What's a wrench? (need lessons)
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 34
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What's a wrench? (need lessons) SEXY PICS ADDED
Growing up, I never felt the need to learn how to do anything with a car other than drive it and change a tire. In fact, every time I tried doing something to my old Jetta, it ended in panic mode and me scrambling to get help.
What is my best course of action to learn about fixing and upgrading my car on my own (more hands on if possible). I want fixing up my C3 to be a labor of love, not a check writing adventure.
Anyone know of auto-shop style classes in Michigan?
What is my best course of action to learn about fixing and upgrading my car on my own (more hands on if possible). I want fixing up my C3 to be a labor of love, not a check writing adventure.
Anyone know of auto-shop style classes in Michigan?
Last edited by aristotlewilde; Jun 9, 2007 at 01:32 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
and dependign on you situation you can do anything from taking a course at a local community college all the way upt to the HOd rod school at UTI
http://www.uticorp.com/default.aspx?tabid=352
as with learnign anything new, there is theory and application
much of the theory you can start to study through reading any one of 100 book out there on restoring corvettes, small / big block build ups, electrical, chassis, etc etc
all good things to read to get you started.
welcome to the hobby
Personally, I would go to the local salvage yard, get yourself an salvage engine, get some books on engines, and start taking it apart. and see how it all works,
then you can have fun putting it back together a few times till you get the hang of it
You could practice
- removal and installation of components
- using precision instuments to understand engine blueprinting
- how the rotating assembly works
- how the valve train works
you get the idea
hell you could even go so far as to make a little test stand to start it
and if you blow it up who cares, at least youll know what not to do
Last edited by sweethence; Jun 8, 2007 at 10:29 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette Louisiana
An idealist huh?
You better get that thinking out of you mind now cause the check book abuse is just getting started. The thing that will get you, as it has most of us, is that you come to love writing checks and love using your credit cards because the anticipaiton of seeing the big brown truck stop in front of your house gets to be a drug that is addictive the very first time! Then after you tear into the box and remove all the packing your first glimpse of the shiney new parts causes you to rush out and install it until wee hours of the morning. Then you discover something else that needs replacing "while you are at it" and the jonesing for new parts begins again and before you know it you are shopping and using again.
Sell now before you are found sitting in the front yard trembling with excitement, waiting on that brown truck.
Sixfooter offered you the best advice.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 1
From: St Augustine FL
Trial and error, A lot of reading..start with the GM service manual for year specific car. Ask a lot of question on the forum. Read a lot of bulletins on the Forum. Find a local corvette club and get involved with it as they will help you out. Start with the simple stuff. Alternators, windshield wiper motor, thermostat, flush the radiator, general cleaning up of the car. interior trim pieces, plugs and wires, timing, general tune up stuff.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the advice. My local community college actually offers a "General Maintenance for Automatic Transmissions" course. I will be signing up next week.
Yeah, I am not so much an idealist, but really want to be able to do stuff myself. The one thing I dread is having a pile of UPS boxes in the garage waiting for someone to install stuff.
Yeah, I am not so much an idealist, but really want to be able to do stuff myself. The one thing I dread is having a pile of UPS boxes in the garage waiting for someone to install stuff.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 2
From: Circleville Ohio
Vader Vette
Transmission Forget that class (take that problem to A pro) so many little things you could Miss.Take an engine ,brakes spray painting course it woild be way to your advantage.The tranny only gets some thing every 40k miles . learn to change plugs rear end fluid re-place rotors & calipers learn to bleed brakes how to put on calipers that what you need not Transmission.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
I should have explained that better. It is general maintenance for cars w/ automatic transmissions, not just transmissions.
Transmission Forget that class (take that problem to A pro) so many little things you could Miss.Take an engine ,brakes spray painting course it woild be way to your advantage.The tranny only gets some thing every 40k miles . learn to change plugs rear end fluid re-place rotors & calipers learn to bleed brakes how to put on calipers that what you need not Transmission.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
You must apply what you have learned or you will forget it
I wasnt sure, do you have a C3 now? if so you may be able to convince your instructor to let you bring it in to play with in class
dont be sacred to get right into it,
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 2
From: Circleville Ohio
Vader Vette
Much better, to do your own work only do one side at a time and you will always have the other side to look at for a refference.Try to take pic and make notes if you have to and all should be good in a year youll be A Vett meanaich .
