Hello all,

I picked up an auto 84 silver two-tone about a month ago. I've already fixed a couple things so I could pass emissions (TPS, plugs/wires, oil) and drive in the rain without crashing (wipers, headlights). I've been able to dd it for 3-4 weeks now and it's been great and I'm excited to continue bringing it back to life. The issue is I'm also trying to show my wife that it is not a huge money pit.

These two are very difficult to reconcile.


Right now, the car NEEDS nothing. I can drive it to work tomorrow without stalling or crashing. Work is only four miles away so that isn't a huge accomplishment. The car does WANT lots of things though and that is what I am posting about. I need some help prioritizing what I should buy this month and what can wait. I can probably only do one bullet a month ( I know that brakes don't cost the same as tires, but still). I'm comfortable doing all the work myself barring tires and maybe the exhaust. Minor fixes 1 are things I can buy at once from Central whereas Minor fixes 2 are things that could cost nothing or things that could cost a lot, depending on what I find while I'm inside. Same with funny engine issue.

Without further ado, the short list:

• Brakes: needs all four rotors and rear pads (I replaced the fronts Saturday). Car stops, just sounds bad doing it.
• Tires: Age cracked.
• Seats: Driver's seat frame is cracked and passenger seat foam is ruined. Covers are cracked too. Aftermarket is fine.
• Exhaust: Terrible drone between 1200-1600 rpm. I.E. the operating range of this car. It looks fairly rusted from my brief glimpses.
• Minor fixes 1: Windlace, front t-top bolt replacement, driver door handle
• Minor fixes 2: Intermittent Horn, loose exterior mirrors, missing cooling sensor (between plugs 8 & 6), speakers (fronts), AC (not cold).
• Funny engine thing: If I floor it then come to stop too quick (not quantifiable at this time), the car will "stall". By stall I mean it will idle at 5,4,300 then die. It always starts right back up. If I don't drive like an idiot I have no issues.

So what do you folks think I should work on next?

 

Not knowing more about the brakes, I would say tires are a priority.

 

Brakes are first priority because you are nearly guaranteed to hit something if they go out, at the worst possible time. Tires are a close second because at least your brakes will still work next are seat frame (depending where the crack is), exterior mirrors, temperature sensor...

#1 priority is safety, then comfort and cosmetics.

What is wrong with the bolts on the Targa top? Too many stories about airborne targas.

 

tires and brakes for sure

 

Passenger front bolt is missing. All others are present. I've found that the driver front bolt will eventually loosen itself if left to its own devices. I usually tighten it at the first red light of the day.

 

In the meantime, Loctite sounds like a great idea.

 

Derp. I've used so many other Loctite products I forgot about their namesake. I'll get some today, thanks for the reminder!

 

Tires and brakes. Everything else can wait if need be, but stopping is very important. They are the most expensive items on your list, so if you cannot afford to do them right away I would park the car until you can.

 

If you have trouble finding a replacement, shoot me a PM. If an 88 bolt will fit a 84 frame, I can hook you up.

 

My .02 (becaused you asked....)

1) Brakes. Nuff said
2) Tires (preferred to do them at the same time as brakes)
3) upgrade fuel pump to 85-89 and filter. This will stop your stalling. Bump your timing to 12-14- you will FEEL this difference. Happy X-Fire!
4) fix the seat. You need to be comfortable
5) Exhaust. That is a big variable as you can do lots or little. Do lots.
6) Knit Knoid stuff. Fit that in as you can' it is mostly spinning wrenches with a beer.

My advise is to immediately take out a credit card with a large limit at a high rate. Sure it is not financially responsible but you DID buy a C4, so you might as well "Treat Yo' self!"

 

The hardest job on the list cause it can't be done.

brakes, tires and targa bolts need to be fixed first.

 

belairbrian hit the nail on the head. It's not about having the money, it's about spending the money and having a wife afterwards.

Everybody else: thanks for the responses regarding tires and brakes. I will definitely prioritize those. The tires I have right now are P245/45ZR17 fronts and P275/40ZR18 rears. Looking at tirerack, it looks like if I get the cheap stuff (HTR Z III) I can get it shipped and installed for about $600.
Does anybody have opinions/experience on used tires? I won't be racing or driving long distance, I'm just trying to stay alive. If it's only going to save me $100 or so I might as well get new ones.

billschroeder5842, can you expand on upgrading the fuel pump and timing? Relevant threads would be sufficient.

N227GB, I need to investigate what all I need to replace. At this point all I know is that the bolt is missing. Is there some sort of retainer holding it in? I haven't seen that for sale on zip or ecklers. Should I just replace the whole bracket? It's raining for the next week, so I'll see if I can take the bracket apart in the next couple of days.

 

Used tires in those sizes are going to be hard to find and probably not cheap either. Those are not stock sizes for an 84, did the PO change the wheels ?
As for the targa bolt, there is some type of retainer holding it in. If you take apart the header panel you should be able to see it.

 

Yup!

 

Buy the new tires Tire Rack, and replace rotors and pads Rock auto. Targa bolt issue. Stay safe out there.

 

Wow Rock Auto is cheap. Thanks for the recommendation!

 

I always use Rock Auto if I can wait 3-4 days for shipping, name brand parts real good prices, no problem with returns if neccesary.

 

I put my first 3 picks, as they are all safety related. BRAKES, TIRES, EXHAUST. First you have to be able to stop...check Rock Auto for one of their brake packages, Rotors, Pads, etc. Tires, dont take a chance and a set of nice Nitto 555G2's can be picked up pretty reasonably, even check wally world! And lastly exhaust, huffing CO, even in small quantities will make for one hell of a headache. The rest can be dealt with in babysteps, maybe make your procurements of items in successive months, until you have everything you need for all at once install.

Good Luck, and this is doable

D.

 

Flush the brake system with denatured alcohol. Then flush with new fluid. any DOT 4 will be just fine. Avoid all silicone fluids.

Rotor prep s a huge deal. Take your time and do it correctly. Some directions here.

Also be careful about how you break in these new pads and rotors. That's critical to avoiding squeals. More here.



All of this will take you a lot longer but you'll only have to do it one.

Then onto the tires section process.

Richar Newton

 

Tires first. Brakes don't stop your car, tires do. If the brakes are functioning adequately but the tires are age hardened they won't stop you as quickly as new ones would. Traction is paramount, especially in a performance car. Good luck.