Newbie questions
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 3
Newbie questions
Hello, I am considering buying a 85 Corvette but I have a bit of anxiety concerning replacement parts and repairs.
Is it easy to find replacement parts? Do they still manufacture new parts?
For example, where would I get a new windshield, rear glass, new transmission...?
I searched a bit on the internet and apart from parts from ''donor cars'' I didn't really find new parts. I might of been looking in the wrong place.
Also, can the car be repaired at any shop? Does it need someone who really knows Corvettes from that era or any mechanic can work on the car?
Thank you all.
Is it easy to find replacement parts? Do they still manufacture new parts?
For example, where would I get a new windshield, rear glass, new transmission...?
I searched a bit on the internet and apart from parts from ''donor cars'' I didn't really find new parts. I might of been looking in the wrong place.
Also, can the car be repaired at any shop? Does it need someone who really knows Corvettes from that era or any mechanic can work on the car?
Thank you all.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Consumable parts are still easy to find, if not particularly cheap.
Do they still manufacture parts? Well, Chevrolet doesn't, but lots of other places do. Same answer to the "new parts" question.
New glass? Call your local glass company and ask them.
New transmission? It uses the same auto trans as a Chevy Caprice and a manual can be replaced from several sources.
A good GM mechanic should be able to fix your '85. It's just a car, and mechanics have access to all kinds of repair information on their computers these days.
Does the car you are looking at actually need all these things, or do you just feel like you're going to break this thing a lot?
Do your really want a Corvette, or just think it would be 'cool' to say you own one? Sounds to me like you'd be better off getting a Corolla.
Do they still manufacture parts? Well, Chevrolet doesn't, but lots of other places do. Same answer to the "new parts" question.
New glass? Call your local glass company and ask them.
New transmission? It uses the same auto trans as a Chevy Caprice and a manual can be replaced from several sources.
A good GM mechanic should be able to fix your '85. It's just a car, and mechanics have access to all kinds of repair information on their computers these days.
Does the car you are looking at actually need all these things, or do you just feel like you're going to break this thing a lot?
Do your really want a Corvette, or just think it would be 'cool' to say you own one? Sounds to me like you'd be better off getting a Corolla.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
In the USA there are plenty of new or rebuilt parts available, the 85 has some unique parts to only that year though and can be hard to find.
For example mass airflow sensor and burn off module a one year item getting rare and more expensive, with burn off module second hand only.
Some things to look at, weatherstripping condition a new set will be 700 to 1100 depending on company.
The dash had issues with backlights, can be fixed with aftermarket cooler backlights (www.batee.com) he is the guru with kits to fix all the dash issues.
A simple google search will bring up places that carry common replacement parts, new old stock new or remanufactured.
https://www.corvettecentral.com/c4-84-96
https://www.ecklers.com/corvette-acc...arts-1984.html
Mechanically the engine and trans are common and easy to get rebuilt, just remember get the best car you can as these parts can quickly add up.
Sometimes cheaper spending more on a very well maintained corvette, rebuilding a clunker can end up costing way more than the the most expensive ones..
I'm in Australia even here we can get most parts quite easily (although you pay a huge premium price for that convenience) The postal service sucks, costs much more and a lot slower ...
The most important thing is do your research ask questions, we have been there and done that so can help you with our experiences.
Good luck
For example mass airflow sensor and burn off module a one year item getting rare and more expensive, with burn off module second hand only.
Some things to look at, weatherstripping condition a new set will be 700 to 1100 depending on company.
The dash had issues with backlights, can be fixed with aftermarket cooler backlights (www.batee.com) he is the guru with kits to fix all the dash issues.
A simple google search will bring up places that carry common replacement parts, new old stock new or remanufactured.
https://www.corvettecentral.com/c4-84-96
https://www.ecklers.com/corvette-acc...arts-1984.html
Mechanically the engine and trans are common and easy to get rebuilt, just remember get the best car you can as these parts can quickly add up.
Sometimes cheaper spending more on a very well maintained corvette, rebuilding a clunker can end up costing way more than the the most expensive ones..
I'm in Australia even here we can get most parts quite easily (although you pay a huge premium price for that convenience) The postal service sucks, costs much more and a lot slower ...
The most important thing is do your research ask questions, we have been there and done that so can help you with our experiences.
Good luck
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 129
Likes: 45
From: Northeast USA
If you are buying a car that needs new glass and a new transmission then you may be looking at the wrong car. Some cars are worth more when parted out, which means, a project car can become rather expensive for the average person.
Around town for me, there is only one local mechanic that will put a Vette on his lift. I suppose it depends on the knowledge of the mechanic, the type of lift they have and what type of work you need done. It is definitely worth calling around.
