The death of my 92 or "Now what
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
The death of my 92 or "Now what
"Stood on my front lawn last night as I watched my 92 coupe loaded on a rollback then slowly head down the street, around the corner and out of my life. Damn I miss that car already.
I saw her for the first time on a cold day this Jan. She sat behind a car stereo shop covered with a car cover, the right front tire flat looking forlorn. Upon removing the cover the first thing I noticed was the chalky white paint, but the body was solid and clean. Opened the hood to be greeted by a beautiful small block covered with rodent droppings. The interior looked decent but tho owner had taken the stereo out leaving a gaping hole in the dash and empty speaker holes. But there was something about her that said Ï am not done yet, give me a chance".
The manager of the shop who was the husband of a girl in my office told me the car ran when it was parked, the owner of the shop just got a new car and left it there. The asking price was $2500. It had 2 new Goodyear F1 tires and a new glass top. I figured what the heck since it was supposed to be ok, offered $2000 and bought her.
Had her towed to my shop and pushed her over to a repair shop across the street where the owner and I had talked about it and he said he'd help me get her running. Put in a new battery, everything lit up ok but no start. Pulled the injectors, took one look then called ZIP and had a set of rebuild 22lb injectors the next day. Put them in and voila, she came to life. Hearing a small block Chevy roar to life is close to hearing your child's voice for the first time. Tears in your eyes, she lives. Plugs, wires, fuel filter, oil change and she was ready for her maiden voyage around the block. Brakes were weak, needed some run in to take the glaze off but she ran like a scalded dog. I was in love. spent time running down vacuum leaks, a few other new parts including a rebuilt alternator and she ran great. Put her through Va. inspection and she passed with flying colors. Only issues, no stereo and it needed a new AC compressor. A weekend with clay bars and wax and damn if she didn't shine right up.
So I drove her home. I hadn't told any of my family I had bought her, thought it'd be neat to surprise them. My wife took one look and made one comment, "good, you deserve it". My 25 year old son came in and asked who's car was out front. He didn't believe me when I said mine so we went out front and I handed him the keys. He jumped in and started it and got the biggest grin when it fired off. We took it around the block a couple of times and he couldn't stop smiling. He had his girl friend come over and drive it, she couldn't stop grinning either, same with my 23 year old son. Man I love the sound with the muffler delete pipes.
I've been driving it around all summer, haven't fixed the AC or stereo yet. I usually keep it in my warehouse during the week since I have some weatherstripping to do, but with July forth weekend I really wanted it home, so I drove it home Friday night and parked in the street in front of the house. In came a summer rainstorm, but it was a lot more. I later heard 10 inches of rain in 3 hours near us. A neighbor called to say the street was starting to flood. Out I ran, jumped in and got about 4 houses up before it stalled. It was pouring and the water kept rising, there was nothing I could do. The whole neighborhood flooded. I left her where she died. When I went back after the storm passed she was in standing water and inside the water was above the seat bolster but below the steering wheel. Even the center console was filled with water. The next day the water went down and I aired her out but it would not start. She was towed away last night and State Farm has told me she will be called a total loss but paperwork is still under way. I am going to miss that car, but what's next? I had about $3500 in her at time of death.
I am thinking of going with a C5 since it's easier to get in and out of. I know this time I will get one where everything works.
I saw her for the first time on a cold day this Jan. She sat behind a car stereo shop covered with a car cover, the right front tire flat looking forlorn. Upon removing the cover the first thing I noticed was the chalky white paint, but the body was solid and clean. Opened the hood to be greeted by a beautiful small block covered with rodent droppings. The interior looked decent but tho owner had taken the stereo out leaving a gaping hole in the dash and empty speaker holes. But there was something about her that said Ï am not done yet, give me a chance".
The manager of the shop who was the husband of a girl in my office told me the car ran when it was parked, the owner of the shop just got a new car and left it there. The asking price was $2500. It had 2 new Goodyear F1 tires and a new glass top. I figured what the heck since it was supposed to be ok, offered $2000 and bought her.
