Hey There,

I was wondering if there is anyone in the northern Virginia area that has some free time next weekend and wants to share some C3 wisdom with a new vette owner. To start, I have a 77 L48, and after I bought it in July, took it up to Maryland to have it checked out, oil changed, tuned up, etc. It's sat for the past couple of months (started once a month and let run for about 10 minutes but not driven). I would gladly trade some beer (have a keg of Fat Tire in the kegerator right now) and food if someone is willing to take a few hours and walk through some spring cleaning with me. I bought the car because I want to learn how to work on something mechanical. I'm an active duty Navy pilot and became enamored with the mechanical aspect of the old birds. If anyone is interested, drop me a line, and I'm looking forward to some hands-on learning!

Cheers,

Dan

 

Wish you were closer to Louisville Ky or Maine.. My two hangouts.. I'd gladly spend some time if you were closer... but here is a bump to the top for you.

I know Dick at Virginia vettes is a good guy.. but I think he retired.. I don't know how close he would be to you but you might try to look him up.

Regards,

Willcox

 

Another bump to the top. Wish I could help but two states away. Welcome to the forum Dan and C3 ownership which is a love/hate relationship. Also thanks for your service, I've helped send many of you guys off that pitching flight deck and have the highest regard for your profession. Hope someone on here can help you out.
Jim

 

Must have had his guardian angel for his copilot

 

Dick lives in Williamsburg. He sold his warehouse but is still in the new parts/rechrome/send out for rebuild business. I'm 3 hours away of would be glad to help. Maybe ask at the nearest Corvette Club, sure there is one in NOVA

 

Wilcox,

Thanks so much! I'll try to get in touch with him!

Cheers,

Danny

 

You're right about that, but every time I hear the engine start and pull out of the driveway for a cruise, I'm reminded how much it's worth it! My pops has had almost a dozen over the years from late 60's to 78. He once took my mom on a trip from Corpus Christi, Tx to California in a 71 when he was in the Navy, I don't think he would want to do that again!

 

That was probably a HOT trip !!! You're right, vette fever is terminal, no cure for it.
Jim

 

Dan, thank you for your service and good luck with the vette.
I am not local and able too help but i have a suggestion that might.
You mention that you are active duty in your thread. If you were to post that an active duty Navy Pilot is looking for mechanical assistance i think you would get more views than you are now. Either way good luck.
Greg

 

Northern Virginia Corvette Club meets in Alexandria. Give them a try.
http://www.nvcorvetteclub.com/

 

I live an hour south of you in FredVegas and really, really wish I could come up to help.

Ask me in 10 years when I'm able to think about semi-retirement and the kids are in college.

If ever I have some time to myself and I am wandering north, I'll keep this thread in mind and see if you're available!

All the best. Welcome to the club.

Keith

 

Well, There's lots you can check andattend to all by yourself..and with the help of folks here.
start with front end and work to the back..A good cleaning-detailing will show a few things right soon..
check radiator, cap, hoses, belts..heater lines..trans mission cooler lines..vacuum hoses..lights/lamps, fuses,battery and grd-power cables..wiper blades , heater a/c defrost controls..brakes, rotors, e brake..tires, alignment, transmission, check all fluids, change filters..examine plug wires, pull plug and check gap etc..change oil and resr dif fluid.DRIVE the car thoughtfully and feel and listenn..
EVEN tho it's a Corvette..it's still almost a 40 year old car..similar systems as any good used car..most fun when stuff works right and is reliable..You'll have time to do the cosmetic things and finer techie things after you go thru the basic used car checklist..Much you can do yourself with proper toools, light, place to work..You'll study up and soon know when an issue needs more professional help....Above all, have fun..The reconditioning-restoring is a great part of owning these sports cars..You won't run into much that someone hasn't tackled before and overcome successfully..Good luck..I love our '78 Silver Anniversary corvette..I'd not hesitate to drive it from Oregon to Maine and back..in decent weather..AFTER 6 MONTHS and much planning and effort every system is in perfect working order..Jim

 

Hi Dan,
with jim in oregon, and as tempting as your invite is and as daunting the whole think appears, you have all the help you could ask for right here on CF. Working your way through different problems will take you longer than a weekend so start with what bothers you the most and get advice on how to right here ...

 

Dan what part of Maryland did you take it to. I guess an "olde Salty Chief" is always around to bail out an officer. I a located in Southern Maryland close to Pax River, a matter of fact I have a 79 on all fours right now going over it for a member. Southern Maryland Corvette Club.
I'll share what I've learned from reviving my 72 LT1, although I am learning more and more with this 79.

 

Where in upper VA are you located. I am in Herndon