New Member Looking at a ZR1…

[G-Sting]

Greetings!

Having previously owned a '96 LT1, I made the mistake of letting my son-in-law (24) talk me into test driving a local '90 ZR-1 this weekend at a local dealership. He also drove it. "Intoxicating" was his summary remark. I knew it would be… and now we can't stop thinking about it (you guys know this!) :icon_thum

I was able to get the previous owner's name and number (required here by law) and had a very nice chat with him. It has 32k miles, runs well. We went over things he had done to it, and it appears to be reasonably well cared for. But I have a few questions to start.

1. There is a horizontal windshield crack about 2" long, and about 6" down from the top on the passenger side. Doesn't appear to be a rock chip, nor growing. Are new ZR-1 windshields hard to come by? What would you do here?

2. There is an on/off toggle switch right below the steering column that appears to have been installed by another previous owner. Any idea what this could be?

Thank you in advance.

cheers,
G

[We Gone]

Welcome, You would be better off replacing the windshield with a reg one, if you can find a replacement ZR-1 windshield it will be big $ $2500+.

Not sure what the switch would be maybe a fan switch?

[Paul Workman]

Welcome to the "Brotherhood of the Beast!"

I can identify with your reaction to your first ride in a Z. I had a pristine 95 LT1/M6 car at the time I test drove my 90. Before starting the drive, I was already having seller's remorse. But, when I returned from the test, I gladly tossed in the 95 as part of the deal and bought the ZR-1 and never regretted it!

Ah, but that was 100+ rear wheel hp ago. The power delivery, the unique sound they have...nuttin' like it with a bowtie badge on it!

Good hunting!

[mike100]

The zr-1 windshield has a special reflective layer, was made in small numbers, and you can't get them anymore (for the most part). Just get a $300 standard C4 unit without the solar ray tint. The solar ray ones delaminate and get white streaks in them anyhow.

The stuff you really want to know about is if the injectors are still original, if the trans doesn't grind in any gear on a high rpm shift, the clutch hydraulics are replaced, and any major services or mods that it has. Don't forget about the regular C4 stuff like missing the original fiberglass top, old tires, or a bad sound system- you know those can really add up.

[ghlkal]

1. There is a horizontal windshield crack about 2" long, and about 6" down from the top on the passenger side. Doesn't appear to be a rock chip, nor growing. Are new ZR-1 windshields hard to come by? What would you do here?



As others mentioned, get a regular C4 windshield. Mine had a crack in it too. I considered spending the $2K on a reproduction replacement, but my wife talked me out it. "You'd be afraid to drive it worrying about picking up a stone chip." So true. As it turns out, I did pick up a chip on the replacement windshield from a flying rock. I'm glad it was the $300 windshield! If you're going to drive your Z, as I do, you want to enjoy driving it.

When you get the windshield replaced, be sure to ask the shop if they've done C4s before. I talked with several glass places and found someone who did an excellent job. Instead of using their weatherstrip, I bought some good stuff and had them use that.

Good luck.

[Dynomite]

As others mentioned, get a regular C4 windshield. Mine had a crack in it too. I considered spending the $2K on a reproduction replacement, but my wife talked me out it. "You'd be afraid to drive it worrying about picking up a stone chip." So true. As it turns out, I did pick up a chip on the replacement windshield from a flying rock. I'm glad it was the $300 windshield! If you're going to drive your Z, as I do, you want to enjoy driving it.

When you get the windshield replaced, be sure to ask the shop if they've done C4s before. I talked with several glass places and found someone who did an excellent job. Instead of using their weatherstrip, I bought some good stuff and had them use that.

Good luck.

Can you give us some specifics on the $300 windshield and some specifics on the weatherstripping you found?
I guess the regular C4 windshield does not have and does not need the radar cutout?

[Tony Davila]

Greetings!

2. There is an on/off toggle switch right below the steering column that appears to have been installed by another previous owner. Any idea what this could be?

