Rescuing a BARN FIND Corvette C4 ZR-1 in ENGLAND! Part 2 90s American Supercar Rebuild

After filming with Jonny Smith off of @smithandsniff and @TheLateBrakeShow we get the ZR-1 back home to Nottingham and give it a nice clean as well as test some of the electrics... The project begins !
Please subscribe for more on this cheeky brute of thing :) We will restore it and give it lots of well deserved TLC, and we will film the whole thing from start to finish!
#corvettezr1 #zr1 #lt5
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Are you one of the over 90% of viewers that are not yet subscribed? Then what are you waiting for? It's totally free and massively helps us with our rather tricky project🙌!
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[@leaodaestrela5250]

Who's here after the last Late Brake Show episode? 😉🙋

[@gabriellundmark]

Everyone

[@waynekerr5645]

Yep!

[@davecoussens9801]

Hello 🙂

[@Robferist]

hahaha was just about to comment the same!

[@eddiek821]

👌

[@tentotwo8290]

Definitely, you need to get it uploaded mid week at the latest 👍👍

[@samebert4440]

Nice seeing a couple blokes from across the pond taking the time to save an old American classic from my teens!!!

[@Auto_Funk]

Thanks! Definitely something different in the UK … Ordinary C4’s are scarce enough here never mind ZR-1’s!

[@krzysztofwierucki3986]

Well done lads!

[@Auto_Funk]

Thanks! :) Getting there (slowly!)

[@willemjordaan4108]

The dirt protected the interior.. 😮😮😮

[@Auto_Funk]

It might well have done to be fair! Protected it from the UV!

[@Auto_Funk]

We reckon it was a combination of the dirt and that solar windshield, what do you think??

[@rinusbrand9993]

Because of Jonny I noticed You both with Your ZR1. I will follow You on this journey.

[@PedjoGT]

I always loved mean retro interior of that C4 generation

[@Auto_Funk]

Not that we're biased but we totally agree - Love it! Thanks for watching :)

[@jbmaru]

The Late Brake Show brought me here, and I'm staying for the ride! Nice job on the cleaning, looking good already :)

[@petertrinder3127]

Yes I am and will continue to watch the development of this car ❤

[@johnnysmile01]

Good work guys 💪

[@Auto_Funk]

Thank you 🙌

[@keithmoseley7815]

Looking good after that spring clean! Good work chaps. 👍🍻

[@Auto_Funk]

Thanks Keith! It is a massive improvement so far…!

[@willemjordaan4108]

Go guys!! Greetings from South Africa!! 😂You asked for it😂😂😂!! ❤❤❤

[@deanrowles3665]

get the grillers on the bri and pull up a chair under the lapa

[@P--B]

Also enjoying the Funk part of AutoFunk, well done, nice differentiator

[@carolynhollingworth4082]

Wow that interior has come up really well.x

[@Auto_Funk]

Thanks! It’s not bad at all given how long it has been sat!

[@robertbransby]

Came over from The Late Brake show, really good to see how one of Johny's barn finds goes. Don't know anything about these American cars but great work on that interior

[@ants9230]

That's an impressive transformation! Amazing what a bit of elbow grease can do.

[@Auto_Funk]

Thankyou :)!! Makes it a bit nicer to be around.

[@jeremygoodwin7321]

The King is feeling the love!!

[@Auto_Funk]

:D :D :D absolutely!!

[@lostchildren]

Wow, impressive! Almost all of the electronics work! Amazing car, well done.

[@Auto_Funk]

Really surprised myself!! Unbelievable actually! And they reckon American cars are rubbish! Pah!

[@paulw103]

Looks like you struck gold there fella’s 👍 The interior is coming up a treat and the electrics are in amazing order considering how long it’s sat in a farm yard! Looking forward to the next episode 😆

[@Auto_Funk]

Not a bad start eh!! Gagging to get this old beauty running and driving properly again! Thanks so much for supporting us 🙌☺️

[@fhwolthuis]

Really satisfying to see this car clean up 👍 love your video's so far, keep it up 💪🏼

[@pdtech4524]

A great start, a long way to go...😊👍

[@Kinetic79au]

When i saw the screwdriver left in the Engine bay I thought... Mark from Hills Motorsport must have been servicing this! 😂

[@Auto_Funk]

Never heard of him but he sounds like my kind of guy!

