1987 C4 intermittent dash cluster

T

TomPaterson

Regular user
Hi,

I'm looking at the possibility of importing a C4 from the USA. The advert states that the instrument cluster has an intermittent issue, and sometimes it
will work, and other times it won't. Any advice on who I could send the dash do for a refurbish, or where I get a replacement. I'm trying to find out if
the car has cruise control or not, as I need this info to proceed.

Many thanks.
Tom
 
Nassau65

Nassau65

CCCUK Member
Not sure if reconditioned dash clusters are available here in the UK, but they are in the US. Priced around $300 ish . Assume you’re talking first generation 1984-89.
I only ever bought one over a good few years ago, arrived and worked fine.
Quite a few sellers on eBay.com
 
teamzr1

teamzr1

Supporting vendor
TomPaterson said:
Hi,

I'm looking at the possibility of importing a C4 from the USA. The advert states that the instrument cluster has an intermittent issue, and sometimes it
will work, and other times it won't. Any advice on who I could send the dash do for a refurbish, or where I get a replacement. I'm trying to find out if
the car has cruise control or not, as I need this info to proceed.

Many thanks.
Tom
Click to expand...

If the electronics of IPC is bad, then it is always bad and not random on or off
Have you thought that this is a wiring or their pins from the IPC to the CCM
or simple cracked solder joints ?

Be a shame to spend lots of money and time waiting for a new or repaired IPC to find out
it is not the problem
 
Steven Smith

Steven Smith

CCCUK Member
There are quite a few C4's already here in the UK before you ship one over.
The early digital dash cluster is fairly easy to repair yourself if you can solder.
I rebuilt my 86 dash a couple of years ago and converted it to LED.
The most common cause of an intermittent cluster is the 12 pin connector between the two internal circuit boards, easy to replace if you can solder.
The best place for information and spares for them is here:
batee.com

batee.com Corvette Parts and Repair

batee Bryan A. Thompson Corvette parts repair Digital Dash Gauge Instrument Panel Speedometer Cluster tach tachometer C68 ECC HVAC AC Air Condition Heat Porsche wireless remote key C4 C5 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 GM...
batee.com
IMG_20241230_105416.jpg

They all had cruise control.
 
T

TomPaterson

Regular user
I do have a repair manual for the early dash, which includes diagnostics. I’m considering importing, as I can’t find the C4 I’m after. I can’t post in the wanted section yet, still a fairly new member. I’m after a 85-90 C4 with pre facelift dash. Prefer it in white, red interior, auto with the TPI engine.
 
Steven Smith

Steven Smith

CCCUK Member
TomPaterson said:
I do have a repair manual for the early dash, which includes diagnostics. I’m considering importing, as I can’t find the C4 I’m after. I can’t post in the wanted section yet, still a fairly new member. I’m after a 85-90 C4 with pre facelift dash. Prefer it in white, red interior, auto with the TPI engine.
Click to expand...
Have a look at the Batee website, none of the manuals, even the genuine GM shop manual goes in-depth into the digital dash.
 
B

B8VET

CCCUK Member
You can also look in Europe via autoscout24.com where easier to view the actual car. There is a white with red interior convertible for sale with very low mileage less than 10 thousand miles but the price is 33k euros
 
Nassau65

Nassau65

CCCUK Member
C4 corvettes have nearly always commanded higher prices in Europe than the UK. When we were part of the EU, many were taken from UK to Europe as no import duties payable as opposed to imports from the US.
 
B

B8VET

CCCUK Member
  • Tariff Heading 9705 (Historic Interest). This ensures they pay 0% Customs Duty and a reduced VAT rate (typically 5.5% to 9% depending on their country) instead of the standard 10% duty and 20%+ VAT.
    This would now apply to c4 corvettes on sale in uk being sold to Europe so could also be attractive for European buyers sourcing cars from uk as prices are much higher than uk .
 