Thank you in advance.

cheers,
G

Possible use of switch:
1. Nitrous
2 Flux Capacitor
3 Kill Switch for Warp Drive
4 Neon light kit for under carriage
5 Wife ejection seat
6 Dixie "Dukes of Hazard" Horn

Other than that, I have no clue.

[Bearly Flying]

Actually, I have a crack in my windshield also. about 2" long. Local Auto Glass Company did a repair with some Super Glue two years ago, and it hasn't moved since.
Unless the crack is bothering your vision, try some Glass Shops and see if they can stop it. Nice to keep the original Windshield as long as possible

[Z51JEFF]

Not sure on the switch might be for cooling fans. How much is the car?

[-=Jeff=-]

Switch could be:

Power key bypass
Power antenna bypass
remnants of an alarm (or current alarm)
amplifier for aftermarket add-on to the radio
Fan switch to override the ECM control

[G-Sting]

Welcome to the "Brotherhood of the Beast!"

I can identify with your reaction to your first ride in a Z. I had a pristine 95 LT1/M6 car at the time I test drove my 90. Before starting the drive, I was already having seller's remorse. But, when I returned from the test, I gladly tossed in the 95 as part of the deal and bought the ZR-1 and never regretted it!

Ah, but that was 100+ rear wheel hp ago. The power delivery, the unique sound they have...nuttin' like it with a bowtie badge on it!

Good hunting!

Thank you for the warm welcome!

… and I appreciate all the comments, advice, and… humor! I suppose a thorough pre-buy inspection would possibly clarify many issues of the more expensive type. Though, I do understand on 'older' cars things can come up very unexpectedly.

The Z sat for 2 years in a show room. So the previous owner replaced the serpentine belt, all fluids, all 4 shocks, and a few other things. He had a leak in the tranny (dripping fluid), and had it taken apart and a new seals put in. Idled beautifully smooth, Shifted like butter, accelerated like a bat. New Nitto 555 tires. They are asking 19.9. It's number #1020 if anyone has more info on it.

Here is a photo of the engine compartment. I'm sure the sharp eyes here might be able to comment. Thanks again.

http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t629/gmanontheroad/Vette/IMG_7766_zps90ga0qeq.jpg

[-=Jeff=-]

looks pretty good and still has the OEM Plug wires on it (aftermarket no longer say 'corvette'

I see the dealer has detailed the motor.. the finish on the LT5 itself seems to be in good shape and color..

The red wire seen in the bottom of the picture, about 1/3 of the way in from the left, looks like an add on.. I am guessing that wire runs to the switch int he car and will be for the fans as a bypass

[WARP TEN]

If the switch is for a fan bypass it is probably because it was overheating bit. All C4s and ZR-1s are bottom feeders for cooling air and very often the radiators become partially plugged with debris which can cause this. common problem; not easy to see even with a light and mirror. If that is it, you can have the radiator removed and cleaned out for a few hundred dollars. My '93 was once about 40% obstructed which caused elevated temps. Never a problem after cleaning. You can also have Marc Haibeck burn a chip for you that turns on both fans at 205 degrees. -Bob

[Paul Workman]

Safelite installed a standard windshield in mine for about that $300 (as I recall). Actually, the Safelite tech let me help him (more like fuss over it like a mother hen!) soze I could see for myself how the glass was installed.

It is beautiful! I never knew how much I'd grown to dislike the delamination until there was none!

They will supply the weatherstripping, but I provided my own. As it happened, the metal frame sub strips they provided were incorrect, so I stripped and cleaned the original strips "on the spot", and we reused them.

I bought my weatherstripping from Corvette Rubber. Excellent rubber. But, I gotta warn ya...their customer service sucks (or it did in my case).

[geezer]

The switch could also be a bypass to solve a 'no start' issue should it occur.

[ghlkal]

Can you give us some specifics on the $300 windshield and some specifics on the weatherstripping you found?
I guess the regular C4 windshield does not have and does not need the radar cutout?

