New Family Member

[Adam H.]

Hello all,

I have recently expanded the family with a 1984. The vehicle only has 14k and the carfax does not show any reason to doubt that. I've checked on helm for an owners manual and a service manual, but they say the wiring diagrams are not available. Is there another place I can check for them? I've also heard lots of bad about the 84's. Is there anything I should look for or keep an eye out for? The only complaint I've read about and experienced myself is the harsh ride. Any information would be greatly appriciated.

[Bob H.]

Re: New Family Member

Frances:

I owned one of the very first 84's made. In the beginning there were several common problems that were ultimately resolved.

One of the most reported complaints on the 84 was its Cross Fire Injection. I put 143,000 miles on mine and never experienced a problem with it.

Displays may go out, bad bulbs and grounds but that's all I recall.

Good luck.

PS: I don't miss that Z51 harsh ride.

[John D.]

Re: New Family Member

Frances, Driving an 84 with Z51 is like driving an old 56 Corvette with say a 4:56 rear end. Using that example as I rod in a 56 for many a years when I was a kid.
My May 83 Corvette was probably the worst riding car that I ever owned. The only way I could drive it was to treat it like a NASCAR job and run 15 lbs of air in the Goodyears.
As Bob Hoffman said though the cross fire is no problem at all. Actually that engine screams.
Dash display was OK in the day time but the pits at night.
Wiring changed on the 83-84 as production went along.
I had to give up my May 83 car but still have the privilige of seeing it driven all over the hood by my ex.
Collected a lot of 84 parts over the years. Was gonna sell all the stuff but lately decided that maybe I should look for another one made in 83 just for fun.
The manual you are looking for is: 1984 Electrical Troubleshooting Shop Manual Supplement. ST-364-84 ETM.
I bought mine on ebay and had to give a ton for it. 84's have their share of wiring issues you know.
I never cound find where the horn relay was hidden. It certainly wasn't where it was supposed to be but now it doesn't matter anyhow.
Does you 84 have the correct tires? Goodyear logo, etc is recessed into the rubber. Not raised like in 85 and up. Those ires are very rare.
One of our old members here, Dave Cardina worked for Goodyear for about 40 years. His brother Tony is the one who made the mold for the 83-84 Corvette tires. Have fun. JD

[Willard M.]

Re: New Family Member

John-You truly went over to the dark side for a while. I hope that you have recovered and that the experience has left you wiser. If you find yourself tempted to buy another 84 please call your sponsor immediately.

[Adam H.]

Re: New Family Member

John,
The tires are Kuhmo tires. they are dated 2008 and 2009. The paint does not appear to be original either, there are about a dozen fish eyes and some overspray on the hatch seal. Other than that, it looks original.

I've ordered the build sheet and the window sticker, but I do not know yet what suspension it has. I already replaced all the bulbs in the dash because the left blinker and high beam indicators were not working when I got it, so I decided to replace all the bulbs. Those were some expensive little bulbs!!! The carpet on the door panels is also comming loose. I took the door panels off at the same time and tried to reglue them, but hot glue and contact cement do not seem to work very long. Any sugestions? It's right where the carpet joins the vinyl and would look bad if I used spray adhesive and missed. The display seems to be just fine. When I drove it to it's new home I did not have any problems seeing the display at all even with what I assume to be the original bulbs. Though the headlights do not want to close flush and the adjuster screws are at the very end of there range. I'll dig into that farther when it gets warmer outside.