How to learn?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
How to learn?
Over the years I have picked up a lot of ideas from truck and car magazines. Also, some individuals at car shows can offer helpful info. And occasionally, I have gotten good hints from the counter person at NAPA Auto supply. Now, if you can implement all of the varied ideas offerred in this thread by all of these different presenters, you will be the most knowledgable person here and we will be asking for your help. Good luck, John
Last edited by Jag Red 54; Aug 28, 2003 at 04:43 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Port Orchard, WA
How to learn?
I worked for free for a restorer in the evenings many years ago. I started out scraping the undercoat off tbirds and corvettes. From there, I "graduated" to sanding down primers and then wet sanding new paint. Inbetween, I learned engine repair watching and being a mobile tool caddy and handyman. Loved it and learned a lot. Lots more to learnin a real school but I loved those days (I was 35 at the time)... We, my mentor and I, are still friends and he works full time and I work as a hobby now for my own "stuff" tbirds Those are just a couple of my "keepers"...
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
From: Heart Of Dixie
How to learn?
I by no means can be called a good mechanic, however, I have learned a lot by just doing it myself. My first major project was a blown head gasket on my Bronco. I talked to a few guys and decided that I could tackle it myself. It was a really good feeling when I put it all back together and it actually ran. I am pretty good at brakes and other routine stuff, but I have yet to tackle a bottom end or complete rebuild.
There are a lot of great people here at FTE that know their stuff and are willing to share their knowledge. I would suggest like others have that you get you a beater and start the learning process. Remember to ask a lot of questions and also remember that this aint rocket science. It all boils down to nuts, bolts, grease, sweat and blood (from your knuckles ofcourse).
There are a lot of great people here at FTE that know their stuff and are willing to share their knowledge. I would suggest like others have that you get you a beater and start the learning process. Remember to ask a lot of questions and also remember that this aint rocket science. It all boils down to nuts, bolts, grease, sweat and blood (from your knuckles ofcourse).
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
From: Cupertino, CA
How to learn?
There's been a lot of good advice dispensed here. A few points in short form:
- don't get too ambitious on a vehicle that's in warranty
- don't cut costs on tools. You probably don't need all Snap-On, but go for Craftsman. This is an area where "buy American" is truly good advice
- apart from quality, make sure you have the right tool for the job. Get screwdrivers in a variety of sizes. Have both box-end and open-ended wrenches. Get a socket set with multiple extensions. Tools can make a huge difference in the difficulty of a project.
- get a good manual for your specific vehicle. Know what you're getting into before you start.
- err on the side of caution. If you feel you're getting in over your head, discontinue and undo as necessary.
Best of luck...
- don't get too ambitious on a vehicle that's in warranty
- don't cut costs on tools. You probably don't need all Snap-On, but go for Craftsman. This is an area where "buy American" is truly good advice
- apart from quality, make sure you have the right tool for the job. Get screwdrivers in a variety of sizes. Have both box-end and open-ended wrenches. Get a socket set with multiple extensions. Tools can make a huge difference in the difficulty of a project.
- get a good manual for your specific vehicle. Know what you're getting into before you start.
- err on the side of caution. If you feel you're getting in over your head, discontinue and undo as necessary.
Best of luck...
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
How to learn?
Try to find a good mechanic that knows his stuff. Ask to watch him do the repair. Thats how I learned to do my own brakes. My knowledge progressed from there. Always buy a service manual when ever you get a piece of equipment; car, truck, tractor etc. They usually have step by step procedures for doing repairs as well. Good luck
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: West Chester PA
How to learn?
I just got a catalog in the mail from the local community college. There was a whole section of 'vo-tech' type classes. There were courses on body repair, engine maintenance and welding...
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
How to learn?
A lot of this are great ideas, lot of people goto college to learn.
I'm a ford master tech. I started just by knowing the basic things(changing oil and tire rotations). If are interest into learning the dealers will send you to training class. this is how I learn and now I'm one of the head mechanics.
I'm a ford master tech. I started just by knowing the basic things(changing oil and tire rotations). If are interest into learning the dealers will send you to training class. this is how I learn and now I'm one of the head mechanics.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 870
Likes: 1
From: Upstate NY Rochester
How to learn?
Hey jonmech and welcome to FTE!
I'm glad to see that a young man such as yourself has decided to obtain further knowledge in the automotive repair industry. What I'm really saying.... Glad you're willing to get your hands dirty!!
Seems as though the younger generation has decided that they need to become a data processor or a computer programmer and earn their first million br the time they're 30!
One thing is for sure... You won't become a millionaire doing auto repairs, but making a decent wage and making a difference in a person's life, especially when you've repaired their vehicle and they were told it couldn't be fixed, is the just reward!
I do HVAC-R and we are having a tremendous time of recruting young men and women into the trade.
Keep up the great work. There are many of us that wish we could be in your shoes right now! HEE HEE! Talk with you later buddy....
I'm glad to see that a young man such as yourself has decided to obtain further knowledge in the automotive repair industry. What I'm really saying.... Glad you're willing to get your hands dirty!!
Seems as though the younger generation has decided that they need to become a data processor or a computer programmer and earn their first million br the time they're 30!
One thing is for sure... You won't become a millionaire doing auto repairs, but making a decent wage and making a difference in a person's life, especially when you've repaired their vehicle and they were told it couldn't be fixed, is the just reward!
I do HVAC-R and we are having a tremendous time of recruting young men and women into the trade.
Keep up the great work. There are many of us that wish we could be in your shoes right now! HEE HEE! Talk with you later buddy....
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