Changing 85 to an 88
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: hamden ct
Changing 85 to an 88
I would greatly appreciate any help for the following things I need done. I have an 85 corvette with a badly damaged top and fender. I recently got a good deal for a top and bumper off an 88 corvette. How hard would they be to adapt to the 85. Also who has the best price/performance for a radiator for the 85. Thanks and take care, Printz. P.S. I am sorry if you have heard these questions before.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 26
From: Winchester VA
Cruise-In V Veteran
The top will not fit, I believe the cutoff for a top that will fit an 85 goes to early 86 style ( listed as 84 to E86 here ) beyond that, they won't work. There are actually 3 styles total from 84-96.
The bumpers and fenders from an 88 will fit fine, my front bumper and hood are from an 88, maybe 89.
I want to add this advice that would have helped me, before you buy anything that is not specifically 85, ask here if it will work (and that goes for any year). I bought the hood and the deal wasn't much of deal anymore because I had to purchase wheel housings, they are diff't from 85-88. This occurs rather often for a seemingly homogenous design for 12 years of C4. Another good example is rear glass, look the same for 12 years but the metal plate at the roof connection from 86up has holes for 3rd light, 84,85 do not. It may not be a deal if it costs 200 have the holes filled/created for your application. Just take a second to ask here, it's what we're here for and will at least reduce your wasted efforts. Good luck
The bumpers and fenders from an 88 will fit fine, my front bumper and hood are from an 88, maybe 89.
I want to add this advice that would have helped me, before you buy anything that is not specifically 85, ask here if it will work (and that goes for any year). I bought the hood and the deal wasn't much of deal anymore because I had to purchase wheel housings, they are diff't from 85-88. This occurs rather often for a seemingly homogenous design for 12 years of C4. Another good example is rear glass, look the same for 12 years but the metal plate at the roof connection from 86up has holes for 3rd light, 84,85 do not. It may not be a deal if it costs 200 have the holes filled/created for your application. Just take a second to ask here, it's what we're here for and will at least reduce your wasted efforts. Good luck
Last edited by Steve85; Nov 26, 2005 at 12:33 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 798
Likes: 116
From: OAKLEY CA
88 top on a 85
I know the mounting plates are different after 86E so an 88 won't fit out of the box, but does anybody know what modifications are necessary other than swapping the plates, or if it is practical
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 2
From: Austin TX
I have an '88 top on my '85. In addition to the top, you will also need the mounting brackets that bolt to the windshield frame. These are the brackets that the top attaches to, and that also the sun visors mount in. They are very easy to change. I'm not sure if you'll need the plastic trim piece that goes below and inside the frame - I don't think that piece was different. If you can't get these parts from the person you got the top from, then search out a Corvette salvage place for them.
Dan
Dan
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Choudrant LA
Originally Posted by printz
I was told there was a kit to adapt the 85 toan 88. Is this true, and who sells it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 454
Likes: 1
From: Lompoc CA
Originally Posted by eric_daniel
There is a kit to modify it, but I can't remember where I saw it. Search all the typical sites- ecklers.com, madvet.com (i think), corvette central, etc. also search ebay.
If you cannot buy the mounting pieces from the person who sold you the top and you do not want used pieces I believe you can purchase them from the general as well.
I have a 92 top on my 85 and it looks great!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 26
From: Winchester VA
Cruise-In V Veteran
I realllllly wish I would have known this. I played hell with the body shop trying to get a top for my car when the tree fell on it!
my 1st post (at least the part about the top anyway)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Originally Posted by RainDelay
I realllllly wish I would have known this. I played hell with the body shop trying to get a top for my car when the tree fell on it!
my 1st post (at least the part about the top anyway)Still can't figure how I EVER got along without this Forum!
Jake
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,830
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas Nevada
You can usually find someone parting a car out with the proper mounts you need to fit the appropriate year top to your car. Put a wanted to buy post in the C4 parts for sale/wanted section here on the forum. Worse case few years ago I bought the mounts right from the local dealer and as I recall they were maby $20 a piece new. The trim piece would probably be pricey from the dealer, but you should have no problem finding that used either.
Brian
VTvette
Brian
VTvette
