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Hey all! I’m Cherry and I just got a 1984 corvette that I’m working on with my boyfriend he’s more of a car guy than I am but I got this car knowing it was a project car cuz I want to learn.
It runs and drives, just got her some brand new tires. I’ve only got 3 real issues left if y’all have any advice/tips!
1. Front brakes aren’t getting any brake fluid and won’t bleed. Back brakes bleed fine, but front ones don’t even have fluid getting to the lines so I assume it’s the master cylinder unless there’s some trick I’m missing. They won’t work at all, so it’s not quite safe enough for me to want to drive around yet.
2. One of my headlights (drivers side) is not attached but I think I have all the pieces! One is in the mail on the way though.
3. A/C just doesn’t even try to turn on. Idk what that even could be but no matter what I switch or where I slide the sliders, it’s not doing anything. Help!
But thanks y’all, from what I can tell this is a super cool community I’m glad to be a part of
The CorvetteForum family is the best place for information, learning and then giving back to the CF community ! You will be able to learn alot from simply researching previous threads because almost every known issue has already surfaced here; even some with photos and how-to videos.
Do yourself a favor and pick up a set of factory service manuals first thing.
^^^ This X100.
Run some compressed air through your brake lines to see if they are clogged. Make sure your brake fluid is clear. If it isn't, flush and replace with fresh fluid (DOT 3 or 4...DOT 3 is factory fill). Your car is 42yo...I'd recommend replacing the brake hoses as preventative maintenance. Brake fluid is very caustic and will deteriorate hoses from the inside.
I know the later climate controls have diagnostics. I'm not sure if the '84s do. Check the low pressure switch for operation by unplugging and jumping the wires in the connector. If it turns on, your refrigerant is low (the switch is a lockout so you don't run the compressor while empty). Your system uses R12 from the factory which is very hard to find as it's no longer used. If you need refrigerant you have two choices: Call around to see if any shops still have R12. A few might. Otherwise you'll have to convert the system to R134a. Do NOT mix the two....this is a process.
Welcome aboard.
Last edited by Rogue One; May 20, 2026 at 06:02 PM.
You'd lose those "bonding moments" you two shared in the wheel well together ❤️ but yes, opening the hood creates a much greater space to work around 👍🏻 While you're at, grease the hood release latches and spring pins with a nice waterproof wheel bearing grease. It'll keep it working smoothly and help minimize strain on the release cables. No fun getting locked out of the engine bay! Good luck with it! Cheers on the car & Power to ya for getting in there with him and getting your hands dirty 😉 it can be greatly rewarding 👍🏻
I had one front caliper that refused to bleed. No flow. The banjo fitting was clogged with crud. Remove the bolt that holds the hose to the caliper. With a little piece of stiff wire probe the hole into the hose. Push the pedal by hand slowly to purge the line. Reinstall the bolt and bleed normally.
Hey all! I’m Cherry and I just got a 1984 corvette that I’m working on with my boyfriend he’s more of a car guy than I am but I got this car knowing it was a project car cuz I want to learn.
It runs and drives, just got her some brand new tires. I’ve only got 3 real issues left if y’all have any advice/tips!
1. Front brakes aren’t getting any brake fluid and won’t bleed. Back brakes bleed fine, but front ones don’t even have fluid getting to the lines so I assume it’s the master cylinder unless there’s some trick I’m missing. They won’t work at all, so it’s not quite safe enough for me to want to drive around yet.
2. One of my headlights (drivers side) is not attached but I think I have all the pieces! One is in the mail on the way though.
3. A/C just doesn’t even try to turn on. Idk what that even could be but no matter what I switch or where I slide the sliders, it’s not doing anything. Help!
But thanks y’all, from what I can tell this is a super cool community I’m glad to be a part of
yeah, open hood when working on brakes. I would remove bleeder, pump the brakes and see if fluid comes out. If no fluid comes out, bleed the master cylinder and work toward wheel and see where its plugged. If replacing master cylinder, I tried 2 auto parts store rebuilds and both leaked at reservoir seal. ended up getting Raybestos.
AC won't work if it low on freon. can jump the wires at AC clutch to see if clutch is work, would only do that for a second or 2. plenty of videos for headlights.
Good luck with it. Looks pretty clean from what is seen in your photos. Maybe upload a picture of the engine whenever.
Here's one of those neat old MotorWeek presentations. Those things were cool back in the day. This one is about the '84 ''Plastic Fantastic'' specifically, whenever you're bored and have a half hour to kill...
Hi from TX! Advice for working on a c4?
he’s more of a car guy than I am but I got this car knowing it was a project car cuz I want to learn. 
