Might become a Corvette Newbie - 1985??

Hi folks,

This is my first posting in this newsgroup as I recently found an original
1985 (85K miles, Light Bronze, 4+3, asking $8K) that seems to be singing to
me. This would be an occasional use vehicle, not primary transportation so I
will be able to deal with the time necessary for required repairs.

But, never having owned (though always lusted after) a Corvette in my 55
years, and while being somewhat savvy with contemporary vehicles, I've got a
bunch of questions that I need some help with. So, I'm looking to you folks
for the benefit of your collective wisdom.

So, here are my questions:

-- First, is the '85 a dog? My understanding is that it addressed a number
of areas that were problematic on the '84s.
-- Any suggestions for problem areas to look for and symptoms to disclose
them?
-- Things to look for under the hood, or elsewhere, that might reveal
problems?
-- What would be the "nominal" readouts for the various guage displays, both
at idle and highway cruise? Oil pressure and temp, especially.
-- Parts of the frame historically susceptible to rust/rot? (I'm in
Connecticut and we deal with snow and salt.)
-- And, finally, the all important, "Have I left out questions that I should
be asking???"

Thanks in advance for any help that comes my way. If this goes through, I
promise to participate in the group to pay back whatever I can!

All the best,

Ed B.

"Dad" > wrote in message
...

> Do you really want a "Flexible Flyer"? The biggest downside to a C4 is
> it's weak frame and the resulting shake with the top out or all of the
> time with the convertible. Dad
> 04 C5 CE Z51
> 72 Shark Black/Black/4spd
Dad,
Can you describe this shake?
I have been doing work to get a handle on the shakes and vibrations in my 84
coupe. Most of the problems have been taken care of with new tires, proper
balancing and tightening loose steering components.
There is still a bit of vibration and I am going to look into the rear
bearings and universal joints. These remaining vibes are present with the
top in or out at certain speeds and road conditions.
What is your take?
Thanks,
Marty

"Dad" > wrote in message
...

> Do you really want a "Flexible Flyer"? The biggest downside to a C4 is
> it's weak frame and the resulting shake with the top out or all of the
> time with the convertible. Dad
> 04 C5 CE Z51
> 72 Shark Black/Black/4spd
Dad,
Can you describe this shake?
I have been doing work to get a handle on the shakes and vibrations in my 84
coupe. Most of the problems have been taken care of with new tires, proper
balancing and tightening loose steering components.
There is still a bit of vibration and I am going to look into the rear
bearings and universal joints. These remaining vibes are present with the
top in or out at certain speeds and road conditions.
What is your take?
Thanks,
Marty

Dad started a controversy when he said... :

<snippity snip>

> Good luck and remember, it completely depends on the car, its care,
> and if the 4+3+$ is any good.

I wonder if Dad has issues with the 4+3? LOL

--
Robotron Tom *remove nospam to email*
See the Flashback Arcade at: http:// www.arcadeguy.net

Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral
character.
-M. Smith

Dad started a controversy when he said... :

<snippity snip>

> Good luck and remember, it completely depends on the car, its care,
> and if the 4+3+$ is any good.

I wonder if Dad has issues with the 4+3? LOL

--
Robotron Tom *remove nospam to email*
See the Flashback Arcade at: http:// www.arcadeguy.net

Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral
character.
-M. Smith

"Robotron Tom" > wrote in message
...
> Dad started a controversy when he said... :
>
> <snippity snip>
>
>> Good luck and remember, it completely depends on the car, its care,
>> and if the 4+3+$ is any good.
>
> I wonder if Dad has issues with the 4+3? LOL
>
> --
> Robotron Tom *remove nospam to email*

No, it's a good transmission for someone else to own. Check out the repair
cost and go from there.

Marty, I already described the C4's frame problem, "weak", therefore the car
shakes and vibrates. Why do you think the removable top is bolted in with 4
bolts and the C5 has 3 clamps? The removable top is a structural part of the
C4, and on the C5 it is not. All of the money and time you have spent could
have gone towards a C5, or a nice C3. You can put in the stiffener plate
that the convertible has but it will still vibrate and shake to some extent.
In all fairness to the C4 it is not that bad, but after you have driven a
C1, C2, C3, or a C5 the C4 it is lacking in rigidity.

Dad
--
Life is a sexually transmitted condition that is always fatal.

"Robotron Tom" > wrote in message
...
> Dad started a controversy when he said... :
>
> <snippity snip>
>
>> Good luck and remember, it completely depends on the car, its care,
>> and if the 4+3+$ is any good.
>
> I wonder if Dad has issues with the 4+3? LOL
>
> --
> Robotron Tom *remove nospam to email*

No, it's a good transmission for someone else to own. Check out the repair
cost and go from there.

Marty, I already described the C4's frame problem, "weak", therefore the car
shakes and vibrates. Why do you think the removable top is bolted in with 4
bolts and the C5 has 3 clamps? The removable top is a structural part of the
C4, and on the C5 it is not. All of the money and time you have spent could
have gone towards a C5, or a nice C3. You can put in the stiffener plate
that the convertible has but it will still vibrate and shake to some extent.
In all fairness to the C4 it is not that bad, but after you have driven a
C1, C2, C3, or a C5 the C4 it is lacking in rigidity.

Dad
--
Life is a sexually transmitted condition that is always fatal.

"Dad" > wrote in message news:...
> "Robotron Tom" > wrote in message
> ...
> Dad started a controversy when he said... :
>
> <snippity snip>
>
>> Good luck and remember, it completely depends on the car, its care,
>> and if the 4+3+$ is any good.
>
> I wonder if Dad has issues with the 4+3? LOL
>
> --
> Robotron Tom *remove nospam to email*
>
No, it's a good transmission for someone else to own. Check out the repair
cost and go from there. Actually any standard transmission in a C4 has more
than it's share of high cost repair. I don't think GM ever carried any parts
for their 6 speed, or if they did it was not very long.

Dad
--
Life is a sexually transmitted condition that is always fatal.

"Dad" > wrote in message news:...
> "Robotron Tom" > wrote in message
> ...
> Dad started a controversy when he said... :
>
> <snippity snip>
>
>> Good luck and remember, it completely depends on the car, its care,
>> and if the 4+3+$ is any good.
>
> I wonder if Dad has issues with the 4+3? LOL
>
> --
> Robotron Tom *remove nospam to email*
>
No, it's a good transmission for someone else to own. Check out the repair
cost and go from there. Actually any standard transmission in a C4 has more
than it's share of high cost repair. I don't think GM ever carried any parts
for their 6 speed, or if they did it was not very long.

Dad
--
Life is a sexually transmitted condition that is always fatal.