ZR WON

Based on the mold in that interior, combined with all the air fresheners hanging from gear shift / out of vents, it makes me immediately suspect flood damage.

Brian A.
90 ZR-1
12.09@118
01 Z06
not quite stock

ZR1Bob

That was my thought as well. One way to tell is look up under the dash with a flashlight to see if there is mud or dirt or a water line.Hard to clean it there so usually that's where it will show for sure. A flood car usually means replacing about everything electronic or fabric. --Bob

zrc3john

Im 55 years old ....Still try to stay in shape basically...At my age I don't think I would try to tackle that type of job....

I remember the days of putting in a transmission on a duster using jack stands,on the street no less !!! Those days are just over for me..

If I really wanted a Z at this stage of the game I would take my time and get a decent sorted out one for mid teens...

From the looks of that car especially the engine bay and interior it actually could be a flood car....Just look at the entire dash and hoses inside the engine bay...They are all similar type of wear and corrosion...Maybe, maybe you can part car out..

DRM500RUBYZR-1

Pass.

You will have 10,000 into that car in a blink of an eye, and that is if there is no engine damage, which when added to the 6,000 buy price just does not make sense.
Those cinder blocks it is sitting on suggest the car is sitting on the rockers and floor pan, likely cracking it.
As someone said earlier, you can buy a running and sorted out car for that kind of investment.
That car is a full resto candidate, which in time will be cost effective, but certainly not now.
Run Forrest, Run!


Marty

Rkreigh

unless you want to take it apart and part it out pass. You won't make as much as you think either as that car is in bad shape

buy a nice one for 17-20k That car is a labor of love and huge $$ and not worth it.

mmkkpro

What's up guys, first I want to thank everyone who replied, it means a lot to me to get everyone's opinions.
I bought the car, I am picking it up this coming Saturday. The guy I bought it from traded a jeep to his friend for the z 4 years ago. The friends uncle bought the car new in 1990. While the nephew had the car the fuel pump went out and it was parked, after some time sitting the jeep was traded for it and the guy I got it from planned on fixing it up. He is giving me, new fuel pump, new starter, new clutch and associated parts. He even has the GM shop manual for the lt5/ZR1 laying in the front seat. The plugs were removed and he completely filled the cylinders with marvel mystery oil, The engine turns with a socket and ratchet. Underneath the car looks good.
The guy is very nice and has a firm handshake, guess that's one way I judge a person's character, he does not seem particularly mechanically inclined to me plus he says he is very busy, he lives in a big nice house with a hummer, Harley, and another car. I don't think he really needs the money, I think he is being honest with me about the car and I promised him I would get her running and drive it like it was meant to be driven. He did say that he didn't want to see the car parted out and I agree.
Anyhow I sold one of my drag cars yesterday, made the deal and the Z will be sitting in my garage hopefully by 2pm this coming Saturday, I'm excited, proud and scared all at the same time. I could have bought a C5 or C6 but I have always liked the C4, I think it's highly under valued. It's an important part of the Corvette history. Thanks agian to everyone for the input will post some pics and in sure I will be asking a lot of questions. 👍👍🏁

81c3

Congratulations! I am looking forward to seeing your progress. Please come over to zr1netregistry.com Theres a ton of knowledgeable guys over there with great ideas and insight.... Its a tight knot group and allot of the parts that you think arent available, actually are.... just have to know where and who to get them from.

mmkkpro

I will definitely pay you guys a visit, the photos look worse than it actually is I think. The pine straw over the engine is it , it's actually a clean engine under that. I know it's going to be a job getting it back but I'm up for it. The photo of it being outside was when the current owner first got it, it's inside now and I looked it over pretty well. First I'm going to detail it, see how it looks and then decide my next move. I paid 5500.00 for it so it's paid for that's a plus. I will keep everyone posted on the progress.

TLS_Addict

It is worth it to park out , not to bring back. That being said, it's still a Z so if you don't mind spending$25k+ to have a car you can buy for $20k then I say go for it.

If it's a flood vehicle you're better off just parting it.

mmkkpro

In NC it's against the law to try, much less sell a flood vehicle, if it turns out to be so I will get the money back, that being said I really don't believe it is anyone who lives in the southeast know what happens when ya park a car under pine trees and this is it. I looked it over very well and there is no mud underneath or in the carpet, I think it's mostly mildew from sitting for around 5 years, the last 4 it's been inside his garage. I appreciate what you are saying. My neighbor does full rotisserie restorations and his worry is not being able to actually hear it run and that to me is where the risk is at this point. The guy seems legit to me and I'm taking him at his word. Thanks for replying, full speed ahead.

Z51JEFF

Glad to hear it was saved,don’t see too many white/red 90s.

ccmano

Congrats on the purchase! If it had to make financial sense to restore a car, half or more of the restored classics out there wouldn’t exist. If you like it, have the money, the abilities or both, I say go for it. I luv seeing another neglected Z getting a new lease on life.
H

VikingTrad3r

i assume u pulled a carfax on it so that should give u comfort.

recently i had the opportunity buy a high mileage Z for a similar price as you have here, there was title issues and right as i entered into discussions with the seller my wife ended up with a burst appendix. i sorted the title issues out while sitting beside her in the recovery room but i was a day late somebody else had bought the car.

ive been pi$$ed ever since. i think its great u got the car. u may very well have to strip the interior and give it a crazy wash. or just a new carpet set for $400 off ebay.

the goal with cars like this isnt to restore them to oem condition. its to get them going and drive them!!
u r NEVER going to worry about putting miles on it to affect resale.

good find and try to make yourself a refurb thread so we can follow along or just keep posting on this one

ghlkal

Congratulations. I'm glad to see a ZR-1 "saved."

Good luck on the project and keep us posted.

G8nightman

Nice find.