making repairs yourself, very satisfying
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 237
From: marietta, GA
making repairs yourself, very satisfying
Last night I spent 3 hours replacing the ignition cylinder in my 2003 to fix an intermittent security light as the key was not the problem. I had my laptop near to review the forum instructions, but still had to scratch my head on how to disconnect some of the connections. Overall, it was not too bad but I was afraid I'd do something to screw it up. When all done the car started up but I'll need to drive it a few times before I'm convinced it's fixed. It's a good feeling to do it yourself.
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Congrats on a successful repair. This forum has a lot of good info that can save you a bunch of money.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 28
From: Oviedo Florida
HIGH FIVE! kinda scary though when you think about what your going to do if you disable the car and can't get it back. I had thoughts of tow trucks running through my head my first repair. Once you get over that there isn't much that you can't do for basic repairs. I totally agree with you the feeling of accomplishment is pretty great 
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,510
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From: Life moves pretty fast... if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
I've found this car to be relatively easy to work on. The dash comes apart in no time, most service items are accessable, diff and tranny easy to change, brakes are the easiest I've ever done. Overall a very satisfying car to work on! 
Zuti
Zuti
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
I agree easy to work on. I have done everything myself from blower to cam. Only thing I did not do was the tune and clutch. I plan on doing the clutch myself if I ever go back in. I think I am a smart enough man to figure out some nuts and bolts plus I can't afford to take my car for someone to fix it. I probably have saved 10k in labor alone. I wish I could have that luxury but until then I turn wreches myself and with the help of friends and this forum.
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 3
From: Life moves pretty fast... if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
I agree easy to work on. I have done everything myself from blower to cam. Only thing I did not do was the tune and clutch. I plan on doing the clutch myself if I ever go back in. I think I am a smart enough man to figure out some nuts and bolts plus I can't afford to take my car for someone to fix it. I probably have saved 10k in labor alone. I wish I could have that luxury but until then I turn wreches myself and with the help of friends and this forum.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
We did the clutch a few years back. May need a couple buddies to help lift, but the rear links come off with a few bolts, and the torque tube has a million nuts to remove, but not bad otherwise. Just mark all the cables and wires and know how the various connectors come apart and go back together.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,912
Likes: 473
From: EAST TENNESSEE
Last night I spent 3 hours replacing the ignition cylinder in my 2003 to fix an intermittent security light as the key was not the problem. I had my laptop near to review the forum instructions, but still had to scratch my head on how to disconnect some of the connections. Overall, it was not too bad but I was afraid I'd do something to screw it up. When all done the car started up but I'll need to drive it a few times before I'm convinced it's fixed. It's a good feeling to do it yourself.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,119
Likes: 156
From: Huntington tx
I've spent many years working as a Tech on customer vehicles when I was much younger supporting my wife and kids. Always was a struggle to keep the lights on and food on the table. Nowadays it's a different story and a pleasure to work on my own stuff. I'll gladly tackle any problem my C5 develops in my shop with all the tools and equipment I now own. Sometimes I even enjoy working on it as much as I do driving it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,814
Likes: 2,266
From: Brighton MI
I've spent many years working as a Tech on customer vehicles when I was much younger supporting my wife and kids. Always was a struggle to keep the lights on and food on the table. Nowadays it's a different story and a pleasure to work on my own stuff. I'll gladly tackle any problem my C5 develops in my shop with all the tools and equipment I now own. Sometimes I even enjoy working on it as much as I do driving it.
Right there with you. I was an ASE certified master tech for 15 years back in the '80s and early '90s. However, it only took me a few years to figure out that my love for working on cars didn't translate well into a good way to make a living - working at dealerships and trying to beat flat rate.
Saved up enough to put myself through school and get a degree and move on with a different career.
But I've never lost my love of cars or working on them. That's why I built my '69 Cutlass W-31 project and am now working on my Grand Sport project. Time and money prevent me from going too crazy with my projects, but I love every minute of it.
It also helps me appreciate the phenomenal work many of the CF folks, like you, do on their cars.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 856
From: Walhalla South Carolina
I did the LMC5 Column Lock mod yesterday and I didn't like messing with electrical stuff, so easy to mess something up and not know it. These vetts are so finecky that I hat to touch anything unless I have to. I enjoy driving it instead of working on it. In my younger days I didn't mind it but no so much now. I have a pit in my shop and all the tools and and fair amount of skill but don't enjoy it, my motto is if it ain't broke don't fit it, mind you I keep all the required maint up and do it myself but I do like saving the $$$
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 3
From: Life moves pretty fast... if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
We worked a couple hours a night for about a week. If you had a couple of buddies and a full day, you could do it in a day. We took our time, watched the Bears, ate pizza, etc. Did the whole thing, clutch, pressureplate, slave. Just make sure that you have all of your tools ready, be organized, and make sure you have a spline tool when reinstalling the torque tube, it makes life much easier. Good luck Zuti
Zuti