Once you finish this project you will feel better trying the next. In time it all gets easier, before you know it nothing bothers you. Buy the tools you need and build it up. I really don't feel the big kits are worth it. So many tools you don't need. most bolts on these cars are 10mm, 13mm, and 15mm, there are a few 8mm, and a few larger sizes as well. But those can wait until your skill level goes up.

Ok I got all the parts from autozone the thermostat and the o-ring plus a 52 piece socket set for a grand total of 18 bucks or so. 7.99 for the thermostat and 1.99 for the o-ring. I am going to wait till the car has cooled off then I am going to attempt my first car repair myself! GULP! Wish me luck...I will let you know how it turns out.

You will be just fine. Your about to take your first baby step. It'* all easy after that.

ok ran into my first issue...the cover of the 3800 II top will not fit over the oil cap....I took the oil cap off like the video but it will not come off...do I need to take anymore off of the oil cap? The top cover will not budge over it.

NVM I got it off, had to pop the oil cap housing off also...but it is off now...ok now just waiting for the car to get cold.

The */C engine covers have a plastic nut in the middle of them on the top. The N/A engines (like the one in the video) don't have it. Did you take that off? If you take that off and the the cap it should come off. Do you have an extension neck under the cap? if so you will have to take that off to, it spins off the same as the cap

Ya it was the neck of the oil cap that was keeping it on...I popped it off so the engine cover is off now...just waiting for the car to get cold..how long should that take?

It don't take long. Squeeze the top hose, if it'* firm then wait. Place a large rag over the radiator cap, then turn it to the first click. Some pressure might come out. Pull your hand away fast. If no pressure, then take it off the rest of the way.

It will take a few hours for it to cool down completly. You can do this while it'* warm, not hot, if you're really careful and have a few rags.

well when I took the radiator cap off it had no pressure so the engine is probably just warm now...I squeezed the hose and it was soft and squishy....so I might wait another 30 min then attempt to remove the radiator hose.

If the cap is off, then you can change the thermostat. I change them warm all the time. About a cup or so of coolant will come out of the hose when you remove the housing.