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I am likely to soon inherit a 2003 Anniversary Edition C5 with around 5K miles on it from my Dad, the original owner. It has been rarely driven and mostly garage kept in southern OH with a cover on it. Original tires still on it. I'm wondering if the tires will still be safe to drive on (decay, not wear concerns) and if anyone has suggestions on what I should do to insure it's road worthiness, etc. and my own safety. I plan to use it as a third vehicle for recreational purposes in NC. Thanks!
I am likely to soon inherit a 2003 Anniversary Edition C5 with around 5K miles on it from my Dad, the original owner. It has been rarely driven and mostly garage kept in southern OH with a cover on it. Original tires still on it. I'm wondering if the tires will still be safe to drive on (decay, not wear concerns) and if anyone has suggestions on what I should do to insure it's road worthiness, etc. and my own safety. I plan to use it as a third vehicle for recreational purposes in NC. Thanks!
The original tires are no good anymore. Ten years is the very most you should try to get on your tires. Get some good non run flat summer tires and you will be very happy. Time to change all the fluids if they haven't been. Sounds like you have a very nice car.
Almost 15 years old ? No, the tires aren't safe. I would for sure replace them. I would also change all of the fluids: Oil, coolant, transmission, differential, clutch, brake.
even if your 15 year old run flats aren't dry rotted by now, putting on a nice new set of non run flats will improve your ride and Vette experience.
Highly recommend.
The original tires are no good anymore. Ten years is the very most you should try to get on your tires. Get some good non run flat summer tires and you will be very happy. Time to change all the fluids if they haven't been. Sounds like you have a very nice car.
congrats an AE is one of my favorites. I would also change all of the fluids and do a lot of preventive maintenance if I was you.
Did your Dad change the oil once a year or is it the original oil in it? A 5000K mile AE is amazing. A family heirloom. Take care of it and in 30 years you can pass it on to your kids.
Thanks everyone. Please keep the ideas and suggestions coming. The vehicle is located in Dayton, OH. Anyone know a good place to take it for the maintenance work that won't charge dealer prices? Or is it worth dealer prices for this car? I buy all my tires from Discount Tire and have been very happy. Would also appreciate any suggestions on fun modifications that won't affect the vintage value down the road....
It is worth paying dealer prices for this car. If your dealer knows what he's doing, then use him. If not, find someone who works on Corvettes. Don't cheap out on maintenance ... it's a sturdy car that doesn't ask for much. Give it what it needs.
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that the tires should be replaced due to age. Lots of good choices are available, especially if you decide to drop the runflats and go with non-runflats. Good luck with the car - the 2003 AE is a beautiful ride.
Welcome to the 03 AE !
If yours has the F55 Magnetic Shocks be sure to check and see if the shipping "shock stuffers" have been removed from all four shocks. You wouldn't believe how many still have the factory "shock stuffers" still in each shock. I bought my 03 AE as the third owner with 24k and they were still installed and still ruining the ride quality.
Very nice family legacy. As pointed out by other posters, new tires (non run flats), change out all fluids and get her a good going over by a recomended shop. Doing all of that you give you a new/fresh baseline to start from. If you got/get original paperwork/maintenance records with the car, save everything. Good luck and best wishes!
Sorry for the circumstances by which it will come to you.
Oil, trans, and diff fluid changes are pretty easy. You can order jacking pucks or make your own. People commonly use hockey pucks and mod them.
Harbor freight carries the Pittsburgh brand Jacks. They have one which os low profile and extends out about 27". Perfect even for my lowered vette. With that you can swap fluids yourself and it is all very quick and easy. Instructions can be searched on the forum.
Sorry for the circumstances by which it will come to you.
Oil, trans, and diff fluid changes are pretty easy. You can order jacking pucks or make your own. People commonly use hockey pucks and mod them.
Harbor freight carries the Pittsburgh brand Jacks. They have one which os low profile and extends out about 27". Perfect even for my lowered vette. With that you can swap fluids yourself and it is all very quick and easy. Instructions can be searched on the forum.
Salute to your dad.
Yep ...Not any shade tree mechanic is going to be able to work on this car . These are not average cars . Even lifting it up can severely damage the body if they don't use special lifting pucks . Don't trust anybody without corvette experience. You'd be better off learning through research and doing things yourself plus you'll save a lot of money due to the corvette tax
Last edited by Lexybird; May 16, 2017 at 07:10 AM.