[@ryanrodgers1826]

hi here from J S looking in good luck nice car hope it runs ok can't wait have fun thank you

[@Auto_Funk]

We hope it runs well too, hopefully we will find out soon!!🔥

[@duncanhamilton5841]

Looking good so far. Would recommend getting that interior professionally deep cleaned to kill off the fungal spores. There's probably a lot of bio horrors lurking in the A/C and blower works too.

[@Auto_Funk]

100% couldn't agree more. We are planning on taking the interior pretty much to bits, deep cleaning everything off the car and behind everywhere!

[@eddyb6790]

Great work guys can't wait to watch the progress.

[@simonlees4393]

Looking good fellas! Cant wait to see you get it going.

[@captainashcam]

It’s worth investing in a carpet / upholstery spot cleaner, it’s the only way to really remove dirt/mould from upholstery. Also, there might be mould inside the door cards, so I would have removed them before cleaning. Also also, get some plastic protectant spray for those plastic surfaces.

[@Auto_Funk]

Thanks for the tips! The whole interior will be carefully stripped and every part of it will be deep cleaned! I’ve got a Bissell wet vac with lots of crevice attachments which I’ll use for the parts that are hard to reach! Thanks for the comment and suggestions 👍🏻👍🏻👌👌

[@captainashcam]

Yeah, fantastic. Looking forward to the next video already 👍🏻

[@leeholden8658]

Amazing work on the interior. You must be buzzing on how it came out

[@Auto_Funk]

Over the moon! Other than cleaning we're hopeful there isn't a lot to do in there and we can focus on the oily bits!

[@freefall8243]

That appears to be an actual Snap-on ratchet. Cool beans.

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

Awesome guys you must be stoked!

[@t.l.robinson2162]

Lysol does wonders on mold and makes the car smell good. Spray it on, liberally covering the mold and leaving it.

[@schpiedie]

What a lovely car!

[@Auto_Funk]

Thanks! We’re hoping it’s going to be beautiful when it’s completed 😃😃🙌

[@schpiedie]

@@Auto_Funk No doubt it will be! Looking forward to see further episodes!

[@kezzert21]

Never has the technical term ‘rank shit’ been so accurately used 😅

[@bukwok]

that bolt longer than lord of the ring ,no worry, i fast forward it🤣

[@pete1973x]

Great job guys, looks amazing inside compared to when you started. Looking forward to hearing it fire up :)

[@Auto_Funk]

So are we! We can't wait, going to fire the parts cannon at it!

[@ajfessey_landpirate8014]

The ratchet for the targa top looks like Snap On, without the logo.

[@Auto_Funk]

It could well be, it feels very high quality.

[@TheGoodbyeGirl]

I adore the Corvette, my fav and if I had the money is the 1969 Corvette Stingray with the split rear window. A pipe dream. I highly recommend you check out Ammo NYC, these cars can take quite the cleaning.

[@Auto_Funk]

Thanks! Yes those split screen ones are mega! 🥰🥰🥰 I watch Ammo NYC, I’d love him to give this one the once over!

[@TheGoodbyeGirl]

@@Auto_Funk That would be epic, cannot wait to here the black purring :)

[@HM.Hatchet205]

G101 is what you need to clean the interior and plastics

[@Auto_Funk]

I'll look into some of that! Looks good stuff.

[@richardsingleton112]

Get the back door of your Impreza blended into the quarter and front door, it’s off colour!😂

[@Auto_Funk]

Yeah I know!! It’s had a rear door at Some point I think! It’s a shame… actually isn’t that noticeable in real life!

[@davidsandilands1285]

Amazing all the electrics work after such a longtime.

[@grahames9228]

A very productive days work.

