everyones probly noticed "speee" asking for tips on picking out a vette.
i thought it would be fun to start a thread where we can all list problem areas on the current 87 model car hes dealing on.

im not familiar with the 87's but it seems all c4's suffer from degrading weatherstripping over time so im gonna take the easy one and lead off :p:

1:weatherstripping-500 to 1000 usd deduction


[Modified by mitymek, 7:50 PM 5/14/2004]

 

2. Check everything electrical, every switch, every button. Wipers/cigarette lighter, hatch releases,cruise?? ...what have you. Make sure it works, one of the worst gremlins are electrical gremlins.
:seeya

 

thanks mitymek your the man !

 

I thought I read the 87 had the weaker design in the headlight motor/gears.

Install the kit pronto when you notice it not going up easily... I hate it when her eyes don't focus properly

 

My 87 has been very reliable.
Check to make sure the spare tire is aired up and that you have the jack, handle, and key to the wheel lock.
Make sure the wiper switch along with the delay function works properly. Make sure the winshield washer system functions.
If it has electronic air then make sure it is working properly.
Make sure the emergency brake works.
Check front and rear wheel bearings.
Make sure the center console lid opens and closes properly. Resist the temptation to lean on it when you plop down into the car. It is not very strong.
Try out the radio and make sure the cassette player works. Drive over some bumps with the radio playing to see if the speakers cut out.
If the driver's seat bolster is ratty looking then have an upholstrey shop fix it up. It is not too expensive. Consider swapping seats with the passenger seat to save wear.
Get some aftermarket mufflers/elims so that it actually sounds like a piece of Chevrolet high performance machinery.
Buy NAPA plastic headlights. They weigh much less than the stock glass ones and will save your headlight motors.
Clean up the filthy engine compartment by soaking the warm engine with Simple Green and letting it set. Then use the spray nozzle to hose it off but use the "gentle" setting. Attack the grimy areas with a toothbrush and more Simple Green. Scrub the aluminum parts with a scotchbrite pad, they shine up nice.
Go to Amazon.com and get a copy of "101 Projects for your Corvette C4 1984 - 1996". Also get yourself a GM shop manual.
Up the limit on your MasterCard/Visa as you will be spending money soon to make her look pretty and go faster!
Enjoy! :steering: :D

 

nice thanks .... Im taking her for a ride monday i hope ....

How can i check the wheel berrings ?? dont these need to be good to pass safety ?

 

Get the car up off the tires. Hands at 10 and 2, and shake back and forth. If there is a lot of play....wheel bearings.
(FYI from an autozone with lifetim warranty you are looking at $135ish...this is assuming you install yourself)

EDIT:
Technically not a lot of play actually, but if there is make sure the lugs are tight and it is the wheel bearing. Bottom line, play is bad.


[Modified by USAsOnlyWay, 8:03 PM 5/15/2004]

 

great thanks ill give that a try monday !

 

10 and 2 would be more likely for tie-rod play.

Move the wheel from 12 to 6 for wheel bearing play. Also, just because there's no play, doesn't mean they still aren't bad.

My 88 has had a few problems. The glass top leaks around the windows a bit, headlight motors went out, A/C blew hot air, thermostat went out...

Fixed all these myself. You'll find that it's a lot more fun to work on your car especially with as much room as the vettes give you. Ask as many questions as needed, someone has the answer.

:cheers: Hope everything goes well.

 

Really?
Hmmm, now that you mention it that may be right. Either way, like I said a play is generally a bad thing. No it does not mean they are fine, but if you hear noises I hope you would suspect. And well, if they just haven't started getting that bad yet...how much do you want to tear apart to find out.
Just an FYI, working on the vette, sort of fun....but expensive. So try to find one that is problem free, but don't get too discouraged when a gremlin comes to greet you.
Like said before this forum will help you with everything and basically anything. Good luck!

 

carpet/upholstery....transmission...I have only three speeds on my four speed auto!! Tires....watch for dry rot, especially between the threads...common on cars that sit through a season..... :chevy

 

OK, it's Monday. Good? Bad? Buy/No Buy? Have more questions?