Hi all,

I have a 2003 vette that has a few issues. I am totally boycotting dealerships (last time I went in they wanted to charge me $800+ to fix something that I got a friends boyfriend to look at it and tell me that a $5 fix would do it). I feel like every time I take it somewhere they see a girl get out of a vette and have $$$ in their eyes. I see the solutions to a couple of them on the DIY thread, however I'm not brave enough to tackle them on my own (I did replace the gear in the motor to a headlight and that was enough of a challenge for me!!)

My most recent, and most annoying issue, is my ac stopped working. I'm also without a display on my ac and I've been getting the annoying "service ABS" "service traction system" and "service active handling" messages on and off for awhile....and now they are constant. I found how to look up the codes - which I'll do tonight. But, I'm ready to start getting this stuff addressed. I've been driving my truck for the past week and I miss my vette!!!

I'd love to find someone who is knowledgeable and honest about what needs to be done as well as reasonably priced (I know...I'm asking for a lot!) Do you have experience with anyone that meets this description? Maybe someone who does work on cars in their spare time? Obviously not all people at repair shops are dishonest - I'm just extremely skeptical at this point.

I live in the Fort Mill area - so anywhere Charlotte, Rock Hill, Gastonia would be fine. Any thoughts or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks for your help!

 

There is a guy in Fort Mill named Dean who is VERY honest and will help. I have not taken my Corvette to him as I have not had problems with it other than not driving it but I would not hesitate for an instant to take it to him if it was out of warranty and I needed a qualified mechanic to do work. Here is the name of his shop.

Fort Mill Automotive Inc

Do a search on Google for them and you will see some very good reviews about them

 

Just remember to bring jacking pucks wherever you go and make sure they use them!!!

 

I called for a simple quote/guestimate on how much he charges to install a clutch. The lady said he doesnt give quotes over the phone. I wasnt looking for an exact price just a ball park.

Oh well. Does anyone know anyone else in Charlotte? I love the word HONEST I got ripped off pretty bad last year. I can go to mooresville but man it would be nice to find a shop closer thats not so booked up.

 

Dub's an excellent mechanic. Give him a call. He's the owner too.

Corvettes Etc
4927 Wilkinson Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28208-5443
(704) 394-5150

 

Could not agree more...Dub at Corvette Etc in Charlotte the best by far.

 

Sounds like your ABS module needs repair. First, pull your codes using your DIC display in the car. Here is the procedure:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-codes-c5.html

If it comes up module, contact ABSfixer. They do good work cheaply. It is not difficult for you to remove the module yourself with a little patience. Just a little time consuming. As far as the A/C, it could be simply low on freon and the pressure switch is preventing the A/C clutch from engaging. You can short that switch to see if clutch engages. The switch is there to prevent the pump from burning up with too little freon in it.

Now, the clutch is a booger! Rear end is dropped and torque tube removed to gain access. Does take time and money. If you have a shop do this, make sure the shop installs new slave cylinder and remote bleeder line at the same time. If you have questions just PM me.