Ok I have a 1996 coupe :auto, 100k, runs strong, new tires

Issues: needs heater core replaced (should I just by-pass? I live in Florida so..) Carpet needs replaced , interior trim needs help,
paint is ok but needs a new coat to look good, needs new top (has crack) needs new seals, may need a new cluster because I cant change the settings (it stay on mph and fuel)

Here's my dilemma: Should I invest the money in getting in mint shape or just sell and buy one already there.
I have $4800 in it already and repairs (interior, mechanical, etc... will be at least 3k besides paint)
Whats your thoughts?

 

Unless you can do all the work yourself (including paint), it will cost you more money to get to "mint" than the car is worth.

 

If you are doing the work yourself there is no fast guy method. You need to pull the top of the dash out on the 96. You can loop it or fix it but it seems you already have quite a few bucks into it. However if it still needs, paint and interior it maybe time to let go. GC

 

If it was me I would keep the car and fix it up if you have the time. I just did all what you are saying to my '87 plus more in 6 weeks. I spent 7 hrs a day in the garage fixing, learning, on the computer on this forum, researching, breaking and everything else to my Vette. If I had before pics it would blow you away. I put 4 days straight into the rubbing and polishing of the car alone. Brought the candy red color back to life. Then waxed it. So nice now. The feeling of knowing YOU did the work is just awesome. I now know what my car likes, how its supposed to run (temps, pressures, etc.), I know how the car functions, and it was a blast learning (still learning and probably always will be learning till I don't have the car anymore).

The electrical side of these Vettes is CRAZY!!!! But understanding what part functions which part is interesting. Interior was very easy for me. I replaced all window switches, door lock switches, a lot of the trim, took out seats and cleaned everything, rewired aftermarket stereo, put in antenna, door jams, the list goes on and on....like I said took me 6 full weeks inside the garage everyday. I am fortunate to be able to fix up cars for a living. Just remember, these cars require TLC whether running perfect or not.

Stay with what you got. $4800 so far is nothing. Shop around on eBay, your local craigslist and wrecking yards for all your interior needs. You'd be amazed at what you find. Are you positive you need a paint job? Unless your going for show room shine, I'd get some McGuires Rubbing compound and rub crazy all over the entire car. You be amazed at the shine it picks up. Then McGuires Polishing compound after your done. That will make you go WOW!!!! Then wax after your done. Those are the 3 steps to making junk, oxidized paint look new.

Hope this helps, good luck!!!

 

Unless you really want to do the work, bypass the heater hose and let it go to someone who wants the challenge. Either that or just drive it. It's hard to justify the restoration costs when they are going so cheap and prices won't go up for a very long time, if ever. Now if its something you want to do, that's a different matter.

 

Time to cut and run

 

Post pictures of the problem areas with the paint. If it can be buffed and made to look good then the rest is a piece of cake. If you need to pay for a paint job then let the car go.

 

I appreciate all the replies and your advice. As far as the paint is concerned , it is OK except for the road chips and I think there was a greenwood kit on the car because on the bottom all around are tiny holes--- That's what i don't like (you have to look close but I know they are there) I can do all the work myself and I would enjoy it.

Another question I have is regarding the cost vs value:
How many of you have more cost you put into your car than what its worth? (realistically, meaning what you could sell it for vs. what the time and money you have spent on it))

 

I see your "toys"
Very nice
Its tough I bet deciding which one to drive...

 

I picked up my '87 with 144k for $1800. I have since replaced all 02 sensors, water temp sensors front and sides, many relays (cheap at autozone/napa), freeze plugs, headlight motor, waxing and rubbing materials, solder gun and solder, fuel pump, strainer, fuel filter, nuts and bolts, door jams at wrecking yards, door springs at wrecking yards, radio dash panel at wrecking yard, switches, bought new antenna, bought new front speakers, new power steering pump, air control management system bought used off eBay, hoses, vacuum lines, battery, starter and many many many hours of computer time researching what I'm working on.

I have $1000 into my Vette in repairs/parts. I'm only $2700 total into it. That is well worth it. I do need a carpet kit for the rear. I don't want to buy the entire kit. So I will wait. My car is turning into a dream finally. I love these C4's!!!

 

I also cleaned the throttle body, adjusted the Throttle Position Sensor, checked for loose plugs, reworked the spark plug wires so that they are not close to the engine getting hot!! Made all lights in the interior work with door jams and whatnot, replaced all switches in the interior, got the cigarette lighter to work, reworked all vacuum hoses under hood (they were all screwed up), worked on both adjustments of the headlight, fixed the motors and got them working properly, coolant system flush and finally was able to conquer my overheating problems, etc.....and unfortunately much more.....

My car needed alot. That why I got it for 17 hundo.

 

Thats great, sounds like your not upside down. I figure with all I need including a good paint job ( I'm gonna take it to the paint shop pretty much ready for them to shoot) I will have around $9,800.( thats with buying new stuff via ecklers)
So anyways....sigh ...decisions decisions...lol

 

Nice lookn ride

 

I'd suggest checking on the For Sale forum here, fleabay and Corvette salvage yards for miscellaneous items. When I was reworking the Missus' '94 half the interior was junk, the other half decent. I could either pay top $$$ for a whole new interior or refurb the existing interior. Except for a few minor trim pieces, I bought used goods. Matched what I had, at considerable savings. Yeah, it looked like a used Vette...but everything matched and was intact. To me, I was happier with that than having new carpet/seatcovers and crappy door panels.

 

A big factor is what you want out of the car, and what you want it for. If you are the type of person who likes everything right and in correct order, you're going to have a lot of work and money getting there.

I have a different take on mine (and not saying either way is wrong). I have a driver, and if something does not work I evaluate it in terms of safety and whether it will keep me from enjoying the car. In 4 years we have put about 25,000 miles on it, and been to 14 states. It has cracks, chips and imperfect paint but it gets us there and back (well, ALMOST always! ) If that's what you want, then don't sweat the small things that don't work.

Your car, your call.

 

Thanks for the advice all
I will let you know what I decide

 

That there will cost $200-$300 on labor alone.


Unles you can DIY...

 

OK I'm listening to the advice..however from a optimistic point of view , if I spend (total:including what I paid for the car ) $9-$10 grand and it comes out looking very nice..isn't that still less than a nice vet would be to buy (except I would have new paint and interior)
I can do all the work except for the paint

 

You can buy nice 94-96's for $6k-$8k that will exceed your corvette when finished, with a little looking and a little time. There is a big difference between asking prices and selling prices. You don't see the bargain ones up there because they sell and the ads get cancelled.

 

there's only ONE guaranteed way to get your money back on a C4...and that's to drive the sucker...and isn't that the whole point of owning one ?