VCCA Home Forums Some thoughts ?

Hello Non-Geo guys!

This is a duplicate listing...I posted it on the chat site and got a few good ideas. But I was wondering if any of your guys had any thoughts to offer regarding a "list."

MY issue, at least the one I'll admit to, is, How much info. is to much and how much info. is to little ?"

Below is the orig posting:

My region has a few new members, and I have run across other people who have recently inherited, or become the owner of an old/classic Chevy {or car}.Generally speaking these cars were running, but not well....

To a large degree the new owners do NOT have a background in cars or classic car ownership. So I was wondering how to help them. I know there are some good books regarding this subject, but I wondered if a general list of "things to do to your car", or consider doing to your car might be of help.

Once this list is edited, my region will post/print it, then pass it out as a friendly way to meet and recruit new VCCA members.

It will NOT appear as a "VCCA Recommended List." Just a helpful bit of info to consider !!!!!!!!!!!


.....list.......
This list is intended to assist the “new” owner of an old or classic Chevy or car who may not have much experience in servicing or reviewing an old/classic car.

This list is intended as a basic way to check out, understand and or service your car.

#1. ALWAYS consult with a recommended professional and use a “certified” repair manual for your vehicle.

#2. ALWAYS be safe and aware of your car BEFORE taking it on the highway.


1. Safety Check:
Check Brakes, Brake lines, Brake Fluids.
Check all Brake cylinders & connections
Check emergency Brake and cable
Check All Lights & bulbs
Check tires for uneven wear or cracking
Service, clean, adjust repair & replace as required


2. Oil Check:
Check Engine, Transmission & Rear End Oil Levels
Check ALL filters {Oil. Air, Fuel, Transmission etc.}
Change all Oils and lubricants as required.
Check for Oil leaks
Service, clean, repair & replace as required

3. Fuel Check:
Check all connections for Fuel Leaks
Check Fuel pump, Filler cap and tank. and lines
Service, clean, repair or replace as required.

4. Radiator Check:
Check Radiator, change water/antifreeze.
Check radiator/water & heater hoses
Check Freeze plugs for rust or leaks
Check thermostat for operation
Service, clean, repair or replace as required

5. Electrical Check:
Check & replace Fuses as required.
Check ALL wires
Check Battery Cables
Check Spark Plug & Coil Wires for fit & Cracks
Service, clean, repair or replace as required.


6. Undercarriage Check:
Check Tail pipes for secure connection & leaks
Check Bracket & Muffler for connection & leaks
Check U-Joints
Check & Tighten ALL Bolts, nut's, screws & fasteners
Service, clean, repair or replace as required.


7. Tune Up:
Check Spark Plugs, Points, Rotor & Timing
Check carburetor for leaks & adjustments
Check Value adjustments
Service, clean, repair or replace as required.


8. Transmission & Clutch:
Check Transmission Shifting Arms
Check Clutch for Tighten.
Service, clean, repair or replace as required.


9. Bolts, nuts, screws, clamps & fasteners
Check & tighten ALL bolts, nut's, screws, clamps & fasteners as required.
Service, clean, repair or replace as required.

10. Dust, Clean, Wash, Vacuum, Wax & Shine your car.
11. Drive & have fun with your Classic Car!!

12. Join VCCA {if you have an Old Chevy}

........end of list.

Once edited we will print the name's of some Parts/supplier Co's. as another way to share basic helpful info.

Thanks for looking,
Michael41

Hi Mike,

Just a thought. Are we running the risk of scarring a new fellow off with a long list?

If a member has just came into ownership of an antique car/truck he needs to be told what services are available to him. Such as being a member and having access to the G&D and this forum. The use of a TA if he wishes to do a correct restoration, ect, ect,.

Then he can be introduced to more detailed information that becomes more specific.

Mike, This is a very good list, not 100% complete but a good list...I know it would be a good thing if we could can up all the knowledge, experiance and little tidbits of information that our VCCA members here on Chatter II have. It just don't work....

I had an upper managment VP of operations ask me to write up a SOP for a troubleshooting job I did on a oil drilling rig that was a dangerous and risky operation. I knew how dangerous and how risky it was from 30 years of troubleshooting on drilling rigs. I told him that to can up everything that he would need was not possible.

"Fixing up" old cars may not be neither very dangerous or too risky for us, but it is also impossible to cover every base needing covered.

