1984 advise on car I'm looking at tomorrow
01-09-2008, 11:35 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
1984 advise on car I'm looking at tomorrow
I normally hang out in the C-3 forum, but looking at a very inexpensive 1984 with an engine noise tomorrow. It's supposed to be complete, drives and with a good body. Anything in particular I should look for besides rust on the frame and birdcage etc? They are asking $1,800 for it.
01-09-2008, 11:48 PM
#2
Safety Car
I normally hang out in the C-3 forum, but looking at a very inexpensive 1984 with an engine noise tomorrow. It's supposed to be complete, drives and with a good body. Anything in particular I should look for besides rust on the frame and birdcage etc? They are asking $1,800 for it.
I mean FLAWLESS. Otherwise a minty 84 is a cheaper route.
01-09-2008, 11:58 PM
#3
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Thanks I'm doing a body off on a 69 now and know how things add up! Just always looking for more toys and this sounded pretty good, but we will have to see.
01-10-2008, 12:02 AM
#4
CF JASOC Member
You should look for another car. Really.
There are many one-of items (kind of like the '68 thing), not just the Crossfire. Unlike '68s however, '84s are usually the cheapest cars of C4s in like condition. The engine noise thing seals it.
I bought a loaded turn-key '88 Z52 A4 w/88k miles 3 years ago for $6100 within 90 minutes of where I live.
My 2 cents. Keep looking brother.
There are many one-of items (kind of like the '68 thing), not just the Crossfire. Unlike '68s however, '84s are usually the cheapest cars of C4s in like condition. The engine noise thing seals it.
I bought a loaded turn-key '88 Z52 A4 w/88k miles 3 years ago for $6100 within 90 minutes of where I live.
My 2 cents. Keep looking brother.
01-10-2008, 10:20 AM
#7
Race Director
Unless, for some reason, you really want an 84 I believe I'd pass. They just aren't that popular. Unless the interior and paint is very good, it's not worth much.
01-10-2008, 10:49 AM
#8
Racer
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Even though I loved my '84, I have to agree with the folks above. It sounds like you are a handy person, so if the rest of the car is super nice and you are feeling handy with the engine, do what floats your boat.
Maybe I got lucky--I sold my '84 (nice condition, 76,000 miles) for $7600 in October. Of course, cars of that age in Michigan are not always in the best of shape, so I had that going for me.
Maybe I got lucky--I sold my '84 (nice condition, 76,000 miles) for $7600 in October. Of course, cars of that age in Michigan are not always in the best of shape, so I had that going for me.
01-10-2008, 11:03 AM
#9
Pro
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Do what YOU want and what YOU think is right. You know the saying, opinions are like ***holes...everybody has one. Just because some people think '84's are "unpopular" or a "problem" doesn't mean the one you are looking at is a bad deal and it certainly doesn't mean they are bad cars. You know, some people that have C5's may think most C4's are junk, some people with C6's may not think much of C5's, etc....heck, some people would pay $1500 for an '84 Citation and you are being told by some to avoid a vette at that price.....do what you think is right, you obviously know enough about vettes in general. I have to laugh every time some non-vette person looks at my (supposedly crappy old unreliable unpopular) '84 with over 90k on the odo and says, wow, nice car....and I think "yeah, some people wouldn't pay me $3000 for it".
01-10-2008, 11:11 AM
#10
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You should look for another car. Really.
There are many one-of items (kind of like the '68 thing), not just the Crossfire. Unlike '68s however, '84s are usually the cheapest cars of C4s in like condition. The engine noise thing seals it.
I bought a loaded turn-key '88 Z52 A4 w/88k miles 3 years ago for $6100 within 90 minutes of where I live.
My 2 cents. Keep looking brother.
There are many one-of items (kind of like the '68 thing), not just the Crossfire. Unlike '68s however, '84s are usually the cheapest cars of C4s in like condition. The engine noise thing seals it.
I bought a loaded turn-key '88 Z52 A4 w/88k miles 3 years ago for $6100 within 90 minutes of where I live.
My 2 cents. Keep looking brother.
01-10-2008, 11:21 AM
#12
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
I'll take a look at it anyways. With a decent motor rebuild it would still be a pretty cheap performance for the $ but I know how all the little fixes add up and if it's not a great deal I would pass on it. Thanks for all your inputs.
01-10-2008, 11:34 AM
#13
CF JASOC Member
01-10-2008, 12:45 PM
#14
Le Mans Master
$1800??? And it runs and drives??
Listen, for some the little quirks on an '84 are an enigma. But for a guy that has separated a body from the frame.....these little things are baby ****.
Understand there are a lot of little things that go wrong with '84s. That fact coupled with some people don't even own a wrench....a mechanic could build a house off the right '84 owner. You might be getting a neglected car that could be tinkered with on nights and weekends and turn out real nice.......for $1800 how are you going to go wrong? You could part it out for 5 times that price.
When you go, check for overheating........Check the overdrive unit if it has a 4x3......try to jack it up and check all the wheel bearings.....check the digital dash for flickering or completely going out......check the headlights to see if they rotate open and close...The u-joints WILL be out...... The Clutch check that damn thing, it is no picnic replacing one.
