Think I just got screwed
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
Welcome to the Forum. The 85 is pobably easier to work on than many of the newer modles. Fewer sensors. 
Check our the FORUM REGIONAL section for your area and post there to find other members in your area.
It is difficult to tell exactly what the correct fix is for a problem LONG DISTANCE, but you will find that we can offer many suggestions as to what to look for and what to test. We will do our best for you as you learn.
Check our the FORUM REGIONAL section for your area and post there to find other members in your area.It is difficult to tell exactly what the correct fix is for a problem LONG DISTANCE, but you will find that we can offer many suggestions as to what to look for and what to test. We will do our best for you as you learn.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Wheresmybeerville Kansas
Welcome to the Forum. The 85 is pobably easier to work on than many of the newer modles. Fewer sensors. Check our the FORUM REGIONAL section for your area and post there to find other members in your area.
It is difficult to tell exactly what the correct fix is for a problem LONG DISTANCE, but you will find that we can offer many suggestions as to what to look for and what to test. We will do our best for you as you learn.
Check our the FORUM REGIONAL section for your area and post there to find other members in your area.It is difficult to tell exactly what the correct fix is for a problem LONG DISTANCE, but you will find that we can offer many suggestions as to what to look for and what to test. We will do our best for you as you learn.
Im going to stick with the project and have my husband something other than ME to look at when he gets back! He's going to be so proud of me!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
Another great thing about Corvette clubs is that they can tell you who, in your area, actually knows what they are doing so far as working on Corvettes. It's one thing to be cheaper but when they have to go through umpteen parts and labor hours to do what a knowledgable person could do in a couple of hours...
Try looking for Chevy or car clubs in general. There's bound to be a few corvette enthusiasts near you.
Ooh....also, don't be shy. If you see someone driving a vette, pull up and ask them. Vette owner's are more than willing to share their knowledge or to point you to the right place. They are a friendly lot, they are.
Try looking for Chevy or car clubs in general. There's bound to be a few corvette enthusiasts near you.
Ooh....also, don't be shy. If you see someone driving a vette, pull up and ask them. Vette owner's are more than willing to share their knowledge or to point you to the right place. They are a friendly lot, they are.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,087
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
I highly recommend these guys for parts if you need them: www.vette2vette.com
Oh, and are you gonna need parts...
Good luck and don't get discouraged. These things are actually quite easy to work on.
Oh, and are you gonna need parts...
Good luck and don't get discouraged. These things are actually quite easy to work on.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 17,541
Likes: 2
From: Manhattan, KS Missing SoCal since 2005
Raynesa, it's been good PM-ing you. We'll get some heads together & get it figured out! I had an '85 a couple of years ago, but it was so modded it wasn't easy to work on.
btw, If you figured out that evil C4 hood latch mechanism, you're a better man than I am (metaphorically speaking, of course).
Last edited by HummelS; Dec 4, 2008 at 04:18 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati oh
Fisr and most importantly Thank you and Thank your husband for putting his life on the line to defend our freedon God bless him and the Families that support them. !
Second I also purchased a 85 for 3500 and boy have i done some work to it this past year, I am in process of painting it but fear not, a good service manual, the forum and a good mechanic you will be fine here is my running tally
Car 3500
Trans rebuild $1200.00
New Interor (from red to black) $390.00 Seats included
Engine work
New valve cover gaskets and Tune up $120.00
Fuel pump $100
Fuel pressure regulartor $150
Test pipe in palce of the cat (0.00)
Wheels and Tires $300.00
Struts for rear window (79.00)
Paint Job (hopefully) $1080 labor Included
I have (or will have) 6939 in a car with new paint wheels, trans and 91 k miles on it. Shop around and when it comes to mechanics dont be afraid to pit thier prices against each other times are hard and its a buyers market.
Second I also purchased a 85 for 3500 and boy have i done some work to it this past year, I am in process of painting it but fear not, a good service manual, the forum and a good mechanic you will be fine here is my running tally
Car 3500
Trans rebuild $1200.00
New Interor (from red to black) $390.00 Seats included
Engine work
New valve cover gaskets and Tune up $120.00
Fuel pump $100
Fuel pressure regulartor $150
Test pipe in palce of the cat (0.00)
Wheels and Tires $300.00
Struts for rear window (79.00)
Paint Job (hopefully) $1080 labor Included
I have (or will have) 6939 in a car with new paint wheels, trans and 91 k miles on it. Shop around and when it comes to mechanics dont be afraid to pit thier prices against each other times are hard and its a buyers market.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
Likes: 9
From: Fort Knox, KY
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I wouldn't say you got screwed, you just purchased a project car instead of one that's ready to drive and enjoy from the get-go. Welcome to the Forum! If I can be of any assistance, I'll be more than glad to pitch in!