Nassau65

Nassau65

CCCUK Member
From 2027 all C4 corvettes will be eligible for the 0% import duty and the reduced 5% VAT as they will be 30 years old ( the weird DVLA way of working it out adds another year in most cases hence 2027 for 1996 models)
No idea what tariffs are for individual EU countries as there is no common rate.
C4’s are well liked in Europe especially France and Germany, and are priced accordingly. UK C4’s have become incredibly good value for money in the UK. Buying from Europe is probably a no no in most instances even with only 5% VAT to pay on importation due to initial high purchase price.
 
T

TomPaterson

Regular user
Chevrolet said:
Crazy!!? Can look on Mobile.de too. This higher miles Euro spec car looks great, but still 24.5k.Euros!!
Click to expand...
This is what I'm looking for, but out of my current budget. Not sure if it's realistic but looking sub £10k for one. Don't mind a project car, as long as the base bits are there. The one I'm looking at in the states is currently £1000, but I would like to do an interior colour change, around $3300 plus VAT and postage. Also the import of the car would be around £4100 including conversion of the lights, MOT and Tax. Even though it's over 40 years old, I understand that it needs an MOT before I can apply to make it a historic vehicle with the DVLA. I think I just need to be patient for something to come up.
 
Nassau65

Nassau65

CCCUK Member
As far as I’m aware you don’t need a mot on first registration for vehicles over 40 years old. I registered one earlier this year and didn’t need one.
 
Chevrolet

Chevrolet

CCCUK Member
TomPaterson said:
This is what I'm looking for, but out of my current budget. Not sure if it's realistic but looking sub £10k for one. Don't mind a project car, as long as the base bits are there. The one I'm looking at in the states is currently £1000, but I would like to do an interior colour change, around $3300 plus VAT and postage. Also the import of the car would be around £4100 including conversion of the lights, MOT and Tax. Even though it's over 40 years old, I understand that it needs an MOT before I can apply to make it a historic vehicle with the DVLA. I think I just need to be patient for something to come up.
Click to expand...
Gotta link for the ad of the car you are looking at? Can we have a look? Is it a "Project car" or a "Basket Case"? Does it need a new interior? I'd keep looking for a car already in the UK that doesn't need any or much work. Yes, there aren't "many" about, especially if you want white with red interior. As may have seen, Club member Tim is selling his excellent '92 with only 16k miles for "only" £16k. So earlier usable TPI car with high(er) miles less than 10k?
1992 C4 Corvette Coupe 6 Speed
 
Nassau65

Nassau65

CCCUK Member
Now that 92 looks a lovely car. Fantastically low miles, and a lovely colour scheme. Who doesn’t like white with a red interior?
OK it’s not the original C4 design, but many will say it’s an improvement on the original, Yes/no?
Only thing is it’s a manual, which many people like. Me, I prefer auto.
 
T

TomPaterson

Regular user
Here is the link to the C4 I'm thinking about. It doesn't need an interior collar change, but I would be planning to do that. Still in two minds if I want to go for it or not. It's a charity website, and they dot know much about the car. https://ebay.io/m/nUe1df
 
T

TomPaterson

Regular user
Nassau65 said:
Now that 92 looks a lovely car. Fantastically low miles, and a lovely colour scheme. Who doesn’t like white with a red interior?
OK it’s not the original C4 design, but many will say it’s an improvement on the original, Yes/no?
Only thing is it’s a manual, which many people like. Me, I prefer auto.
Click to expand...
I was in contact with Tim about this car, at the time it was £18k. Very nice car, but I'm after an auto.
 
Steven Smith

Steven Smith

CCCUK Member
In my opinion there are too many unknowns and buying it blind is a gamble.
From looking at the pictures it needs new weatherstripping £800 plus import duties, the digital dash needs new polarised filters, you can see the burnt out areas, and at least the 12 pin internal connector changed, horn button missing from steering wheel, hood release cables, early 16" tyres are super expensive (£500+ each) if it needs new ones.

I think you will be better off sourcing one that's already here, £10k is a good budget for an early one.
I have a red 86 auto that I have been restoring, if you can do the work yourself it is a lot cheaper, if you are set on that colour combination it might take a bit of patience.
 
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