New C4 Caretaker
06-22-2017, 04:59 PM
#1
4th Gear
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New C4 Caretaker
Hello Everyone,
I've been tinkering with little British cars for about 20 years, but please don't hold that against me. I am presently 'reviving' my father-in-law's 1984 C4. This is my first go-round with working on an American classic car, finding it both similar and very different at the same time.
Here's the story on his (my) Vette. He's always loved Corvettes, had a 1975 which he sold to help out my brother-in-law (long story in itself) and about 10-12 years ago he decided to get back into the fold. He picked up a running '84 C4 and enjoyed it for a few years. He had some health issues and was no longer able to really get in and out of the car (hip trouble) so unfortunately the car sat in his garage for about 7 years.
Earlier this year we lost my mother-in-law (his wife) to breast cancer. They had been married 49 years. Needless to say he (and all of us) were pretty devastated.
After Bev passed away, he decided to downsize. That included selling the Corvette, unbeknownst to my wife and I. He's had issues with the Corvette, but not being very mechanical, his recourse was usually to take it to the local Chevy dealership <sigh> because he didn't want to "bother" me with it. It came up during conversation that he had someone interested in it but the darn thing wouldn't start (after sitting 7 years, what could POSSIBLY be wrong
). My lovely wife told him that under no circumstances was he selling the Corvette unless it was to us.
Long-ish story slightly shorter - I now own an 84 Corvette. I had it towed over to my house and he is 'helping' me get it back on the road. It gives him something to do and gives him an excuse to come over and see the grand-kids.
My goal is to get it back running reliably and to hand him back the keys (he does not know this) so he can drive it when the mood strikes. His hip issues are behind him thanks to some physical therapy, so he can manage to get in and out of the car again.
I'm going to need some help and advice along the way I'm sure, but for now I'll start over in the FS forum for a few bits that are NLA that I need to get this beast fired up.
So - that's my story, thanks for reading.
Jim
I've been tinkering with little British cars for about 20 years, but please don't hold that against me. I am presently 'reviving' my father-in-law's 1984 C4. This is my first go-round with working on an American classic car, finding it both similar and very different at the same time.
Here's the story on his (my) Vette. He's always loved Corvettes, had a 1975 which he sold to help out my brother-in-law (long story in itself) and about 10-12 years ago he decided to get back into the fold. He picked up a running '84 C4 and enjoyed it for a few years. He had some health issues and was no longer able to really get in and out of the car (hip trouble) so unfortunately the car sat in his garage for about 7 years.
Earlier this year we lost my mother-in-law (his wife) to breast cancer. They had been married 49 years. Needless to say he (and all of us) were pretty devastated.
After Bev passed away, he decided to downsize. That included selling the Corvette, unbeknownst to my wife and I. He's had issues with the Corvette, but not being very mechanical, his recourse was usually to take it to the local Chevy dealership <sigh> because he didn't want to "bother" me with it. It came up during conversation that he had someone interested in it but the darn thing wouldn't start (after sitting 7 years, what could POSSIBLY be wrong
). My lovely wife told him that under no circumstances was he selling the Corvette unless it was to us. Long-ish story slightly shorter - I now own an 84 Corvette. I had it towed over to my house and he is 'helping' me get it back on the road. It gives him something to do and gives him an excuse to come over and see the grand-kids.
My goal is to get it back running reliably and to hand him back the keys (he does not know this) so he can drive it when the mood strikes. His hip issues are behind him thanks to some physical therapy, so he can manage to get in and out of the car again.
I'm going to need some help and advice along the way I'm sure, but for now I'll start over in the FS forum for a few bits that are NLA that I need to get this beast fired up.
So - that's my story, thanks for reading.
Jim
06-22-2017, 05:49 PM
#2
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Welcome to the CF! 
06-22-2017, 08:01 PM
#4
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Welcome to the forum. You will find all kinds of valuable info in the various C4 sections of the forum.
06-22-2017, 09:19 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
Damn, that's a very kind for you to do for him. He will appreciate it and won't know how much until he drives it again. Nothing like actually taking the car out. 
Welcome to the forum!
Welcome to the forum!
Last edited by jay23ls; 06-22-2017 at 09:20 PM.
06-23-2017, 12:27 PM
#9
Looking forward to your posts. I owned an 84 for a while so this will be interesting.
06-25-2017, 08:15 AM
#10
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Welcome to the forum Jim!
Great story related to your C4, and the best of luck with everything going forward!
Great story related to your C4, and the best of luck with everything going forward!