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[onebluemcm]

Hey all-
I've got tons of questions but I'll try not to inundate - yet.

What are the biggest aspects of fixin' up a late 70's vette that require a mechanic? I mean, aside from engine, tranny and rear diff type work, what do ya need a mechanic for specifically?
Big question, I know, but for example, I've read that for rear wheel bearing work and something about the parking brake you can't do it on your own - other stuff like this.

I acutally am comfortable with things like engine tear-down and building and I guess chassis work not requiring special pullers or other specialized tools. I tend to try to do a lot on my own. Just wondering what things will be really hard to do on my own?

Maybe this is too broad a question - let me know

 

[69MyWay]

Anything is possible with the right tools, space to work, and desire to see it through.

 

[MaineShark]

Like Chris says, it all depends on what you are willing to do, and what tools you are willing to buy.

For example, doing the wheel bearings requires some special tools. So I took mine to a dealer, since they have the tools available. Well, when it was all said and done, they charged me so much that I could have bought the tools and had money enough to spare to hire a regular mechanic to do the job, if I wanted to.

So, it all depends on how much your mechanic wants to charge, compared with the tool prices. Eckler's has a selection of C3-specific tools, to give you an idea of what they cost.

Joe

 

[red70vette]

You only need a mechanic for things you can't fix yourself. I suggest you buy a shop manual, Chilton's or like repair manual. These cars are relatively easy to fix for those who have some mechanical ability. If you are comfortable with engine tear down you should be able to handle anything with the right tools.

 

[onebluemcm]

Sounds good to me.
I figure I'll find as nice a first vette I can find, and afford, and then work on it a bit at a time anyway. That way, if I end up needing to purchase specialized tools, i can spread the costs out over time a bit too.

thanks