Largest wrench and socket sizes on a C3?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 206
Likes: 11
From: Weesp, The Netherlands
Largest wrench and socket sizes on a C3?
Hi guys,
I've bought a car!
Now I need to "tool up" for the '69 L46 coupe that will arrive in late August.
Can anyone tell me how large of a socket and wrench I might need if I'm doing the work myself?
My man-cave is set up quite well for metric stuff, but I'm having to relearn what inches are...
Thanks!
Steve - an American in Holland
'69 L46 Coupe
I've bought a car!
Now I need to "tool up" for the '69 L46 coupe that will arrive in late August.
Can anyone tell me how large of a socket and wrench I might need if I'm doing the work myself?
My man-cave is set up quite well for metric stuff, but I'm having to relearn what inches are...
Thanks!
Steve - an American in Holland
'69 L46 Coupe
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 206
Likes: 11
From: Weesp, The Netherlands
Indeed, I just found in some book that recommended 1 inch for wrenches and 1-1/8 inch for the largest socket.
So, I just ordered a set of Milwaukee wrenches that go up to one inch. An jet-plane mechanic friend of mine showed me one of the new Milwaukee wrenches and they're great, and about 1/3 the price of the Snap-On that he and his KLM colleagues use.
Now I just need to find a set of sockets.
Cheers,
Steve, in the NLs
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 206
Likes: 11
From: Weesp, The Netherlands
I have (albeit cheap) torque wrenches already, but I'll have to check the range of my larger one. Thanks a bunch for the "140" number. I like numbers...
Cheers,
Steve, in the NLs
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,839
Likes: 4,455
From: Virginia
Be sure to pick up a shop manual, and assembly manual. Original copies from eBay are likely to have better quality photos than reprints.
I think that 1 1/8" nut is on the steering box, holding the Pitman arm on. That might even be higher than 140 lb-ft when it goes back on, but not by much. It'll be in the shop manual whatever it is.
Congratulations! Please post photos when you get the car, and be sure to drive the wheels off!
I think that 1 1/8" nut is on the steering box, holding the Pitman arm on. That might even be higher than 140 lb-ft when it goes back on, but not by much. It'll be in the shop manual whatever it is.
Congratulations! Please post photos when you get the car, and be sure to drive the wheels off!
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
But typically, a set of 1/4 inch through maybe 1 inch is the most common. Lot's of 9/16th and 1/2 nuts and bolts.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 206
Likes: 11
From: Weesp, The Netherlands
Be sure to pick up a shop manual, and assembly manual. Original copies from eBay are likely to have better quality photos than reprints.
I think that 1 1/8" nut is on the steering box, holding the Pitman arm on. That might even be higher than 140 lb-ft when it goes back on, but not by much. It'll be in the shop manual whatever it is.
Congratulations! Please post photos when you get the car, and be sure to drive the wheels off!
I think that 1 1/8" nut is on the steering box, holding the Pitman arm on. That might even be higher than 140 lb-ft when it goes back on, but not by much. It'll be in the shop manual whatever it is.
Congratulations! Please post photos when you get the car, and be sure to drive the wheels off!
I'm working on getting those often-recommended manuals, but I did NOT think about that I should be looking for original copies vs reprints. Indeed, the quality of the photos is important for a noob like me.
Don't worry, I will surely be telling the world about my C3 once gets into my physical possession!
Cheers,
Steve, in the NLs
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 206
Likes: 11
From: Weesp, The Netherlands
It's not an often occurrence to ever have to remove the steering box pitman arm. It requires a special puller and a socket that I could NOT find locally in all the tool stores. I have 174,000 miles on my 1979 Vette and it's the first time for me. It's that uncommon to ever need it, But I borrowed one from my master mechanic son-in-lawn. It's an odd ball 1 5/16th inch.
But typically, a set of 1/4 inch through maybe 1 inch is the most common. Lot's of 9/16th and 1/2 nuts and bolts.
