Topic: Gettin Greasy
in Forum: Vette Women
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I'm with Dave & Chip here.
A good picture is worth.... a good picture!
Starting with the maintenance section is the right way to go. Just take the service manual and go through the first 2 chapters (I think it's the first two) and execute a complete maintance routine (even if not entirely needed; you won't know if you need new spark plugs until you remove them...). All the fluids, a few visual verifications, greasing if you feel like it...
This way, you will get 3 things done:
-the car will be properly maintained, therefore HappY!
-it will get you to know the major components (their location and stuff)
-it will make you start building or upgrading your toolbox
And as a bonus, the greatest satisfaction of all; having it done yourself! The ride you take after having completed something yourself is WAY more fun!
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Hi ladies.
i ran across a book a few years back called "auto repair for dummies". it was written by a lady, Deanna Sclar. i'm sure you can still find it at about any bookstore.
but it is great for anyone wanting to know the basics about car repair. it's easy to understand and she details certain basic things from flushing your radiator to checking wheel bearings. i read it and it's the kind of book that gives you confidence to go out there and try it.
Lifetime MemberIrving, TX - USA
Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273
Vette(s): #1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks.
#2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.
.........Thanks, guys! I need help and advice I can get, that's why it's so great to be part of this forum.......you all ROCK!! 
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MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113
I think it's so great that 1) there ARE female members of this forum in the first place (!)...and 2) that these particular posters are actively interested in working on their cars.
You go, girls! There really IS a lot of satisfaction to be found in fixing them up yourself. I was reminded of that all over again today, when I worked on mine.
And let's face it--these cars of ours are just plain sexy. From the shape to the sound, C3's ooze appeal. So there's a lot to be said for getting 'hands on' with them!
OK. Better stop at that thought...
You go, girls! There really IS a lot of satisfaction to be found in fixing them up yourself. I was reminded of that all over again today, when I worked on mine.
And let's face it--these cars of ours are just plain sexy. From the shape to the sound, C3's ooze appeal. So there's a lot to be said for getting 'hands on' with them!
OK. Better stop at that thought...
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Riverhead, NY - USA
Joined: 12/13/2004
Posts: 63
Vette(s): 1981 Cream exterior, camel interior. Looks great, runs good.
"Auto Repair for dummies" sounds like a good book. I'll check it out. I have the"Haynes Auto Repair" for C3's. Has good pictures showing you names of parts. I know where all the liquids are like oil, etc. One day I'd like to change a hose or something.
Yes, SFVette our cars are sexy. I love the curves on the fenders it is what sets C3's apart from the rest. 
Like Glenn mentioned above when my daughter began to drive she had to learn how to change a flat tire, check the oil (and add if needed), check the tire pressure occasionally, and record fuel fill-ups (to track when oil changes needed to be done). The one thing she hasn't learned to do yet is drive a manual transmission just in case she was caught in an emergency and the only vehicle available didn't have an automatic in it.
Good additions to have in the "garage library" are both the Chilton's and Haynes repair manuals. They do overlap quite a bit but they also differ some in the topics they cover. (
fyi - if you haven't noticed the C3VR "tech forums" are broken out like the table of contents of those two manuals. So if you have a question you don't see an answer for in one of the manuals post it in the corresponding forum.)
fyi - if you haven't noticed the C3VR "tech forums" are broken out like the table of contents of those two manuals. So if you have a question you don't see an answer for in one of the manuals post it in the corresponding forum.) Another excellent reference to have is the Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) for your car. They are available from most of the major parts outlets (including our supporting sponsors) and also on eBay. As some have noted they show in good detail how your car is put together.
There is still A LOT I have to learn about "The Toys" in the garage but with the proper reference materials and the wealth of knowledge available from the collective brain trust here at C3VR I'm confident I can tackle most anything on them.
Happy wrenching...!!! 
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
YOU !GO! GIRLS!!!!!
Here is a great online source you can spend days at picking up on the basics of how cars work and what makes them tick;
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/
Scrounge around in there long enough and you can get a bunch of the basics in simple-to-understand terminology.
Davette
Here is a great online source you can spend days at picking up on the basics of how cars work and what makes them tick;
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/
Scrounge around in there long enough and you can get a bunch of the basics in simple-to-understand terminology.
Davette
Sorry to lurk in the ladies lounge. But, if you want to get greasy, just ask. I think most guys would love to teach their S/Os mechanical stuff. My stepson, at 14, has changed tires, greased bearings, changed and gapped plugs, replaced a starter and a water pump.
Attitude - The difference between ordeal and adventure.
Some times a dealer ship or garage association will sponsor repair clinics for anyone wanting to get started. You may want to ask a few clubs, shops, and dealers in the area if anyone is presenting a clinic, or series of clinics. Once in a while a parks and recreation dept will do a few night clinic. I taught a couple of these a few years ago.
kstyer 2007-03-11 19:12:54
Failing those, stop at your local club and as to observe, help, and get help on various projects, then your projects.
Of course failing all of that just come over this summer, put the car in the yard, meet my wife and daughter, and spend the evenings (not raining) digging in. That also gives me another member's car picture in my driveway. 
in Forum: Vette Women
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