impressed

[esterling]

I must say I am quite impressed with the number of vette owners that work on the vette themselves. How did you guys learn how to do that? I am going to buy an 85 vette this week with 32000 miles, auto. transmission, and in very good condition ( I hope ). Should I start looking for work clothes or just start saving extra money for the mechanics ? This will be the very first vette I have ever owned.

 

[B17Crew]

esterling,
Congratulations on your ’85, black looks great on the C4.

There may be some things to address on the car, but at 32,000 miles I doubt you will have to be replacing anything major, or anything at all for that matter.

Check all of your rubber hoses, take a good look at your engine compartment, make a note of where gaskets are, then, take your car out for drives, inspect for any gasket leaks.

Check your fluids and filters, if you have any doubts, replace them with new, it’s sound insurance and good for your piece of mind.

Manuals are handy if you plan on performing your own maintenance. You can purchase a Haynes manual at most large automotive stores like Auto Zone, or PepBoys. If you prefer, you can have a Haynes manual delivered to your door. http://www.haynes.com/na.html

(Also available through Mid America at) http://www.madvet.com/shop?store=1&frame=188

Another valuable reference is the GM Service Manual. They are more expensive, but they are comprehensive. Available through Mid America at http://www.madvet.com/shop?store=1&frame=197

B17Crew

 

[rrubel]

I'll be honest here. The first car I owned, an 85 Dodge Omni bought new, almost died from lack of maintenance by 65k miles (we won't discuss Chrysler's many issues that also affected it...). Once I realized that simple maintenance was the key to keeping a car healthy, I started doing minor things like oil changes and radiator flushes and hose changes. From that, I got more confident and started doing things like brakes and suspension work (and took an Adult Ed class at our local Vo-Tec center). I also started asking for tools for presents for my birthday and winter holidays... Now I'm at the point where I'll tackle more difficult jobs (I'm currently ripping apart my 86 engine) but still have to be careful to consider what might need specialized tools or a lift. It's not difficult work, but can be VERY messy and VERY time-consuming, and you have to be willing to admit when you've gotten in over your head - and also know that you run the risk of breaking something else.

Start small. Buy the Haynes (not Chilton's) manual for your year Vette and read the first two chapters. While the shop manual is a fantastic reference, it's often over the head of beginners (and even non-beginners). A simplified book like Haynes is a much better starting point.

Above all, don't be afraid to get in there and get dirty. If you can follow directions (from the books) then you won't get in TOO much trouble, and the people on this forum are more than willing to pitch in with advice (sometimes contradictory!) or even help if they live close. Posting a question here, even a dumb-sounding one, and getting a reasoned intelligent answer goes a long way towards building your confidence...

Hope this helps...

[RICHR]

 

[Mad-Mic]

it really depends on your mechanical knowledge and experience. these cars are just like any other car! if you can read a manual (described by B17 and rrubel) then you should be fine. it takes time to find the information that you may need. it took me a good year to feel comfortable to work on my own vette as i did not know much about a vette. i have owned GM cars all my life and worked exclusively on my 82 Z28. before you know it, you'll know just about everything there is to know about your car!

if your not afraid to work on it go ahead! like rrubel said, don't go too far over your head! it also helps to know a good shop close by that will give you deals on labor if you take it exclusively to them. oh and knowing some vette guys locally helps too!

 

[Rich96c4ce]

They are correct. Learn simple maintenance, get a real Helms shop manual, get a Haynes or such simple maintenance manual, get an owner's manual. Read them, and start out.

I changed my first two barrel to a four barrel on my Mom's '55 Ford Coupe when I was about 14. By 19, I had a '55 Chevy hardtop with a 348 and three dueces. I rebuilt the 3 speed trans three times that summer! After that was stolen, I got a '63 Chevy II, 194" 6 cyl. I change the rear, put in 4.56 gears, put 14X7 and 15x8 wheels. When that engine blew I put in a 332 small block, with a Crane cam, '65 Corvette Fuelie intake, fenderwell headers, Turbo 400 trans. Wow, what a rocket. It weighed 2700 pounds. All done by myself, except the motor rebuild. Went to sleep for 25 years, and got my first Vette a year ago. Its like I was reborn. Just today, I was outside doing Fall yard work, saw the Vette, and said to myself, yikes, I can't believe that I have a Corvette!.

Anyway, read, read, start out slowly, get dirty, have fun.

 

[rocklyons]

Doing your own work

I am NOT a mechanic, but I have saved myself well over $1000 by doing a few repairs myself. A few suggestions.

1. Buy the GM service and repair manuals (about $100.00 used)
Don't bother with Haines or Chilton.
2. Ask questions - this forum has people with experience with almost any problem you may encounter.

 

[rocklyons]

Cont.

(I accidentally submitted the earlier reply before I had finished.)

3. Don't use Mr. Goodwrench unless you have lots of money to throw away. My local Chevy dealer quoted me estimates of $800.00 to replace my fuel sending unit/ fuel pump. (I did it myself for $150.00 and thirty minutes of my time. They wanted $500 to repair my cruise control. A used servo cost me $40.00 and about twenty minutes to replace. To replace the right side catalytic converter they estimated $1000.00. I bought one for $170 and a local muffler shop installed it for $60.00.

4. Join a local Corvette club. There will be members who can help with advise and often are willing to help doing the work.

5. Enjoy Americas sports car.

Rock

1995 and 1988 Vette Convertibles.