I got asked about doing some repair when parts are not available

[grumpyvette]

I got asked why I mention aquiring tools in the threads rather frequently, well there's hardly a month in my memory where I did not get asked about doing some repair when parts for some older corvette or muscle car are not available.
now this could be something like a rusted 1/4 panel on an older 1969 AMX or a 1963 grand prix or some minor component like a radiator bracket for a 1967 ford fairlane,
theres a hundred thousand plus reasons you need basic automotive repair skills and the tools to accomplish the repairs
theres always going to be one more in a near endless list of reasons to own a decent welder and good drill press, and drill press vise, and a few other tools like a hydraulic press, various gauges meters,and cutting tools.
the ability to fabricate simple brackets in minutes, or modify existing parts.

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...op-needs-a-decent-drill-press.970/#post-50726

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/first-mig-welder.10392/#post-43002

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/bolts-a-bit-of-useful-info.4868/#post-13372

ITS NOT JUST BRACKETS its hundreds of other parts and projects that having the tools allows you to work on, and over time gain skills and save a ton of money and avoid aggravation while gaining a good deal of personal satisfaction.
its the $500 plus you save on a custom exhaust that actually meets your expectations, or being able to cut re-weld and re-machine a bracket that holds your alternator , indexed to allow a centrifugal super charger to be installed that saves you $600
converting a $70 6 qt oil pan to a 9 quart baffled oil pan that fits the car rather than paying $450 for a factory version that does not fit! (and takes 4 weeks to arrive) and a hundred other project you can tackle simply because you have the tools and skills,
try finding and pricing out a full length 3" stainless exhaust from the headers back on a 1985 corvette exhaust and you'll quickly realize that you can select and fabricate it from easily found parts a whole lot cheaper than you can buy one and have it installed at some muffler shop

IM SURE MOST GUYS CAN RELATE OR LIST A FEW TOOLS THEY WISH THEY OWNED

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-are-you-looking-to-acquire.10920/#post-47935

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/bare-minimum-tools.11026/#post-51843

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/a-well-designed-c4-exhaust.786/#post-46459

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-crane-and-engine-stand-mods-accesories.3724/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...n-use-a-car-transport-trailer.845/#post-12264

all the corvette parts are available on line from several sources, its an old car in most peoples view but corvettes have a strong cult support, theres bound to be minor repairs required,and theres dozens of part sources.

http://www.zip-corvette.com/catalogsearch/result/?cat=&q=1969+t-top+stainless+trim

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/exterior-parts-and-trim/roof-panels-and-t-tops/roof-panel-and-top-hardware.html?cat=775&ea_a=&ea_bc=&ea_c=exterior-parts-and-trim_roof-panels-and-t-tops_roof-panel-and-top-hardware.html&ea_path=-ymm%3d%271969%7eCHEVROLET%7eCORVETTE%27/exterior-parts-and-trim.html/exterior-parts-and-trim_roof-panels-and-t-tops.html&gclid=CP21_qrGwtMCFYFEhgod7bIN5A&gclsrc=aw.ds

http://www.wernersparts.com/N.O.S. New Old Stock.htm

https://www.gulfcoastcorvette.com/

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb...~S4WJ0R0YYF99177616814a~Z5Z5Z5~Z5Z5Z50000036b

http://www.parts123.com/corvettecen...0&page=1&_ga=1.25837309.1359699975.1493224836

 

[87vette81big]

I call it Improvising Grumpy.
I like Fabrication too.
Sometimes 1 off projects are real tough though.

 

[busterrm]

I totally disagree Brian, those are the ones that show your sand! I would rather do something custom than bolt together premade stuff. I think its a challenge to create! For instance, the windage tray in my oil pan, I just had to do some measuring and rolling it, cutting it to size and getting Tig welded into the pan, WAALOH! Then the front mount for Indycar's T bucket, I love it!
Its amazing what one can do with a little measuring and patiences.

 

[87vette81big]

Mopar Bob near me & myself built something pretty Kool together.
Its on DC Vette forum now. A running thread.
Almost done. Post a few pics later Bob.
Started off as a 80 lb of 6061 T-6 Block of Aluminum .
Billet hand machined all by Bob.
My thoughts own engineering ideas went into it.
Finishing up on the 1980 Corvette Dana 44 aluminum rear.