Reliability Suggestions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 147
Likes: 45
From: Toronto, CA
Reliability Suggestions
Just finished doing a bit of a roadtrip in my '69, which I only got in November so it's pretty new to me, and it did the trip okay but it got me thinking about what I need to do to make it more reliable for longer trips. Or at least more trustworthy. It's a 427 4-speed.
Anyone have some suggestions on items to look at or upgrades to make?
Anyone have some suggestions on items to look at or upgrades to make?
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,008
Likes: 4,166
From: US-PNW
I think about the only things you can do economically (and rationally) is to go through the regular maintenance items. Change out all fluids, belts, and rubber brake hoses for which you have no evidence of being done in the last few years; lube all grease fittings and inspect the rubber boots; inspect brake pads, coolant hoses, and tires (for age and unusual wear pattern indicating worn/misaligned parts). That's about all that could leave you stranded other than catastrophic failure of the engine, trans, or rear.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Make sure tires, battery, cooling system are up to snuff; change oil, filter, and top-off fluids; make sure your insurance is paid up; make sure you take credit card and cell phone.
I think tha's about it............
I think tha's about it............
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,897
Likes: 3,287
From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Not a reliability thing, but something everyone should have behind the seats.
A fire extinguisher.
I've never needed mine, but it's nice to know it's there.....
A fire extinguisher.
I've never needed mine, but it's nice to know it's there.....
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,095
Likes: 4,022
From: New Braunfels Texas
Check all electrical connections under the hood and make sure all ends are properly terminated, shrink wrapped and clean.
Take a good look at your fuel line and make as much of it steel line as possible.......
Make sure your cooling system has only distilled water and some anti-freeze in it......no tap water ever.
Lots of other things but it boils down to attention to detail.....
Jebby
Take a good look at your fuel line and make as much of it steel line as possible.......
Make sure your cooling system has only distilled water and some anti-freeze in it......no tap water ever.
Lots of other things but it boils down to attention to detail.....
Jebby
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,442
Likes: 967
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Besides some of the items mentioned already, not knowing anything about your car and what has been done or not done, I have a few more things:
Change or have rebuilt the alternator and starter motor.
Carry a new ignition coil and points with you as well as condenser
Considering having the rear trailing arms rebuilt with new bushings ( not critical to breaking down) and especially new rear wheel bearings (critical).
All U joints replaced-Half Shafts/Driveshaft
Carry a new AC delco fuel pump in the car so if it fails you or someone else can easily replace the bad one.
Fuses to replace one if it blows, accidentally.
Plug in air compressor for air if you get a nail and need to drive a moderate distance to change or repair.
Spare belts for the engine.
Comprehensive tool kit for emergency repairs
Lots here but if you do half of them, you will be way ahead of most C3 owners....
Change or have rebuilt the alternator and starter motor.
Carry a new ignition coil and points with you as well as condenser
Considering having the rear trailing arms rebuilt with new bushings ( not critical to breaking down) and especially new rear wheel bearings (critical).
All U joints replaced-Half Shafts/Driveshaft
Carry a new AC delco fuel pump in the car so if it fails you or someone else can easily replace the bad one.
Fuses to replace one if it blows, accidentally.
Plug in air compressor for air if you get a nail and need to drive a moderate distance to change or repair.
Spare belts for the engine.
Comprehensive tool kit for emergency repairs
Lots here but if you do half of them, you will be way ahead of most C3 owners....
Last edited by jb78L-82; Aug 17, 2020 at 07:50 AM.
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Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,095
Likes: 4,022
From: New Braunfels Texas
Besides some of the items mentioned already, not knowing anything about your car and what has been done or not done, I have a few more things:
Change or have rebuilt the alternator and starter motor.
Carry a new ignition coil and points with you as well as condenser
Considering having the rear trailing arms rebuilt with new bushings ( not critical to breaking down) and especially new rear wheel bearings (critical).
Carry a new AC delco fuel pump in the car so if it fails you or someone else can easily replace the bad one.
Fuses to replace one of it blows, accidentally.
Plug in air compressor for air if you get a nail and need to drive a moderate distance to change or repair.
Spare belts for the engine.
Comprehensive tool kit for emergency repairs
Lots here but if you do half of them, you will be way ahead of most C3 owners....
