Newbie
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Simi Valley Ca.
Newbie
I have recently purchased my first Corvette, 2002 coupe and really enjoying it. I would like to pick up information from others about basics I need answers to.
1: How do I determine the exact color color match for my Corvette? is this part of the Vin #? Also, best place for purchase touch up paint?
2: I just discovered I need a set of Jack Pucks to get my Vette off the ground and I ordered a set for the garage and another to keep in the car. Are there any other items I should know about and keep a set of handy?
3 Looking for an easy way to pipe my I Phone through the Bose Stereo in the car and also an easy way to do the same with the Gps mapping feature on the phone.
4 I would like to add a set up for back up sensors and would love some suggestions that might be better than others.
5 As a Newbie I don't know what other questions I should be asking and would enjoy hearing from the veterans that know the ropes what I should be asking about.
I have been a lifelong 4WD enthusiast and decided to shift gears, so to speak, any advice on making Vette ownership better, safer and more enjoyable is appreciated.
Sr.
1: How do I determine the exact color color match for my Corvette? is this part of the Vin #? Also, best place for purchase touch up paint?
2: I just discovered I need a set of Jack Pucks to get my Vette off the ground and I ordered a set for the garage and another to keep in the car. Are there any other items I should know about and keep a set of handy?
3 Looking for an easy way to pipe my I Phone through the Bose Stereo in the car and also an easy way to do the same with the Gps mapping feature on the phone.
4 I would like to add a set up for back up sensors and would love some suggestions that might be better than others.
5 As a Newbie I don't know what other questions I should be asking and would enjoy hearing from the veterans that know the ropes what I should be asking about.
I have been a lifelong 4WD enthusiast and decided to shift gears, so to speak, any advice on making Vette ownership better, safer and more enjoyable is appreciated.
Sr.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 488
Likes: 2
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Suggested Reading
First, welcome to the forum, and to Corvettes!! 
To answer some of your questions by number:
1) check your glove box for the RPO sticker. That has everything. Here is one link where you'll find those numbers decoded: http://home.fuse.net/corvette/rpo.htm.
2) if you are going to lift the car be either of the cross-members, either purchase or make a beam that will span the width and distribute the load from when lifting with a floor jack.
3) I believe that Dennis (Double D Mods, a Supporting Vendor) sells an adapter that will allow you to hook an iPod and/or iPhone to your stock stereo. Here is a link to the C5 section of his web store: http://shop.doubledmods.com/C5-CORVETTE-97-04_c137.htm
5) for a host of general information, links, etc., follow this link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...must-read.html.
For electrical information, here is another handy link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...tion-long.html.
Another general information link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ngths-etc.html.
And last, but not least, a link to a DIY thread: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...l-in-here.html
Hope the above helps.
For anything else, search the applicable section and if you can't find an answer, post a thread. You'll get plenty of assistance. If it involves troubleshooting, always, always, always, read and post your DTCs, which can be easily retrieved from the DIC. Here's how: (credit to Bill Curlee for this post) http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1565921090-post3.html
Again, welcome to the forum, and to the C5! Enjoy it!!
To answer some of your questions by number:
1) check your glove box for the RPO sticker. That has everything. Here is one link where you'll find those numbers decoded: http://home.fuse.net/corvette/rpo.htm.
2) if you are going to lift the car be either of the cross-members, either purchase or make a beam that will span the width and distribute the load from when lifting with a floor jack.
3) I believe that Dennis (Double D Mods, a Supporting Vendor) sells an adapter that will allow you to hook an iPod and/or iPhone to your stock stereo. Here is a link to the C5 section of his web store: http://shop.doubledmods.com/C5-CORVETTE-97-04_c137.htm
5) for a host of general information, links, etc., follow this link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...must-read.html.
For electrical information, here is another handy link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...tion-long.html.
Another general information link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ngths-etc.html.
And last, but not least, a link to a DIY thread: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...l-in-here.html
Hope the above helps.
