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

in Forum: C4 General Discussion

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

Posted: 7/25/23 10:22am Message 1 of 12
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Green Bay, WI - USA
Joined: 4/11/2009
Posts: 20
Vette(s): 1996 Collector Edition coupe with LT4

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 7:20pm Message 2 of 12
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2246
Vette(s): 1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine. 1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.

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. 

 




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

Posted: 7/25/23 7:52pm Message 3 of 12
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Green Bay, WI - USA
Joined: 4/11/2009
Posts: 20
Vette(s): 1996 Collector Edition coupe with LT4

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




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

Posted: 7/26/23 5:15am Message 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.




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

Posted: 7/26/23 6:31am Message 5 of 12
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Eagleville, PA - USA
Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 5099
Vette(s): 1979 Corvette Red T-Top

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




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

Posted: 7/26/23 10:47am Message 6 of 12
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Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 11/12/2017
Posts: 76
Vette(s): 1993 LT1 convertible triple black 4L60 2003 Zo6 Electron/Black 6 sp

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. 




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

Posted: 7/27/23 5:52am Message 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.

 




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

Posted: 8/6/23 12:04pm Message 8 of 12
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Green Bay, WI - USA
Joined: 4/11/2009
Posts: 20
Vette(s): 1996 Collector Edition coupe with LT4

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|



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

Posted: 8/6/23 12:09pm Message 9 of 12
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Eagleville, PA - USA
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Vette(s): 1979 Corvette Red T-Top
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?





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

Posted: 8/6/23 7:53pm Message 10 of 12
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Green Bay, WI - USA
Joined: 4/11/2009
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Vette(s): 1996 Collector Edition coupe with LT4

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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