C4 General Discussion General C4 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech

1985 Automatic 350 C4

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 14, 2020 | 07:57 PM
  #1  
Gethonorbro's Avatar
Gethonorbro
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Default 1985 Automatic 350 C4

So my neighbor is selling his 1985 Corvette, it most likely needs a battery and alternator(Easy I can do that.) the driver window is off the tracks and the passenger window button is broken as well. Everything else on the car is amazing. I love the car but I need windows. How hard/expensive of a fix is that? He wants $2,000.

Edit: Pictures down below

Last edited by Gethonorbro; Feb 16, 2020 at 11:11 AM.
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2020 | 08:23 PM
  #2  
gdgeorge's Avatar
gdgeorge
Pro
10 Year Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 508
Likes: 89
From: Bowie MD
Default

Originally Posted by Gethonorbro
So my neighbor is selling his 1985 Corvette, it most likely needs a battery and alternator(Easy I can do that.) the driver window is off the tracks and the passenger window button is broken as well. Everything else on the car is amazing. I love the car but I need windows. How hard/expensive of a fix is that? He wants $2,000.
Not sure what "off the track" means. In my '93 replacing window regulator wasn't too bad. But I have to redo both the one I did and the one that was done professionally as neither is adjusted correctly. I did have issues with Ecklers in getting the Drivers' side one. (Like a couple of months delay as I recall. But they honored the original price (which I why I ordered it from them in the first place...).

The window button isn't hard to find. There appear to be several on eBay in the $20 range..
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2020 | 08:30 PM
  #3  
CorvetteRules's Avatar
CorvetteRules
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 579
From: Mays Landing, NJ
Default

How many miles and does it run and drive?
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2020 | 09:54 PM
  #4  
rrt898's Avatar
rrt898
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 28
From: Montclair New Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by Gethonorbro
So my neighbor is selling his 1985 Corvette, it most likely needs a battery and alternator(Easy I can do that.) the driver window is off the tracks and the passenger window button is broken as well. Everything else on the car is amazing. I love the car but I need windows. How hard/expensive of a fix is that? He wants $2,000.
The window belt probably snapped. Most people with the early C4's will convert the regulator to the scissor type and eliminate the belt. The regulators aren't expensive. The job takes time and to align the window. It shouldn't be a deal breaker..

Good Luck
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2020 | 11:03 PM
  #5  
ghlkal's Avatar
ghlkal
Safety Car
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,471
Likes: 1,224
From: Fredonia WI
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2020 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
Default

As others said, fixing the problem isn't difficult, but adjusting and aligning the windows is futsy and takes time.

For $2K, if you're willing to do the work, it sounds like a good deal to me.

Good luck
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2020 | 09:32 AM
  #6  
Gethonorbro's Avatar
Gethonorbro
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Default

Originally Posted by CorvetteRules
How many miles and does it run and drive?
It has 170k ish and he ran it for me(at the time of original post.), but weak battery and he had to get back to work so we're going to take it for a test drive later today. I'm cautious of an old engine and transmission, but trust the guy. Also don't trust anyone either though. Anything specific I should be looking out for while driving it?

Originally Posted by rrt898
The window belt probably snapped. Most people with the early C4's will convert the regulator to the scissor type and eliminate the belt. The regulators aren't expensive. The job takes time and to align the window. It shouldn't be a deal breaker..

Good Luck
Thank you, I will do some research and fix them myself.

Last edited by Gethonorbro; Feb 16, 2020 at 11:12 AM.
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2020 | 09:53 AM
  #7  
mazdaverx7's Avatar
mazdaverx7
Le Mans Master
Veteran: Army
15 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,341
Likes: 1,148
From: Vermilion OH
Default

You can always offer the guy $1500 and meet somewhere in the middle. From what you describe it sounds like a pretty fair deal. Would like to see some pictures of the car if you had any.
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2020 | 10:33 AM
  #8  
1bdvet's Avatar
1bdvet
Team Owner
Veteran: Air Force
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,804
Likes: 5,632
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

When I needed my window regulator replaced I called the professionals, a window company that does this for a living, I bought the parts, and bushings, they were extra, and had them install and adjust the window.
After installations no water leaks or wind noise.

Go with company that has good reputations.

I also would low ball him on selling price, between battery and alternator, window switch, and window regulator and installations adds up.

Make a list on parts prices, and give you idea of what you have to spend without window installations.

Last edited by 1bdvet; Feb 15, 2020 at 10:34 AM.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 15, 2020 | 02:58 PM
  #9  
Gethonorbro's Avatar
Gethonorbro
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Default

Originally Posted by mazdaverx7
You can always offer the guy $1500 and meet somewhere in the middle. From what you describe it sounds like a pretty fair deal. Would like to see some pictures of the car if you had any.















Please let me know any opinions or if you notice anything.
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2020 | 03:20 PM
  #10  
jguard68's Avatar
jguard68
Racer
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 260
Likes: 94
From: Wilmington, Ohio
Default

I would jump on this deal. Good looking 85. Congrats if you do. Mine has a long way to go....
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2020 | 04:06 PM
  #11  
ls777z's Avatar
ls777z
Drifting
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 397
From: Clay New York
Default

If the test drive shows no further issues (check every switch/button/etc) and he won't budge on his price I don't think you can go wrong.
The interior looks pretty good for that many miles.