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 11,628
Likes: 1
From: Sherwood, Arkansas
Welcome to the forum. My BIL is at Fort Riley. A Captain who just returned from his third deployment to Iraq. He just moved to Fort Riley. Housing there is ridiculous. My brother was stationed there with the Big Red One during Desert Storm.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
Congrats and welcome to the Forum. You certainly picked a project that will keep you busy, but it will be worth it in the end.
You know what would be fun? Take a couple of the guys over to the sellers place, preferably guys in MP dress, All they have to do is just stand there while you just ask a few questions. Watching the guy sweat and squirm as you asked simple unassuming questions would be really funny to see.
You know what would be fun? Take a couple of the guys over to the sellers place, preferably guys in MP dress, All they have to do is just stand there while you just ask a few questions. Watching the guy sweat and squirm as you asked simple unassuming questions would be really funny to see.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 542
Likes: 0
From: middle of Illinois
Car 3500
Trans rebuild $1200.00
New Interor (from red to black) $390.00 Seats included
Engine work
New valve cover gaskets and Tune up $120.00
Fuel pump $100
Fuel pressure regulartor $150
Test pipe in palce of the cat (0.00)
Wheels and Tires $300.00
Struts for rear window (79.00)
Paint Job (hopefully) $1080 labor Included
SATISFACTION OF DRIVING A CAR DOWN THE ROAD THAT YOU BUILT YOURSELF: PRICELESS
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati oh
Gratzi!
I new crate engine is 1500 and 600 for labor to put in! that is under 9 grand for a NEW corvette, (minus brakes rear end electronics) not a bad price to get a smile on your face every time you walk into the garage
Last edited by shamdave; Dec 4, 2008 at 12:15 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,551
Likes: 36
From: Jenks OK
Just wanted to verify something, are you sure the e-brake isn't hooked up? on the C4's the ebrake goes back down after it is set, pull it up a little bit and push the button to make sure, it'll make the classic ebrake popping sound.
Sorry if you already knew this but this question does come up with new corvette owners who don't realize that the e-brake is a little weird.
Don't get too frustrated yet, sorry I'm not closer I've brought an '85 back from worse! However I know there are people in Wichita and Kansas City, so you might be able to meet a few more in the area. Post up and feel free to ask questions we'll help you any way we can!
Sorry if you already knew this but this question does come up with new corvette owners who don't realize that the e-brake is a little weird.
Don't get too frustrated yet, sorry I'm not closer I've brought an '85 back from worse! However I know there are people in Wichita and Kansas City, so you might be able to meet a few more in the area. Post up and feel free to ask questions we'll help you any way we can!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 76
From: Santa Maria, CA
I'm also a recent 85 owner. I also thought I got screwed. After many many hours of working on this car I came to realize this is a good car to own. Its not as high tech as it looks. You just need to prioritize the issues (safety first), study the shop manual and fix them one by one. You can get a lot of help on this forum from very knowledgeable people. Some day you and your husband will be very proud of your accomplishment.
Hats off to your husband and you. There is no greater cause than spreading freedom. I'll be happy to help with this project any way I can.
I just made my first long road trip last weekend with my 85. Unfortunately we broke down on the way home. Thank heaven for AAA. AAA is a cheap way to get home when things go bad. The bright spot was that I diagnosed the problem within minutes (bad fuel pump). I replaced the pump today and my wife is ready to go again.
Good luck!!
Hats off to your husband and you. There is no greater cause than spreading freedom. I'll be happy to help with this project any way I can.
I just made my first long road trip last weekend with my 85. Unfortunately we broke down on the way home. Thank heaven for AAA. AAA is a cheap way to get home when things go bad. The bright spot was that I diagnosed the problem within minutes (bad fuel pump). I replaced the pump today and my wife is ready to go again.
Good luck!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC
I agree 1000%. Unless you or your hubby have some undying passion for this particular year, cut your losses early and buy what you can afford. Each year of the C4 was improved right up to 1996. Some say the LT1 engine was much beter than the TPI. Just know what you are getting into with both eyes open and at least another $3k to get it where you want it.
Good luck.
