Looks to be a great project for the C4 project car! I love all your how-to videos! Helps me convince me that I can do these type projects on my vettes. Thanks so much!
When you said you were going to Sharpie the speaker grilles, I was thinking "Oh, from blue to purple..." lol. The Sharpie method works great for some things, but it definitely has a purple hue to it. But spray paint on fabric works surprisingly well. I'm glad I never had to take apart the dash in my '96-taking out the driver's seat to lay in the floor to get to the brake booster was enough fun for me.
i’ve been waiting for this project, so far, so good! maybe dipping the screws and bolts in some Automotive Goop before putting them back in allows for mild tightening and keeping them secure
The previous owner on mine had put in an aftermarket system in place of the Bose, but I found he reused the Bose speaker wire. Which people say is really thin as the wiring is for a preamp load like RCA outs. I ended up running new 16 gauge speaker wire.
Good call with painting the speaker covers. I used a sharpie (extreme fade resistant version) to touch up the numbers on my license plate and they faded after only a few days. I guess those pigments just aren't designed to hold up to outdoor use like paint is. Anyways thanks for all your hard work with these videos! Definitely helping me out with projects on my 84 vette.
Why did you remove the bread box? I didn't do that when I replaced my heater core many years ago. I don't see any need to. What brand heater core did you get? I got a Spectra as that was the highest rated heater core, though they don't make it anymore. As when I did my heater core, I read a lot of complaints of aftermarket heater cores not long. Though it seems like from what I've read the aftermarket aluminum versions should theoretically last longer than the OEM brass version as they say brass doesn't last as long as aluminum. One thing I did before starting is running water in the heater core to flush out any coolant, and then blowing it out with compressed air to remove the water. I also had I believe black strip caulk or something similar to help seal around the tubes where they pass through the firewall. I'd recommend getting something like that. I also got some lube that is for radiator hoses. And after installing the heater core, I put that on the heater core tubes before I put the heater hoses back on, though I did have to tighten the clamps down a little more than normal. I did that because I had read of people getting a leak from having to replace heater hoses in the future, or when pushing them on those tubes. A tip if you have cracked plastic pieces, especially where screws go in. Is on the backside, I get some black ABS cement from the hardware store. And I brush it on the backside of the cracked area and let it sit for a day or so to fully harden up. It dries in just a few minutes. And that will help keep it from cracking more and will stiffen it up so you don't get the flex from the cracked plastic pieces. That ABS cement will dry rock hard, but will stay a little flexible so it can give a little and not let the crack reopen. I fixed my center console lid like that too as it cracked to pieces on the inside. It stayed fixed for a decade until it finally fell apart. I think maybe a tech at a shop might have put his weight on it getting into the car a few times causing it to finally bust apart. As I stopped putting my weight on the lid when getting into the car.
As someone who has now replaced 2 heater cores in my 86, remove the seat! It's only 4 bolts and will make working under the dash SOOO much easier! I also replaced the speaker grille cloth instead of trying to refub, easy to to and makes it look great.
Always a excellent Video, My 88's have that AC / Heater Push Button setup, Wish it had the dial system, I needed to replace that push button face plate and amazing what you had to take apart in that area of the dash ? I Got a replacement from a source . I think it was " batee " Replacement push button face place unit. There was a good TH-cam on to replace the Face Plate. I did have to drill out the holes a little bit, Instructions that came with the replacement face plate told me that I maybe ? have to do that.
Hi Chris, thank you for all of your patience and extremely helpful and informative videos! Today is Friday February 9th 2023. I have a couple questions. Do you have a video on low coolant light & and engine light on? Where do I find the ECM module on my 1987 Corvette? Is it located under the dash ? Do you have a video on this issue? My vette has both lights coming on intermittently, strong smell of fuel after driving a bit, and it will completely stop running while driving. This has happened 2 times now. This car was garage kept with 23000 original miles. It’s in pristine condition. I’ve had the spacers removed and new tires installed due to age. Good luck with all of your projects! Best wishes to you and your family! Blessings. sincerely Nina
The under dash work will really put your camera skills to the test . I'm sure you will be up to the challenge . Looking forward with great anticipation to this undertaking .
