Outlaw's Project '84

[atmmac]

I agree you should keep the c4 styling looking at the conversions it does not look as good. The 84 is a first model year c4 youd be surprised at how its value will go UP!

Its up to you but thats just my take on it. Looks great though!

 

[Outlaw]

Thanks JT ZR-Won and will try to keep this updated when I have completed another section ASAP...

And Thank You atmmac for your opinion on the Conversion...

Like I had stated, I have many friends who have done the conversions and as I have messed with Body Work for near 20+ Years, I feel that the Vanacor Conversion Package is pretty tight and well made. The lines always seem to be pretty true and the finished product looks just about show quality...

True, it will not be as tight as a C5 Original. But we have quite a bit more modifications to do once we receive the package...

If you have seen the New C5 TigerShark, this is close to what we have in mind...

I have always liked the looks of the C4 Corvettes, but I believe it is time for a change for me. Now, I do not wish to go purchase a C5 at this time, but the challenge to modify a C4 to the extreme has always been my cup of tea...

As for the Value of the 1984 Corvette 4+3, I am already modifying the '84 to the Extreme, so the value of the Corvette as a 1984 will diminish anyway. Engine change, Dash Change, etc...

 

[Ken]

This is so nice! Man, I wish mine looked even a little like this:

That ride is gonna be CLEAN!

_ken

 

[Outlaw]

Thanks Ken...

Just wish I had my Garage Finished where I could enjoy the Project a little more. Cold weather is getting ready to hit here soon, so I will not be able to do as much as I am right now...

It has been a lot of work, but the end results is what makes me so happy. Of course, it could have been better. But I will accept it. I just wish that I could have gotten the Driver's Side (Hole) nearer to what the Passenger side was. But, oh well...

And I have seen the pictures of yours. Nice as well...

But just wait until it's time for me to CUT that Tunnel for that Richmond 6-Speed ROD I have sitting in the Den. But I will try to get it back as good as it is right now...

BTW, been reading up on your Vette. Hope everything is going well for you now and it won't be long before you will be tearing the streets up with that HOSS!!!

 

[maxrevs85]

Hell of a project you've got goin there Outlaw. Cant wait to see the results . I dont know how many times I have thought about doing something like this with the 85. I too have considered going the old Carb route.
And ...where can I find the info on the Vanacor 84 to 00 body conversion. Curious to to see what itis.
Dave

 

[Outlaw]

Thanks maxrevs85

Info on the Conversion Package is at www.vanacorvette.com

 

[alleydude]

Would it help to BEG you not to do that?

 

[maxrevs85]

I've been to that site before....I would have to see some better pics before I could evaluate those changes. I would like to see some cars with the kits.

 

[Outlaw]

Here are a few Pics that someone sent me when I was trying to get more info on the Conversion...

I have some Pictures that Vanacor Corvette sent to me, but will need to get them scanned before I can post them...

If I can get with the guys and gals who have had the 84 to 2000 Conversion, I will try to get some Pictures posted...

 

[Outlaw]

Just spoke with Merrill of Exotic Muscle about their line of Coil-Over Shocks and he was very helpful with the Information that I was needing for my 84...

He offered me a good price on the Coil-Over Performance Street Shocks (Part # 2014) for $600.00 for the Fronts and $600.00 for the Rears. Not too bad a Price as what I had figured...

This includes the Bilstein Shocks and Coil-Overs as well as Powdercoating the Springs Red...

Considering that I was going to go with the Edelbrock IAS Shocks and was going to need to replace my Mono-Leaf Springs, the price is going to be close to the same...

 

[alleydude]

I guess I'm the only one who thinks that looks very, very cheasy. I'm sure whatever you do it will be awesome, but why make what is potentially the most awesome C4 ever built into a poor copy of a C5? In my opinion it's like taking the chrome off a '68 to '72 and putting on '74 front and rear bumpers. Or worse yet, taking a C2 and trying to make it look like a C3. Just my opinion.

 

[Outlaw]

Everyone has their opinions on what looks good and what doesn't...

I guess I just what to be different...

