Why don’t they make it for my car? Story and photography supplied by Colin Date One of the most common questions in classic Chevy car circles is: “Why don’t they make this part for my car?” As a supplier and manufacturer to the aftermarket for many years, we will attempt to answer this question and […]
Oil Pump and Pan Installation
Oil Pump and Pan Installation Tools: standard socket set, standard wrenches, long screwdriver or pry bar, gasket scraper Cost: approximately $50 for pump, $50-$250 for pan Tinware: pan and pump, oil pan gasket, gasket sealer Tip: When working with an engine on a stand, make sure it’s on a flat level surface and the rotation […]
Steering Wheel Restoration
How to Restore Your Steering Wheel Text and Photography by Jeff Ford Time: 3-4 hours (approximately) Cost: Approximately $45 for Eastwood’s Steering Wheel Restoration Kit (available at Eckler’s) Tinware: Dremel tool kit, or similar brand. Steering wheel puller, selection of putty knives, various sandpaper grits ranging from 80 through 600-800 grit Tip: Thoroughly degrease the […]
Carburetor: Dual-Feed Conversion
Time: 1 hour (approximately) Tools: socket set, flat-blade screwdriver, small putty knife or scraper, adjustable wrenches (optional). Cost: (varied) approximately $100-$300 Tinware: center-hung float fuel bowls (if needed), metering block and hardware (sold as kit), metering jets, replacement gaskets, dual-inlet fuel line. Tip: transfer the carburetor from the engine to a clean, open workbench. If […]
Wet Sanding
Bodywork: Wet Sanding Time: depends on size of area and repetition Tools: soft-block sanding pad Cost: approximately $40-50 for supplies Tinware: 1000-4000-grit fine sandpaper, garden hose or bucket, clean rags, rubbing compound, high quality carnuba wax Tip: Choose an open, outdoor area that will allow you to run water continuously for extended periods of time. […]
A/C: Converting To 134A
GM Upgrades: Keep it Cool! Converting to 134a Courtesy of Classic Auto Air Classicautoair.com Until 1995, most cars with air conditioning used R-12 Freon refrigerant that is said to have a negative side effect of damaging the ozone layer and is no longer produced in most countries. Now, the industry standard is R-134a, which is […]
Drum Brake Rebuild
Drum Brake Rebuild Time: 3 hours approximately (per pair) Tools: lug-wrench, flat-blade screwdriver, rubber mallet, needle-nose pliers, various specialty brake tools (recommended) Cost: rebuild kits approximately $250 for 4 wheel drum brakes Tinware: brake shoes, drum brake hardware kit, other items may be necessary depending on the condition of your existing parts Tip: When rebuilding […]
Installing New Weatherstripping
Time: approximately 30 minutes (for one part: eg. door, trunk, etc.) Some examples may not pertain to Corvette, this is a general article on weatherstripping. Tools: putty knife, utility knife Cost: price varies depending on seals or number of seals Tinware: new weatherstripping, weatherstripping adhesive, weatherstrip remover (aerosol can). Tip: If you happen to break […]
Understanding And Installing Torque Converters
Understanding And Installing Torque Converters Time: 1-2 hours Tools: standard socket set, standard wrenches, torque wrench Applicable years: all Cost: $200-300 (average for non-specialized units). Prices on ultra-high performance torque converters can run into the thousands of dollars, depending on application. Tinware: torque converter, transmission fluid Tip: Consult with torque converter manufacturers before selecting a […]