Thanks for the video. I have '85 and have taken instrument cluster bezel off before in order to send in instrument panel for rebuild. Unfortunately I'm going to have to do it again so this was good refresher course. On another note, can you recommend best source for replacement parts ie... carpet, acrylic roof, interior door panels etc.....? Thanks
What a chore getting to the heater core in that C4! I thought my 3rd gen T/A was bad!!! Nice job on the speaker grilles and dash pad. I use 303 on mine, which leaves a nice matte finish on the plastic in my interior on my C5
I have a 1985 Corvette. I have a AC vents issue. most of the air flows goes via the upper vent (upper dash). Is there a way to close it so the air flows via front vents and not the upper or legs without fixing the vacuum?
Thanks for the video. Before you put everything back together please check the courtesy light timer. I have a 84 and have a problem with the courtesy light timer. The lights did not work from the door switches, nor the door mounted hatch switches. But the switches are good {security system uses same switch). The timer was impossible to see let alone get a hand on until I removed the dash and breadbox. Put a jumper between the white wires. If that works the timer is probably bad.
I would consider installing aftermaret spearkers and drill wholes there to improve the sound -IF it can be done on tbe original BOSE sysrem w/o mods. I know the stock speakers have individual amps so it may or may not be an option to entertain, but since the dash is out for restoration and the radio is just down there...maybe use those installed on C4s with the other system?
2:57 so that’s why there’s a random hole in mine 😲 my 86 vette is so screwed up idk what the previous owners were thinking. 🤦♂️ I want to learn to be like a mechanic but idk how to fix anything on it because it’s that bad
Congratulations on the guy doing this job and actually succeeding in it but if anybody who's trying to do this this guy's very inexperienced and should not be giving tips to people, the best hint is unfortunately at the end of the video when he uses the Sharpie on fake speaker covers when he could have just spray painted it. I can't imagine how long it took to do that and it could have just took you 2 minutes. half of that time would have been spent shaking the can. Just my op.
The all new cock pit interior for 1990 was literally a million times better,,,i never like 84 to 89 interiors was so cheep looking & digital dash you cant see in daylight.
I admire your attempt to have your viewers not break all the old plastic
The engineers really worked hard to make anything on the interior as hard as possible to take apart! Lol. 👍🙋♂️🖖🏻
Thank you very much for the great video !!! It's great to have folks like you out there in youtube land !!
Dreading the day I have to do this. Great job on the speaker covers! Now I’m going to do mine!!!
Looks to be a great project for the C4 project car! I love all your how-to videos! Helps me convince me that I can do these type projects on my vettes. Thanks so much!
Much respect for tackling that nightmare of a job.
Lol at that is impossible. Once again love the content. Wish you weren't selling but people will be looking at this content for many many years
I would use black fabric paint for the speakers 🔊
When you said you were going to Sharpie the speaker grilles, I was thinking "Oh, from blue to purple..." lol. The Sharpie method works great for some things, but it definitely has a purple hue to it. But spray paint on fabric works surprisingly well.
I'm glad I never had to take apart the dash in my '96-taking out the driver's seat to lay in the floor to get to the brake booster was enough fun for me.
Liquid black shoe dye, is the best for returning plastics & fabrics back to a true black
i’ve been waiting for this project, so far, so good! maybe dipping the screws and bolts in some Automotive Goop before putting them back in allows for mild tightening and keeping them secure
The previous owner on mine had put in an aftermarket system in place of the Bose, but I found he reused the Bose speaker wire. Which people say is really thin as the wiring is for a preamp load like RCA outs. I ended up running new 16 gauge speaker wire.
Good call with painting the speaker covers. I used a sharpie (extreme fade resistant version) to touch up the numbers on my license plate and they faded after only a few days. I guess those pigments just aren't designed to hold up to outdoor use like paint is.
