KYCelt

Between the "how good a mechanic are you" and all the references to "couldn't have afforded to have it done by someone else" comments, I have some concerns.
Can a non mechanic afford to get into a C2? Can said non mechanic hook up with a mentor in or close to Lexington KY for advice?

Thanks
David

67L36Driver

Mechanically challanged + 40 yr old Car = One legged man in an **** kicking contest.

However, we all had to start somewhere and given the right manuals and some experienced help you should be able to tacklle most of the ordinary things that can go wrong with a C2.

B.T.W.: Good job on the profile! Most newbys don't put in anything.

OldKarz

It just takes time and patience.......and when the going gets rough.....cold beer.

wallemon

The good thing about C2's and C1's is that the technology is all straight forward and understandable....the bad thing is that unless you own a completely restored trailer queen example, there is ALWAYS something that needs fixing on these cars. I believe that if you are interested in learning there is nothing on these cars that you cannot learn to fix...that said, it can take a lot of time. There are many on this forum who would be glad to give you a hand if they are located close to you and advice if they are not. GO FOR IT!

BLee

An old car is just nuts and bolts but you have to have some mechanical aptitude. Experience also helps. If you are totally lost on a car, have no tools, and have no idea how something works you might be in for a rough trip. It's not like a new car where you can go on and on without ever having to lift the hood, these cars need constant attention. And if you end up buying a car that has been bastardized from one end to the other it can turn out to be a nightmare.

I'd be joining my local Corvette club or NCRS Chapter so at least there would be someone willing to help and teach and maybe get you out of a jam if you need it.

BL

66BBDriver

Celt;
I am in Terre Haute IN, about 2-2 1/2 hours away. I have about the average mech. ability and I have Rebuilt the motor, front and rear under carage and replaced the interior on the '66. If you wish to come up you can see what it takes to keep one on the road.

INMYBLOOD

I agree "Good job on the profile! " Risk Management Same idea when I tell the youth of today "don't get married"

What have you ever done mechanically? Your own oil change, brakes, etc?

67vetteal

C'mon Marine! Get your Arss in Gear! You can do it! Now MOVE!!!!! Al W. (Semper Fi).

Stingray1967

Like others have said, these cars aren't complicated. The trick to these cars is knowing what bolt to turn when, and what tool you need to use to do it. Doing things in the wrong order will waste time, frustrate you, and potentially do damage to the car. Also, having the right tool makes ALL the difference in the world.

As someone else said, get hooked up with the local Corvette club and local NCRS chapter. Ask a LOT of questions, and the figure out if you want to do it. Somewhere in there, you need to drive a few of these cars. Preferrably one with power steering and one WITHOUT. It's a different world.

Good luck, and post about your progress.

tomo67

As has already been said, they ALWAYS need something and join NCRS, both National and your local chapter to meet the experts. And the local Corvette Club.

My '67 427/390 had a body off frame resto in 1990, engine rebuilt, everything redone except transmission. In the last four years it has needed a carbrurator overhaul, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, speedometer reads too fast (still not corrected despite several attempts), door won't open, oil leaks, distributor oil seal, etc., and NOW, a bad connecting rod bearing. You get the idea. Most of these things take knowledge, tools, and skill to fix. So finding a mechanic that is familiar with these old cars is very important if you are not going to do it yourself. NCRS and the local club will help you find that person. It's not a case of if you will need him, but when.

Having said all that, there is nothing like roaring down the highway and listening to the music from under the hood.

Good Luck!

67BETE

If I can do it, you can do it. I am/was mechanically handicapped and have learned along the way. Go for it. I'm in Columbus, OH and I found someone in my area who has been dispensible. Good luck.

achapman

KY Celt,

Your profile says your in "Risk Management"..... so what's the problem.....

They were complex when new..... Now it's straight forward.... in all gears....

