1985 Vette Project car.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
1985 Vette Project car.
9 Months ago Before I shipped off to basic/AIT, i purchased a c4 '85 that was in moderate "Looking" condition for approximately $4,000. Now after I've gotten back and have had time to do some in depth looking, I'm finding so many things wrong with this car. However I've always wanted an older corvette so I'm willing to suck it up and put some hard labor into it. There is one big problem.
i have no knowledge of vehicles other than the basic oil change and essentials.
So here I am new to corvetteforum, and looking for some fellow vet owners to help me out with my project.
I appreciate everything and thanks!
i have no knowledge of vehicles other than the basic oil change and essentials.
So here I am new to corvetteforum, and looking for some fellow vet owners to help me out with my project.
I appreciate everything and thanks!
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 5
From: central Florida Florida
9 Months ago Before I shipped off to basic/AIT, i purchased a c4 '85 that was in moderate "Looking" condition for approximately $4,000. Now after I've gotten back and have had time to do some in depth looking, I'm finding so many things wrong with this car. However I've always wanted an older corvette so I'm willing to suck it up and put some hard labor into it. There is one big problem.
i have no knowledge of vehicles other than the basic oil change and essentials.
So here I am new to corvetteforum, and looking for some fellow vet owners to help me out with my project.
I appreciate everything and thanks!
i have no knowledge of vehicles other than the basic oil change and essentials.
So here I am new to corvetteforum, and looking for some fellow vet owners to help me out with my project.
I appreciate everything and thanks!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 8
Welcome Markus,i have an 85' too.I own this car since 2004.You can find good and friendly guys here,very skilled guys that can help you to figure out every solutions .Just ask or search the forum you'll find your answers 
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 7
From: Chewelah Wa
I restored my 85, I am sure it was in worse shape than yours. 85's are great cars, a good blend of old and new that makes them simpler to work on (and cheaper). If you take your time and shop for parts on Ebay and the forums, you can save some big bucks. I have been collecting performance parts for my engine for three years now, and everything I have collected was at 50 cents on the dollar. Mine has been on the road for 5 years now, pretty much stock. You will have a lot of fun, and if you get stuck, someone on here has been there, done that I am sure.......
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 76
From: Santa Maria, CA
The 85 is a good project car for someone with average automotive skills. I've had mine 6 years and I've rebuilt just about everything on it.
I highly recommend you invest in a factory shop manual. I also recommend you purchase the book "Corvette Fuel Injection" by Charles Probst. Between the two and this forum, you should be able to troubleshoot just about anything.
I highly recommend you invest in a factory shop manual. I also recommend you purchase the book "Corvette Fuel Injection" by Charles Probst. Between the two and this forum, you should be able to troubleshoot just about anything.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 60
From: ft myers FL/Munising MI
The 85 is a good project car for someone with average automotive skills. I've had mine 6 years and I've rebuilt just about everything on it.
I highly recommend you invest in a factory shop manual. I also recommend you purchase the book "Corvette Fuel Injection" by Charles Probst. Between the two and this forum, you should be able to troubleshoot just about anything.
I highly recommend you invest in a factory shop manual. I also recommend you purchase the book "Corvette Fuel Injection" by Charles Probst. Between the two and this forum, you should be able to troubleshoot just about anything.
Welcome...factory manual is a must....lot's of help here for 85 owners..
very good advice quickly given....it's made my 85 a beauty...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 769
Likes: 95
From: Central Pennsylvania
We all started out where you are. Utilizing this forum. Get an fsm off EBay ( I usually buy the greasy ones because they're cheaper) Order parts catalogs from the parts suppliers (they are great for referencing parts) Last of all......have fun.....treat it as a hobby and not a business.
Last edited by skyhawk50; Mar 4, 2014 at 09:53 PM. Reason: cc
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
Welcome to the Forum. Get some form of manual for the car. The best out there is the Helm Factory manual. Costs a few $$$$. BUT WORTH the cost if your just starting off.
Learn how to use the ADVANCED SEARCH FUNCTION. Next....when you post always give us the year of your car.
Learn how to use the ADVANCED SEARCH FUNCTION. Next....when you post always give us the year of your car.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 865
Likes: 6
From: Auburn Michigan
You'll find it's never ending....(not necessarily in a bad way though)
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Sounds like you are a member of a Reserve or National Guard unit. I'll bet there are some "hands on" types in your unit that would love to help you out and maybe bring along their tools.
First do a good basic tune up and then fix one thing at a time. Enjoy the garage time!
First do a good basic tune up and then fix one thing at a time. Enjoy the garage time!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 275
Likes: 14
From: Gahanna, Ohio
Thanks for your service, i am USAF. I am in the same boat as you. I have a 84 that was supposed to be a good driver, but it is a basket case. I didn't know what to look for and overpaid and got burned. I have done tons to mine in just 3 weeks. This forum and it's members are awesome at helping.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 373
Likes: 31
From: Albion, Indiana
Welcome to the best site on the net! '85 owner here as well, a 150,000 miler in bone stock form. Good advice here, even if you never ask a direct question, you can probably search it out and find your answer.
Have owned my '85 going on 3 years, and I receive thumbs up and compliments numerous times each driving season. Many people believe a C4 is newer than it really is, had someone ask me last year if my car was a C5 or C6
! You will get a lot of bang for your buck, just deal with your cars issues as they come up, if they compound before fixing the task might seem daunting. I have seen many solid vehicles get sold for parts/scrap for lack of repairs along the way.
ENJOY!
Have owned my '85 going on 3 years, and I receive thumbs up and compliments numerous times each driving season. Many people believe a C4 is newer than it really is, had someone ask me last year if my car was a C5 or C6
! You will get a lot of bang for your buck, just deal with your cars issues as they come up, if they compound before fixing the task might seem daunting. I have seen many solid vehicles get sold for parts/scrap for lack of repairs along the way.ENJOY!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
The trouble shooting trees in the FSM's are priceless...you'll love them. And a couple new tools for your tool box, invest in a fuel pressure guage (about $35 at Autozone), and a DVOM or digital voltage ohm meter...there cheap) and easy to use.
Welcome to the Forum.
Welcome to the Forum.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 239
From: Venice Cali.
Congrats and thanks for your service.
3 tips
1- must learn how to set minimum idle(with your voltmeter)
2- can of plastic safe electric connector cleaner
3-dielectric grease after the connector is cleaned
drive er
3 tips
1- must learn how to set minimum idle(with your voltmeter)
2- can of plastic safe electric connector cleaner
3-dielectric grease after the connector is cleaned
drive er
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 100
Likes: 20
From: Port St Lucie Florida
Having done my fair share of restorations, I'll drop my 2 cents on the table 
Clean, low mile C4's that need little to nothing are not very expensive these days. Just be honest with what needs to be done. It would only take a few mechanical or cosmetic expenses to swallow up the gap between a clean low mile C4 and a 4K project car. Just my opinion having jumped into these projects more times than I can count.
Clean, low mile C4's that need little to nothing are not very expensive these days. Just be honest with what needs to be done. It would only take a few mechanical or cosmetic expenses to swallow up the gap between a clean low mile C4 and a 4K project car. Just my opinion having jumped into these projects more times than I can count.