[@mymidschoollife8485]

It's so nice to see Olive from On The Buses again... I'm only kidding. New sub, looking forward to seeing how you get on. You might want an ozone generator in the cab though, given bleach is not a good idea on leather. That mould will be all in the heater ducts and will fly out in spores when you start the blower.

[@Auto_Funk]

Yeah! Couldn't agree more. We want to avoid using bleach where possible as you're right, could cause damage to the surfaces! Planning on taking a lot of the interior apart and cleaning it off the car.

[@chadmcghee1]

I have a 1992 ZR-1 that’s the twin to yours. Happy to be a resource as you bring this one to life. They are incredibly fun cars

[@Auto_Funk]

Thanks Chad! Bet it seems weird to see ours in such a state! ☺️

[@chadmcghee1]

@@Auto_Funk a little sad to see it in such disrepair, but i Believe it's a diamond to polish. I would have absolutely bought the car you did. Once it is sorted you will have a permanent grin from driving it. My car was a 1 owner car that had sat for nearly 18 years when I bought it so I've learned a lot in bringing it back to life and happy to share the wealth of what I've learned...restoring seat bladders, stereo amps, plan to replace fuel injectors etc. Reach out for a chat if you like. The ZR-1 community is stellar in helping one another.

[@rogercollins2653]

Me im here from the late show episode🎉🎉🎉🎉 cheers mate

[@David_Kelly_SF]

I have a black on black 91 ZR-1 here in Canada. Good luck with the restoration. Feel free to reach out if I can help in any way. 🙂 In regards to starting - these cars are very sensitive to battery voltage. Make sure you have a good strong fully charged battery. Also the starter motors can get clogged. I just replaced mine last year.

[@jackiechan8840]

Funk is definitely the word for tree cars

[@Auto_Funk]

There is funk in the cabin for sure and we haven't even got the stereo to work yet!

[@seanadams8504]

Remember the white one with the red stripes from the A Team what a beast.

[@40spinup]

Tidy interior chaps 👍

[@Auto_Funk]

Not bad eh! We were shocked!! 😮 😅

[@Rich13-60]

Wow, considering the state it was in before you started, the interior has come up virtually brand new, I wonder what the story was regarding the door card trim colour difference ?. Looking forward to part 3 ( or is that part 2) slight mixup with the ep's , lol, I assume parts one and two as presented were filmed on the same day and therefore on the same main video in the camera. Perhaps should have been Part 1A for the first and Part 1B for this one, but hey who cares anyway its great footage 👍

[@Auto_Funk]

Thankyou for the kind words! :) I think its the way the door card was designed the idea was to wrap around the driver and blend into the instrument binnacle and back down into the arm rest I guess to make it feel even more driver focused!

[@jscan5385]

These vettes are cool as f#*k now, not too old to be unusable but old enough to be interesting. Put some decent suspension on it chaps 👍

[@Auto_Funk]

Absolutely agree! And still quick today to be fair…! We need to assess the condition of the FX3 dampers (same or very close to as fitted to Porsche 959 I think) and if they are shagged we will replace … Poly bushes will most likely go in either way!

[@alanduffield9300]

Don't tell me you're doing this without a workshop ?? Surely not !

[@Auto_Funk]

Not yet! We will most likely move it to a garage I have elsewhere but until it runs it will stay where it is for now 🥶🥶😫😄

[@sublime929]

You know it's England when the first thing they check is the wipers lol. As far as mold and mildew inside i always read you should use vinegar as it "kills" the mold? I suppose that would be for stuff you didn't remove.

[@Auto_Funk]

Yep! Gotta have working wipers here 😫😫😫 when were a little further down the line with the project we will completely strip the seats, door cars etc and give everything a super deep clean with mould killer etc. Vinegar might be a nice option due to it being fairly inert and unlikely to cause staining and damage

[@sublime929]

@@Auto_Funk I have had to clean up mold and mildew in my cars more than once. Never had an issue with vinegar, it's diluted with water of course.

[@stellifyascended9830]

Let us know how far your subs went up because of the colab with Johnny !!!