MikeM

Contrary to the others, these cars do not require constant attention. That's what's wrong with a lot of them. People can't keep their hands off them and wind up screwin' up two things trying to fix one. As a reference to this, just read the archives. In fact, the best thing you can do is to buy a GOOD ONE to start with. One that needs nothing in the running/driving department. Then, keep the hood shut unless something quits. Resist the tempatation to jack it up. Inspect this or that. Some people feel the need to pull in the driveway, doors fly open, hood goes up and then drag enough tools out that it takes three hours to put them away.

Buy a good car to start. Matching numbers doesn't equate to a "good car". Get a GM service manual, read it and then refer to it when something goes wrong. There's plenty of Corvette nuts in your area. Maybe 3-4 clubs close by.

Shark01

Plan for about $3k in tools & manuals

ghoastrider1

get a decent car and just worry about regular tuneups and oil changes. A club will go far when the time comes. Buy one and enjoy.

ctjackster

I'd flash the "I disagree" sign if we had one on here.

Compared with modern cars (which most folks seem to have in mind when considering owning a car that costs more than $40,000) these cars DO require much more attention. Heck, when is the last time you checked the oil level in your 2004 Yukon, checked the anti-freeze level, or set the timing? No one even opens the hood on their cars anymore, or even has someone do it for them with any sort of weekly frequency (remember full service gas stations that checked your oil for you? It was not uncommon fo a car to be down a quart - when was the last time your modern car was down a quart??)

Even if you do get a "good" one as Mike urges (caveat - there are not that many "good ones" to go around), you will be having to give the car more attention than present day car owners are used to, and when the 40 year old car DOES have a mechanical issue, know that NO ONE in your local service shop will likely have the familiarity with the car that is necessary to perform the proper repair to the satisfaction of one of us - such is why so many of us simply ask a bunch of questions here (and then the old boys on VH will mock us for always tinkering with our cars ) and then tackle it ourselves.

I can't say that I've fixed something that didn't need fixing on my car; perhaps restored something that was working okay but not looking very proper is the most I am guilty of.

Ironcross

Well I agree with this post. Just buy the best available you can afford. That means no basket cases, scrap, or fixer uppers. If your interested in HP don't include one with shine all over and in it. 73 or earlier would be the best choice for HP and in stock condition

63 340HP

Answering those two questions have different meanings to different people.

"How good a mechanic are you" can lead one to learn more about the job at hand and proceed under advise, or know that the job is beyond their tools and expertise and shop it out to someone who has the expertise. Either direction will achieve a healthy result. The challenge is to know when to draw the line on what work you can complete and still be comfortable while driving down the road (for some it a tune-up, and for others it's a complete restoration).

"Couldn't have afforded to have it done by someone else" can mean "I would not trust anyone else to do the job (for any amount of money)," as often as it means "I'm broke and had to learn to do the work." The one advantage of a hobby car (as opposed to the daily driver) is time to make repairs and upgrades. Funding for repair material (parts) can be offset by self-performed labor, or the repair can be delayed until the funds are available (unfortunately, why some cars sit in garages far too long).

By asking these questions you expose that you can handle the frustration (and enjoyment) of owning a corvette. I do offer that you may want to think about how long you believe you will be involved in the hobby? If you change hobbies often (every few years) an older car may not be the ideal way to spend time and money. Balance the length of interest with the quality of the initial purchase, a better car will demand less attention (and hold value better) until you move on or redirect your interests.

w1ctc

You should think of the hobby aspect of old cars. If you just want the fun of driving a sports car, there has never been a larger selection on the new car market. To many of us the enjoyment a satisfaction comes from learning and doing repairs and maintanence ourselves.

As with any hobby, be it golf, model airplanes, tennis etc. no one is best at the start. With study and practice, your chosen hobby becomes more interesting and fun.

As has been mentioned, buy a good solid car that has been inspected buy an expert and lean as you go. Stay away from modified or basket cases till your ready.

Injected Stingray

Jump in with both feet and don't look back you will never regret it. If nothing else at least you tryed. You can always sell it later if it becomes to much for you. Always buy the best car you can afford(more than you want to spend) and that should save you some grief. Have fun!!