General maintenance and repairs are cheap.... but keep in mind that you may have to spend quite a bit if you need new tires, brakes, shocks, hoses, belts, fluids and other consumables. Tires and shocks are probably the priciest - but the labor charges on the other stuff add up quick. I always baseline maintenance on a classic car that I intend to drive safely.
Around town for me, there is only one local mechanic that will put a Vette on his lift. I suppose it depends on the knowledge of the mechanic, the type of lift they have and what type of work you need done. It is definitely worth calling around.
General maintenance and repairs are cheap.... but keep in mind that you may have to spend quite a bit if you need new tires, brakes, shocks, hoses, belts, fluids and other consumables. Tires and shocks are probably the priciest - but the labor charges on the other stuff add up quick. I always baseline maintenance on a classic car that I intend to drive safely.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
A good source for many parts is rockauto.com. look up an '85 and see what parts are available.
Most of the parts are maintenance/repair parts, but it can give you a good idea of what is still available.
For some of the more specialized parts you might want to check some of the specialty places or just google the parts you need.
Good luck.
PS. I had an '85 for over 25 years and loved it.
Most of the parts are maintenance/repair parts, but it can give you a good idea of what is still available.
For some of the more specialized parts you might want to check some of the specialty places or just google the parts you need.
Good luck.
PS. I had an '85 for over 25 years and loved it.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 3
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 365
From: Central Florida
Welcome to the forums,
I think the thing to remember is your are buying a car that is nearly 40 years old. The difference is usually the last owner and how well they kept it up. For example, a nice looking running corvette with everything working vs one that needs a lot of work. The difference between the two is usually profound. A car in bad condition can possibly run 15 grand or more (DIY) to get it dependable, parts are usually cheap. It is just that the entire car could possibly need attention. The paint, the interior, the weather stripping, the tires, the entire brake system etc. Even those of us that do our own work spend a lot of money on tools. One tool is the ability to see the cars OBD1 data, are you willing to learn many things that take a lot of time and reading ??
The most important thing is your anxiety, is it money anxiety ?? You should have 15 grand ready over a period of a couple of years if the car is not in great condition. Parts are not the largest concern, it is a car that possibly needs 500 hours of work because you bought the cheap one, and maybe a bunch for a good looking one as well. That is not a rare scenario. For me, I am not wealthy and doing my own work is a must, and even then I am in it $12k.
I think the thing to remember is your are buying a car that is nearly 40 years old. The difference is usually the last owner and how well they kept it up. For example, a nice looking running corvette with everything working vs one that needs a lot of work. The difference between the two is usually profound. A car in bad condition can possibly run 15 grand or more (DIY) to get it dependable, parts are usually cheap. It is just that the entire car could possibly need attention. The paint, the interior, the weather stripping, the tires, the entire brake system etc. Even those of us that do our own work spend a lot of money on tools. One tool is the ability to see the cars OBD1 data, are you willing to learn many things that take a lot of time and reading ??
The most important thing is your anxiety, is it money anxiety ?? You should have 15 grand ready over a period of a couple of years if the car is not in great condition. Parts are not the largest concern, it is a car that possibly needs 500 hours of work because you bought the cheap one, and maybe a bunch for a good looking one as well. That is not a rare scenario. For me, I am not wealthy and doing my own work is a must, and even then I am in it $12k.
Last edited by Vets-Vet; Apr 13, 2024 at 04:29 PM.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 3
Welcome to the forums ... The most important thing is your anxiety, is it money anxiety ?? You should have 15 grand ready over aperiod of a couple of years if the car is not in great condition. Parts are not the largest concern, it is a car that needs 500 houes of work because you bought the cheap one. That is not a rare scenario.
No money is not an issue, not being able to get parts is... This would be my 6th Classic car. My 4th was in excellent condition but was an orphan car from the 50's (Hudson Hornet) and it was always stressful when something broke because I knew finding a replacement part would be time consuming and difficult. With time, the stress was there even when the car was running fine simply wondering what would be the next part that would give and I sold it simply because it was not a positive in my life anymore. I don't want to relive this situation.
Thanks.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Rochester NY
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 365
From: Central Florida
Then this car may not be for you although a good running short block 350 is reliable. However, the 4th gen corvette was heavy on new technology for it's time and figuring it out can be frustrating. sensors everywhere, electric windows, MAF sensors and coolant sensors and o2 sensors, knock sensors, ICM, throttle position, Idle air and fuel injectors all tied into the 40 year old computer and on and on.
The good news is that it can be done if you enjoy working on cars. How often do you see a corvette broke down on the side of the road ?? The best news is that they are a joy to drive, a superb, unique, slightly stiff solid ride with responsive steering.
The good news is that it can be done if you enjoy working on cars. How often do you see a corvette broke down on the side of the road ?? The best news is that they are a joy to drive, a superb, unique, slightly stiff solid ride with responsive steering.
Last edited by Vets-Vet; Apr 13, 2024 at 04:51 PM.