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Have a '76. Runs well, but previous owner(s) did not do everything "up to snuff". A lot of little things that need fixing/improving.
I have a lot of undoing and re-doing to do over the next few years. I figure if I use quality parts, I can slowly put together a really nice running and nice looking car prior to an exterior overhaul.
The reason I want to do a lot of it myself is I want to be able to drive it while I do the work in pieces.
Lon Wayne, the one side at time advice is excellent.
I have a lot of undoing and re-doing to do over the next few years. I figure if I use quality parts, I can slowly put together a really nice running and nice looking car prior to an exterior overhaul.
The reason I want to do a lot of it myself is I want to be able to drive it while I do the work in pieces.
Lon Wayne, the one side at time advice is excellent.
that is a good way to get your feet wet, but you will need somthing to practice on
You must apply what you have learned or you will forget it
I wasnt sure, do you have a C3 now? if so you may be able to convince your instructor to let you bring it in to play with in class
dont be sacred to get right into it,
You must apply what you have learned or you will forget it
I wasnt sure, do you have a C3 now? if so you may be able to convince your instructor to let you bring it in to play with in class
dont be sacred to get right into it,
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Have a '76. Runs well, but previous owner(s) did not do everything "up to snuff". A lot of little things that need fixing/improving.
I have a lot of undoing and re-doing to do over the next few years. I figure if I use quality parts, I can slowly put together a really nice running and nice looking car prior to an exterior overhaul.
The reason I want to do a lot of it myself is I want to be able to drive it while I do the work in pieces.
Lon Wayne, the one side at time advice is excellent.
I have a lot of undoing and re-doing to do over the next few years. I figure if I use quality parts, I can slowly put together a really nice running and nice looking car prior to an exterior overhaul.
The reason I want to do a lot of it myself is I want to be able to drive it while I do the work in pieces.
Lon Wayne, the one side at time advice is excellent.
Welcome to the forum
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Thats a pretty good plan, So is the class you talked about. Good place to start anyways. Get youeself a digital cam if you don't have one already, post some good clear enging pick and also of any areas you think are "Not Up To Snuff" and we can help you ID the problems and outline some fixes. There is a HUGE amount of experience in here and a lot of guys willing to help.
Welcome to the forum
Welcome to the forum
Awesome response here everyone. Thanks!
I will definitely post pics. My to do list includes (but is not limited to):
- Suspension (she seems to scrape a bit too much)
- Gas Pedal seemingly has two levels (meaning it feels like it stops at about 75% down, btu then you can mash it further). Admittedly, I did not even notice this at first and just thought it was slow!
- Seatbelt gets stuck 95% of the time (I'll have this fixed by Saturday night)
- Brake pedal is a bit mushy/very little resistance
- Really, just want to slowly replace stuff w/ performance parts after this, then get little dings/dongs/spiderwebs fixed up and painted.
- AC can be fixed maybe one day. Or maybe removed...
Bought this a couple of years back as a fun thing for my father and I to do as he exited his mid-life crisis and for me to play with as I approach mine (I'm 35). He's been playing with it more than me so far. It's my turn now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
Have a '76. Runs well, but previous owner(s) did not do everything "up to snuff". A lot of little things that need fixing/improving.
I have a lot of undoing and re-doing to do over the next few years. I figure if I use quality parts, I can slowly put together a really nice running and nice looking car prior to an exterior overhaul.
The reason I want to do a lot of it myself is I want to be able to drive it while I do the work in pieces.
Lon Wayne, the one side at time advice is excellent.
I have a lot of undoing and re-doing to do over the next few years. I figure if I use quality parts, I can slowly put together a really nice running and nice looking car prior to an exterior overhaul.
