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.

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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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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

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.

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

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. 

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.

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?

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

Get a spare oil pressure sending unit and put it in a compartment.  Have it on good authority that GM had quality control issues with those units across all the engine lines in the late 1980s and into the 1990s.  While on a trek across the northern plains states had the oil pressure on "The Beast" drop to ZERO when miles from anywhere.  Turned out the oil pressure sending unit had failed but it caused a bit of momentary heart failure when the gauge dropped to nothing while running at 80mph.

Jim Olson

 
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I found some dry rot on my tires and replaced them immediately. Treads looked good until you looked close!!