1996 ce lt4
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 4
From: Indianapolis Indiana
St. Jude Donor '13, '15, ‘18, '21
1996 ce lt4
When looking at a C4 what areas should be focused on when checking for chassis rust? Is it an issue on a C4? The car has been outside for 3 or 4 years.
130,000 miles what would be a possible value range? A window seal leaked and water did get into the inside. I believe that was just on the one side.
130,000 miles what would be a possible value range? A window seal leaked and water did get into the inside. I believe that was just on the one side.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Rust is not an issue the way it would be on a C1, C2 or C3. Perhaps a better way to say it is that on a 96 rust would be no more of an issue than it would be on either of the C5s that you own. Of more concern are the condition of the suspension bushings as rubber ones are no longer available. Also important to verify is the proper functioning of all of the car's systems; HVAC, ABS, F45 suspension if so equipped (one year only option), seat bladder function. The rubber window seals do deteriorate over time and will leak.... this is a common issue.
From my very inexperienced view the value range on that 130K car is between $5K and $15K and will depend not only on "apparent" condition but on documented maintenance records. As you probably already know the miles on the car are not nearly as important to the overall health of the car as the way it was maintained (or not).
From my very inexperienced view the value range on that 130K car is between $5K and $15K and will depend not only on "apparent" condition but on documented maintenance records. As you probably already know the miles on the car are not nearly as important to the overall health of the car as the way it was maintained (or not).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,061
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
Other then winter time storage, my 96 LT-4 lives outside her entire life, no rust on the bottom. Barring the car had air flow under it, I don't think you'll need to worry about frame rot. Seals on C4's just suck, so not surprised to hear of a water leak, about $500 to replace with decent seals.
Hard to give a price without knowing more or seeing pictures.
Hard to give a price without knowing more or seeing pictures.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 4
From: Indianapolis Indiana
St. Jude Donor '13, '15, ‘18, '21
Thanks to both. I know it's a hard call on pricing. Car seems to be well documented and I don't think it was used winters. The carpet is reportedly dirty and needs cleaned or replaced. I was concerned with it sitting on the frame being it was outside in the mid west winters for 4 years. Any major issue that comes up with a window leak? Sounds like it was enough to use a shop vac on but occured in the last year so not sitting for the time. Car did get used when weather permitted. Looks like some acorn pieces in the engine around the tb area, not a major issue I could spend a day cleaning and wiping as long as no chewing went on. The mufflers were cut off and pipes welded in after mice nested in those but no reported intrusion to the interior.
Hopefully I get to see it in person soon. I think with the lt4 and CE on the 96 it makes a worth while cause and I could get it inside my garage with some shifting around.
Hopefully I get to see it in person soon. I think with the lt4 and CE on the 96 it makes a worth while cause and I could get it inside my garage with some shifting around.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,061
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
The LT4 yes, the CE adds minimum value. GM screwed up by not making it different enough from other 96's, GS on the other hand is a different story.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,061
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
I think people sometimes get caught up in "Collectors Edition" nomenclature..IMHO it was a bad marketing ploy by GM. They should have kept it to 1000 cars with just the LT4 like they did with the GS.
Last edited by bac22; Mar 4, 2019 at 01:24 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 4
From: Indianapolis Indiana
St. Jude Donor '13, '15, ‘18, '21
I definitely like the lt4 fact the most but being a CE is a nice add as well. I even like the factory wheels. I've pretty much sold myself on it already. Just a couple items to double check and I'll go. I was not sure how much rust played a part on later C4 cars. The water on the inside being an issue or not. Couple guys and myself are ready to swap carpet and seals with pizza and beer over a nice weekend. Or maybe have the seals done, I would like to take it to the NCM in April.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I like my CE LT4.
The collector edition was about 1/4 of '96 production, so it is not very rare. The LT4 production is what brings the most value.
There are a few other touches that are nice with the CE. The wheels are the 5 spoke and the brake calipers are black powder coated and say Corvette. The seats have special stitching on the head rests. The CE's are pretty high option level cars.
It is hard to second guess the value/cost because so much is dependent on condition. The roof leak you mentioned has probably caused damage to the carpet and possibly seats, etc but most of that will be visible and you can replace. Be sure to test drive it for condition of the engine/drivetrain. the engine and transmission/clutch are unique to the C4 and not too many around, so the prices to repair can be high if you can find the parts.
Mine needed some work and I replaced the flywheel/clutch/transmission, and I found parts and did the work myself in the garage. It can be done. Even with the repairs, it is still an inexpensive car (since I talked the previous owner down a lot due to some obvious problems) But it turned out great and I love the car now.
Good luck.
The collector edition was about 1/4 of '96 production, so it is not very rare. The LT4 production is what brings the most value.
There are a few other touches that are nice with the CE. The wheels are the 5 spoke and the brake calipers are black powder coated and say Corvette. The seats have special stitching on the head rests. The CE's are pretty high option level cars.
It is hard to second guess the value/cost because so much is dependent on condition. The roof leak you mentioned has probably caused damage to the carpet and possibly seats, etc but most of that will be visible and you can replace. Be sure to test drive it for condition of the engine/drivetrain. the engine and transmission/clutch are unique to the C4 and not too many around, so the prices to repair can be high if you can find the parts.
Mine needed some work and I replaced the flywheel/clutch/transmission, and I found parts and did the work myself in the garage. It can be done. Even with the repairs, it is still an inexpensive car (since I talked the previous owner down a lot due to some obvious problems) But it turned out great and I love the car now.
Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,338
Likes: 1,148
From: Vermilion OH
In regards to rust, I would remove the battery and check for rust on the frame under the battery. I have seen frames rot on C4's from battery acid that has been left on the frame and corrosion appears. In a couple rare cases, I have seen structural damage to the frame under the battery. It can't hurt to check.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 4
From: Indianapolis Indiana
St. Jude Donor '13, '15, ‘18, '21
In regards to rust, I would remove the battery and check for rust on the frame under the battery. I have seen frames rot on C4's from battery acid that has been left on the frame and corrosion appears. In a couple rare cases, I have seen structural damage to the frame under the battery. It can't hurt to check.
Thanks. Great tip