For anything else, search the applicable section and if you can't find an answer, post a thread. You'll get plenty of assistance. If it involves troubleshooting, always, always, always, read and post your DTCs, which can be easily retrieved from the DIC. Here's how: (credit to Bill Curlee for this post) http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1565921090-post3.html
Again, welcome to the forum, and to the C5! Enjoy it!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
I recommend you read/overview the Sticky Threads in the General and Technical areas here and start to learn. They can tell you a lot of good information. If you ever need technical help will be glad to help. I specialize in the electrical and electronics of the C5. I work on all areas of all my cars including paint work but just don't have the experience in most mechanical areas of the C5 but there are a ton of guys here that do. If you want a great book to read try "All Corvettes are Red". I have read it twice and it is a story behind the design and building of the C5.
Learn to read your trouble codes. When I get home I will send you all the info you need on that in an email to you.
ALWAYS make sure your battery is in good charged condition. More than enough of all problems start with a battery that is low (trying to start the car with less than about 12.5 volts as measured at the battery).
Dennis at Double D mods has a great setup for connecting an iPod to your system. If you have the CD changer in the back he has one that feeds from there. I chose to feed mine from the back of the radio instead of from the back. Give him a call. You are welcome to PM me with your phone number and I can discuss. Accessing the back of the radio is not hard and I can give you all the info on how to do that.
Learn to read your trouble codes. When I get home I will send you all the info you need on that in an email to you.
ALWAYS make sure your battery is in good charged condition. More than enough of all problems start with a battery that is low (trying to start the car with less than about 12.5 volts as measured at the battery).
Dennis at Double D mods has a great setup for connecting an iPod to your system. If you have the CD changer in the back he has one that feeds from there. I chose to feed mine from the back of the radio instead of from the back. Give him a call. You are welcome to PM me with your phone number and I can discuss. Accessing the back of the radio is not hard and I can give you all the info on how to do that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
I recommend don't read a thing because all that will do is make you wander about what can go wrong. I had an old time doctor tell me once don't read those papers that come with a prescription, you won't want to take it. Same principles apply. Sure you want to read all you can, but take it with a grain of salt. If you know what I mean. And welcome and good luck with your car.
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Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Simi Valley Ca.
Wow! I am impressed with the fast response
Thanks to Sunchaser73 and EVERYONE that jumped in to answer my questions and welcome me. Your knowledge about the internal setup to read trouble codes in the vehicles memory was exactly the kind of information I was looking for.
You have provided a lot of links for me to digest in my spare time and I am certain to ask more questions as things pop up.
Thanks to everyone.
You have provided a lot of links for me to digest in my spare time and I am certain to ask more questions as things pop up.
Thanks to everyone.
First, welcome to the forum, and to
Corvettes!!
To answer some of your questions by number:
1) check your glove box for the RPO sticker. That has everything. Here is one link where you'll find those numbers decoded: http://home.fuse.net/corvette/rpo.htm.
2) if you are going to lift the car be either of the cross-members, either purchase or make a beam that will span the width and distribute the load from when lifting with a floor jack.
3) I believe that Dennis (Double D Mods, a Supporting Vendor) sells an adapter that will allow you to hook an iPod and/or iPhone to your stock stereo. Here is a link to the C5 section of his web store: http://shop.doubledmods.com/C5-CORVETTE-97-04_c137.htm
5) for a host of general information, links, etc., follow this link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...must-read.html.
For electrical information, here is another handy link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...tion-long.html.
Another general information link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ngths-etc.html.
And last, but not least, a link to a DIY thread: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...l-in-here.html
Hope the above helps.
For anything else, search the applicable section and if you can't find an answer, post a thread. You'll get plenty of assistance. If it involves troubleshooting, always, always, always, read and post your DTCs, which can be easily retrieved from the DIC. Here's how: (credit to Bill Curlee for this post) http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1565921090-post3.html
Again, welcome to the forum, and to the C5! Enjoy it!!
Corvettes!!
To answer some of your questions by number:
1) check your glove box for the RPO sticker. That has everything. Here is one link where you'll find those numbers decoded: http://home.fuse.net/corvette/rpo.htm.
2) if you are going to lift the car be either of the cross-members, either purchase or make a beam that will span the width and distribute the load from when lifting with a floor jack.
