what is this socket wrench?
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Joined: May 2012
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From: coatesville PA
what is this socket wrench?
I was just browsing a corvette catalogue. It showed a ratchet with a torx like head? This is a 1985 corvetter which was given to me. I am now wondering if this car has a removeable top? I have so mjany other things going on with this car I haven't had time to do the research. Let me know what you guys/gals think?
cmj
cmj
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
That ratcheting Torx wrench you saw in the catalog came with all Corvette coupes so you can remove the targa top. It's a T-40 size so you can simply use that size socket (available at Sears, Lowe's or Home Depot) in a 1/4 inch drive ratchet. The Torx head should be at least 2" long.
There are 4 Torx bolts that hold the top in place. Lower the sunvisors and you will see a hole in the plastic windshield trim near the visor arm. There is a bolt in that recess that you need to loosen (it doesn't come out)
Then just above the seat backs in the top plastic trim you will see a Torx bolt. You need to remove these two bolts. Lift the top off by pushing up at the front of the top and pull away from the "halo bar".
If the top has not been off in some time, it may stick to the weatherstripping so lift carefully. If the weatherstripping tears, you will get leaks and that piece can be pricey.
There are 4 Torx bolts that hold the top in place. Lower the sunvisors and you will see a hole in the plastic windshield trim near the visor arm. There is a bolt in that recess that you need to loosen (it doesn't come out)
Then just above the seat backs in the top plastic trim you will see a Torx bolt. You need to remove these two bolts. Lift the top off by pushing up at the front of the top and pull away from the "halo bar".
If the top has not been off in some time, it may stick to the weatherstripping so lift carefully. If the weatherstripping tears, you will get leaks and that piece can be pricey.
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From: Callaway MD
Silcone Spray
Just a tip once you get the top off I'd spray all the rubber seals with silicone lube just to keep them fresh and prevent them from sticking the next time, also helps prevent future leaks.
I should add that there actually is a storage place for the wrench in the center console. I learned this after getting the car and scrubbing the owners manual wondering what the clip in the center console was for, (the wrench was missing in mine). And really who ever reads the owners manual....lol
I should add that there actually is a storage place for the wrench in the center console. I learned this after getting the car and scrubbing the owners manual wondering what the clip in the center console was for, (the wrench was missing in mine). And really who ever reads the owners manual....lol
Last edited by PirateW5; Nov 20, 2012 at 03:39 PM.
Heel & Toe
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From: Callaway MD
I don't joke about car maintenance
I use silicone spray on all my window seals on all my cars. But sometimes I do use 303 Protectant. I work in the aircraft industry and that's what you use on aircraft to keep seals from dry rotting and wearing out pre-maturely.
Here's a link to what I use, in fact I made a lot of money off of WD40 stock over years. Enough to buy a new Corvette, but I prefer to work on the old ones.
http://www.wd40specialist.com/produc...cone-lubricant
Here's a link to what I use, in fact I made a lot of money off of WD40 stock over years. Enough to buy a new Corvette, but I prefer to work on the old ones.
http://www.wd40specialist.com/produc...cone-lubricant
Last edited by PirateW5; Nov 20, 2012 at 03:06 PM.
Heel & Toe
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From: Callaway MD
I actually don't like Armour all that much. I work on aircraft and we use 303 protectant on the wing deice boots which are rubber boots on the leading edge of wings. This protects the rubber and extends it's life. It was developed by an engineer at NASA years ago. I'd say IMHO it's the best product out there for weatherstripping. the silicone spray is good stuff as well and I've used on cars and my wet suits for years.
Last edited by PirateW5; Nov 20, 2012 at 03:37 PM.
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From: Jenks OK
Actually on a lot of the '85s (I don't know about all of them just the early ones) the wrench is in a holder in the back console area and it's actually just a manual driver with a straight torx head and an angled torx head. I don't know when they actually switched to the ratcheting one and started placing it in the center console. Maybe if I'm feeling saucy later I'll take a picture of mine and post it up.