Toughest C2 Maintenance job

[Harry S.]

I like to do as much restoration as I can when I restore a car and all the maintenance. Today I met my match.

I'm getting ready for the 2016 National and need to swap spark plug wires on a 63 with A/C. After nine hours I have the shielding off and the four wires on the drivers side replaced. Tomorrow I'll deal with the compressor side. What a PITA.

Needed to remove the starter brace and all the wires from the starter.

Getting the 1,3,2 and 4 wire through the engine mount is not fun either. I will certainly start and drive the car before I put the shielding back on. Hopefully all the new wire are good!!!!!

Any suggestions other than shoot myself?

[Michael H.]

Re: Toughest C2 Maintenance job

It may have been easier to pull the motor to change the wires and plugs.

Mike

[Larry M.]

Re: Toughest C2 Maintenance job

I like to do as much restoration as I can when I restore a car and all the maintenance. Today I met my match.

I'm getting ready for the 2016 National and need to swap spark plug wires on a 63 with A/C. After nine hours I have the shielding off and the four wires on the drivers side replaced. Tomorrow I'll deal with the compressor side. What a PITA.

Needed to remove the starter brace and all the wires from the starter.

Getting the 1,3,2 and 4 wire through the engine mount is not fun either. I will certainly start and drive the car before I put the shielding back on. Hopefully all the new wire are good!!!!!

Any suggestions other than shoot myself?

Although replacing the spark plug wires is difficult, I personally believe that replacing the AC evaporator core on a mid-year factory air car is even more challenging. Especially during this summer heat.

What do you say??

Larry

[Russ S.]

Re: Toughest C2 Maintenance job

Spray the wire end with WD40 or soap (etc) to make it easy to pull the boot off without damage and then push the wires between the motor and the mount.

[Michael J.]

Re: Toughest C2 Maintenance job

Do you have a good lift and an air conditioned garage?

[Dan H.]

Re: Toughest C2 Maintenance job

Harry, you might check the wires with ohm meter before or after installation, found some weak ones before all the installation.
Dan

[Edward J.]

Re: Toughest C2 Maintenance job

Harry, running the car after the wires install and no shielding is a wise idea, maybe even leave the compressor off , you'll only need to run the car for about one minute to make sure there's no skip's .

[Brian M.]

Re: Toughest C2 Maintenance job

What are you using for wires?

[Gene M.]

Re: Toughest C2 Maintenance job

Do you have a good lift and an air conditioned garage?

Harry,
Yes and a refrigerator with plenty of beer. But seriously do consider Packard 440 wires so there is no next time. You can do the stamp your own markings and dates on the wires as Mike taught us......!

Tuff job is electric window motors R & R on a 62 vette.

[Joe R.]

Re: Toughest C2 Maintenance job

Tuff job is electric window motors R & R on a 62 vette.[/QUOTE]

Yes, and I have a scar on my left index finger to prove you are correct. Don't forget that bolt or that thing will bite!

JR

[Harry S.]

Re: Toughest C2 Maintenance job

Unfortunately I could not find any local folks to make me a stamp. I do have a spool of Packard 440. Anyway, Lectric Limited 3Q63 wires are going in. Hope to get the right side done today. Then a test drive before I put the shielding back on.

[Frank D.]

Re: Toughest C2 Maintenance job

Indeed, a nerve-wracking job; even without A/C. I installed AC plugs and new wires (first time for me) prior to judging; I actually had to call Rich Mozzetta and confirm that the boots had to come off the wires to route them through the motor mounts/hockey sticks, etc.. I couldn't believe that was actually how it was done! I was lucky and didn't screw up any wires... I had the same starter clearance issues; I don't think there are any shortcuts for this job.

Its just a PITA...

[Larry M.]

Re: Toughest C2 Maintenance job

Unfortunately I could not find any local folks to make me a stamp. I do have a spool of Packard 440. Anyway, Lectric Limited 3Q63 wires are going in. Hope to get the right side done today. Then a test drive before I put the shielding back on.

Harry:

There have been (numerous) issues with LL small block reproduction spark plug wires in the past. Hopefully they have corrected the problems. The problem was poor wire or connector continuity and spark plug misfire. Hoping the best for you on this job.

Agree with Mike M and Gene M on the Packard 440 wires.

Larry

[Harry S.]

Re: Toughest C2 Maintenance job

Done, just got the last wingnut in the shielding under the compressor. Total time about 20 hours. Glad it's done. Now I start the cleanup for the National.

Cheers