Change or have rebuilt the alternator and starter motor.
Carry a new ignition coil and points with you as well as condenser
Considering having the rear trailing arms rebuilt with new bushings ( not critical to breaking down) and especially new rear wheel bearings (critical).
Carry a new AC delco fuel pump in the car so if it fails you or someone else can easily replace the bad one.
Fuses to replace one of it blows, accidentally.
Plug in air compressor for air if you get a nail and need to drive a moderate distance to change or repair.
Spare belts for the engine.
Comprehensive tool kit for emergency repairs
Lots here but if you do half of them, you will be way ahead of most C3 owners....
Jebby
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,116
Likes: 9,246
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Tune up
fluid change including radiator flush
check all your joints and tie rod ends and lube whatever has a zirq fitting except your power steering control valve if it has one
check tire dates for age And pressures
check your lug nuts
if you don’t like how your brakes are performing upgrade your pads to ceramic pads
Up grade your headlights to a h4 lense and a brighter bulb or LEDs so you can see at night
you can swap to a HEI system if you want to or convert your points system to a point less system. I used the one from Lectric Limited and I never had an issue with it.
i upgraded to a 5 speed and its one of the best upgrades you can do.
fluid change including radiator flush
check all your joints and tie rod ends and lube whatever has a zirq fitting except your power steering control valve if it has one
check tire dates for age And pressures
check your lug nuts
if you don’t like how your brakes are performing upgrade your pads to ceramic pads
Up grade your headlights to a h4 lense and a brighter bulb or LEDs so you can see at night
you can swap to a HEI system if you want to or convert your points system to a point less system. I used the one from Lectric Limited and I never had an issue with it.
i upgraded to a 5 speed and its one of the best upgrades you can do.
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Aug 17, 2020 at 12:39 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Just finished doing a bit of a roadtrip in my '69, which I only got in November so it's pretty new to me, and it did the trip okay but it got me thinking about what I need to do to make it more reliable for longer trips. Or at least more trustworthy. It's a 427 4-speed.
Anyone have some suggestions on items to look at or upgrades to make?
Anyone have some suggestions on items to look at or upgrades to make?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 182
Likes: 112
Completely agree with other suggestions for basic maintenance, but the biggest thing is to drive it...a lot. Driving it does two things: shines a spotlight on any issues that do exist and builds trust with every successful drive.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 147
Likes: 45
From: Toronto, CA
In my case, I had no issues on this last trip. I'm just a Ford guy and this is my first Chevy in 20 years and it's a little on the bubba'ed side (ie. the well lights stay on and drain the battery, the wiper plate fell out and had to be held in place) so I'm not super familiar with all its quirks as yet. Also, on the drive home with it, the wheel bearing welded itself to the spindle on the driver side (hard to hear over the side pipes and highway), and the fan lost a blade making it unbalanced, so twice bitten twice shy. I just want to make sure I get all the major stuff out of the way so I'm not sweating bullets for 2-plus hour drives.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
I wish I could road trip in my '73 and be guaranteed to have cell phone service. Unfortunately, that ain't happening in my neck of the woods no matter what the service maps show.
DC
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
When you get into a "non-coverage" area and have an emergency, dial 112. That is a worldwide emergency number that sends signal to the nearest point of reception (not just cell towers), and it will be relayed to the nearest emergency (911) site.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,116
Likes: 9,246
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
once I get my Holley Sniper installed mine will be cross country road worthy which is what Im hoping for....oh and maybe a new soft top. Mine leaks like it was put on by Bubba, hey wait a second...awwwww. Bubba did my top too, damnit
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 226
From: PA
Check all electrical connections under the hood and make sure all ends are properly terminated, shrink wrapped and clean.
Take a good look at your fuel line and make as much of it steel line as possible.......
Make sure your cooling system has only distilled water and some anti-freeze in it......no tap water ever.
Lots of other things but it boils down to attention to detail.....
Jebby
Take a good look at your fuel line and make as much of it steel line as possible.......
Make sure your cooling system has only distilled water and some anti-freeze in it......no tap water ever.
Lots of other things but it boils down to attention to detail.....
Jebby
When looking at the connectors look for evidence of overheating and brittle insulation leads and housings. Replace as necessary. I will say that on my 80 I am surprised at how good most of the wiring and connections still are.