general restoration questions - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Miles · 11-22-2011

hello and thanks for taking the time to read his and hopefully respond.

A bit of history, I have restored or modified/customized several vehicles over the years, including two Corvettes.

I had a bass boat gold 1986 with a 383 stroker with the 4+3. It was my daily driver,
but I got t-boned at a red light.

You know how it goes, insurance paid me 2k over the purchase price, but what about all the other money I have put into this car? I have the shop manuals, I traced down and bought documentation, date correct original parts. I may have one of the last GM right door upper trim parts, still in the original bag. All the originals parts I had to replace, sitting out in my garage.

Seriously though, I do miss that car, it was fun to drive. Once the frame is bent, believe me the car is never the same.

Now I was looking for another driver and I found a 1990 red ZR-1 with 67k for mileage. 20k. Solid car.

A car I have wanted since maybe 1988 but more likely 1989. The buzz! It was crazy when this car came out. I am sorry I do not remember the date. I was driving home from University and went past a GM dealership. I saw the rear end thought the glass at the light, ******* wait a minute! OMG they have a King of the Hill! In the showroom was a red ZR-1. I sat in it. I asked the salesman if I could start it.

No documentation, Car fax clean, seems like it was well maintained. As far as I can tell, modifications/repairs/maintenance include Borla Exhaust, a different shifter knob, a Kenwood CD player, battery and tires. Maybe a windshield because there is no delamination and there should be. Also the seats just look too good. There is overspray in a few places, now maybe it came that way from the factory, or the dealership or a former owner has touched it up or maybe it has even been reapinted.

You see I have found and nurtured a few gems in my life, but I have also been burned.

You live and you learn.

I am also a NCRS member.

So, here is my quandry, basically two choices.

Do I bumble my way though and then have it judged

or do I have it judged and hopefully the NCRS people will tell me exactly what it needs to be top flight and then do the restorations.

You see I have no documentation, maybe more than maintenance such as the starter or water pump has been replaced.

Anyways, what would you do? Once again I do thank you.

scottfab · 11-22-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miles

Anyways, what would you do? Once again I do thank you.

I'd buy it and drive it like you stole it

mike100 · 11-23-2011

A certain amount of modifications is generally considered desirable on these cars due to the premium cost of mods. You could end up with $25k-$30k real quick into a $20k car, especially if you are a perfectionist or hp hungry.

Then of course there are just the general C4 issues that will nickel and dime you- even on a driver-there are just those items that fail early (radios, antennas, fx3 shocks wearing out in 50k, etc etc).

I would consider a super low mile one for more as it might cost you less in the long run.

Kevin · 11-23-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miles

Maybe a windshield because there is no delamination and there should be.

no there shouldn't. my 90 has 6x,xxx on her and other then where I left a carlisle sticker on there's no delam on my windshield. the more they get used the less chance there is for delam

jrd1990zr1 · 11-24-2011

I've got a red/red 1990 with a little over 8,000 miles. Regional and National Top Flight. If you want an NCRS quality car from the get go you will not get one for $20K without putting a lot of effort and $$ into it.

Or you can buy mine!

11-22-2011	#1
Miles Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Marion Illinois Posts: 1	general restoration questions hello and thanks for taking the time to read his and hopefully respond. A bit of history, I have restored or modified/customized several vehicles over the years, including two Corvettes. I had a bass boat gold 1986 with a 383 stroker with the 4+3. It was my daily driver, but I got t-boned at a red light. You know how it goes, insurance paid me 2k over the purchase price, but what about all the other money I have put into this car? I have the shop manuals, I traced down and bought documentation, date correct original parts. I may have one of the last GM right door upper trim parts, still in the original bag. All the originals parts I had to replace, sitting out in my garage. Seriously though, I do miss that car, it was fun to drive. Once the frame is bent, believe me the car is never the same. Now I was looking for another driver and I found a 1990 red ZR-1 with 67k for mileage. 20k. Solid car. A car I have wanted since maybe 1988 but more likely 1989. The buzz! It was crazy when this car came out. I am sorry I do not remember the date. I was driving home from University and went past a GM dealership. I saw the rear end thought the glass at the light, ******* wait a minute! OMG they have a King of the Hill! In the showroom was a red ZR-1. I sat in it. I asked the salesman if I could start it. No documentation, Car fax clean, seems like it was well maintained. As far as I can tell, modifications/repairs/maintenance include Borla Exhaust, a different shifter knob, a Kenwood CD player, battery and tires. Maybe a windshield because there is no delamination and there should be. Also the seats just look too good. There is overspray in a few places, now maybe it came that way from the factory, or the dealership or a former owner has touched it up or maybe it has even been reapinted. You see I have found and nurtured a few gems in my life, but I have also been burned. You live and you learn. I am also a NCRS member. So, here is my quandry, basically two choices. Do I bumble my way though and then have it judged or do I have it judged and hopefully the NCRS people will tell me exactly what it needs to be top flight and then do the restorations. You see I have no documentation, maybe more than maintenance such as the starter or water pump has been replaced. Anyways, what would you do? Once again I do thank you.

11-23-2011	#3
mike100 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: San Marcos CA Posts: 1,802	Re: general restoration questions A certain amount of modifications is generally considered desirable on these cars due to the premium cost of mods. You could end up with $25k-$30k real quick into a $20k car, especially if you are a perfectionist or hp hungry. Then of course there are just the general C4 issues that will nickel and dime you- even on a driver-there are just those items that fail early (radios, antennas, fx3 shocks wearing out in 50k, etc etc). I would consider a super low mile one for more as it might cost you less in the long run.

11-24-2011	#5
jrd1990zr1 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Delanson, NY Posts: 916	Re: general restoration questions I've got a red/red 1990 with a little over 8,000 miles. Regional and National Top Flight. If you want an NCRS quality car from the get go you will not get one for $20K without putting a lot of effort and $$ into it. Or you can buy mine! __________________ 1968 convertible Lemans Blue, 1986 coupe Medium Blue NCRS Top Flight (sold), 1990 ZR1 #2529 Red NCRS Regional and National Top Flight (sold), 1990 ZR1 #2124 Charcoal Metallic NCRS Top Flight 2010 & 2018, 2003 Anniversary Red Convertible (sold)