Try to practice working on simple tasks like oil change, check the fluid, brake works etc. I think youtube might have videos about this stuffs dedicate on many kind of cars also your Corvette. Also, read your vehicle manual.
I have been into cars as a hobby and career for 30+ years and still learn something new from some of the guys I watch on Youtube. I know theres a few Corvette related channels on there, I would start with that.
Start with basic tools; 3/8 ratchet and sockets, a small set of combination wrenches, and get to know the staff at the parts store. Make a list of the jobs you want to tackle and find the appropriate YouTube videos. You will be a confident backyard mechanic in no time. And when you hit that first bolt that won't budge or that part that won't come loose, take a break, don't lose your temper. It happens to everyone. A solution will present itself. You will be great, don't give up. Good luck!
Haynes publishes a repair manual for your car. That's a good place to start by thumbing through the different sections. I don't think Haynes is the "best" guide, but the more thorough service manuals cost double or triple or have annual subscription costs. Some public libraries have the manuals.
Haynes also publishes a handful of general "automotive tech" manuals that aren't terrible to read through. See if your local library has those. You can supplement the manuals with YouTube videos.
But ultimately, you learn how to turn a wrench by turning a wrench.
I started with basic maintenance. Fluids and filters, light bulbs, brakes, radio and speakers. When I did my suspension and engine swap, I went to a pull-your-own part junkyard to dig into similar vehicles to gain experience and confidence. It's like a $2 entrance fee where I live.
Once you aren't afraid of turning a wrench, the next step is learning diagnosis. That's continuous learning. How much play or wiggle is "too much" on that one part. How do you trace and find wires in the harness(es). How do I find vacuum it other leaks. Sometimes, you can get exposure with other hobbyists by offering to help on their project one weekend.
Instead of trying to figure out what tools you should have, make a list of jobs that you feel competent to tackle, after watching a few youtubes. Buy the tools you need for the jobs you will do, accumulate a full set over time.
Changing a serpentine belt. Once you see the trick to it, super easy.
Swapping a battery, plus you need a 12V charger.
Changing the oil (I recommend a Fumoto valve, it makes it super easy)
Aur filters for the engine and cabin (getting charged labor for this should be a crime)
Fuel filter. No matter how reliable a car you have, you can get a bad load of gas when passing through New Mexico. Once I traded-in a car for another when I was broke. Later I learned it was probably just a $8 fuel filter.
Thermostat. If the engine light comes on, pull over and shut off the engine immediately. Overheat is bad, and low oil pressure is bad. Check the oil level, and top-off if needed. If its an overheat condition, wait for the coolant to cool down (30 minutes?) and check the level in the radiator. The radiator should be full, and the overflow should be 50%. If they are fine, its likely the overheat was from a stuck thermostat.
Get a notebook and start a log. Each tire has a week/year stamp to show age, write them down so you know how old they are. Get a dial caliper and mark how many millimeters deep the tread is on each tire.
One by one...take a wheel off, mark how thick the brake pads are and if they are near the "wear groove" in the center of the pad. Put a tiny dab of anti-seize on the lug-threads, and re-install. If they ever rust solid, you will not be able to change your tire on the side of the road. Re-install wheel, and go to the next one.
If you get towed by AAA and they take it to a tire place, the trainee will use an air gun to decimate some of your lugs and then tell you that you have to pay extra because they were rusted solid.
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Try to practice working on simple tasks like oil change, check the fluid, brake works etc. I think youtube might have videos about this stuffs dedicate on many kind of cars also your Corvette. Also, read your vehicle manual.
You hold the internet in your hand. I has never been easier to learn about anything.
Go to YouTube and look for maintenance for a C7. Watch the videos. Oil change, brakes, wipers, ect. Learn, then do.
I have been into cars as a hobby and career for 30+ years and still learn something new from some of the guys I watch on Youtube. I know theres a few Corvette related channels on there, I would start with that.
Ignorance is bliss. Let cars be a novelty.
Start with basic tools; 3/8 ratchet and sockets, a small set of combination wrenches, and get to know the staff at the parts store. Make a list of the jobs you want to tackle and find the appropriate YouTube videos. You will be a confident backyard mechanic in no time. And when you hit that first bolt that won't budge or that part that won't come loose, take a break, don't lose your temper. It happens to everyone. A solution will present itself. You will be great, don't give up. Good luck!
Haynes publishes a repair manual for your car. That's a good place to start by thumbing through the different sections. I don't think Haynes is the "best" guide, but the more thorough service manuals cost double or triple or have annual subscription costs. Some public libraries have the manuals.
Haynes also publishes a handful of general "automotive tech" manuals that aren't terrible to read through. See if your local library has those. You can supplement the manuals with YouTube videos.
But ultimately, you learn how to turn a wrench by turning a wrench.
I started with basic maintenance. Fluids and filters, light bulbs, brakes, radio and speakers. When I did my suspension and engine swap, I went to a pull-your-own part junkyard to dig into similar vehicles to gain experience and confidence. It's like a $2 entrance fee where I live.
Once you aren't afraid of turning a wrench, the next step is learning diagnosis. That's continuous learning. How much play or wiggle is "too much" on that one part. How do you trace and find wires in the harness(es). How do I find vacuum it other leaks. Sometimes, you can get exposure with other hobbyists by offering to help on their project one weekend.
Instead of trying to figure out what tools you should have, make a list of jobs that you feel competent to tackle, after watching a few youtubes. Buy the tools you need for the jobs you will do, accumulate a full set over time.
Changing a serpentine belt. Once you see the trick to it, super easy.
Swapping a battery, plus you need a 12V charger.
Changing the oil (I recommend a Fumoto valve, it makes it super easy)
Aur filters for the engine and cabin (getting charged labor for this should be a crime)
Fuel filter. No matter how reliable a car you have, you can get a bad load of gas when passing through New Mexico. Once I traded-in a car for another when I was broke. Later I learned it was probably just a $8 fuel filter.
Thermostat. If the engine light comes on, pull over and shut off the engine immediately. Overheat is bad, and low oil pressure is bad. Check the oil level, and top-off if needed. If its an overheat condition, wait for the coolant to cool down (30 minutes?) and check the level in the radiator. The radiator should be full, and the overflow should be 50%. If they are fine, its likely the overheat was from a stuck thermostat.
Get a notebook and start a log. Each tire has a week/year stamp to show age, write them down so you know how old they are. Get a dial caliper and mark how many millimeters deep the tread is on each tire.
One by one...take a wheel off, mark how thick the brake pads are and if they are near the "wear groove" in the center of the pad. Put a tiny dab of anti-seize on the lug-threads, and re-install. If they ever rust solid, you will not be able to change your tire on the side of the road. Re-install wheel, and go to the next one.
If you get towed by AAA and they take it to a tire place, the trainee will use an air gun to decimate some of your lugs and then tell you that you have to pay extra because they were rusted solid.
I went to tech school at age 33 🤷🏽♂️
Do tell more, how was it?