As for the 1984 Corvette CrossFire being potentially the most awesome C4 ever built, Mr. Mike Rettiger, Design Engineer of the Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky made an interesting statement to me at the 50th Anniversary Party concerning the 1984 Corvette:


The 1984 Corvette Crossfire 4+3 was only an Experimental Concept Vehicle that should have never been released. The only good thing about the "New" C4 was in the Body Design and Suspension. The Rest, thank goodness, was improved by the time the 1986 rolled off the assembly line. In my opinion, the 1984 Corvette was nothing but a joke that took two years to come up the the expectations of what a Corvette should be...


In person, the Vanacor C4 to C5 Conversion looks very nice. I have helped install 6 of these Conversions and I will tell you that they are not that bad. In reality, the New Bumpers and Replacement Panels are stronger than the originals...

With all the modifications that will be done to this '84, it will look a lot different than the Photos above...

The Stinger Hood/Cowl Induction really makes the front of the Conversion look great...

But again, that is my opinion...

 

[Ken]

T'was I who shot the pictures of the red C4/C5; there's a thread in here somewhere that includes it (maybe in "My Engine Project" somewhere.)

_ken

 

[Outlaw]

May have been Ken...

In your honest opinion, what are your thoughts on the Conversion???

Bear in mind that C5 West also makes a Conversion Package, but their workmanship on the Panels are somewhat disappointing. I tried to help a friend in Chattanooga, TN install the C5 West Conversion and I have never had to Cut so much glass in my life as what their shabby workmanship is. Their panels were either way too think, too long, or too short. I would definitely not recommend anything from C5 West...

But that is only my opinion...

I have also noticed that Corvette America has also started to sell the C4 to C5 Conversion Package...

 

[Ken]

May have been Ken...

May have!!? :L I used my camera to shoot the picture!

In your honest opinion, what are your thoughts on the Conversion?

In my honest opinion? To quote alleydude - "Would it help to BEG you not to do that?"

After seeing a conversion first-hand, I wouldn't attempt it. No matter who makes it there will still be a lot of trimming to fit (it's part & parcel of fiberglass work) and with the prices of C5s coming down every day...

Stick with the C4 rebuild - the way you like it, but not as a conversion. You asked for my opinion, you got it.

_ken

 

[Outlaw]

Yes sir Ken, that is what I wanted and that was your opinion...

Like I had stated, we will be doing some Modifications to the Vanacor Conversion Kit, so it will not be like the Regular Conversion...

We will be installing a totally "New" Stinger/Cowl Induction Hood which will be fabricated by a few of us. Matter of fact, if the design works out, we may even start to sell these Stinger/Cowl Induction Hoods...

But again, I thank you and alleydude for your opinions and thoughts...

 

[Ken]

I am definitely interested in seeing what you come up with as far as the hood is concerned.

 

[bossvette]

here is another $.02 check out the C-3 in this posting

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=36355&perpage=15&pagenumber=2

I am not a big fan of the C-4 body style although I will someday have some of its suspension under mine, the post by Barbie with the black vert may have changed my mind. I dont know how to get the picture from there to here


:confused

 

[alleydude]

As for the 1984 Corvette CrossFire being potentially the most awesome C4 ever built, Mr. Mike Rettiger, Design Engineer of the Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky made an interesting statement to me at the 50th Anniversary Party concerning the 1984 Corvette:...

What I meant was YOUR '84 had the potential to be the most awesome C4 ever built. Not the '84 in itself.

 

[Outlaw]

I am definitely interested in seeing what you come up with as far as the hood is concerned.

You might say it's the Combination of the Old Stinger Hood from the 60's, the Cowl Induction from the 70's, and the New Look of the Tiger Shark of 2004...

Originally posted by bossvette
here is another $.02 check out the C-3 in this posting

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com...mp;pagenumber=2

I am not a big fan of the C-3 body style although I will someday have some of its suspension under mine, the post by Barbie with the black vert may have changed my mind. I dont know how to get the picture from there to here

Have we been talking about C3's. Maybe that's where my problem lies. :L :L :L

Originally posted by alleydude
What I meant was YOUR '84 had the potential to be the most awesome C4 ever built. Not the '84 in itself.

Just my misunderstanding on my end. It will be a nice Corvette (with the help of all my friends here on CAC like yourself, Ken, bossvette, and all the rest as well as those that live close to me that have been helping)...