3) I believe that Dennis (Double D Mods, a Supporting Vendor) sells an adapter that will allow you to hook an iPod and/or iPhone to your stock stereo. Here is a link to the C5 section of his web store: http://shop.doubledmods.com/C5-CORVETTE-97-04_c137.htm
5) for a host of general information, links, etc., follow this link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...must-read.html.
For electrical information, here is another handy link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...tion-long.html.
Another general information link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ngths-etc.html.
And last, but not least, a link to a DIY thread: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...l-in-here.html
Hope the above helps.
For anything else, search the applicable section and if you can't find an answer, post a thread. You'll get plenty of assistance. If it involves troubleshooting, always, always, always, read and post your DTCs, which can be easily retrieved from the DIC. Here's how: (credit to Bill Curlee for this post) http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1565921090-post3.html
Again, welcome to the forum, and to the C5! Enjoy it!!
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,774
Likes: 24,683
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Welcome to the forum and congrats on getting your '02 coupe. Hope you get many miles of pleasure from the car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
I recommend don't read a thing because all that will do is make you wander about what can go wrong. I had an old time doctor tell me once don't read those papers that come with a prescription, you won't want to take it. Same principles apply. Sure you want to read all you can, but take it with a grain of salt. If you know what I mean. And welcome and good luck with your car.
My own interpretation of Frank's statement is slightly different. I believe in research and reading everything you can. THEN, just like with the Rx papers, just because it's written there doesn't mean it applies to YOU!! 
Same with the car. I read everything I could before and after I got my '02 Z. I hope this doesn't jinx me, but I've spent more time enjoying advice and next to nothing on fixing all the 'scary stuff' found in a lot of 'watch out for" articles. Welcome and good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 11,599
Likes: 1,053
From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
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Welcome...Tell us more about your new to you Corvette!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,177
Likes: 1,138
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
Welcome to the cf
I recommend don't read a thing because all that will do is make you wander about what can go wrong. I had an old time doctor tell me once don't read those papers that come with a prescription, you won't want to take it. Same principles apply. Sure you want to read all you can, but take it with a grain of salt. If you know what I mean. And welcome and good luck with your car.
Certain amt of truth in that for certain people*
* not Frank
Last edited by cor28vettes; Jan 28, 2014 at 12:13 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 120
Likes: 5
From: Dunn-Benson North Carolina
I have recently purchased my first Corvette, 2002 coupe and really enjoying it. I would like to pick up information from others about basics I need answers to.
1: How do I determine the exact color color match for my Corvette? is this part of the Vin #? Also, best place for purchase touch up paint?
2: I just discovered I need a set of Jack Pucks to get my Vette off the ground and I ordered a set for the garage and another to keep in the car. Are there any other items I should know about and keep a set of handy?
3 Looking for an easy way to pipe my I Phone through the Bose Stereo in the car and also an easy way to do the same with the Gps mapping feature on the phone.
4 I would like to add a set up for back up sensors and would love some suggestions that might be better than others.
5 As a Newbie I don't know what other questions I should be asking and would enjoy hearing from the veterans that know the ropes what I should be asking about.
I have been a lifelong 4WD enthusiast and decided to shift gears, so to speak, any advice on making Vette ownership better, safer and more enjoyable is appreciated.
Sr.
1: How do I determine the exact color color match for my Corvette? is this part of the Vin #? Also, best place for purchase touch up paint?
2: I just discovered I need a set of Jack Pucks to get my Vette off the ground and I ordered a set for the garage and another to keep in the car. Are there any other items I should know about and keep a set of handy?
3 Looking for an easy way to pipe my I Phone through the Bose Stereo in the car and also an easy way to do the same with the Gps mapping feature on the phone.
4 I would like to add a set up for back up sensors and would love some suggestions that might be better than others.
5 As a Newbie I don't know what other questions I should be asking and would enjoy hearing from the veterans that know the ropes what I should be asking about.
I have been a lifelong 4WD enthusiast and decided to shift gears, so to speak, any advice on making Vette ownership better, safer and more enjoyable is appreciated.
Sr.