That does not mean we shouldn't come up with a basic guide. I believe that in each situation of problem solving the way to go is exactly what we do here. We have an active interchange of information, and ideas.

1) a member has a problem and asks for HELP!

2) One of the gurus or some Chat member that has had a simular problem and solved it chimes in "What car is it?... what exactly happened? when and how dit it happen? ectteria.

3) through several exchanges of information, between the original chatter member with a problem, and a couple of other Chatter members that have a simular problem but for some reason didn't ask for help...yet. also get involved.

4) for how long and for as many interchanges, also some beating of dead horses, getting off topic, good things often happen and PROBLEM IS SOLVED.
What we really need is what is HERE! OK! Your idea is a good idea too, it would let a member research information and articles here and in the G&D and solve some problems quickly and correctly. Therefore Each of us need to put to paper and ink, or in my case by keystroke and word processor write up a "Tip"

My first "TIP":

how to drill out a broken bolt or stud that attaches a manifold to the cylinder head.


1st) With the manifold still in place: Grind or file the bolt flat below the face of the manifold with a Dremel or die grinder.

2nd, use a High speed drill bit the same size as the broken bolt to carefully drill a small depression in the center of the broken stud, (which I call a Dutchman). Use the sides of the hole in the manifold to center the bit on the Dutchman,

3rd) With a drill bit about 1/2 the diameter of the Dutchman drill into the bolt using the depression created with the large drill bit. Drill as straight a hole as possible, drill a short distance and pull the bit out, drill some more and pull the drill bit out, look at the cuttings coming out of the hole. When rust and crud appear.....STOP DRILLING. You have drilled all the way thru the length of the threaded part of the Dutchman! This will help to lossen the bolt because you relieve the jamming action the flat bottom of the hole has on the Dutchman' threads.
By the way, if you have access to left hand twist drill bits they are ideal for this operation, the Dutchman will likely unscrew out of the hole when one of the larger bits hit bottom! but...... I usually don't have left-handed bits, myself, either.

4th) Increase the size of the drill bit in steps to the final bit that is smaller than the bolt, use some oil or PB Blaster libarerly to fill the hole and lube the bits, you don't want to drill into the threads in the cylinder head. Each bit ahould go the full length of the hole of the first bit that brought up the rust and crud.

5th) Now use an easy-out to try to pull the hollow Dutchman, EASY-DOES-IT!



This method has worked well for me, having set a couple of engines in Caterpillers and big trucks afire using a torch to heat the Dutchman's in the past I am reluctant to use fire-heat.

Thanks guys. I appreciate your time and comments & interest!

Ray, No. Read #12.

Mac, thanks, all great points. I hope to do some editing next week and will incorporate yours and some other ideas that have been sent to me. I really like your comment about "fixing up an old car need not be dangerous" Good one!!

As far as VCCA vs. the List. My goal is to first generate a helpful list, THEN promote VCCA.

Another goal is, this list is for a rather non-car person. And the VCCA web site/club/G&D/Tech guys will all be mentioned in case he/she has other thoughts or questions. As you mentioned Mac.

Just as an example, things like "grinding" is a bit above my goal for this list. But as/if the new owner gets into that depth of restoration or rebuilding the Tech support guys/web site can guide them along. Which as I said, will be mentioned.

I know you know this old Texas phrase Mac, "Dumb it up." That's my concept w/the list. Not a lesson in special metal work, just a helpful guide/list. And where the person can turn to for more detailed help.

This list, once completed will be No. 5. for my region. We have developed 4 other items/lists to offer a Chevy owner and promote VCCA to potential members.

Thanks again

Enjoy the ride,
Michael41[i][/i]

Hi Mike, On your item #12 above, how about including " If you have an old Chevy or not" you are still welcome to join the VCCA. Just my thought.

Great idea Sal, thanks.

I'm looking forward to seeing you at one of the shows this season. I'll send you an email.

enjoy the ride,
Michael41

It's my understanding that you don't need to own an old Chevrolet to join the VCCA.

Sorry, I included a "Tip" that isn't what you need for "Your List" Now I suspect that the new owner has bought a vintage Chevrolet that is "ready for the road?"

Here-Here mac.....I knew why you offered your tip...thx

Now maybe {?} when this "list" is completed, edited and printed, we could move to the next steps, so to speak.

I have the same understanding JYD, you do NOT have to own a Chevy to join VCCA.

Thanks again mac & everyone else,
Michael41