Anyways thanks for all your hard work with these videos! Definitely helping me out with projects on my 84 vette.
Why did you remove the bread box? I didn't do that when I replaced my heater core many years ago. I don't see any need to.
What brand heater core did you get? I got a Spectra as that was the highest rated heater core, though they don't make it anymore. As when I did my heater core, I read a lot of complaints of aftermarket heater cores not long. Though it seems like from what I've read the aftermarket aluminum versions should theoretically last longer than the OEM brass version as they say brass doesn't last as long as aluminum.
One thing I did before starting is running water in the heater core to flush out any coolant, and then blowing it out with compressed air to remove the water. I also had I believe black strip caulk or something similar to help seal around the tubes where they pass through the firewall. I'd recommend getting something like that. I also got some lube that is for radiator hoses. And after installing the heater core, I put that on the heater core tubes before I put the heater hoses back on, though I did have to tighten the clamps down a little more than normal. I did that because I had read of people getting a leak from having to replace heater hoses in the future, or when pushing them on those tubes.
A tip if you have cracked plastic pieces, especially where screws go in. Is on the backside, I get some black ABS cement from the hardware store. And I brush it on the backside of the cracked area and let it sit for a day or so to fully harden up. It dries in just a few minutes. And that will help keep it from cracking more and will stiffen it up so you don't get the flex from the cracked plastic pieces. That ABS cement will dry rock hard, but will stay a little flexible so it can give a little and not let the crack reopen. I fixed my center console lid like that too as it cracked to pieces on the inside. It stayed fixed for a decade until it finally fell apart. I think maybe a tech at a shop might have put his weight on it getting into the car a few times causing it to finally bust apart. As I stopped putting my weight on the lid when getting into the car.
Wow really getting to know this car inside and out Chris 👍😎
Excellent. Thank you!
As someone who has now replaced 2 heater cores in my 86, remove the seat! It's only 4 bolts and will make working under the dash SOOO much easier! I also replaced the speaker grille cloth instead of trying to refub, easy to to and makes it look great.
Black liquid KIWI shoe polish works well for the fabric speaker covers... It also does a nice coverage job on the steering wheel...
Always a excellent Video, My 88's have that AC / Heater Push Button setup, Wish it had the dial system, I needed to replace that push button face plate and amazing what you had to take apart in that area of the dash ? I Got a replacement from a source . I think it was " batee " Replacement push button face place unit. There was a good TH-cam on to replace the Face Plate. I did have to drill out the holes a little bit, Instructions that came with the replacement face plate told me that I maybe ? have to do that.
Replacing the heater core….. go in peace my child……
🙏🏻
High heat matte black was definitely the way to go on those speakers covers.
Hi Chris, thank you for all of your patience and extremely helpful and informative videos! Today is Friday February 9th 2023. I have a couple questions. Do you have a video on low coolant light & and engine light on? Where do I find the ECM module on my 1987 Corvette? Is it located under the dash ? Do you have a video on this issue? My vette has both lights coming on intermittently, strong smell of fuel after driving a bit, and it will completely stop running while driving. This has happened 2 times now. This car was garage kept with 23000 original miles. It’s in pristine condition. I’ve had the spacers removed and new tires installed due to age. Good luck with all of your projects! Best wishes to you and your family! Blessings. sincerely Nina
Oh great, why do you have to scare me like that. I’m now dreading video #2. Thanks for posting!
The under dash work will really put your camera skills to the test . I'm sure you will be up to the challenge . Looking forward with great anticipation to this undertaking .
Duplicolor fabric and vinyl paint would have worked perfectly.
Thanks for the video. I have '85 and have taken instrument cluster bezel off before in order to send in instrument panel for rebuild. Unfortunately I'm going to have to do it again so this was good refresher course.
On another note, can you recommend best source for replacement parts ie... carpet, acrylic roof, interior door panels etc.....?
Thanks
For coloring speakers use duplicolor vinyl and fabric SPRAY.
What a chore getting to the heater core in that C4! I thought my 3rd gen T/A was bad!!!