[@Auto_Funk]

From 650 !! 🙌🫣 looks like we made a few new friends! 🥳

[@stellifyascended9830]

@@Auto_Funk Fantastic mate ! This is how MA and Ratarossa started out .. before you know it you will have to get a proper unit to work out of 👊

[@Auto_Funk]

It would be lovely to have a unit! Once the car is running I can move it into my garage but access is too difficult whilst it’s a non runner!

[@7PauloSergio]

👍😁

[@86FxBdyCpe]

The previous owner should be ABSOLUTELY ashamed of himself.

[@nicko6710]

Great work real grass roots You Tube

[@Auto_Funk]

Thankyou :)! We're trying!

[@saiceblastingltd]

If you guys want anything dry ice cleaning, we’d be happy to help.

[@Auto_Funk]

We would love to clean up all the grime under the hood, especially with the suspension being so visible on this car with the hood/bonnet up! Where are you located?

[@saiceblastingltd]

@@Auto_Funk it’s ideal for those sorts of things, we’re based near Hull, East Yorkshire.

[@EliteRock]

Amazing machine. Instant sub.

[@stringer-ik1pc]

Absolute junk.

[@Auto_Funk]

Awesome, thank you! :D!

[@youxkio]

@TheLateBrakeShow brought me here!

[@ROBERTTIMCO]

Why was it parked up ?

[@Auto_Funk]

From what I understand, the dogs fit in the Volvo and they didn't fit in the C4. It was rarely driven and I guess one day it didn't work and other stuff got in the way.

[@alexbelmonte4581]

When we’re born we’re given a social security card and a Corvette ratchet

[@wabwee60]

Great work lads, interesting project. Only problem, the hair styles, pair of you. Sort yourselves out!

[@Auto_Funk]

Need a stylist :D!

[@oliabid-price4517]

Great to see how this comes back to life. PLEASE get a tripod for your camera, presently too much uncoordinated movement to actually look at anything properly, feeling seasick...😢

[@Auto_Funk]

There should be a giant leap in quality from Episode 4. We have invested in some camera equipment/tripod/clip on microphones to ensure we capture everything as well as possible. Thankyou for the support :)!!

[@michaeladamberry9495]

How much for the scoob a roo ?

[@Auto_Funk]

We are looking for around £4,000 for it. Drop us a message on Llews Instagram for more information on it and we will send you some pics!

[@PandzaMan]

Great stuff but you guys need to invest in some sort of better mic 🎤

[@Auto_Funk]

Totally agree!! We have already bought the mics and will be using them for the next videos 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Lifeswicked]

Dry ice the whole engine

[@Auto_Funk]

This is a great idea! We will look into that. The engine parts are quite clean underneath the grime, hopeful it will come up lovely!

[@SurvivingTheApocalypse]

I don’t think your microphone is on or you are using the wrong adaptor for your recording device. I have the same Rode mics if you need any help.

[@Auto_Funk]

We have ordered some new mics and camera equipment so the quality should improve in an episode or two!

[@SurvivingTheApocalypse]

@@Auto_Funk dont fret too much over the video quality - people are here for the car! Document everything, no matter how insignificant you think it is.

[@stephenholland5930]

​@@Auto_FunkDon't forget the furry wind gags.

[@Langers69er]

I’d love to do this, so satisfying getting all that crap off 💫

[@aintmanyofusleft]

C4....Electronic nightmare. tried to own one, after 3 C3's gave it back, what a pc of junk.

[@Auto_Funk]

They can be a bit iffy I’ve heard! Nothing that can’t be fixed though I hope 🥶🙃

[@codysp]

Check out Ammo NYC for cleaning tips and great products. It'll make life easier.

[@andrewnewton5893]

Think you was as surprised as rest of use as corvettes used to suffer electrical problems lol 😊

[@Auto_Funk]

I must admit Andrew it is VERY surprising how much stuff works!

[@Auto_Funk]

I must admit Andrew it is VERY surprising how much stuff works! I think we are pretty lucky considering how long it’s been sat

[@elpatudo3670]

Just 2 Q's: Why is Z pronounced "zed" by you British? And why do you drive on the WRONG side of the road?

