Credon

I'm fairly new in the Corvette world and classic cars for that mater. I'm quite mechanical but never having had a vintage car, I've never had the need to purchase tools to work on them. I'm finding with each new job that is required on my 69', another type or set of tools is needed.

I have the basic Craftsman wrench's and sockets. What I'm wondering is from the experience of others on this forum, what are some other tools that a C3 Corvette owner must have. My car has been restored about 15 years ago, but things do come up it seems and I would rather work on it myself when possible. I've also found having the right tool sure makes a job a lot easier!

Thank you!

Don

Tim H

One of those suction pumps to get the old grease out of the rear end.

'75

A set of flare nut wrenches (line wrenches)
BFH (big hammer)
bandaids
safety glasses
floor jack
jack stands

scottyp99

You can save a little money and just suck it out a mouthful at a time with a piece of old fuel line.

Seriously, tho, I have never found the need for mare than basic hand tools working on my 'vette. Unless you want to do engine work, or mess with the trailing arms, a good assortment of wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and at least one big hammer should do ya just fine. Any specialty tools you find you need will be inexpensive, like a flre nut wrench for working on brake lines and fuel lines, that sort of thing.


Scott

Ironcross

welding and cutting torch to keep your sanity while removing frozen worn out parts to speed the job up and there good on any car, not only Vettes

bryanpl123

- A few extra extentions to reach some bolts (atleast 1-6" 2-3")
- Universial joint sections for the ratchet are a must for a lot of things!
- A lighted mirror on a collapsable wand is handy
- As is a magnetic pick up tool.

- few cans of PB blaster to loosen rusty old stuck bolts and nuts

During my restore so far my most used tools include (PB blaster and my BFH-3lb hand sledge)

eagle275

Don't forget beer! LOL!

wabco40

I found these are the most "Must Have" and plently of them

scottyp99

Scott

ialex2005i

eagle275

That's the truth!

tonak

Assembly manual and the shop manual

arcticcatmatt

torque wrench and loctite

CA-Legal-Vette

Beer.

and PB Blaster.

thegavel

1/ Corvetteforum (in your favorites) These guys know.
2/ A good set of ramps and/or axle stands.
3/ Plenty of time (dont hurry things).
4/ Lights/Lighting (Can't have enough good lighting).
5/ CASH !!! (Can't have enough)
6/ Bourbon/Beer (to celebrate your successes or drown your sorrows).
7/ (Most important) an understanding partner.
GOOD LUCK,

GAV

68/BB

For the most part I don't think you need a lot of really expensive tools, however, it's a good idea to have a few high end wrenches such as Mac or Snapon for the common size nuts and bolts. I have a few sets of Craftsman and S-K ratchets, sockets, wrenches but I did invest in a few Mac and Snapon's in the 7/16", 1/2", 9/16" and 5/8" range. Those are the ones you will use the most and a good flank drive type open end is very good on stubborn fasteners. I got by without a compressor for years but since I have one now I find it invaluable. Nothing like hitting a rusted bolt with a good impact wrench to break it loose. Other than that good lighting and a really good floor jack and stands, as I think someone else mentioned.

Alan 71

Hi C,
Since you have a 69 with both wiper and headlight vacuum systems I'd encourage you to buy a small vacuum pump like a Mity-Vac and a trouble shooting guide like the one that Dr. Rebuild sells.
If you still have a stock engine with a points distributor, having a timing light and dwell meter is a good idea, too.
A multi-meter and some small alligator jumper wires, helps when tracking electrical gremlins.
I'll also second the absolute need for the AIM and the GM Chassis Service Manual.
Have Fun!
Regards,
Alan

3JsVette

Patience......lots of Patience.

c31980

Most Important tool u Need is : Your Self ,, none of any other tool will work

if u don't have the intention to really work on a c3

Tim H

Im calling the police!