First time buyer-'86 Vette

[ReyKing0]

First time buyer-NO POLL VOTE NEEDED

****************NO POLL VOTE NEEDED,********************** *******************************************************

I just bought an 86 Vette w/77k miles for $4500, only had to replace the struts. I do have concerns for the owner told me that some of the dash lights are not coming on - like the temp gauge. I ran the motor for about 1 hr with some driving and found the temp to be fine. I was just inquiring about anymore first time buyers "keep an eye out for" suggestions. I bought it for the price and condition( and of course- ITS A VETTE!!!). Very clean!! Anyone have any little secrets about what to look at for wear and tear?

PS, my first post

 

[steelblue75]

My vote is in:confused

 

[Mad-Mic]

man thats a steal!

things to watch out for is Alternators. they tear them up. i've been thru 4 in less than 4 years. also fuel pumps usually go bad. other than that just normal stuff like a sensor here and there. hardest thing is keeping the rear tires good

 

[steelblue75]

Sounds like you got a real good deal:cool but your going to spend some money, making it a little extra special to you.

 

[Edmond]

It pretty much goes through the normal things that every other car goes through with wear and tear. But it will eat up alternators like crazy. All that heat under the hood doesn't bode well for electrical components.

I would suggest a thorough tuneup if one hasn't been done already. I think you'll be surprised at the smoothness a tuneup will give you.

 

[partspup]

Enjoy it, you will always have concern if you care about it.

 

[paulie]

Not a bad deal for $4500. I remember seeing a C4 for sale close to school for $2500! :eek It was blue and it had the 6 slot style wheels (89-90) that were also blue. It looked in OK shape but if it ran, man was that a deal. It was gone in like an hour maybe sooner.

 

[Daryllawman]

Hello and welcome to the Corvette Action Center...Congrats on the Vette....Enjoy !!

 

[Greg Gore]

Congratulations on getting your first Corvette; the 86 is a great car and you bought yours at a great price! The first thing I would do (even though this is after the fact now) is click on "Learning Center" and then "Buying a Corvette" and print out the form. Answer each question to get a good assessment of your 86. Did you get the vehicles prior maintenence and repair history? It will be most helpful to get whatever information is known from the previous owner(s) about your 86. I would soon make a list of items that need to be fixed and the standard maintenance items (fluids, filters, sparkplugs, tires, brakes, light bulbs, wiper blades, etc.). Does the cooling system need to be flushed and refilled with new antifreeze? If transmission is an A4 is the fluid old and dark indicating it needs to be serviced? Does the brake system need new pads (I would flush the brake fluid too because brake fluid is hydroscopic and old contaminated brake fluid will corrode brake components). The digital instrument panel has a history of some problems but there are repair and exchange programs established to handle it if yours needs to be fixed. See if you can find the label under the compartment door that lists all your RPO codes. You will want to know which options are on your car. It's a little tricky getting in and out of a C4 because of the high sills, low seats and location of the bottom of the dash, etc., but if you find a good technique you can minimize wear on your seat bolsters. I grab the A-pillar and pull myself up over the sills and bolsters while being careful not to kick the bottom of the dash. These areas will show wear fast if you are not careful getting in and out. If your 86 has leather and it is still good be sure to treat it regularily with a good leather conditioner; I like Zaino "Leather in a Bottle" because it is a very good product and gives the car the scent of new leather inside. If your car has Bose the speakers also contain individual amplifiers. If you have one or more that is not working the PC boards are now available rather than having to replace the speaker with amp as an assembly. Whenever you are out driving your 86 you will meet other proud Corvette owners who will wave at you. It's a Corvette tradition, welcome to the family and don't forget to wave back.

Regards, Greg

 

[nyernga]

The dash problem is more then likely one of the 4 small bulbs. If the readout is working but barely visible then replace the bulb. Buy extras for the next one to go out.
The best advice is a tune up and change (not check) ALL fluids. That way you'll have a baseline of when they were all changed and just stick to the schedule after that.
And don't listen to Mic about the rear tires.........he has a larger then average right foot.........

Len

 

[Edmond]

No problem, Len.

If he's willing to drive it to Chicago, I'd fix it for him! :L

 

[nyernga]

No problem, Len.

If he's willing to drive it to Chicago, I'd fix it for him! :L

Such unselfishness Edmond.........

 

[Edmond]

Such unselfishness Edmond.........

Len, ride up here with him and I'll take you guys out for some Chicago style hot dogs.

 

[tigmaned]

reykingo
did you try turning the head light knob, if you turn it one way after the head lights are on it brightens or dims the dash lights, not saying that whats wrong but never know. if its the blubs, when you take the dash culster out take one of the blubs to a napa store they have newer model ones that work just as good and don't heat up the dash so much.
we almost got the same deal, i got my 1986 vette with 85K for $4400 but i had to put some in it but still very happy! i spent $200 on my dash, it went totally black.
CHANGE ALL the fuilds,like rearend gear oil, tranny & filter, power steering, and any other you don't have records of being done.

 

[MBDiagMan]

I'm with nyernga on changing fluids. Most people don't bother and you don't know where you're at on the current fluids. If I remember correctly '86 was the transition year for aluminum heads, but maybe it was '85. Anyway if it has aluminum heads make SURE you drain all coolant, flush the system with water and then put in a fresh mixture of 50% antifreeze. Failure to keep the coolant changed can result in corrosion through the water jacket of an aluminum head.

Enjoy,
Doc