Like Paul, I found a Safelite shop where the manager had installed a number of C4 windshields. The regular C4 windshield was $230 and it was $70 to install it.

I forgot the exact supplier I used for the weatherstripping, but it was good stuff.

No "cutout" on the regular windshield. I tried to get someone to install "airblue" or similar tint on the windshield, but ... that was another story.

[Z51JEFF]

Most will tell you that the trim will get destroyed removing but this is false. The trim is glued in but lacquer thinner will break down the glue and its then possible to get the trim off. Keep in mind that the holes in the WS frame are drilled with the trim at the time is installed at the factory meaning if a different set of trim is used the holes won't line up, at least it was like this on an 84 I had on the past.

[G-Sting]

The red wire seen in the bottom of the picture, about 1/3 of the way in from the left, looks like an add on.. I am guessing that wire runs to the switch int he car and will be for the fans as a bypass

You guessed it, Jeff! Turns on/off the left cooling fan…

I have appreciated all the comments, as well as the options concerning the windshield.

Was able to spend 2 1/2 hours with the car yesterday. Unfortunately, the local corvette expert could not take a last minute pre-buy inspection, so we checked everything out best we could at his grandfather's garage. Ran across a number of disappointments, though. Here's the list:

1. Found literally a pool of water (after the heavy rains here) on the passenger floor. The passenger window appeared to be completely up, but not for sure. I seem to remember the '96 C-4 having some similar issue. And I ran a bead of silicon on an inside front door seal to channel it properly.

2. The parking brake doesn't stay engaged. Can pull handle up, it applies the brake, but doesn't stay engaged, nor up. Handle just goes freely up and down whether you push the button or not.

3. No A/C. The previous owner had the same issue, had it refilled with Freon and dye. But it just blows ambient air again. We didn't have the glasses, nor light to check where the leak was coming from.

4. White/Blue smoke out of exhaust when it sits for a bit, then restarted. Occurs when revved either little or much. Issue or normal?

5. The right cam cover had what appears to be oil all over it. Hadn't noticed this on the previous pre-drive inspection. (Oil dipstick checked at the full line, oil looked new and clean.)

6. Has the orange coolant in the reservoir. (probably no big deal, but I've been rooting around on this excellent site. :-D

Exhaust:
http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t629/gmanontheroad/Vette/Screen%20Shot%202015-04-10%20at%2010.22.02%20AM_zpscvx5o8xh.png

Right Cam cover:
http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t629/gmanontheroad/Vette/IMG_7787_zpsdtkij0w4.jpg

Not sure this is the 'one.' Oh well, the hunt is part of the adventure!

Cheers,
G

[XfireZ51]

None of the issues look horrid, but for the money you could likely find a car with much fewer issues.

[mike100]

looks like the injector housing gasket and/or the plenum gasket is saturated with oil. Not so uncommon depending on how you seal the oil breather pass-thrus...probably installed the gaskets dry and they will weep oil that way. It does appear that they were removed for some kind of service or maybe repainting/powder coating as that finish looks very bright.

parking brake will be some kind of simple mechanical fix..you can get parts out of any C4 for that.

I don't do a/c so no advice

the 90 ZR-1 don't have valve guide seals, but other years should not smoke too much. Don't be alarmed with the amount of oil in the intake- that is par for the course on even the healthiest LT5's. They all puff a little here and there depending. You may need to see another one to compare.

definitely flush the coolant and use conventional green coolant. There are several types commonly available everywhere. I use the Autozone conventional green stuff.

the pool of water- not so surprised...all C4 weather stripping is pretty bad even on the garage queens. I have to chase drops near the seats and doors after every wash. make sure it isn't the heater core- then other wise sit in the car while somebody washes it down to find the leak.

[G8nightman]

The parking brake is suppose to engage and then the lever go freely back down so that you can get out of the car and then pull all the way up then back down to disengage.

[RyanChappel]

Tony.....do you have a new project in the works that you are not telling us about???[-X

[G-Sting]

None of the issues look horrid, but for the money you could likely find a car with much fewer issues.

