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Must have C3 tools

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Old Jan 5, 2022 | 07:28 PM
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Default Must have C3 tools

I thought it might be helpful to list tools needed to do self diagnostics and repairs to C3's.
I will start, hopefully, a long list.

Vacuum gauge, ideally with the ability to create a vacuum as well as report measured eng vacuum.

I think we all know that stock systems on C3's use vacuum to actuate said systems.

Used for eng diags like sticky valves, actuating headlights, brakes, wiper doors, timing, carb adjust, HVAC, to name a few.

Bonus if a vacuum can be drawn without depending on engine running.

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Jan 5, 2022, 09:25 PM
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Old Jan 5, 2022 | 08:14 PM
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I found a long, skinny pair of needle nose pliers to be very helpful getting the cotter pins & shims in & out when removing (or installing) the trailing arms

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Old Jan 5, 2022 | 08:50 PM
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Originally Posted by oldgto
I found a long, skinny pair of needle nose pliers to be very helpful getting the cotter pins & shims in & out when removing (or installing) the trailing arms

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Old Jan 5, 2022 | 08:53 PM
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One of my favorites. A retractable magnet bar to pick up all of the screws and bolts my fat fingers drop. Nor really a repair or restoration tool but sure comes in handy.


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Old Jan 5, 2022 | 09:03 PM
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I have a couple magnets on a stick.
Saved my butt a lot.
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Old Jan 5, 2022 | 09:25 PM
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Old Jan 5, 2022 | 09:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Mooser


M
and



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Old Jan 5, 2022 | 09:34 PM
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after cc

A shop manual, aim, camera and this forum
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Old Jan 5, 2022 | 09:35 PM
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Dial Calipers (can be used to set up bearings on the rear spindles/measuring rotor thickness..etc)



Dial Indicator measure rotor face run-out/drive shaft for loosness etc.



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Old Jan 5, 2022 | 09:36 PM
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But seriously I used the crap out of a set of thread chasers


Much better at cleaning and correcting old threads than running taps and dies across them (and possibly re-cutting / oversizing them)

I've got two test lights, one regular and the other with an extended ground wire (10 foot I think I put on) since it's typically hard to find anything that's a "known good ground" and that way I can go right back to the battery if I need to
M

M
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Old Jan 6, 2022 | 02:10 AM
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Mooser literally!!!! SO Fn TRUE!!!!!
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Old Jan 6, 2022 | 02:12 AM
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Always carry a spare ignition module!!!!
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Old Jan 6, 2022 | 09:55 AM
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Old Jan 6, 2022 | 10:31 AM
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Old Jan 6, 2022 | 10:39 AM
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Old Jan 6, 2022 | 10:43 AM
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Great idea for a post. I think, for me with a bad back and not getting any younger, some of the best tools I have for our C3 include a lift, trans/diff jack, and a great son to help when needed!



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Old Jan 6, 2022 | 10:48 AM
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Just read this recent thread....

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tion-here.html
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Old Jan 6, 2022 | 01:22 PM
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yup, corvette tax is alive and well...

Love to have a lift, takes me all day just to slide under a car.

As said, test light, meter, wiring diag are must have.

I will add,, a press, large vise, or drills/taps to make something to assemble parts.

We are lucky our C3's are popular enough to have a large after-market for parts.

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Old Jan 6, 2022 | 02:09 PM
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Lang ? Looks like the set I have and it is really handy. Got one of their plug gappers too. They say Made in the USA and so am I although that isn't stamped on me anywhere as far as I know.


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Old Jan 6, 2022 | 02:12 PM
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