Restoring tips please

[baugh101]

I bought a 1984 coupe about 5 months ago. I am looking to restore it, and I am some what of a novice machanic. I can any job as long as I have have desent instructions. Anyways, I would like to know what and where can I find a complete restoration guide for my C4.

[toms94]

I haven't ever seen a restoration guide for the C4. There may be one out there, I just have not heard of or seen one though. Would be nice to have though. Good luck with your project.

[jrzvette]

I don't know of any restoration guide but you should pick up a copy of the Factory Service Manual by Helms. It's pretty much complete on how to remove, repair and replace everything on a C4. Unlike previous generations of Corvettes there is no Assembly Instruction Manual for the C4s.

[Sunstroked]

The FSM's are very informative, and with some help from friends or local corvette clubs I believe you could get it looking refurbished over time.

With your self disclosed lack of mechanical knowledge, you need to evaluate your ability as well. How bad is the car? How much money will it take for must have parts? What parts can be repaired or refurbished?

You must develope a plan. To haphazardly tear a driveable car apart to restore it leads to disaster in many cases. These end up being parted out cars or sold as project cars for a dime on a dollar.

The Factory service manuals can be bought on Ebay for 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of new, usually. Buy these first. There is a book, 101 projects for your corvette, I have'nt read it but it sounds like it would be a good one for you.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b/...tion&x=11&y=19

[jrzvette]

I agree with sunstroked. Give us some more information as to what needs to be done and what you want to do. "101 Projects for your Corvette" is a very good addition to your library. If there's a Corvette club in your area contact them and ask for opinions about what you want to do with the car, and whether it's worth it. These cars can get expensive and the old adage that applies to older models applies here as well, "it's much cheaper to buy a restored car than to restore one."