SO FAR I'm the only one that's worked on my Vettes while in my possession. The black79 has never been out of my care for 24 years now. I would obviously have a pro do any body work and would have auto trans or differential work performed by an expert if a problem ever arose. But I'd still do the R&R. An advantage of low mile originals! Just minor problems over the years.

I try like heck to do everything myself....but why can't things go on as easy as they came apart

Wow, let me break the chain, I do not do the work. I do have however have someone that my family has known and trusted for a long time. He too is a car guy and someone I can trust. A FORD guy but never the less.

[QUOTE=mkapp7879]SO FAR I'm the only one that's worked on my Vettes while in my possession. The black79 has never been out of my care for 24 years now. I would obviously have a pro do any body work and would have auto trans or differential work performed by an expert if a problem ever arose. But I'd still do the R&R. An advantage of low mile originals! Just minor problems over the years.[/QUOTE] You be being smart, staying away from some things that you might not have the tools (or knowledge), but doing most of the other stuff. Most people can't do everything. Knowing when to back off is being smart. 

[QUOTE=aceinthehole]I love working on 'em. Besides, I just couldn't feel the confidence in them if I let any one else touch them. I really can't afford to have pro's work on my cars anyway.[/QUOTE] You are like me.............NO ONE IS TOUCHING YOUR LADIES...........ALL OF THEM!

[QUOTE=lost in the 60's]I try like heck to do everything myself....but why can't things go on as easy as they came apart[/QUOTE] You really know your own answer..............it's a Corvette..........that part of the "MYSTIC" You challenge IT............It challenges YOU!

[QUOTE=JOEMOD]Wow, let me break the chain, I do not do the work. I do have however have someone that my family has known and trusted for a long time. He too is a car guy and someone I can trust. A FORD guy but never the less. [/QUOTE] FORD? guy..............He has to get a break once in awhile and get to work on a real piece of work. He should pay you for that pleasure. Actually many people don't have the knowledge, tools, time, patience, swear word vocabulary etc.......you get the idea. BUT................they  LOVE their Corvette and no one really looks down on them for it. As long as you have someone to trust to do the work........that's all that counts. Good luck to you!  

I like to work on mine now that I got a warm place to work in the winter. As long as I don't get so stupid as to get in deeper than I should. I can take something apart and figure out how to put it back. As long as I stay away from the engine, brakes, tranny, that kinda stuff. What's left? I can paint with a rattle can, but that's about it.
Work with wood and plastic and all the other crap they build houses out these days, so it's something different. 

I have been forced to relive my youth recently and get my self greasy from finger tip to elbow. Broke two pistons and just could not afford to bring anywhere. Pulled everything down to the block and crank. Wound up replacing the two broken pistons and rings and replaced all the rod bearings ( mind you I have never done this before). Also put in a new cam, roller rockers, push rods, lifters, had the heads redone, the blower re sealed , new carbs, and then threw it all back together and prayed.