Possible Complete loss of my Corvette...

[22229stingray81]

Tell me about it Evolution1980!! I'm pretty sure he wont do work on the side, he is one complicated individual. I hope our friends can find us a good shop around here, or I am really in trouble... I'll let you know what we hear tomarrow.

-Tatortot

 

[Chris Kennedy]

No offense, but I really don't think this is a big crisis in the grand scheme of things. These sorts of "Omi God!!" messages have got to stop. All of us, I suspect, have had mechanics we've liked go, too, and have always found others, especially for old Corvettes. These aren't limited production exotica from Europe. If all else fails most Chevy dealers can help you out on something like wheel bearings---just follow the repair manual as it's not a big deal, and there is usually someone around there who likes our cars and is more than happy to work on them rather than some bland new Chevy sedan. You are also lucky that someone is already checking around for you. One practical thing for YOU to do would be to contact the local Northern Virginia or Washington. D.C. Corvette Clubs for recommendations on a substitute mechanic to take care of your immediate problem. Then, you can either stick with that person or look around. My '81 4-spd. is my only car, it has 189,000 miles on it, and the more I treat it like a normal car the better it runs and the happier we both are---one of my favorite garages is a really grungy place run by a gentleman from Asia, and it is full of all sorts of cars and trucks in various stages of distress, with customers running around screaming in all sorts of foreign tongues. There are some Corvette owners who only will take their cars to "boutique" type operations. These places often do the worst work at the highest prices and have the attitude that you should be honored that they have "accepted" your vehicle. The garage I'm talking about gets you in and out quickly and cheaply with good work, even if you can't understand anyone there. My basic point is that any competent mechanic can handle these cars, as its pretty obvious how everything goes together and parts are easily available.

--Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

 

[22229stingray81]

Sorry, I didn't think they would get aggrivating. Anything negative dealing with my Corvette is a huge deal to me, and will most definatly ruin my day. While I agree with you in the grand scheme of things it may not be a big deal, it was most certainly a shock, and seeing how I just found out, I thought I would share with everyone my latest findings. I'll try to keep things more low-key in the future. I am an active member or the NCOA, but as they recommended the last Corvette shop, the one that did bad work, I find I really cannot trust anyone. Thank you for your comments.


-Tatortot

 

[Yoda]

-Tatortot,

Hey nothing to be sorry about When you get to be an old man like me, things have a tendency to still upset you, but after YEARS of dealing with incompetent and inconsiderate people you learn to deal with it differently :eyerole

Keep the excitement and adrenalin pumping. Young Corvette owners like you are our legacy. I'm glad to see your appreciation of America's ONLY Sports Car.. After you've completed college and have more time, you may develop an interest in tackling some of these types of repairs yourself But as long as this is related to the accident ... make the insured insurance company liable and get it fixed right..

Deep breath Tator..

oh..... yea exhale

Bud

 

[22229stingray81]

There's old Bud again, making me smile. I wish I could tackle these problems now, really badly actually, but I simply do not have the money, or facilities to do so. Sadly enough I do not have any friends that are interested in cars as I am, so I have no one to share my joy/disappointmets with except you all. Hopefully when I get a steady job out of college, I can get a garage and the tools I need, and hopefully by then I will also have better knowledge. Remind me to buy you a beer one day Bud, once of course I'm of legal drinking age....

-Tatortot

 

[Chris Kennedy]

Do you remember when I told you about the drunk who ran into me? When I got the car back, I had many of the same problems that you have. The slop one encounters when others do major repair or restoration work on a car will never cease to amaze you. It IS incredible, you're correct. Trust me, I understand the aggravation and feeling of wanting to kill. However, you will find that things go better if you start by first taking care of the things you can take care of yourself relatively easily and quickly. I know that you shoudn't have to do it, but if you do then YOU will feel better. For example, get the car professionally cleaned inside, or clean it yourself. That will lift your spirits greatly. As to windshield spots, take the car by a windshield repair shop and have them try and figure out what to do. Many times they can buff problems out quickly and cheaply, and insurance companies will often pay for this to avoid windshield replacement costs. If you don't want to drive the car to the windshield shop, have one of the "we come to you" services come to you after you explain the problem. You mention a dangling interior light---is there some reason why you can't undangle it? Take a picture of the various messes for working with insurance, but don't let that stop you getting these things cleaned-up. You will see progress and feel much better, and this gives you the impetus to tackle what's left. So,this leaves, apparently, the rear wheel bearing noise and the paint as your biggest problem, correct? Concentrate your efforts there. At least you said that the car started, ran and drove fine except for the rear wheel bearing noise. Frequently these clowns mess up things that weren't even broken, so that is one thing to be grateful for, even though you don't know it now. Start with this, and let us know what your contact comes up with on a repairman. Re-doing a car is much like fixing Iraq---sometimes when you despair about the present you have to recall where you were before. Today, in Iraq, everyone is worrying about establishing the interim government after the handover. A year ago, there was no electricity and everything was being looted and establishing any sort of authority appeared impossible. A month ago you were worried that the car would never turn a wheel again. Now, the wheel turns but squeaks. A month from now it will turn without the squeak.

--Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

 

[22229stingray81]

Thanks for the lifting words Chris. Don't get me wrong, I'm not useing my lack of tools, knowledge, and work space as an excuse, I plan to solve many of the problems I listed myself, I just wanted to list them to express how badly they messed up. This weekend, if weather permits, I will be thoroughly cleaning the interior, taking care of the windshield, fixing the interior light, and taking off the rear wheels, 1- to properly attach the spinner (which they did not), and 2- make sure everything was put on properly according to my standards. I also want to make sure they put my wheel spacer back on correctly.. I don't know if you could even mess something up like that, but I wouldn't put it past them at this point. I always attempt fixes myself before taking it somewhere (read my post on choke whoas), but I also know when I am out of my league. I appreciate the outline and suggestions, keep them coming if you can think of anything else.

-Tatortot

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

Tatortot,



There is somebody in Alexandria with the shop, tools, and knowledge to help you; you just need to be discovered. You can not imagine how many people out there would love to help a young person learn how to work on their Corvette.

This Universe has a strange system of balance. You can never pay anyone back for a kindness received all you can do is pass it along to someone else who needs your help. There are millions of people like me who have received much more than they can ever pass on. Since 1985 I have been trying to repay the Universe for everything I have received. My wife and I love to help out the Navy people here at Rota with anything from using the shop, translation, finding housing, teaching them how to mechanic/weld, etc., etc. One day 2 years ago a young Nave Doc. walks into the track because one off his Orderlies told him that it was owned by a crazy American, (he wanted to borrow a pressure washer). He saw that my right hand was swollen and ask why. When I explained that I was having an Arthritis attack and told him about the treatment I was getting from the Spanish Doctor he went loco. He hauled me off to a private hospital and oversaw the examination. He insisted that the local Doctor change the treatment. It has been 2 years since I have had a major attack, the new medication does not hurt my stomach like the Spanish drugs did and I am even farther indebted to the Universe.

 

[22229stingray81]

Well, you were right Spanishvetts! Good news came today... after looking at almost 30 shops over the course of the weekend (yes 30!) I was very discouraged. But I got my old mechanics cell phone number from the other mechanic friend I told you about.. I got the full story, finally! Seems that after 29 years he was kicked out of his building for some technicallity or something; regadless he's opening a brand new shop not too far from where I live and only will do Corvettes now! He's sending out letters to all his divoted clients explaining the whole ordeal. He also gave me the name of a shop in the mean to time get the wheel bearings replaced, said they were honest, and good friends, so I am extremely happy about that. Also I asked him about "Corvette Specialist", the place I got the bad work done at, to quote him he said "I have sworn out several depostitions against them, I've had to correct their 'messed up work' before". Good to know I am not alone and good to know that I have my vette doctor back, as well as a trusty backup. Called the insurance guy too and he's being very cooperative.


-Tatortot

 

[Yoda]

-Tatortot,

One day you'll be passing along all this experience to someone younger, believe it or not, you're building "Character" and learning how this game works It's the game of LIFE!!

Stay focused young Jedi, always look for the good in things and people, and trust in the "FORCE"

Yo

 

[Evolution1980]

...I got my old mechanics cell phone number from the other mechanic friend I told you about... ...Regadless he's opening a brand new shop not too far from where I live and only will do Corvettes now!

See? What did I tell you? 1) If your mechanic was that good of a guy, he wouldn't be hard to find. 2) Once a mechanic, always a mechanic. Mechanics don't ever retire. If they aren't turning a wrench, or at least helping on a project, they'll get bored out of their minds.

Looking back, your story seems to take one step back, then two forward. At that pace, the going is slow, but it IS forward progress nonetheless. You'll be back pimpin' the streets in no time!

 

[22229stingray81]

OKay okay you were right evolution1980...:duh

Next question is.. do I tow it to the repair shop or drive it?? Assuming my wheel bearings are shot, can it be driven 15 miles or definatly not? Thanks for the support again guys, good knowing I can always count on "y'all".

-Tatortot

 

[Evolution1980]

OKay okay you were right evolution1980...:duh

Next question is.. do I tow it to the repair shop or drive it?? Assuming my wheel bearings are shot, can it be driven 15 miles or definatly not? Thanks for the support again guys, good knowing I can always count on "y'all".

-Tatortot

Jack the rear end up so the tire is off the ground. Grab it with one hand at 12:00 and the other hand at the 6:00 position. See if you can wiggle it (pivot it) on the spindle. Ya know, push on on the top, and pull out on the bottom (like a see-saw motion). If there's not a ton of play in it (less than 1/2 inch), you can drive it. Typically, bearings sound worse than they are. I drove on mine to get 'em replaced. By the time I was getting near the shop, I was actually burning them to the point where there was smoke coming from 'em...hahahaha. You're likely aren't anywhere near that bad. Just don't go getting crazy on the road and hammering it or anything (not that I can see you doing it at this point.) I don't remember what mine cost me since it was one of the first things I had done, but they had to replace the entire assembley (bearing and inner/outer race. The "race" is like the inner and outer shell/housing around the bearing itself).