[@chrisbaker121924]

I kinda know the answer to this I think… well… the second one… it was to do with romans in chariots attacking each other… and being mostly right handed… so steer with the left hand… attack the oncoming traffic with the right!

[@markmcgrath5507]

@samcrac will know a lot about this car if yas need help good luck lad

[@Auto_Funk]

We had both watched his video when he released it! A great series!

[@Lucan-ve6zc]

For a car that's sat outside for the best part of twenty years and has a targa top, the interior has already come up fantastically well.

[@spowagematthew]

It's amazing how the design of this gen Corvette has aged so well. Cool looking car.

[@Auto_Funk]

We really love the interior, its genuinely a nice interior and looking at it through a classic car eyes its well put together for the time!

[@sassthathoopie]

You guys have a captive market right now. You'd be mad to wait 6 days before releasing this vid - assuming its finished

[@cheeselouise]

Once a week is fine chill out

[@LFCsince93]

@@cheeselouisesome are inpatient and want everything now lol

[@ant2312]

@@LFCsince93 well some are ungrateful and demanding, it is free content after all, you could always pay to be a Patreon member if they started that

[@IncomeWithEnergy]

Excited to follow your progress... great job rescuing this King of the Hill.

[@markcarter9476]

It is so satisfying to bring back a minging car to a more sanitary condition. Good luck with the remaining recommissioning.

[@Auto_Funk]

Couldn't agree more, just a first clean to reduce the number of spores down a fraction!

[@youxkio]

@@Auto_Funk Will you drive it to Shetland and show it to the previous owner after all? I can hardly wait to see him cry with joy.

[@stephen300o6]

My 1992 Corvette was the most reliable car I have owned.

[@julianowens4071]

What a car,great video looking forward to the next one

[@Marcos_ZR1]

Good job with the interior 👏👏 it seems like new and in a incredibly good condition after 18 years out there.

[@Auto_Funk]

Thanks Marcos!! We think we’re lucky with the interior and agree it’s held up really well!

[@JohnJoannou-xq5rq]

Great work guys on the interior! Relays are always a beast!.Anyways will be awaiting next video!!

[@The_BenboBaggins]

I'm not massively surprised that so much stuff worked - it's from the golden age of pre-can car electronics, where most things are properly sorted, simple switches and relays. 😊

[@Auto_Funk]

I think 90s cars are peak cars too!

[@WEFLIPANYCAR]

8:35 white vinegar is safe.

[@Auto_Funk]

Thanks for the tip! Might give it a whirl because the interior isn’t as clean as we want it to be yet. To do it justice seats need to come out, door cards off etc! Thanks for watching!

[@stormriderphysics]

This will be a great project! Keep it coming lads.

[@ZafiraSteve]

I agreed. KZbin watches get bored easy. You need to churn the uploads out whilst the iron is hot. Once you have built up a fan base, then you can settle down in to a routine

[@Auto_Funk]

Agreed!! We’re going to try and out lots of content out ASAP for you all 👌👍🏻👍🏻

[@cheeselouise]

Na, take your time and don't burn yourself out. Quality over quantity. Work on the thumbnails too. Need to build a wider audience, the subs you have aren't going anywhere. We know why we joined.

[@ant2312]

Proper car enthusiasts don't get bored easily

[@ZafiraSteve]

@@ant2312 they do, hence why we own loads of cars and change them often and modify/ work on them

[@jeremyrigden9200]

Thanks, Jonny for introducing me to Auto Funk, I just Subscribed good luck with the engine guys.

[@crabapple1974]

A steamer is great and all but it cannot break down certain types of deposits the way a general purpose cleaning agent can. Also it tends to blow dirt around while losening it.I would recommend getting a wet-vacuum aswell. It is imperative to kill off the funghi and get rid of the spores. The spores are what is dangerous inhaling. Great project and looking forward following it :)

[@Auto_Funk]

Couldn't agree more, we are planning on a deep clean in the near future! This is just a first stage clean to make it a bit more pleasant to be around. It 100% needs a lot more.

