I did a 68 and 69 full resto back to back on big block cars, my worst memories of struggling were:
Radiator and fan shroud install
the 2 studs/nuts Center gauge bezel to shifter console
Wiper door bolts
power booster nuts.
and i guess i struggled a little on that E brake console back bolt hidden under the compartment doors.

 

Just went in to repair the courtesy light timer on my 77. Conveniently located underneath the top dash pad over the top of the speedometer.
start by pulling the header trim at the top of the windshield.

 

After reading all of these nominations, the RFI shields don't seem all that bad

 

So not a C3 but. I was at my buddies body shop last week and his sister has a late model Dodge 200. It needed a new battery. Can you believe you have to pull the left front bumper cover to replace the battery?

 

I have to 3rd the fan shroud on my 72. How many things need it removed in order to fix something else. A simple 2 piece shroud would make things so easy.
I think some owners have modified theirs that way.

 

Ithink it's a cCad that has the starter under the intake manifold?

Dom

 

The engineers wife was definitely getting porked by a mechanic. It's the only logical explanation for what they've been designing.

 

My DD Nissan Armada also has the starter located under the intake manifold as well. 🤦🏼‍♂️
But glad it wasn’t a BMW, which have their starters INSIDE the bellhousing!

 

 

I tried replacing a light bulb on late model Mercedes SUV...I couldnt even get my hand in the access hole, so much worse than any thing on My Vette...But I own the Vette, not the Mercedes and never will, they are horrible to do anything to. I can fix anything on the Vette but it does hurt to do a few things for sure...LOL

 

Good thread...
I've run into many of these evil engineered issues in my short 75 C3 experience but I've gotta rate the shroud R&R as the worst ( most costly) thus far. The crazy Corvette shop manual simply stated to push the shroud towards and over the fan.... Guess the tech writers didn't have the upper control arms installed.....
I don't mind having to purchase specialty tools but I do require them to work....

Can't wait to tackle the upper windshield SS trim.....
Volfandt is online now Report Post

 

Thanks for the memories. Finished mine about 2-1/2 years ago and EVERY nomination brought back (painful) memories. My vote would go to anything under the driver's side dash, followed by the AC unit and a close third would be the center console. Ps I am putting on about 1000 miles a year and enjoying every minute

 

For you guys that have problems with the fuel pump On a scale of 1-10 I consider it a 2. Thing is going in prepared. I have a set of mid length sockets that are perfect for that job. Make sure the engine is barred over so the rod will sit as far in as possible. Getting the rod to stay in place isn’t too bad. I usually coat them with red and tacky grease. Never had a problem with them wanting to slide out.

 

My main problem with the fuel pump was getting at the mounting bolts. Then, while trying to install the new one, suddenly a light bulb came on and I removed the pass side front tire. Problem solved

 

C3 heater core and rear wheel bearings are on my list for sure. The worst Corvette engineer in history is the person that designed the c6 fuel pump and tank arrangement. 🤬🤬🤬🤬 That crap will make you search for a tall tree and a short rope. (The worst engineers on earth are always German though…. Ever worked on an Audi🙄🤯???)

 

Dalannex,
I too worked on a Audi back in the 70's and was sure all the engineers were going out with the same woman and NEVER talked to each other. I was asked to drive it home and stopped at a local store near my house. The parking block you bump to stop took off the altinator which was mounted to the A/C. That wasn't all when I went to shift the manual trans in reverse the shifting lever came out of the trans. Not done yet, but the radiator was mounted sideways and there was so much more that i didn't want to be seen in one and have people think I was dumb enough to buy one.. Geuss things may have changed thru the years but I never did another.
One more was the MBZ 500 the fan clutch and water pump were one unit that involved 8 hrs to rebuild if either failed not to mention HYDRAULIC windows and again MORE.
defenatly a car that should not be driven on a trip unless you were prepared to have it shipped back to a dealer and rent a car to finish your trip.
Nothing beat the good old american cars where you could walk to a auto parts store and buy a part at a fraction of the foreign price and continue your trip. VW!! gas tank in the front? And the caught fire in the rear engine compartment regularly.
Had to be a working mechanic to count all those failures. Ther will be those who say they were the best cars they ever owned. Well those were lucky and should buy lottery tickets.

Dom

 

The console, gauge bezel and dash components, as well as the ventilation are all interconnected in my 74. Want to change out a bulb in the gauge bezel? You need to take out the seats, remove the brake console and shift the center console back about an inch (the most it will move with the heater controls still in place) and most likely remove the passenger lower dash to easily get to the bezel. It seems like the best way to get the lower driver side dash out is with the steering wheel out completely. Lots of bulbs in the lower dash that could go out and most are not accessible without partially removing the lower dash.

As someone stated above, the heater core looks like a nightmare. If mine ever leaks, do I really want to replace it in a summer only car?

 

I nominate the forward two spark plug wires on each side of the engine. You know the wires I'm talking about; the ones that were run under the motor mounts on each side.

 

 

It's every situation that you had to buy, build or fashion a special or odd sized or angled special tool. I have a drawer full.