But typically, a set of 1/4 inch through maybe 1 inch is the most common. Lot's of 9/16th and 1/2 nuts and bolts.
Thanks!
Steve, in the NLs
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
1969 Corvette Shop/Service Manual (zip-corvette.com)
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 8,946
Likes: 4,113
From: US-PNW
Especially for interior work, get 6-point sockets: 3/16in., 7/32in., 1/4in., 9/32in., 5/16in., 11/32in., 3/8in., 7/16in., 1/2in. The small interior self-tapping screws used in the dash and console will often not be gripped securely with a 12 point socket.
Flare nut wrenches for any work on brake or fuel connections: 3/8 x 7/16, 1/2 x 9/16, 5/8 x 11/16
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,839
Likes: 4,455
From: Virginia
Thanks Bikespace! (I'm a push- and motor-biker, too)
I'm working on getting those often-recommended manuals, but I did NOT think about that I should be looking for original copies vs reprints. Indeed, the quality of the photos is important for a noob like me.
Don't worry, I will surely be telling the world about my C3 once gets into my physical possession!
Cheers,
Steve, in the NLs
I'm working on getting those often-recommended manuals, but I did NOT think about that I should be looking for original copies vs reprints. Indeed, the quality of the photos is important for a noob like me.
Don't worry, I will surely be telling the world about my C3 once gets into my physical possession!
Cheers,
Steve, in the NLs
Perhaps it is only a problem for the late 70s manuals.
Best of luck to you, and I'm looking forward to reading your build/restoration thread!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,603
Likes: 1,824
From: Huntsville AL
My go-to library (1973)
1) Corvette Factory Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) $22.00
2) Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual $35.00
3) Chevrolet Chassis Overhaul Manual $28.00
4) Motor Manual $10.00
5) Corvette Technical Information and Judging Guide $75.00
6) 0OSOEZ Wiring Guides $50.00
Bonus Items
1) Chevrolet Corvette Parts and Illustration Catalog 1953 to 1982 $75.00 (for paper)
2) Haynes Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Manual $15.00
2) Corvette by the Numbers 1955 - 1982 $70.00
I adjust the above library based on what year Vette I own, currently on #10 so my library gets kind of full. I'm a manual and tool *****.
1) Corvette Factory Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) $22.00
2) Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual $35.00
3) Chevrolet Chassis Overhaul Manual $28.00
4) Motor Manual $10.00
5) Corvette Technical Information and Judging Guide $75.00
6) 0OSOEZ Wiring Guides $50.00
Bonus Items
1) Chevrolet Corvette Parts and Illustration Catalog 1953 to 1982 $75.00 (for paper)
2) Haynes Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Manual $15.00
2) Corvette by the Numbers 1955 - 1982 $70.00
I adjust the above library based on what year Vette I own, currently on #10 so my library gets kind of full. I'm a manual and tool *****.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,370
Likes: 1,792
From: Apple Valley, MN
The only tools you need are a can of WD40 and a roll of duct tape. The WD40 is for things that are supposed to move and don’t and the duct tape for things that move and shouldn’t.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 206
Likes: 11
From: Weesp, The Netherlands
I have sets of Haynes manuals and parts of them aren't very clear or well written. The shop that I worked at paid for an annual online service that was Very good. This might work for you.
1969 Corvette Shop/Service Manual (zip-corvette.com)
1969 Corvette Shop/Service Manual (zip-corvette.com)
Yes, I will definitely be getting one of those, along with the AIM. Apparently, those are the "required reading" for C3s.
Cheers,
Steve, in the NLs
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 206
Likes: 11
From: Weesp, The Netherlands
Here are my additions to the suggestions (underlined, italics are what I seem to use most often):
Especially for interior work, get 6-point sockets: 3/16in., 7/32in., 1/4in., 9/32in., 5/16in., 11/32in., 3/8in., 7/16in., 1/2in. The small interior self-tapping screws used in the dash and console will often not be gripped securely with a 12 point socket.
