Newbie questions '88 Vette
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Newbie questions '88 Vette
Hi,
I’ve just bought an ’88 Vette and have a bunch of questions:
1) The left headlight does not open and close the way it should. Normally I have to try 4-5 times before it does what I want it to. I’ve read somewhere that the left headlight is prone to problems. Any tips how to repair?
2) Does anyone know the tank volume for the C4?
3) The location of the battery seems a bit odd to me. It is placed under the cruise control, which in turn is located on a strut attached to the frame. In order to remove/change the battery I have to remove the cruise control and the strut. Seems a bit unserviceable to me, have I missed anything?
4) Any suggestions for which motor oil to use?
5) In order to get a proper reading of the ATF level I vaguely remember you have to go P-R-N-D-N-R-P or something like that before checking the dipstick. Could someone help me straighten this out please.
6) I have a plexi top with a crack in it – appr. 2” wide. Do the tops crack often?
7) My dashboard is not complete – over the A/C control there are two empty slots, the one in the middle is clearly for the stereo, the one above it I have no idea. Does anyone have a good photo of the dashboard for reference?
8) Last but not least I need a paint. Any suggestions on filler for fibreglass?
I’ve just bought an ’88 Vette and have a bunch of questions:
1) The left headlight does not open and close the way it should. Normally I have to try 4-5 times before it does what I want it to. I’ve read somewhere that the left headlight is prone to problems. Any tips how to repair?
2) Does anyone know the tank volume for the C4?
3) The location of the battery seems a bit odd to me. It is placed under the cruise control, which in turn is located on a strut attached to the frame. In order to remove/change the battery I have to remove the cruise control and the strut. Seems a bit unserviceable to me, have I missed anything?
4) Any suggestions for which motor oil to use?
5) In order to get a proper reading of the ATF level I vaguely remember you have to go P-R-N-D-N-R-P or something like that before checking the dipstick. Could someone help me straighten this out please.
6) I have a plexi top with a crack in it – appr. 2” wide. Do the tops crack often?
7) My dashboard is not complete – over the A/C control there are two empty slots, the one in the middle is clearly for the stereo, the one above it I have no idea. Does anyone have a good photo of the dashboard for reference?
8) Last but not least I need a paint. Any suggestions on filler for fibreglass?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
1.) through 8.) go to www.helminc.com to order a factory service manual.
1.) No personal experience.
2.) 20 gallons.
3.) Much easier to remove the left lower fender.
4.) Standard small block Chevy. 10W-30 is a good start unless you have engine problems.
5.) Warmed up idling in park.
6.) ???
7.) ???
8.) ???
Most I didn't answer will be addressed in the manual.
RACE ON!!!
1.) No personal experience.
2.) 20 gallons.
3.) Much easier to remove the left lower fender.
4.) Standard small block Chevy. 10W-30 is a good start unless you have engine problems.
5.) Warmed up idling in park.
6.) ???
7.) ???
8.) ???
Most I didn't answer will be addressed in the manual.
RACE ON!!!
Last edited by CFI-EFI; Apr 18, 2005 at 07:28 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,252
Likes: 6
From: The Colony Tx
Originally Posted by Jakob
Hi,
I’ve just bought an ’88 Vette and have a bunch of questions:
1) The left headlight does not open and close the way it should. Normally I have to try 4-5 times before it does what I want it to. I’ve read somewhere that the left headlight is prone to problems. Any tips how to repair?
2) Does anyone know the tank volume for the C4?
3) The location of the battery seems a bit odd to me. It is placed under the cruise control, which in turn is located on a strut attached to the frame. In order to remove/change the battery I have to remove the cruise control and the strut. Seems a bit unserviceable to me, have I missed anything?
4) Any suggestions for which motor oil to use?
5) In order to get a proper reading of the ATF level I vaguely remember you have to go P-R-N-D-N-R-P or something like that before checking the dipstick. Could someone help me straighten this out please.
6) I have a plexi top with a crack in it – appr. 2” wide. Do the tops crack often?
7) My dashboard is not complete – over the A/C control there are two empty slots, the one in the middle is clearly for the stereo, the one above it I have no idea. Does anyone have a good photo of the dashboard for reference?
8) Last but not least I need a paint. Any suggestions on filler for fibreglass?
I’ve just bought an ’88 Vette and have a bunch of questions:
1) The left headlight does not open and close the way it should. Normally I have to try 4-5 times before it does what I want it to. I’ve read somewhere that the left headlight is prone to problems. Any tips how to repair?
2) Does anyone know the tank volume for the C4?
3) The location of the battery seems a bit odd to me. It is placed under the cruise control, which in turn is located on a strut attached to the frame. In order to remove/change the battery I have to remove the cruise control and the strut. Seems a bit unserviceable to me, have I missed anything?
4) Any suggestions for which motor oil to use?
5) In order to get a proper reading of the ATF level I vaguely remember you have to go P-R-N-D-N-R-P or something like that before checking the dipstick. Could someone help me straighten this out please.