These are the typical things that go wrong on early C4s. report back with what you find along with the engine noise. Remember, the two injectors on the Crossfire make a constant ticking noise as they squirt. To the ignorant it may sound like the valves ticking. Also the wire looms are old and cracked, the wires may have fallen down onto the exhaust manifold and that could be causing a "motor noise"
Listen, for some the little quirks on an '84 are an enigma. But for a guy that has separated a body from the frame.....these little things are baby ****.
Understand there are a lot of little things that go wrong with '84s. That fact coupled with some people don't even own a wrench....a mechanic could build a house off the right '84 owner. You might be getting a neglected car that could be tinkered with on nights and weekends and turn out real nice.......for $1800 how are you going to go wrong? You could part it out for 5 times that price.
When you go, check for overheating........Check the overdrive unit if it has a 4x3......try to jack it up and check all the wheel bearings.....check the digital dash for flickering or completely going out......check the headlights to see if they rotate open and close...The u-joints WILL be out...... The Clutch check that damn thing, it is no picnic replacing one.
These are the typical things that go wrong on early C4s. report back with what you find along with the engine noise. Remember, the two injectors on the Crossfire make a constant ticking noise as they squirt. To the ignorant it may sound like the valves ticking. Also the wire looms are old and cracked, the wires may have fallen down onto the exhaust manifold and that could be causing a "motor noise"
01-11-2008, 11:56 AM
#16
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$1800??? And it runs and drives??
Listen, for some the little quirks on an '84 are an enigma. But for a guy that has separated a body from the frame.....these little things are baby ****.
Understand there are a lot of little things that go wrong with '84s. That fact coupled with some people don't even own a wrench....a mechanic could build a house off the right '84 owner. You might be getting a neglected car that could be tinkered with on nights and weekends and turn out real nice.......for $1800 how are you going to go wrong? You could part it out for 5 times that price.
When you go, check for overheating........Check the overdrive unit if it has a 4x3......try to jack it up and check all the wheel bearings.....check the digital dash for flickering or completely going out......check the headlights to see if they rotate open and close...The u-joints WILL be out...... The Clutch check that damn thing, it is no picnic replacing one.
These are the typical things that go wrong on early C4s. report back with what you find along with the engine noise. Remember, the two injectors on the Crossfire make a constant ticking noise as they squirt. To the ignorant it may sound like the valves ticking. Also the wire looms are old and cracked, the wires may have fallen down onto the exhaust manifold and that could be causing a "motor noise"
Listen, for some the little quirks on an '84 are an enigma. But for a guy that has separated a body from the frame.....these little things are baby ****.
Understand there are a lot of little things that go wrong with '84s. That fact coupled with some people don't even own a wrench....a mechanic could build a house off the right '84 owner. You might be getting a neglected car that could be tinkered with on nights and weekends and turn out real nice.......for $1800 how are you going to go wrong? You could part it out for 5 times that price.
When you go, check for overheating........Check the overdrive unit if it has a 4x3......try to jack it up and check all the wheel bearings.....check the digital dash for flickering or completely going out......check the headlights to see if they rotate open and close...The u-joints WILL be out...... The Clutch check that damn thing, it is no picnic replacing one.
These are the typical things that go wrong on early C4s. report back with what you find along with the engine noise. Remember, the two injectors on the Crossfire make a constant ticking noise as they squirt. To the ignorant it may sound like the valves ticking. Also the wire looms are old and cracked, the wires may have fallen down onto the exhaust manifold and that could be causing a "motor noise"
It sounds like working on cars is your hobby.That's right folks,to some of us,it's just a hobby!I enjoy working on my older cars.$1800 bucks is what some newer cars cost just for the 50000mi dealer service.Hell,I think the new front door on my house cost more then 1800bucks!Take a look at it,and if it feels good,go for it.
Last edited by GIMMESOME; 01-11-2008 at 12:00 PM.
01-11-2008, 12:28 PM
#17
Melting Slicks
Come on, $1800.00 for a Corvette that runs and is all there...your stealing it. Don't be afraid of the Crossfire. Grant its no rocket ship, but mine has 150K with all internal Original parts. No oil burning,smoking or any such thing.The 84 is a classic car next year and unique in its own way. Mine is showed with the original mag ads, dealer brochure and car of the year decals. This was a special year for Corvette and the first C4 that other Corvettes were built on.
01-11-2008, 05:25 PM
#19
Racer
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I dont want to sound like an *** here but some of you are bashing a car that has no more problems than any other c 4 has, they are just different problems. I own an 84, and yes I have done my fair share of work to it but its all enjoyable and I love the car!
There is nothing wrong with an 84, i agree i wouldnt pay top dollar for one that needs some work but to say not to buy one at all????
There is nothing wrong with an 84, i agree i wouldnt pay top dollar for one that needs some work but to say not to buy one at all????
01-11-2008, 07:37 PM
#20
Team Owner
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Come on, $1800.00 for a Corvette that runs and is all there...your stealing it. Don't be afraid of the Crossfire. Grant its no rocket ship, but mine has 150K with all internal Original parts. No oil burning,smoking or any such thing.The 84 is a classic car next year and unique in its own way. Mine is showed with the original mag ads, dealer brochure and car of the year decals. This was a special year for Corvette and the first C4 that other Corvettes were built on.
Go for it at that price. Fix the engine tick when you have some spare time. I got mine for $3,600 and haven't had a single serious problem in 3 years. They are great cars, just down on power. And under the CFI it is just a SBC and responds to mods just as well if you change the intake