Nice job on the speaker grilles and dash pad. I use 303 on mine, which leaves a nice matte finish on the plastic in my interior on my C5
What 303 did you use? Thanks
Look up ‘303 protectant’ on Amazon. $12.02 a bottle
@@jeffb243 Just 303 Protectant, nothing special just the regular brand.
Yes, just the regular brand. Does a great job, love the matte finish it leaves. Put it all over the interior of my C5 yesterday
Yeah, somebody used Armour All on the dash of my 93, and when the sun hits it, it will reflect and blind me.
I like to see you replace the single light module
Make the job easier and remove the passenger seat. I've done this job twice and your going to need the working room. Good luck.
Sure thought that I was going to learn how to remove the bread box correctly having the same issue removing mine in my 84
I have a 1985 Corvette. I have a AC vents issue. most of the air flows goes via the upper vent (upper dash). Is there a way to close it so the air flows via front vents and not the upper or legs without fixing the vacuum?
Thanks for the video. Before you put everything back together please check the courtesy light timer.
I have a 84 and have a problem with the courtesy light timer. The lights did not work from the door switches, nor the door mounted hatch switches. But the switches are good {security system uses same switch). The timer was impossible to see let alone get a hand on until I removed the dash and breadbox. Put a jumper between the white wires. If that works the timer is probably bad.
I'm willing to bet the designers of the interior of these vehicles watched some Knight Rider.
Thanks Chris, the dash looks great. Where is the best place to get a new dash pad or cover for my 84?
www.zip-corvette.com/84-89-dash-pad-cap.html?gclid=CjwKCAjww-CGBhALEiwAQzWxOub7glBSH2DfjQ_PIKvMhnuvekpPTlnyF-dyxpG1brECFSpl2q1DvxoC9XsQAvD_BwE
Nice
the headlight switch has a retainer behind (by factory). you can find another video on youtube about how to remove it.
Making the speaker grilles black with a marker: your time at kinder garten finally paid off...... LOL LOL LOL
I would consider installing aftermaret spearkers and drill wholes there to improve the sound -IF it can be done on tbe original BOSE sysrem w/o mods. I know the stock speakers have individual amps so it may or may not be an option to entertain, but since the dash is out for restoration and the radio is just down there...maybe use those installed on C4s with the other system?
It already has an aftermarket system.
I have a c5 z06. I like the c6 z06 brakes that you did on c5. What are the size of wheels that can be used ?
18” minimum.
I thought you were joking when you said you were going to use a Sharpie
Just did this a few weeks ago on my 85. I broke off that idiotic fastener on the bread box as well.
does anyone know how to remove the gear shifter? to lift console cover. ...to remove carpet...
2:57 so that’s why there’s a random hole in mine 😲 my 86 vette is so screwed up idk what the previous owners were thinking. 🤦♂️ I want to learn to be like a mechanic but idk how to fix anything on it because it’s that bad
What is the button beside the headlight pull nob
dang I shouldnt have watched this video, now I notice my fake speaker grills are also blue, now I have another project to do!
I wonder if its possible to swap the later c4 interior/ dash into an older c4 like this
Why would you?
Why not use vinyl paint
Sorry Chris but I'll be glad when you get back to the C5 projects. JMO
The C5 is done unless something breaks. I have over 180 C5 videos.
Is this video applicable to a C4 93 ?
Location is the same, but dash removal is different.
😎🔥💯👍🏾
That plastic cracked at 20 years let alone 35 years. Cheap 80s plastic!
Congratulations on the guy doing this job and actually succeeding in it but if anybody who's trying to do this this guy's very inexperienced and should not be giving tips to people, the best hint is unfortunately at the end of the video when he uses the Sharpie on fake speaker covers when he could have just spray painted it. I can't imagine how long it took to do that and it could have just took you 2 minutes. half of that time would have been spent shaking the can. Just my op.
The all new cock pit interior for 1990 was literally a million times better,,,i never like 84 to 89 interiors was so cheep looking & digital dash you cant see in daylight.