6) I have a plexi top with a crack in it – appr. 2” wide. Do the tops crack often?
7) My dashboard is not complete – over the A/C control there are two empty slots, the one in the middle is clearly for the stereo, the one above it I have no idea. Does anyone have a good photo of the dashboard for reference?
8) Last but not least I need a paint. Any suggestions on filler for fibreglass?
2. 20 gals.
3. To remove battery you remove the side panel below the beltline. There are a couple of screws in the fender well and if you look at the very bottom of the panel you will find a bolt. Also screws right next to the battery on the panel. Not hard just make sure you have the fit right before you tighten bottom bolt.
4. Owners manual says SF/CC SAE 5W-30. Brand is your choice.
5. I usually check mine right after I start it in Park.
6. Yes these tops do crack often. Mine did it about 3 years ago.
7. Drivers information warning lights: Door Ajar, Security, Hatch Ajar, Seat Belt, Service Engine Soon, Brake, Low Coolant, ABS.
8. On this topic, I know NOTHING.
If you have more questions feel free to PM me. I will try to answer.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Congrats on your not-so-new '88 Vette. 
1) The left headlight does not open and close the way it should.
A. If it feels "mushy" when you rotate the control **** atop the headlight motor assembly, order the nylon bushing replacement kit from MAM.
2) Does anyone know the tank volume for the C4?
A. Yes, 20gal.
3) The location of the battery seems a bit odd to me.
A. Indeed this is no problem; remove the fender side panel. There is one screw at the top rear, one in the lower center and four in the wheel well behind the wheel. Use a thin open end wrench to get in between the fender panel and the rocker panel.
4) Any suggestions for which motor oil to use?
A. I use 5W-40 full synthetic.
5) In order to get a proper reading of the ATF level ...
A. Yes, warm and in N.
6) I have a plexi top with a crack in it – appr. 2” wide. Do the tops crack often?
A. After 150k miles mine has not.
7) My dashboard is not complete – ....
A. The slot just above the HVAC controls is for the radio; the one above that is for the DIC (digital information center). You can likely get a used DIC from Contemporary Corvette (link on my site).
8) Last but not least I need a paint. Any suggestions on filler for fibreglass?
A. Pick up a copy of the GM Shop Manual (2-volume set) for your Vette. It has a section on repair of the fiberglass body.
1) The left headlight does not open and close the way it should.
A. If it feels "mushy" when you rotate the control **** atop the headlight motor assembly, order the nylon bushing replacement kit from MAM.
2) Does anyone know the tank volume for the C4?
A. Yes, 20gal.
3) The location of the battery seems a bit odd to me.
A. Indeed this is no problem; remove the fender side panel. There is one screw at the top rear, one in the lower center and four in the wheel well behind the wheel. Use a thin open end wrench to get in between the fender panel and the rocker panel.
4) Any suggestions for which motor oil to use?
A. I use 5W-40 full synthetic.
5) In order to get a proper reading of the ATF level ...
A. Yes, warm and in N.
6) I have a plexi top with a crack in it – appr. 2” wide. Do the tops crack often?
A. After 150k miles mine has not.
7) My dashboard is not complete – ....
A. The slot just above the HVAC controls is for the radio; the one above that is for the DIC (digital information center). You can likely get a used DIC from Contemporary Corvette (link on my site).
8) Last but not least I need a paint. Any suggestions on filler for fibreglass?
A. Pick up a copy of the GM Shop Manual (2-volume set) for your Vette. It has a section on repair of the fiberglass body.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Welcome aboard!
Seems like you are well on your way with answers to your questions.
Now for a few things you did not ask...
1. Change all the fluids in you car. Motor oil 5W30 probably 60% using Mobil 1, 20% another synthetic , balance conventional motor oil
2. Change the antifreeze. Power flush, re fill with the green stuff. Make sure you check between the rad and condenser. C4's are notorious for collecting garbage and run hot even when clean
3. Change your transmission fluid . Again many are using synthetic... yup Mobil synthetic ATF
4. Change your brake fluid. here the preference seems to be Valvoline Synpower Dot 3+ DOT4 brake fluid.
5.Change your differntial gear oil yup Mobil 75W90 = 2 - 4 oz bottles of GM positraction additive.
Seems like you are well on your way with answers to your questions.
Now for a few things you did not ask...
1. Change all the fluids in you car. Motor oil 5W30 probably 60% using Mobil 1, 20% another synthetic , balance conventional motor oil
2. Change the antifreeze. Power flush, re fill with the green stuff. Make sure you check between the rad and condenser. C4's are notorious for collecting garbage and run hot even when clean
3. Change your transmission fluid . Again many are using synthetic... yup Mobil synthetic ATF
4. Change your brake fluid. here the preference seems to be Valvoline Synpower Dot 3+ DOT4 brake fluid.
5.Change your differntial gear oil yup Mobil 75W90 = 2 - 4 oz bottles of GM positraction additive.
