87 with various questions
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 53
From: Philadelphia Pa
87 with various questions
I just bought an 87 and am fixing various disclosed and undisclosed problems and would like info/ advice on the following:
1. The A/C doesn't work, which I was told about, my mechanic recommends converting to the newer refrigerant ---good idea?
2.The climate control panel seems to have electrical gremlins....comes on and off when it wants to, fan and heat work all the time however....and suggestions?...easy fix?
3. Dash cluster....the digital numbers for the speedometer (on the left side) only partially show, impossible to read...was told an easy fix...previous owner said he removed cluster and sent it out for repair for other problems and when he reinstalled the numbers were screwy...wasn't going to play with it any more.
4. I will be replacing all of the weatherstripping and eventually the door panels...any recommendations as to who is a good and REASONABLE supplier?
Thanks for any and all responses
Steve
1. The A/C doesn't work, which I was told about, my mechanic recommends converting to the newer refrigerant ---good idea?
2.The climate control panel seems to have electrical gremlins....comes on and off when it wants to, fan and heat work all the time however....and suggestions?...easy fix?
3. Dash cluster....the digital numbers for the speedometer (on the left side) only partially show, impossible to read...was told an easy fix...previous owner said he removed cluster and sent it out for repair for other problems and when he reinstalled the numbers were screwy...wasn't going to play with it any more.
4. I will be replacing all of the weatherstripping and eventually the door panels...any recommendations as to who is a good and REASONABLE supplier?
Thanks for any and all responses
Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
#1, yes, I'd definetly go with the new refrigerant.
#2, I had the same problem on my 87, pulled it out and cleaned the connections...worked for 3-4 yrs. I need to do it again, and double check my connections, I can tap mine and it will come on for awhile.
#3, Possibly the bulb needs replacement, one major cause of these type of bulb failure results from touching them with bare hands on install...use playtex gloves.
#4, Not sure who others used, but I used OEM weather stripping...NEVER again. At least twice as expensive, and when I picked it up from the dealer it said "made in China". The only exception to that is when replacing a windshield...OEM is the best for that application.
#2, I had the same problem on my 87, pulled it out and cleaned the connections...worked for 3-4 yrs. I need to do it again, and double check my connections, I can tap mine and it will come on for awhile.
#3, Possibly the bulb needs replacement, one major cause of these type of bulb failure results from touching them with bare hands on install...use playtex gloves.
#4, Not sure who others used, but I used OEM weather stripping...NEVER again. At least twice as expensive, and when I picked it up from the dealer it said "made in China". The only exception to that is when replacing a windshield...OEM is the best for that application.
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
The dash bulbs are relatively easy to install. I suggest that you change all the dash bulbs out while you are in there. However, if the speedo numbers are wacky as you describe, you will probably have to have the unit serviced again. Contemporary Corvette does a good job of repairing these units.
I used Ecklers weatherstripping and it fit like a glove and was vey easy to install.
Good luck with your restorations and welcome to the Forum.
I used Ecklers weatherstripping and it fit like a glove and was vey easy to install.
Good luck with your restorations and welcome to the Forum.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 53
From: Philadelphia Pa
various questions
Thanks for the advice. I've been lurking here for about a month and find the info extremely helpful and the members very willing to help whomever when ever. I also am working on a 59 and spent this summer doing the soft top, hard tops, seats,,dash and windshield. Currently working on the kicks and door panels. The 87 was a deal to good to pass up and I wanted something more "driveable".
Thanks again
Thanks again
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
One of the best pieces of equipment you can get for your 87 is a copy of the Factory Service Manual or FSM. There are two books in the set and cover any aspect of repairs to the car save for body work.
You can try looking in the C4 Parts For Sale section for a set, maybe try eBay or Craigslist, or go directly to Helm for a new copy. www.helminc.com
The FSM has a comprehensive electrical section that incluces schematics of the entire car, a schematic of each electrrical system, an electrical component locator, and pics of each type of harness connector.
You probably have a copy of the '59 Assembly Manual for that restoration so you have an idea on how much of a help reference manuals can be.
You can try looking in the C4 Parts For Sale section for a set, maybe try eBay or Craigslist, or go directly to Helm for a new copy. www.helminc.com
The FSM has a comprehensive electrical section that incluces schematics of the entire car, a schematic of each electrrical system, an electrical component locator, and pics of each type of harness connector.
You probably have a copy of the '59 Assembly Manual for that restoration so you have an idea on how much of a help reference manuals can be.