Last edited by ls777z; Feb 15, 2020 at 04:07 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2020 | 06:11 PM
  #12  
Gethonorbro's Avatar
Gethonorbro
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Default

Originally Posted by ls777z
If the test drive shows no further issues (check every switch/button/etc) and he won't budge on his price I don't think you can go wrong.
The interior looks pretty good for that many miles.
I learned that it actually has 150k, so that's pretty good. I had a small test drive earlier today but I was not happy the dash was not acting correctly but I think that was because of the battery it did end up dying on that test drive unfortunately. Which is most likely because of a weak battery/alternator. it's been charging for like 5 hours now. If on this test drive the dash and everything isn't working to my standards I won't be doing it. Here's to hoping the next one goes well.
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2020 | 08:13 PM
  #13  
Hot Rod Roy's Avatar
Hot Rod Roy
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
Default

The RH window switch is stuck/broken, which may be related to the battery problem. I have the same radio in my '84. It's a nice unit, but has a few unusual characteristics. Be sure you get the manual for the radio!

I might be wrong, but I think there should be an EGR tube across the back of the RH valve cover. Has this been removed?

Reply
Old Feb 15, 2020 | 10:33 PM
  #14  
Gethonorbro's Avatar
Gethonorbro
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Default

Originally Posted by Hot Rod Roy
The RH window switch is stuck/broken, which may be related to the battery problem. I have the same radio in my '84. It's a nice unit, but has a few unusual characteristics. Be sure you get the manual for the radio!

I might be wrong, but I think there should be an EGR tube across the back of the RH valve cover. Has this been removed?

Thank you for radio advice, I will ask about that manual.
Hmm, I was not aware of this but after some searches from what I can tell it should have one I will ask about that.

Last edited by Gethonorbro; Feb 15, 2020 at 10:36 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 16, 2020 | 08:05 AM
  #15  
mazdaverx7's Avatar
mazdaverx7
Le Mans Master
Veteran: Army
15 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,341
Likes: 1,148
From: Vermilion OH
Default

For the asking price I wouldn't worry about the cluster acting erratically. They all do that and they all get repaired. It's part if the early C4 ownership process. I would not hesitate to buy that car and I would negotiate what I could off of the asking price. It's a great car!
Reply
Old Feb 16, 2020 | 09:59 AM
  #16  
Gethonorbro's Avatar
Gethonorbro
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Default

Originally Posted by mazdaverx7
For the asking price I wouldn't worry about the cluster acting erratically. They all do that and they all get repaired. It's part if the early C4 ownership process. I would not hesitate to buy that car and I would negotiate what I could off of the asking price. It's a great car!
Worst case scenario and I gotta take the whole thing apart any idea what that'll run me?
Reply
Old Feb 16, 2020 | 10:10 AM
  #17  
cv67's Avatar
cv67
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Default

Pay him 2k and take it. I see cars in way worse shape here wanting 3-4 times that.
Looks to be in good shape. Offering him less is kind of an insult.


If the battery is that bad just put a new one in then see how the electronics act
Walmart sells them for 50-60 bux.

Last edited by cv67; Feb 16, 2020 at 10:12 AM.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 1985 Automatic 350 C4

Old Feb 16, 2020 | 10:19 AM
  #18  
Gethonorbro's Avatar
Gethonorbro
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Default

Originally Posted by cuisinartvette
Pay him 2k and take it. I see cars in way worse shape here wanting 3-4 times that.
Looks to be in good shape. Offering him less is kind of an insult.


If the battery is that bad just put a new one in then see how the electronics act
Walmart sells them for 50-60 bux.
Yeah he could easily part it out and get more, or even just sit on it and do some easy fixes and get even more. But it's been raining here, and he's got more than enough projects of his own, this would be my only project. And yeah I agree 2k for its condition is a great deal, and I have not low balled him out of respect.

Edit: Could a bad alternator also cause those dash problems? The **** for the hot-cold setting was also really stiff. Anyone know what that's about?

Last edited by Gethonorbro; Feb 16, 2020 at 11:15 AM.
Reply
Old Feb 16, 2020 | 12:16 PM
  #19  
jimgessner's Avatar
jimgessner
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 642
From: Bandera Texas
Default

GREAT DEAL at $2000. The car new had a base price of $24,403.00 . OPTIONS would add another $4200 to the sticker, and this car appears to have many options.

See if the seller has the original paperwork on the car.

In 1977 I looked at a 57 Corvette for sale Seller wanted $1500. I STARTED IT FOR A ROAD TEST. The motor would die after it started every time, so I passed. It was a 2 top, RARE POWER WINDOWS, 283/270ho with rare original 4 speed. Black / silver Red interior.

The ballast resistor was bad...........that's why it would not run. What's that car worth today.

I tried to add a photo from my phone to the options list. But no luck. I took a photo of the BLACK BOOK OPTIONS. I see this car has leader and what appear to be SPORT LEATHER SEATS. $1025 OPTION. BOSE RADIO S$895. 00 OPTION. all are listed inside to open glove box center console. ALL THE OPTION codes it was born with.

A new battery will solve many problems

Last edited by jimgessner; Feb 16, 2020 at 12:51 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 16, 2020 | 04:38 PM
  #20  
Gibbles's Avatar
Gibbles
Drifting
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 165
From: Utah
Default

Being a neighbor, and that it looks pretty damn good.
I would pay him his asking price, and get to work.

That said, I'm mechanically inclined and enjoy it for weekend project time...

I bought my C4 for a project, with the intent to make it loud/awesome.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:31 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE