What supplies should i get or carry around with me?

[oceangal]

Now that I dodged a bullet I think I should have an idea of somethings to get for the car and keep with me. Someone mentioned extra long jumper cables and I hadn't thought of needing long ones so that was a good idea. What else? Tools? (like I know what to do with them!)

I know I need to run it on super unleaded. I read on this site to promise to only hand wash it. I searched on CAC and saw that Chevy makes a car wash kit, is that the best thing to use? Do I just get that at a chevy dealer?

What about covers? Any brands and models you can recommned that won't break the bank? I do not have a garage but I will store it indoors off season, so really I need something to cover the car out in the elements for summer and when its being stored - can I use the same one??

I am going to remove the bubbling tint on the back window - I found the suggestions for that on CAC as well! So much great info here!

Also what is the best way to find a good mechanic? For 5 years I have been going to the local Dodge Dealership with my Dodge and the service guys treat me like a queen. When I went in today and told them I bought a new car they simultaneously pushed back in their chairs and hit the wall, mouths agape! They were fine when I told them I am keeping the dodge. But should I go to a nearby chevy dealer or find a mechanic that specializes in older autos or hang with the Dodge boys?

Are there somethings you would never use a dealer for?? Any input you have would be great. I know Rob & MoeJr are fairly close so I am sure they have resources for the bigger things, but who should I go to for say an oil change or spark plugs and what about the AC freon......

Well this should be enuf questions for now! Thanks all!
Lori

 

[jdp6000]

If you go to Chevy dealer you need to find an oldtimer. Actually no matter where you go find someone that knows these cars.

Here is a question to ask the mechanic. How do you balance the TBI's??? If he/she knows the answer to this question then thats your mechanic. If all else fails you can ask me and I'll tell you how to do it....LOL

Jim

 

[oceangal]

If you go to Chevy dealer you need to find an oldtimer. Actually no matter where you go find someone that knows these cars.

Here is a question to ask the mechanic. How do you balance the TBI's??? If he/she knows the answer to this question then thats your mechanic. If all else fails you can ask me and I'll tell you how to do it....LOL

Jim

LOL ....um Jim, will I need to know what TBI's are to ask that?! haha

Lori

 

[Tritium007]

Lori,

One thing I absolutely love is this thing I have called "the absorber". It is like a synthetic chamois and it is great for drying your baby after a good bath. It can be carried in the back compartment in it's plastic case and is great for touch-ups when out and about.

Mike

 

[jdp6000]

They are the throttle bodies...two fuel injected carborators...hence the term "crossfire"...both need to supply eactly the same amount of gas for your car to run smooth.

By the way...if they disconnected your battery your car will run funny for about 5 miles....it takes 5 miles at 35 mph to reset the memory in your computer (ECM).

Jim

 

[oceangal]

They are the throttle bodies...two fuel injected carborators...hence the term "crossfire"...both need to supply eactly the same amount of gas for your car to run smooth.

By the way...if they disconnected your battery your car will run funny for about 5 miles....it takes 5 miles at 35 mph to reset the memory in your computer (ECM).

Jim

Wow now that is some info worth knowing! Is that the only way to reset it? Thank you Jim!

 

[jdp6000]

No but its the easiest way. If the shop hasn't worked on a Crossfire before they are probably wondering why its idling real high. Each throttle body has an Idle Air contol. Its the tub shaped thing at the front of each throttle body with wires going to them. They don't reset until you hit 35 mph. You need to drive the car everytime you cut the power to the ECM (computer). The ECM is in the compartment in front of your battery.

Jim

 

[gec]

Lori,
I carry a inexpensive tool kit in a plastic carry case in my cars and boat, Wallmart has them on sale quite often, look for one with a good assortment of sockets both deep & shallow, pliers, wire cutters, etc. Also a cheap 12v electrical tester, electrical tape & a first aid kit cause I cut myself every time I work on this car.
I'm not as worried about someone stealing the cheap tool set if I go into a store with the tops off (the good stuff stays at home). I also picked up a Chiltons manual that stay's in the car that has good troubleshooting ideas and simple instructions on how to use your tools.
My wifes first ride in our car at night the wipers came on when I started it(switch was off), headlights would go off & on whenever I hit a bump & when we got to the store I turned off the key, pulled it out & the moter stayed running...LOL she was not very impressed, but all is fixed up now...hopefully
Gary

 

[vette-dude]

Fire Extingisher

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71043

Randy

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Toothbrush, credit card and passport. Everything else is luxury. Oh, a AAA card and a cell phone.

The best medicine is to have some one go through your car now and inspect every little thing so that you're not caught short again. You're dealing with a 23 year old machine with an uncertain usage and maintenance history.

 

[82ColEd]

Lori,

I mentioned the long cables because the battery is behind the driver seat, and other cars have theirs in the trunk (my stationwagon!) or under the hood. And from there it's a bit of a stretch to get to yours (especially on a tight road, with the cars lined up).. Ask how i know.. :L
I actually keep the cable on a towel as the ends might start rusting and staining the carpet. Maybe buy some that have a pouch with it.
I keep a first aid kit in the passenger compartment behind the pass. seat (as mandated by german law, and because it comes in handy to have a band aid when you have to muck with the car).
I would also check the parts under the pass compartment (behind the seat), see if the car jack is there and in what shape. If your 82 has caps on the wheels, have something to popp them off (82CE's have a little blue hook-y tool supplied). Oh, have someone check the spare, mine was flat when i finally had it checked out..

Enjoy the car !


-Stefan


PS: Spare fuses !! Buy 2 or 3 sets and keep them in the car.. (Can you tell i am making a mental inventory of my pass. compartment.. )

 

[lnirenberg]

I agree with fuses, add a screw driver, an adjustable wrench, some self sealing tape for emergency repairs to hoses, jumper cables and a can of tire sealer--just in case you haven't checked if you have a jack and a spare! I'm thinkin' I may put a gallon of premixed antifreeze in the back to go with the self sealing tape for long drives. In the end none of this matters because whatever fails you will be the one thing you aren't prepared for. Maybe hte best tool I heard mentioned was the AAA card!

 

[Andy]

Lori....

Funny as it sounds, I always carry around the card (in addition to alot of items that were mentioned above) is the name and phone number of a GOOD flat bed towing company!! In case I am stranded within reasonable distance, I need to know who I am going to call..

Andy

 

[lnirenberg]

Lori....

Funny as it sounds, I always carry around the card (in addition to alot of items that were mentioned above) is the name and phone number of a GOOD flat bed towing company!! In case I am stranded within reasonable distance, I need to know who I am going to call..

Andy

Very good point except when I broke down on the mass pike this spring and the they only allow a select few towing companies to tow off the pike--hmmm, I wonder whose brother-in-law got the job? I called AAA and told them that I had to have a flatbed and 2 1/2 hrs later they finally showed up.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Lori,

Welcome to the CAC Crossfire club. The 82 and 84 Corvettes have the 350 crossfire engine and Electronic fuel injection system in them. Twinturbo has a real helpful website dedicated exclusively to the 82 and 84 Corvettes.
http://www.crossfire.homeip.net/
There are many helpful folks there including Jim and myself that can provide answers specific to your Corvette.

The CAC is the best first choice for general information about your new Corvette, but for 82 exclusive info, the Crossfire Injection Vault is a great resource.

Happy trails to you!

 

[lnirenberg]

2 thoughts--Whether your doing the work yourself or not I would bone up on the basics just so you don't get jerked around by less than honorable mechanics. Go on amazon and you will find all kinds of helpful books from Chilton's on up. Secondly, if all else fails the 20 foot jumper cables can be used as a noose!

 

[oceangal]

I was just going to say Pete that I think I should carry around a few phone numbers of CAC folks in case of emergency!

 

[oceangal]

2 thoughts--Whether your doing the work yourself or not I would bone up on the basics just so you don't get jerked around by less than honorable mechanics. Go on amazon and you will find all kinds of helpful books from Chilton's on up. Secondly, if all else fails the 20 foot jumper cables can be used as a noose!

LOLOL :L
yah i am thinking you all forgot to mention cyanide pills! ;-)

 

[GS Diva]

Lori,

For a good mechanic reference, contact a local Corvette club. They can be a source of much information. As I told you earlier, Gate City Corvette Club or North Shore Corvette Club might be in your neighborhood, so to speak!

As far as "car wash kit" goes, I don't think you need to go to Chevy to get whatever their kit consists of. Get a good car wash detergent (don't use dishwashing detergent), a good sponge and you're all set. I'm a huge fan of quality micro-fiber towels...and I don't mean the K-Mart brand!:L I use Stoner's Invisible Glass for all glass (in the house, too) with micro-fiber towels, and it can't be beat. That's just for starts! I could go on and on!

Elaine

 

[oceangal]

Hi Elaine!
I have tried to reach some of the folks at the vette club out of Lowell and the one in Danvers...I think the only member that wrote me from Danvers was Barry and he has moved to the Cape I think...any names you could pass on would be appreciated! I also read there was one in Seabrook Nh but like the rest I have contacted the email bounced back :-(
This weather is awful huh? I have to get a cover for the car for the rain, right?
Lori