[@chestrockwell8328]

@@Auto_Funk Great to see this is in the plan. I too came to comment about the need for the entire interior must be removed, carpet, seats, panels, and dash. Get into the HVAC piping and consider it a win the blower fan did not operate and blow who knows what in your face. There will be rodent nests and droppings as well as mold spores throughout every fiber of your ZR1. Do the car justice and go the extra mile with a fully proper decontamination. One last thing, use care when trying the steamer which can loosen the upholstery adhesives and ruin things like head liners and door trim panels (cards)

[@Radingtonbear]

New subscriber here. Loving your work lads. Not a massive yank tank fan, but this is no ordinary car eh. And I do love a good project with good presenters. I’m gonna stray from the standard comments about the origin of my following, and give you huge props on the beats on your videos. Really nice. I’ll be watching and bobbing my head along from here in. Good luck with the vet. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Auto_Funk]

What a legend, thanks for the support!! It’s certainly not a typical yank tank which is part of its charm for me as well! Glad you like the tunes on the vids ! ☺️☺️

[@JelloTypeR]

Arrived here from TLBS just as many others have. Looking forward to following the build. I listed after Corvettes, the ZR1 in particular, when I lived in the states. The seats look so comfortable and ready for a large American arse to rest upon them for a cross country trip from New York to Los Angeles.

[@Auto_Funk]

They're surprisingly hugging and very plush!

[@bobg3034]

It's an American built car of course everything is going to work!

[@thejoneseys]

Looking good already. Interior has come up really well underneath all that biohazard ☣☢ You've gained a ton of subscribers overnight 😊

[@simongregory6482]

Came here via the Late Brake show (which I''d never seen before last night!). Love what you're doing on this, always had a soft spot for old American stuff. Fascinated to see this restoration progress....

[@deanrowles3665]

gotta have a staple injection of jonny smith and the late brake show regularly

[@dphitch]

C4 seats are so much nicer than C5 seats.

[@honda4185]

He kinda looks like Ratarossa. Damn that music is loud and really shitty..rather not have the music and just see you doing the job in my opionion. You did a great job cleaning it up to look better and more fun to work with. Sad it's a week to next release tho and think many will forget or get bored to wait that long sadly. I wish you all the best and good luck with this awsome lookin corvette. You should keep everything to the car cuse it's cool and very rare and guess makes it easyier to sell when you gonna do. Happy days tala 👋

[@ant2312]

wasn't that loud for me through my soundbar, maybe you have inferior audio equipment

[@jaredwoodward919]

When your cleaning mould please wear masks, because if you breath in mould spores. The lungs are a great space for the spores to create havoc.

[@Auto_Funk]

That is a fair point!

[@PitSmok]

Top job Boys, keep them coming. What a Iconic car. Amazing👊

[@jarmominkkinen9409]

I have rare Corvette LT4 6Speed ZF6 speed.1 Oner only 1600 sweden mailes.Turbo City have build in Vortech kompressor intercooler Bigger injektors E85.This car are like New!! 480whp...I Like The ZR Corvette hope some day have May one!!

[@Auto_Funk]

That sounds mega! I really like the LT4 collectors edition models, I nearly imported one a couple of years ago ☺️ thanks for watching and supporting our channel!

[@romanutd]

I cant understand how the previous owner just left it sitting, uncovered.

[@Auto_Funk]

Time and life sometimes gets in the way.

[@ashjones-racer]

Just want to say be careful spilling WD40 on paint. It acts like a thinners and will take the gloss off easily. Otherwise I’m really looking forward to your updates, especially when you get 2 wireless mics working 😉 Also, have you thought about moving the car to a storage space where you can work on it in a little more comfort and wouldn’t need to worry about leaving it exposed to the elements if you need to leave the roof off or something like that?

[@Auto_Funk]

We really would love to find a unit in Nottingham/Derbyshire. We're on the hunt if anyone knows of one! In its current state we figure its seen a few years outside and a couple more months wont make a lot of difference :D!

[@SteveMorton]

Here from LBS but I'm staying because I want to see you get this car back on the road again. But I see you have done another one so I will be watching those videos as well. Keep up the great work.