I have an opportunity buy an 84' vette. Its an automatic with 215k on it. It starts up and runs fine. The transmission shifts flawlessly and it idles dead on at 1k RPM no surge at all. My uncle has the car now and he will let me have it for 2k-2500.

The only problem with the car is that the radiator fan does not come on. I did not try turning the A/C on to see if the secondary fan (if it has one.. idk.) comes on. Im thinking its bad wires becuase the turn signal light on the instrument cluster stays on all the time. The signals work fine and when the signal is on the light blinks but it never goes out.

I would like to know what you guys think the problem might be and how much it might cost me to get fixed. I am comfortable working on the motor myself but not the electrical system. The car is in really good condition considering its age. The paint shines and the interior is clean. I think it may have been rear ended due to the rear tail light section being a little out of line but it drives fine and doesnt pull or shake at all.

This will be a project car for me not my daily driver. I want it to run properly though. Any help you guys could give me will be greatly appreciated.

Edit: I forgot to mention the instrument gauges dont light up. They do work. The thing to switch between gauges works as well. But when the lights are on the instrument cluster doesnt illuminate.

 

If it runs, its worth 2k.I see that you already know that it is going to be a project car, & thats a good thing. If you get the car, be sure to get the GM factory service manual from Helms Inc. It comes with electrical diagrams, & will provide you with invaluable information. Between that manual, & the great folks on this forum, you will get all the information/advise to bring the old girl back up to snuff.

 

The car says it was manufactured in 84 on the door. I remember reading that the 84's where manufactured in 83 though. Does this mean its actually an 85?

 

I agree, it sounds like a good buy. All the light and instrument problems may be related to the dreaded, early C4, dash problems. You MAY only need a few light bulbs. I am no help on the "digi-dash". I had mine replaced with a rebuilt some 15 years ago. If needed, I think those suckers are about $500.00 exchange.

The fan is a simple item. If you buy the car we'll get you through that in short order. First, it isn't even supposed to come on until the temp gets to about 225*. If you haven't had it that hot, yet, there may be nothing wrong with the fan.

The '84 Corvette started in production in 1983, but it continued in production until the end of a normal production model. Does it have the Crossfire engine? 1985's came with the TPI.

Buy it!

RACE ON!!!

 

Best bet would be to run the VIN number through carfax.

Or, to look at the motor. Its either a TPI L98 or a Crossfire.

If it has a spider on top of the motor, its an L98 and an 85. : )

 

buy it!! i love my 84...

Turn signal stays lite (not blinking). Check all your exterior bulbs.. One of them is most likely burnt out somewhere. And for the fan.. If car was hot, it could be fan motor or relay. Both are relatively inexpensive (20 bux and under).. and can be fixed with very lil mechnical expertise..

Good luck!! and buy it!!

 

I Recently got an 84 vette and I love it. I had the same problem with the fan not working a few weeks ago and all it needed was a new relay. Like 15 dollars or something small. Anyway buy and have some fun.

 

If you were to buy this car, expect to take it apart and rebuild every part.

It's old - 20 years+ now.

It's tired - 215k miles is a lot.

Expect every system to be tired or worn out. The electrical harnesses on the older C4s are prone to failure from heat and such.

It is worth restoring, if only because it is a Vette, and it's very satisfying to make them right again. Just not cheap!!!

 

The dash lights went out in my '88. Thinking it was just some bulbs, I went to the local Chev dealer to replace. EEEERRRRR! Wrong. The dash instruments all come out as a unit and have to be rebuilt by some private contractor, not GM. I forget the cost, but it was around $500 or more I think. I just don't look at my guages at night anymore now.

 

As an owner of an '84, I say buy it! It sounds as though you are going into this with the right perspective, so enjoy the pleasure of getting to know your Vette. You will get a LOT of support from this forum, so no fears there!

If the high beam indicator is also lit with the turn signal lamps, then your issue with the dash is likely a bad ground. Search this forum for repair instructions--all it takes a some patience and you can fix most of the problems with that dash (unless an LCD is out).

Good luck, and hope we can be of help to you.

 

I would have night terrors from having to try to make the CFI perform respectably, but if you're not in it for going fast then I think it would make a great project!

 

Go For It!!! CFI-EFI has a ton of miles on a stock block assy... I also know one local with 190k on it and it runs like a champ. It sounds like this one only needs some TLC to start. I love the 84's and hope to own one soon. There are some quirks about them as it was the first introduction to alot of new technology, but there isn't anything on that car that someone on this forum can't help you with. Good luck and post photos

 

price is right

 

Three qestions

1. How old are you
2. Will this be your daily driver
3. Can you afford to throw a couple bucks a week at it?

When I was 19 I picked up a 74 vette. It was a great car, but it had 110K miles and needed some attention. Because it was my DD working on it became a chore. Always had to be done before work the next day, or school.

So the fix up jobs were alsways rushed, and never the way I would have liked to do it. Not that I ever did anything wrong, I just would have liked to take more time and do more complete jobs.

Also, every week it was a couple hundred bucks. You know, fan clutch here, hoses, breaks....it all ads up.

Just some things to think about...

 

It's the same as with any older car, except it's more worth while with a Corvette. When buying parts, beware of the "Corvette tax".

RACE ON!!!

 

My 84 had 162,000 miles on it when I bought it 2 years ago, it now has 167,000 miles and the engine is strong, real strong! I didn't know anything about Corvettes, but with the help of this forum I now have a very respectable Corvette.

You may have to spend a little cash, but spend it as it comes. Be patient and you will have a car that most can only dream about. Good luck!

 

You stated it would not be a daily driver and the price sounds good.
If it is within your budget for a toy then I say buy it and welcome to the Corvette family.
They are great cars and the forum has a great bunch of guys that are always willing to help.
Good luck with your decision.