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Age Maintenance - When parts are too old for long road trips or tracks

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Age Maintenance - When parts are too old for long road trips or tracks

Posted: 7/25/23 10:22amMessage 1 of 12
7
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Green Bay, WI - USA
Joined: 11/16/2003
Posts: 20
Vette(s): Tan 1977 built 9/76

A friend told me to replace the rubber brake lines on my '96 CE LT4 because they are approaching 30 years old.  My Vette is in great shape and well maintained but it got me thinking about what else that appears good and/or that mileage wouldn't dictate changing should be inspected or replaced on a car that old.  Since every C4 is equally as old, or older, I thought this forum would be a good place to ask that question.  What has went out on your C4 that surprised you? What should I think about before my next long road trip that I might be missing?  Any suggestions are appreciated.

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Re: Age Maintenance - When parts are too old for long road trips or tr

Posted: 7/25/23 7:20pmMessage 2 of 12
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22714
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Past experiences have shown me that I would NEVER take another trip in my '85 without a spare fuel pump. I've seen many other '84-'96 models at different events having the fuel pumps changed in parking lots....don't leave home without one! 

Other age related failures are hoses, serpentine belt, and headlight motors/gears, tho the later models have better headlight setups. Always check wheel/hub bearings for play before a long trip. Definitely do not want one of those failing on the road. 

 

Joel Adams
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Re: Age Maintenance - When parts are too old for long road trips or tr

Posted: 7/25/23 7:52pmMessage 3 of 12
7
Former Member
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Green Bay, WI - USA
Joined: 11/16/2003
Posts: 20
Vette(s): Tan 1977 built 9/76

I would have never thought of the fuel pump. The belt is done, but I bet those radiator hoses are old too. Thanks, appreciated! 

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Re: Age Maintenance - When parts are too old for long road trips or tr

Posted: 7/26/23 5:15amMessage 4 of 12
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Vette(s): Black 1979 L-82 Black 1996 LT1 Black 1999 Coupe

Tires, hoses and belts.

I too would replace 30 y/o rubber brake lines, and would consider replacing the metal brake lines if I lived in snow zones with salt on roads, rust belt.

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Re: Age Maintenance - When parts are too old for long road trips or tr

Posted: 7/26/23 6:31amMessage 5 of 12
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Eagleville, PA - USA
Joined: 11/1/2001
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Vette(s): Used to own a 1979 Corvette now owned by JB79

Anything rubber if you aren't sure how long ago it was replaced.

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Re: Age Maintenance - When parts are too old for long road trips or tr

Posted: 7/26/23 10:47amMessage 6 of 12
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Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
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Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.

For what it's worth,  Make sure the water pump is not leaking, and or the optispark if it's on the car. It's a VERY expensive tow ride and repair. 

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Re: Age Maintenance - When parts are too old for long road trips or tr

Posted: 7/27/23 5:52amMessage 7 of 12
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Important to check the age of your tires before long trips.  Old tires may be fine for short trips around town but might not hold up for long trips especially at high speed interstate driving.

 

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Re: Age Maintenance - When parts are too old for long road trips or tr

Posted: 8/6/23 12:04pmMessage 8 of 12
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Green Bay, WI - USA
Joined: 11/16/2003
Posts: 20
Vette(s): Tan 1977 built 9/76

I’m happy to report that I replaced both of them already. And you are right it was an expensive tow😉



|UPDATED|8/6/2023 12:04:28 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
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Re: Age Maintenance - When parts are too old for long road trips or tr

Posted: 8/6/23 12:09pmMessage 9 of 12
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terrdl28 said:

I’m happy to report that I replaced both of them already. And you are right it was an expensive tow😉



What exactly did you wind up replacing?


-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: Vette Registry 

My first Vette, now owned by JB79:

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Re: Age Maintenance - When parts are too old for long road trips or tr

Posted: 8/6/23 7:53pmMessage 10 of 12
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Green Bay, WI - USA
Joined: 11/16/2003
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Vette(s): Tan 1977 built 9/76

Sorry, I was trying to respond to Manchester that I replaced the Opti Spark and water pump about 5 years ago.

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