1982 Original Condition - Need Advice

[Dennis F.]

I recently inherited a 1982 with 34K miles that's been sitting for the last 14 years. I'm new to NCRS and not really sure what to do with it. The shop that brought it back to life is really sensitive to originality and has urged me to keep it that way. The most unusual aspect of this car is the 8-track stereo. Once the tank was cleaned, fuel pump replaced and fuel system flushed, it fired up right away. The engine was pre-oiled and all fluids changed before starting. Other than the left injector not working right away, it ran amazingly well.

Can I solicit some advice from the NCRS veterans?

Thanks,

DMF

[Glen C.]

Re: 1982 Original Condition - Need Advice

I bought a new 1982 Collectors Edition in April 1982. It was stolen in August 1982. So I didn't get much time to learn about the car. I'm pretty sure mine had a cassette tape player, didn't know 8 track was an option in 1982. I would keep it as origanal as possible, or at least limit changes to those that can be removed easily. So, why don't you tell us more about the Vette, color, options, condition, etc.

[Michael W.]

Re: 1982 Original Condition - Need Advice

The best advice I can offer is to hurry up and immediately (without delay) do nothing to the car. It can be original only once, after that it's restored. NCRS is about preservation just as much if not more than restoration.

Have the car looked at informally by your local chapter. If it's substantially 'as delivered' from the factory, think about pursuing a Star/Bowtie award.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1982 Original Condition - Need Advice

I recently inherited a 1982 with 34K miles that's been sitting for the last 14 years. I'm new to NCRS and not really sure what to do with it. The shop that brought it back to life is really sensitive to originality and has urged me to keep it that way. The most unusual aspect of this car is the 8-track stereo. Once the tank was cleaned, fuel pump replaced and fuel system flushed, it fired up right away. The engine was pre-oiled and all fluids changed before starting. Other than the left injector not working right away, it ran amazingly well.

Dennis

You've inherited an obvious original, low-mileage, last of a generation Corvette that sat for 14 years. You seek advice but is that advice technical or originality vs ? discussion or keep vs sell option. You've heard advice suggesting retaining the vehicles's originality.

The original owner kept it that way because they must have felt that was important so it would seem that in their spirit, originality must rule. So why not use NCRS to explore and learn the vehicle that may help to understand its first owner.

Technically, after getting it running probably the next technical issue is brake quality and reliance. After sitting fourteen years, its an automatic to rebuild the brake system and ensure when driven it stops. NCRS has several tech guides that can help understand what is suppose to work like that 8 track player. So, a full operations check is next up. What works and what does not. That will direct your attention to those mechanical, electrical areas that will require direction.

Tires is another issue and after having sat for fourteen years, probably require attention. I suspect the vehicle still has the original tires with some very nice coding on them. Kelsey Tire is in process of designing correct replacement tires (Eagle GTs) and he probably would appreciate checking a few references from your tires. I've included a link to an article on late model C3 tires that will offer some guidance for reading codes on those tires. I would be curious what you find.

See, so much to do...so much to learn. Enjoy the ride.

http://www.hunt4cleanair.net/Articles/KelseyP255.pdf

[Tom H.]

Re: 1982 Original Condition - Need Advice

Hi Dennis !!

Welcome to the NCRS. Glad to have you hang out with us.

The 8 track is a bit odd. 923 8 track systems were factory installed in 82. Enjoy the car and take a stab at having it judged. Tom Russo gave you good advise too.

Don't hesitate to post your questions here. Lots of good help is here and ready to help !!

[Dennis F.]

Re: 1982 Original Condition - Need Advice

Thanks to everyone for responding, this is quite helpful. A little more information - the car was my mother's, and I don't think she or her husband gave any thought to keeping it original, it just turned out that way when it quit running in the mid-90's. I recall trying to buy the car about ten years ago, and it was apparent then someone sold her a bill of goods. She was convinced it was a Collector's Edition, but it is not. The car is Silver over Claret. The likely cause of its engine problems was discovered in the shop that brought it back to life (Restoration Station). Removing and cleaning the gas tank revealed the hose that connects the fuel pump to the main fuel line had disintegrated and wasn't pumping gas anywhere but in the tank.

As for operational checks, we believe everything, or most everything is working. The only obvious items are the speedo and tach lights are inop and the diverter that directs heat up or down is inop. Air is directed only to the floor vents. A/C is inop, probably from leaking down over the last 14 years of sitting. Not sure if cruise works, haven't been on the highway yet. Power seats, mirrors work.

Brakes, calipers and shocks have been replaced. Master cylinder was rebuilt. Tires were replaced with Eagle GT II's (Eagle GT's are not available in the correct size).

How do I get the car judged or looked at by a local chapter? RS commented this could be a Top Flight car, but I'm not sure I understand what's involved in that, or the implications. Any suggestions for reading up on this?

Sorry for all the questions, and thanks again.

DMF

[Hank D.]

Re: 1982 Original Condition - Need Advice

Hello and welcome -

One of the best, first things you can do is buy the 1968 - 82 NCRS Tecnical Information and Judging Guide to help learn more about the judging experience. It's available for purchase online at the NCRS Store. Next, you should contact your local Chapter. You'll be amazed how helpful they can be.

Good luck and enjoy.

[Arland D.]

Re: 1982 Original Condition - Need Advice

Dennis,

If you are going to be picking up good reading material, consider purchasing the latest edition of the judging reference manual. In addition to judging information, it contains a lot of details about the NCRS organization and how things work. Good luck with the '82

Arland