The reason I want to do a lot of it myself is I want to be able to drive it while I do the work in pieces.
Lon Wayne, the one side at time advice is excellent.
ive done the full frame deal, which was great but i didnt get to enjoy the car liek i do now
good luck
and remeber
drive it like you stole it
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
- Suspension (she seems to scrape a bit too much)
Shocks and/or springs worn out, Suspension Bushings need to be checked for wear, if original they will need replacing, I used Urethane, makes the suspension nice and tight.
- Gas Pedal seemingly has two levels (meaning it feels like it stops at about 75% down, btu then you can mash it further). Admittedly, I did not even notice this at first and just thought it was slow!
Disconnect the throttle cable from the carb and lube it, I use Dry Lube, good stuff. Could be the kickdown cable, throttle plate, air cleaner bottom interfering with the throttle, look it over, should be easy to find.
- Seatbelt gets stuck 95% of the time (I'll have this fixed by Saturday night)
- Brake pedal is a bit mushy/very little resistance
Take the cover off the MC and see what the fluid looks like, it should be pretty clear, if its cloudy soak out with a rag and put in new, then bleed the brakes real well keeping the MC full until you get nice clean brake juice thru the calipers.
- Really, just want to slowly replace stuff w/ performance parts after this, then get little dings/dongs/spiderwebs fixed up and painted.
- AC can be fixed maybe one day. Or maybe removed...
Whats wrong with the AC?
Shocks and/or springs worn out, Suspension Bushings need to be checked for wear, if original they will need replacing, I used Urethane, makes the suspension nice and tight.
- Gas Pedal seemingly has two levels (meaning it feels like it stops at about 75% down, btu then you can mash it further). Admittedly, I did not even notice this at first and just thought it was slow!
Disconnect the throttle cable from the carb and lube it, I use Dry Lube, good stuff. Could be the kickdown cable, throttle plate, air cleaner bottom interfering with the throttle, look it over, should be easy to find.
- Seatbelt gets stuck 95% of the time (I'll have this fixed by Saturday night)
- Brake pedal is a bit mushy/very little resistance
Take the cover off the MC and see what the fluid looks like, it should be pretty clear, if its cloudy soak out with a rag and put in new, then bleed the brakes real well keeping the MC full until you get nice clean brake juice thru the calipers.
- Really, just want to slowly replace stuff w/ performance parts after this, then get little dings/dongs/spiderwebs fixed up and painted.
- AC can be fixed maybe one day. Or maybe removed...
Whats wrong with the AC?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Really, I have no clue at this point. I never had it looked at since I usually only drive with the tops off.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Well, its pretty easy to troubleshoot. Turn on the ac with the motor running and see if the compressor clutch engages. If it does not, there is a pressure switch in the line by the evap box, you can momentarily put a jumper on the connector to see if the clutch picks up. If it does at that point you need a recharge. I would then put in a can of leak detection dye and some freeze 12 and see what happens.
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Somerset New Jersey
Give away all your Money and get rid of all other means of transportation except your Vette....
You will Learn quickly how to Fix it and appreciate the sound of a Well tuned engine
Like a couple have already said Trial and error...
I am sure there are thousands of peole much better qualified to work on my car than me...
But I absolutely refused to let anyone touch it ...I am very stubborn but miss like hell Driving it
Half the Fun of my Vette is That I am proud to say I did it all little to no help from anyone other then a brother here a father there ...
I am actually considering and activly looking for someone who has the time to get her running again... Been away from the Car scene last 5 years at least tough to trust someone.... on a budget also
You will Learn quickly how to Fix it and appreciate the sound of a Well tuned engine
Like a couple have already said Trial and error...
I am sure there are thousands of peole much better qualified to work on my car than me...
But I absolutely refused to let anyone touch it ...I am very stubborn but miss like hell Driving it
Half the Fun of my Vette is That I am proud to say I did it all little to no help from anyone other then a brother here a father there ...I am actually considering and activly looking for someone who has the time to get her running again... Been away from the Car scene last 5 years at least tough to trust someone.... on a budget also