Flare nut wrenches for any work on brake or fuel connections: 3/8 x 7/16, 1/2 x 9/16, 5/8 x 11/16
I can't find from whom I bought them, but my repro manuals, both chassis and service, are excellent quality. No issues at all with poorly reproduced photos or illustrations. I think they may have come from eBay but that's not narrowing it down much.
Especially for interior work, get 6-point sockets: 3/16in., 7/32in., 1/4in., 9/32in., 5/16in., 11/32in., 3/8in., 7/16in., 1/2in. The small interior self-tapping screws used in the dash and console will often not be gripped securely with a 12 point socket.
Flare nut wrenches for any work on brake or fuel connections: 3/8 x 7/16, 1/2 x 9/16, 5/8 x 11/16
I can't find from whom I bought them, but my repro manuals, both chassis and service, are excellent quality. No issues at all with poorly reproduced photos or illustrations. I think they may have come from eBay but that's not narrowing it down much.
Excellent, useful, specific information...which WILL be heeded! (But man, I hate fractions!)
Steve, in the NLs
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 206
Likes: 11
From: Weesp, The Netherlands
My go-to library (1973)
1) Corvette Factory Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) $22.00
2) Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual $35.00
3) Chevrolet Chassis Overhaul Manual $28.00
4) Motor Manual $10.00
5) Corvette Technical Information and Judging Guide $75.00
6) 0OSOEZ Wiring Guides $50.00
Bonus Items
1) Chevrolet Corvette Parts and Illustration Catalog 1953 to 1982 $75.00 (for paper)
2) Haynes Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Manual $15.00
2) Corvette by the Numbers 1955 - 1982 $70.00
I adjust the above library based on what year Vette I own, currently on #10 so my library gets kind of full. I'm a manual and tool *****.
1) Corvette Factory Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) $22.00
2) Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual $35.00
3) Chevrolet Chassis Overhaul Manual $28.00
4) Motor Manual $10.00
5) Corvette Technical Information and Judging Guide $75.00
6) 0OSOEZ Wiring Guides $50.00
Bonus Items
1) Chevrolet Corvette Parts and Illustration Catalog 1953 to 1982 $75.00 (for paper)
2) Haynes Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Manual $15.00
2) Corvette by the Numbers 1955 - 1982 $70.00
I adjust the above library based on what year Vette I own, currently on #10 so my library gets kind of full. I'm a manual and tool *****.
I'm definitely getting 1) and 2) a.s.a.p. The others will be Xmas and birthday presents...
Cheers,
Steve, in the NLs
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,370
Likes: 1,792
From: Apple Valley, MN
My go-to library (1973)
1) Corvette Factory Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) $22.00
2) Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual $35.00
3) Chevrolet Chassis Overhaul Manual $28.00
4) Motor Manual $10.00
5) Corvette Technical Information and Judging Guide $75.00
6) 0OSOEZ Wiring Guides $50.00
Bonus Items
1) Chevrolet Corvette Parts and Illustration Catalog 1953 to 1982 $75.00 (for paper)
2) Haynes Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Manual $15.00
2) Corvette by the Numbers 1955 - 1982 $70.00
I adjust the above library based on what year Vette I own, currently on #10 so my library gets kind of full. I'm a manual and tool *****.
1) Corvette Factory Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) $22.00
2) Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual $35.00
3) Chevrolet Chassis Overhaul Manual $28.00
4) Motor Manual $10.00
5) Corvette Technical Information and Judging Guide $75.00
6) 0OSOEZ Wiring Guides $50.00
Bonus Items
1) Chevrolet Corvette Parts and Illustration Catalog 1953 to 1982 $75.00 (for paper)
2) Haynes Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Manual $15.00
2) Corvette by the Numbers 1955 - 1982 $70.00
I adjust the above library based on what year Vette I own, currently on #10 so my library gets kind of full. I'm a manual and tool *****.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,603
Likes: 1,824
From: Huntsville AL
They are still on his website, and it appears to be active. I ordered some parts yesterday but still waiting for the order to confirm so we will see.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 8,946
Likes: 4,113
From: US-PNW