Had her towed to my shop and pushed her over to a repair shop across the street where the owner and I had talked about it and he said he'd help me get her running. Put in a new battery, everything lit up ok but no start. Pulled the injectors, took one look then called ZIP and had a set of rebuild 22lb injectors the next day. Put them in and voila, she came to life. Hearing a small block Chevy roar to life is close to hearing your child's voice for the first time. Tears in your eyes, she lives. Plugs, wires, fuel filter, oil change and she was ready for her maiden voyage around the block. Brakes were weak, needed some run in to take the glaze off but she ran like a scalded dog. I was in love. spent time running down vacuum leaks, a few other new parts including a rebuilt alternator and she ran great. Put her through Va. inspection and she passed with flying colors. Only issues, no stereo and it needed a new AC compressor. A weekend with clay bars and wax and damn if she didn't shine right up.
So I drove her home. I hadn't told any of my family I had bought her, thought it'd be neat to surprise them. My wife took one look and made one comment, "good, you deserve it". My 25 year old son came in and asked who's car was out front. He didn't believe me when I said mine so we went out front and I handed him the keys. He jumped in and started it and got the biggest grin when it fired off. We took it around the block a couple of times and he couldn't stop smiling. He had his girl friend come over and drive it, she couldn't stop grinning either, same with my 23 year old son. Man I love the sound with the muffler delete pipes.
I've been driving it around all summer, haven't fixed the AC or stereo yet. I usually keep it in my warehouse during the week since I have some weatherstripping to do, but with July forth weekend I really wanted it home, so I drove it home Friday night and parked in the street in front of the house. In came a summer rainstorm, but it was a lot more. I later heard 10 inches of rain in 3 hours near us. A neighbor called to say the street was starting to flood. Out I ran, jumped in and got about 4 houses up before it stalled. It was pouring and the water kept rising, there was nothing I could do. The whole neighborhood flooded. I left her where she died. When I went back after the storm passed she was in standing water and inside the water was above the seat bolster but below the steering wheel. Even the center console was filled with water. The next day the water went down and I aired her out but it would not start. She was towed away last night and State Farm has told me she will be called a total loss but paperwork is still under way. I am going to miss that car, but what's next? I had about $3500 in her at time of death.
I am thinking of going with a C5 since it's easier to get in and out of. I know this time I will get one where everything works.
#2
Melting Slicks
Sorry to hear about your Vette, one less C4 on the road but hey it happens, mine might be on the road soon to put another out there Best of luck with whatever happens to the car, maybe not all was lost and could still be good with little money thrown at it. My cars probably been through water damage aswell. If not that car can't wait to see your next purchase and best of luck
#3
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Member Since: Aug 2015
Location: Jackson Wisconsin
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Not sure if you are interested in messing with it but typical buy back on an insurance "total" is about the price for junk on a car this old. it may be worth seeing what they want for the hulk and parts it out or do an "as is" deal on fleabay. Insurance companies don't care about charisma or style. Depending on the mileage the engine and trans should be sound.
#4
Pro
I'd bet money the only reason it wouldn't start was that the opti was filled with water. You could have fixed it for less than $500.
#5
Instructor
Thread Starter
I am sure I could have got it running, but the water damage on the wiring, ground points,seats, rugs and who knows what else would have run way more than $500, plus I would never be comfortable with what may show up in the future. I am interested to see what I get for it from the insurance company.
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#7
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If there was water intrusion high enough to fill the center console the only thing the car is good for at this point is a rolling chassis for a build. BTDT.
#8
Burning Brakes
Sorry to hear that OP. I just pictured that exact scenario! Damn
You should go w/ a C4 again! Look at some threads and you'll see its sure less advanced but more of a raw, more fun sports car
You should go w/ a C4 again! Look at some threads and you'll see its sure less advanced but more of a raw, more fun sports car
#11
Instructor
Thread Starter
Update.
I have heard from Ins. Company, They are declaring the vette a total loss. They are valuing the car at, get ready for this, $8800 and the final settlement will be $9260. This claim is paid under comprehensive damage so no deductible and it doesn't affect my rates.
I have heard from Ins. Company, They are declaring the vette a total loss. They are valuing the car at, get ready for this, $8800 and the final settlement will be $9260. This claim is paid under comprehensive damage so no deductible and it doesn't affect my rates.
Last edited by Dr.Dumas; 07-08-2016 at 09:40 AM.