Learning - where did you?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,085
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From: West Chester PA
Learning - where did you?
Where did everyone learn about working on cars/trucks? Any formal education, or just wingin' it? Everything that I know (which isn't much) was learned on a '75 Duster with a slant 6.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,067
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From: Fairbanks Alaska
Learning - where did you?
Stuff around the house that needed fixin. Take it apart and put it back together. But I listen to what other people have to say about doing things and I try to fix everything of mine. Use a manual and ask questions when I'm stuck. Trail & error also.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,557
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From: Texas
Learning - where did you?
My first experience was with my Dad on his old 68 GMC pickup. We replaced the front brake drums, shoes, wheel cylinders and such. We finished the front and put everything away. That following Saturday, while my Dad was at work, I decided to do the rear brakes by myself. I was so proud of myself, everything went so smooth. When I told my Dad what I had done, he blew his stack! "What were you thinking?" "Don't you realize how important these are done right?" were just some of the comments I remember. After pulling the wheels and drums, my Dad put his hand on my shoulder and said he had never been prouder than that day.
I was only 12 at the time.
It's memories like those that remind me who my real hero is and always will be.
I was only 12 at the time.
It's memories like those that remind me who my real hero is and always will be.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,359
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From: Hampstead, NC
Learning - where did you?
Mainly by watching my parents (yes, both Mom and Dad worked on our vehicles), lots of reading and hands on stuff. I do 95% of the work on my own and others vehicles now.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,437
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From: Oak Harbor WA
Learning - where did you?
Oh, I started working on stuff early in life, working on cars, rentals, mowing lawns, landscaping, all that stuff. I started working on cars not that long ago, a lot of it has been follow instruction stuff, some I just have to figure out. FTE has taught me a lot, and I know, I still have a ways to go.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Learning - where did you?
Started out with bicycles and lawnmowers. My father gave me a 53 Plymouth to play with for my 13th birthday (instead of junking it). I refurbished that vehicle and in the process landed a job in a service station when I turned 14. I worked at that service station full or part time until I turned about 20. I also worked at a Western Auto as a mechanic etc. I kept upgrading vehicles and took auto mechanics and shop courses at a small College that has a vehicle restoration program, I was even able to teach some of the courses there. I have worked on my own vehicles and a few others all of my life.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 146
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From: Adrian, Mi U.S.A.
Learning - where did you?
Helping my dad while growing up, then 2 years in trade school after high school. Went backwards out of school. Worked in a body shop out of school, then mechanics shop, then car dealership, and finally ended up building them.
Kevin
Kevin
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,393
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From: Thomson, GA
Learning - where did you?
I bought a v-6 79 mustang and turned it into a dirt track car with a 351. but i had to get the V-6 running to drive to school, so i guess I learned on the 2.8, complete with emissions.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,027
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From: Canada
Learning - where did you?
Mom worked for a engine rebuilding machine shop as the accountant...owner liked her and not only did I get a job but I got an apprenticeship, which I ended up leaving after a not so long period of time...thing that interested me were the engines, didn't care much for suspension/brakes/etc; wish I would of paid attention then it's alot harder learning on your own. I have operated a CK-10...oh crud cant remember the other machine #'s, well the ck10 did block boring, I used to set up the connecting rods and around the time I left they were starting to show me how to mill heads and grind valves...
I also assembled a dozen or so push rod engines while he watched. But like I said never paid attention to other stuff, I take it one thing at a time.
Chado
I also assembled a dozen or so push rod engines while he watched. But like I said never paid attention to other stuff, I take it one thing at a time.
Chado