You should be fine to drive on it.

 

[22229stingray81]

Thanks for the information evolution1980, I knew how to do the bearing load test but I have yet to get a floor jack... I know I know what am I doing without one, but what is a poor college student to do? Those things can get expensive, but it's on the list of things to get. I guess I'll try to drive on it, and of course I'll limit my speed and be easy on it as possible, thanks again!

-Tatortot

 

[Evolution1980]

Thanks for the information evolution1980, I knew how to do the bearing load test but I have yet to get a floor jack... I know I know what am I doing without one, but what is a poor college student to do? Those things can get expensive, but it's on the list of things to get.

Sears has a Craftsman 3-ton floor jack with two jack stands for $88 this week. Run this conversation by your mom...
"Hey mom...I'm my way to Sears to buy a jack and jack stands so I can...oops, wait a minute! Shoot! I can't because I don't have any more money since someone already decided to get hi-performance gaskets on my last dime!!!" :L :L

and oh yeah...Cinder blocks are NOT jackstands...regardless of what your brethern in W. VA may tell you!!! :gap

 

[22229stingray81]

Hahahah, I wish it were that easy man. And I wouldn't dream of doing rediculous things like that... and the stupid things I've seen at the bright age of 20. When I was looking at shops this weekend I saw many of them used old tires to prop up cars... that's when I know to turn around and keep on looking. Or the buddy of mine who decided to change his tire without putting the parking brake on because "they are useless", then the car proceded to roll backwards and fall off the jack.


-Tatortot

 

[22229stingray81]

Update: Need to rant

You know how you guys were talking about 1 step forward, 2 steps back? Its time for 2 steps back now... So I was on my way to the shop, I decided to try and drive it. Im taking it slow and am less than one mile from my house.. all of a sudden I see something shiney get thrown from my rear end right past my passanger side window.. so I proceded to pull over. When I look at it I see that one of my wheel studs has completely sheered off, lug and all. Great... So I take a closer look at the wheel.... looks like the shop that did the bad work came back to haunt me. They didn't put the washers back on between the wheel and the lugs!!!!!! Thats probebly what the noise was... So now I have the bare lugs pressing up against the wheel, which has grooves now made into it, and the previously stated broken stud. I decide to put on the spare, and going at a painful 10 miles an hour, limp my way home. I call a flat bed to get it towed to the new shop, and the same tow truck driver comes that towed me during the accident! At least thats good, this guy remembered me and knows what he is doing. I tell him all about how bad "Corvette Specialist" is and he goes "Oh my God! I brought my '84 in there for work!!" So anyways, we get my vette down to the shop, and everything looks okay, the mechanic is very professional and knows his stuff, even has a '67 sitting out front. At least I'm at ease knowing I'm at a good mechanic now. By the way, after we were done at the shop the tow truck driver was on his way to pick up his '84 after seeing how bad they messed up mine (forgot to mension they didn't re-hook up parts in my engine bay after they changed the valve covers). So I call the insurance guy, and hes taking legal action against the shop, and so are we... how could you be so stupid as to not put any washers on? You can clearly see it didn't fit right, I don't know how I didn't see it before. Oh and while the wheel was off I got a closer look at there handy paint work... the overspray was so bad my muffler is now painted white, as well as my suspension, great job guys! Sorry for the long post, just had to rant.. The shop is going to pay for this one... Time for a lawyer.

-Tatortot

 

[Evolution1980]

Hey Yoda,

Who's more cursed at this point...Bro_Ken or Tatortot???


Sorry, Nate, but someday you will be able to look back on this craziness and laugh. Maybe you can even do it now if you just step back take an unassociated look at everything. It's like my luck with cops & tickets. Read my story "I gotta vent for the ticket I got..." THAT's some sad/funny reading. In fact, I have to go update that thread right now... :eyerole

update: scratch that...I can't find my thread! hmmm...
update#2: I'm deeply saddend to learn that my beloved thread has been purged from the system. Those that knew it were very fond of the thread. It will be missed dearly, especially by myself. :cry R.I.P.

 

[Yoda]

Hey Yoda,

Who's more cursed at this point...Bro_Ken or Tatortot???

From where I'm sitting that's a really tough call Bro_Ken_Tatortot...

Andre's right, do what you can do, step back and give yourself some fresh air, 5 years from now you'll tell this story and still harbor a little anger, 10 years from now you'll tell "Amost" the same story with a bit of humor, 20 years from now you'll have speak REAL LOUD because if I'm still alive I'll probably be deaf

Bud

 

[22229stingray81]

Oh trust me guys, I can sit back and laugh at this now.. out of frustration mostly. I wonder what the next episode in this saga will bring... I'm gonna pitch this story to all the daytime T.V. networks.

-Tatortot