you and your family enjoy together. Good luck
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 12:12 AM
  #8  
Backtolife's Avatar
Backtolife
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: New York City NY
Default

These are some old pics I took few years ago the car looks the same now it isnt getting any cleaner just yet but it all begins in the afternoon!

















Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 03:52 AM
  #9  
enventr's Avatar
enventr
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,147
Likes: 452
From: Port St. Lucie West Florida
Default

This car looks to be stored outside without a cover.Was the car ever repainted ?It will need some tlc and a new paint job.good luck with the project
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 04:16 AM
  #10  
scrappyloz's Avatar
scrappyloz
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
From: Hereford UK
Default

I really like the 3 piece split wheels and green interior.
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 06:48 AM
  #11  
Backtolife's Avatar
Backtolife
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: New York City NY
Default

Originally Posted by enventr
This car looks to be stored outside without a cover.Was the car ever repainted ?It will need some tlc and a new paint job.good luck with the project
it was never repainted it will be...there is no rust on the body no extreme body work will have to be done.
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 07:35 AM
  #12  
AGENT 86's Avatar
AGENT 86
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
Active Streak: 90 Days
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,320
Likes: 248
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Default

Originally Posted by Backtolife
it was never repainted it will be...there is no rust on the body no extreme body work will have to be done.
Welcome aboard and good luck.

Now get out there and have another look for body rust
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 07:39 AM
  #13  
96 Vette CE's Avatar
96 Vette CE
Banned Loser
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 60 Days
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 53,425
Likes: 250
From: They say you learn from your mistakes, I must be a genius
2017 Corvette of the Year
2016 C4 of Year Finalist
Creator of the "Original" whining and crying thread
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17
Default

Originally Posted by Backtolife
it was never repainted it will be...there is no rust on the body no extreme body work will have to be done.

I should hope not, that would be a first. Good luck with your project, your wallet should be quite a bit lighter when all is said and done.
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 07:44 AM
  #14  
Backtolife's Avatar
Backtolife
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: New York City NY
Default

Originally Posted by 96 Vette CE
I should hope not, that would be a first. Good luck with your project, your wallet should be quite a bit lighter when all is said and done.
Exactly wallet lighter but a bigger smile on my face =D
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 08:55 AM
  #15  
Old Ben's Avatar
Old Ben
Team Owner
10 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 27,118
Likes: 135
From: Montgomery, Alabama
2017 C6 of Year Finalist
Default

Welcome aboard. Take your time with the "project" and you will have a very nice ride.

Don't forget the wave.
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 10:05 AM
  #16  
VETTEDETTA's Avatar
VETTEDETTA
Instructor
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 160
Likes: 1
From: Auckland
Default

Are they Gotti wheels? I think they're the same as mine!
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 10:15 AM
  #17  
Backtolife's Avatar
Backtolife
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: New York City NY
Default

Originally Posted by VETTEDETTA
Are they Gotti wheels? I think they're the same as mine!
I believe they are the same they look nice with good tires on them!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Project C4

Old Apr 9, 2012 | 10:29 AM
  #18  
VETTEDETTA's Avatar
VETTEDETTA
Instructor
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 160
Likes: 1
From: Auckland
Default

Originally Posted by Backtolife
I believe they are the same they look nice with good tires on them!
I polished mine by hand not too long ago. Something to inspire you a bit...

Reply
Old Apr 10, 2012 | 09:16 AM
  #19  
Backtolife's Avatar
Backtolife
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: New York City NY
Default

UPDATE!

Yesterday, we got into to the car the montana blue interior is dry rotten as expected but mechanically the car was MINT! The oil in the car wasnt bad no sludge power steering fluid was good tranny fluid everything seemed great.. the brakes retained pressure but as expected were rusted and the shifter even moved fine as well just need a battery and change the oil before we fire it up the flat tires held air as well and as promised heres so more pics....











Reply
Old Apr 10, 2012 | 09:20 AM
  #20  
scrappyloz's Avatar
scrappyloz
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
From: Hereford UK
Default

Do you have enough air fresheners but looks very nice
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:55 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE