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This post is to document the C4 1989 Corvette that I purchased on 6/13/2019. This is my first Corvette and first time that I am going to be doing "most" of the work. The work that I can do I will do. Here is what has been done so far:
1: Replaced the hood cables and added emergency open cables in case the original did not work.
2: Removed the Xplod Amp and Speaker. ( added by other owner)
3: Redid the wiring for the radio where I found a short that was causing a parasitic drain on the battery.
4: Replaced the gas strut on the hood which helps with opening the hood.
5: Replaced the Coolant cap the seal was broken.
6: Replaced the connector end of the B4P Sensor. I have the new B4P sensor but I am waiting to install it.
7: Replaced the windshield.
8: Replaced the cigar lighter and element.
9: Replaced the battery.
10: Changed the oil and filter.
11: Changed the coolant
12. Changed the brake fluid (had issue with service engine light soon and anti-lock light were on but as of the writing of this they are both off. Going to inspect the brake sensors and clean.)
Future issues:
1: Air Conditioning does not work.
2: Cruise Control does not work.
3: Seems to have an issue with keeping a constant idle?
4: Transmission: no issue but I went to get a fluid and filter change at the dealership and they refused to do it. They said they did not want it to lock up. I looked at the fluid na it seems like it is newer fluid. Any comment sor suggestions on this would be grateful. Seems tha the transmission may lock if if the old fluids has not been changed???
5: Replace factory white vinyl top with black cloth top by upholster shop. $1500.00 sound right?
6: Need new rims as the ones on it are in bad shape with i think it is curb rash.
7: Speakers have been replaced when the radio was replaced. Saw a post about 2 ohm speakers? will that be an issue it new wire was not ran?
I am posting some pictures so any help would be appreciated. I know I am in this for probably more than I will get out of it but it was a cheap car to buy and so far I am having fun learning about the C4s. Love this forum.
Could use 4 new ones? how do you repair these? How to repair dirty and ripped rip vinyl window rip Is this original top? Can you tell by the code?
Thank You
Last edited by C4firstvette; Jun 30, 2019 at 11:24 PM.
Congrats on your "new" '89 Vette and welcome to the Forum. How many miles on the odo?
-Put a gauge on a plenum port to check manifold vacuum. The line running to the CC has a T running down to the HVAC system.
-Sounds like it's an A4, in which case I've heard differing opinions on changing fluid & filter.
-If rough running continues, change plugs & wires and check fuel pressure.
-Looks like a glass rear window, don't think that was available in '89. My vinyl rear window has the build date stamped on it, OEM.
-Not sure about the price to install a new top. Tops with some h/w seem to run >$500. Find out what is included in that quote.
As an aside, if the "frisbee" is still on the water pump pulley, remove it for a little better acceleration.
I just got a estimate for a new top from an installer in Omaha. Top and installation was $1400-$1500 depending on the condition of the frame & pads. That doesn’t include any new weatherstripping, headliner or cables. The top they would be using was an Easyon black stayfast cloth one with a plastic rear window. If you wanted a glass rear window it would be more. Kevin
Congrats on your "new" '89 Vette and welcome to the Forum. How many miles on the odo?
-Put a gauge on a plenum port to check manifold vacuum. The line running to the CC has a T running down to the HVAC system.
-Sounds like it's an A4, in which case I've heard differing opinions on changing fluid & filter.
-If rough running continues, change plugs & wires and check fuel pressure.
-Looks like a glass rear window, don't think that was available in '89. My vinyl rear window has the build date stamped on it, OEM.
-Not sure about the price to install a new top. Tops with some h/w seem to run >$500. Find out what is included in that quote.
As an aside, if the "frisbee" is still on the water pump pulley, remove it for a little better acceleration.
All the hoses look good. I am wondering if the air pump is working?
rear window is vinyl. 1500 for new too but this guy will do it right. Great reviews. 147300 on the odometer. How much is a good deal?
A4 transmission?
thank you. Love the forum.
This post is to document the C4 1989 Corvette that I purchased on 6/13/2019. This is my first Corvette and first time that I am going to be doing "most" of the work. The work that I can do I will do. Here is what has been done so far:
1: Replaced the hood cables and added emergency open cables in case the original did not work.
2: Removed the Xplod Amp and Speaker. ( added by other owner)
3: Redid the wiring for the radio where I found a short that was causing a parasitic drain on the battery.
4: Replaced the gas strut on the hood which helps with opening the hood.
5: Replaced the Coolant cap the seal was broken.
6: Replaced the connector end of the B4P Sensor. I have the new B4P sensor but I am waiting to install it.
7: Replaced the windshield.
8: Replaced the cigar lighter and element.
9: Replaced the battery.
10: Changed the oil and filter.
11: Changed the coolant
12. Changed the brake fluid (had issue with service engine light soon and anti-lock light were on but as of the writing of this they are both off. Going to inspect the brake sensors and clean.)
Future issues:
1: Air Conditioning does not work.
2: Cruise Control does not work.
3: Seems to have an issue with keeping a constant idle?
4: Transmission: no issue but I went to get a fluid and filter change at the dealership and they refused to do it. They said they did not want it to lock up. I looked at the fluid na it seems like it is newer fluid. Any comment sor suggestions on this would be grateful. Seems tha the transmission may lock if if the old fluids has not been changed???
5: Replace factory white vinyl top with black cloth top by upholster shop. $1500.00 sound right?
6: Need new rims as the ones on it are in bad shape with i think it is curb rash.
7: Speakers have been replaced when the radio was replaced. Saw a post about 2 ohm speakers? will that be an issue it new wire was not ran?
I am posting some pictures so any help would be appreciated. I know I am in this for probably more than I will get out of it but it was a cheap car to buy and so far I am having fun learning about the C4s. Love this forum.
Could use 4 new ones? how do you repair these? How to repair dirty and ripped rip vinyl window rip Is this original top? Can you tell by the code?
Thank You
Originally Posted by AgentEran
How much did you pay?
Issues 1 thru 3 are prob vacuum related. You should check your vac lines. Also for the cruise control check the brake switch w the vacuum line on it.
I probably paid too much. Changed the vacuum hoses and I can hear the click when I turn the cruise on.
How can I check the brake switch?
That's a great question.. I know with the electronic brake switch you use a multi meter on continuity. But for vacuum I have no idea. One of these experts prob know tho.
That's not curb rash. The rims are clear coated and what you are seeing is the clear coming off. You can do them yourself as seen in the video or purchase new or reconditioned ones.
The AIR pump only supplies air to the main cat at certain times to reduce pollutants.
If oil pressure is still around 50 psi or so the engine is still pretty strong.
My 1st '88 had 90k on the odo and could hardly maintain 40psi.
That said it made it to well over 200k miles with many of those 1/4 mile at a time...
On the brake pedal is a switch with a vacuum line connected. When you tap the brake pedal this switch opens the line to release the cruise control.
Check to see if that line is connected and not leaking. Again, verify manifold vacuum is good at idle.
C4firstvette