I appreciate all the extremely informative comments. All noted. Thank you. It's a learning process, for sure. There were a few other issues in addition to the ones I listed (paint area, aforementioned windshield, CD player no worky, etc.) But hey, it had descent brakes and calipers, and new tires!

I think I am leaning towards Xfire's conclusion on this particular beast.

best regards,
G

[Z51JEFF]

There is a women on Facebook selling a 90 black-black 17,000 miles for $19,000. I can find it if interested.

[G-Sting]

There is a women on Facebook selling a 90 black-black 17,000 miles for $19,000. I can find it if interested.

Z51JEFF, Thank you, kindly, for the offer. Right now, there are enough for sale within a reasonable stretch that if/when I get the time can take a look. Much appreciated, though!

G

[Z51JEFF]

Z51JEFF, Thank you, kindly, for the offer. Right now, there are enough for sale within a reasonable stretch that if/when I get the time can take a look. Much appreciated, though!

G

Desirable colors, miles and price won't see another like this for awhile.

[JFFerner]

Have the dealer disconnect the battery for a few moments, then reconnect and try the A/C. I know something is wrong with my A/C controls, but I have to do this reset procedure only once or twice each year and it has always worked for me.

As for your leak, it is also possible that the car's roof is not properly seated. With the roof removed check the weather stripping there and check to see if the sun visor is loose or not properly aligned, preventing the roof from proper installation. adjust as necessary.

And so it goes....Jim

[Tony Davila]

Tony.....do you have a new project in the works that you are not telling us about???[-X
To answer you I would say.... when am I not modifying my car. Of course I have something in the works.:-D

[Bob Eyres]

Have the dealer disconnect the battery for a few moments, then reconnect and try the A/C. I know something is wrong with my A/C controls, but I have to do this reset procedure only once or twice each year and it has always worked for me.

As for your leak, it is also possible that the car's roof is not properly seated. With the roof removed check the weather stripping there and check to see if the sun visor is loose or not properly aligned, preventing the roof from proper installation. adjust as necessary.

And so it goes....Jim

I wouldn't fix it for the dealer [-X . Use the problem as a bargaining tool. Broken windshield, sound system inoperable, body leaks, oil leaks, no air conditioning, a litany of problems that should bring the price down, but are not deal breakers for someone that doesn't mind getting his hands dirty.

Added up, these troubles could add up to $10K at current shop prices. And I can hear myself telling them, "You can't even GET a ZR-1 windshield anymore".

I guess I've been spending too much time watching Richard Rawlings on TV bargain for cars, but you shouldn't be paying top dollar for this one. Work it dude! :thumbsup:

[cloudshe]

did you buy the '90? i love my '95 ZR-1 (s/n 88) but just bought a '65 roadster, something has to go. white w/ grey interior, 54,000 mi, excellent orig paint, never abused, raced, or hit. orig exc performance chip & exhaust. $24k OBO

bruce sheppard
grasonville md
cloudshe@goeaston.net
410 827-7348
410 253-7198

[G-Sting]

I wouldn't fix it for the dealer [-X . Use the problem as a bargaining tool. Broken windshield, sound system inoperable, body leaks, oil leaks, no air conditioning, a litany of problems that should bring the price down, but are not deal breakers for someone that doesn't mind getting his hands dirty.

Added up, these troubles could add up to $10K at current shop prices. And I can hear myself telling them, "You can't even GET a ZR-1 windshield anymore".

I guess I've been spending too much time watching Richard Rawlings on TV bargain for cars, but you shouldn't be paying top dollar for this one. Work it dude! :thumbsup:

Bob,

Yeah, wrote this one off earlier in the week and told the dealer so… and the things we found. They didn't want to come down 4-5k. That's OK. There are many '90s out there and many look much better for the $.

I don't mind working on these beauties. Just prefer driving it right away, as that is the intention of owning it!

Cheers,
G