Learning how to work on cars
Gentlemen,
I have always had a passion for cars, but sadly I come from a family where the most sophisticated interaction with an automobile is checking the oil. That being said, I really want to start not only learning my way around a car, but to also be able to maintain, and perhaps some day have the skill to restore or modify cars.
What would be the best way to go about this without pursuing it as a full career path? Would a garage take someone with no practical experience for an apprenticeship? I am currently a university student, but I would love to take this on as a personal project part time. Thank you and I look forward to your feedback.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Edward Corby on -
I recommend getting a Haynes manual of the car you want to work on and buy the tools you need on a job-by-job basis. not only will you learn how to maintain your car, but you will also build an impressive collection of automotive tools.
-
Permalink Reply by Matt on -
Great suggestion, I just started learning to do the upkeep on my car. My mechanic suggested the same book.
-
Permalink Reply by Ben on -
Thanks for the tip. I had no idea books with this level of detail were still printed on the subject anymore. I could spend all day on their website flipping through these things!
-
Permalink Reply by Alex on
-
Don't listen to these guys, save your money and use this:
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=url,uid
User
ID: tech
Password: tech
-
Permalink Reply by Native Son on -
For a relatively nominal fee, a many local adult education programs and some community colleges have basic automotive classes.
-
Permalink Reply by Paul_of_TX on -
It is much easier to work on older cars. More and more the newer cars are made to keep you out from under the hood.
-
Permalink Reply by Ben on
-
So I've realized after trying to learn my way around late-model Accord. Talk about a discouraging experience. When the lease is up I'm going pick up a used American truck and start from there.
-
Permalink Reply by Paul_of_TX on
-
My first car was an 86 Ford Mustang with a 4 cylinder engine (allowed for more room for me to work). I was able to replace radiator hoses, water pump, alternator and other parts on my own. It was a terrible car but it did serve a purpose.
An old truck would work great as some of them have lots of room for you to work on the engine.
-
Permalink Reply by Chris B on -
Buy an old Jeep. Tons of parts around and there are thousands of people willing to help you on everything. Jeepforum.com
-
Permalink Reply by Matt on
-
Yeah I had a similar issue when I started looking around in mine. I have to replace my Windshield washer pump, but in my 2003 Ford Taurus its in a spot where I have to have the car on Jacks and be under the car to hopefully reach where the pump actualy is.
-
Permalink Reply by Michael Morris on -
I recommend finding a mentor to help you out. A Hanes manual is great and is a good start too.
Latest Activity
Jack Bauer replied to LShieldes's discussion Scandal run down in the group The Great Debate"The press is more protective of their own than that. The administration didn't go after Hannity (which they'd write off) ... they criminally investigated a Washington correspondent for reporting a story. That'll…"
Liam S. replied to J. Hughes's discussion Are we failing at spreading the Word? in the group Christian Men"I don't mind more sexuality and foul language - not very big problems, in the grand scheme of things (and yes, this is speaking as the parent of a young child). They need to decrease the violence though. "
Christopher M. Bartone replied to Uncle Sam's discussion 20 years old and enlisting tomorrow. Tips and thoughts?"Here's the advice my WWII vet grandfather gave me: Keep your eyes open, your mouth shut, and NEVER volunteer for anything.
My addition is to resist the temptation to get involved in the "us vs them" attitude I see too many…"
Paul_of_TX replied to LShieldes's discussion Scandal run down in the group The Great Debate"I agree but he works for Fox. The press I was talking about dismisses Fox and had this administration only gone after Fox the press might not be so upset."
Jack Bauer replied to LShieldes's discussion Scandal run down in the group The Great Debate"The James Rosen thing may be even bigger than the AP wiretap story.
JB"
Paul_of_TX replied to LShieldes's discussion Scandal run down in the group The Great Debate"That was the Clinton way and the Obama way. Obama and his administration would get a complete pass on this and everything else had they not gone after the AP the way they did.
Obama and his administration have treated the press like very poorly. It…"
© 2013 Created by Brett McKay.
Powered by
