Beginning mechanic

Sand · Post by **Sand** » Fri Mar 20, 2015 6:04 pm

All right,

I did a lot of research, got a lot of info, tips and tricks, got a book or two and tried very hard to learn. I got to understand a few things but among all this research I find it hard and very daunting to start on my own, especially without a workshop or even a driveway. So I was wondering about going to see a few garages and offer to volunteer (basically free time and work for them) in exchange for some mechanical training.

I am not too sure on what to do or if it is worth it so any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

vetrox · Post by **vetrox** » Fri Mar 20, 2015 6:19 pm

I remember thinking the exact same thing 10 years ago. Unless U know the garage owner its unlikley they will just let you in and work on peoples cars unqualified.

I went to halfords burned 300 quid on the biggest socket set at the time, a jack and some axle stands and just got stuck in. I wasn't going to learn just staring at it

Start with oil and filter change. That's easy. If your unsure about jacking it up then there's bound to be a car club or someone local who can show you.

A car is essentially just bolts attached to other bolts. If you can undo a bolt, you can fix a car.

The side of the road isn't ideal but I've done it so much over the years I don't even care lol being in a workshop would make me complacent. Working with limited tools and no ramp breeds ingenuity.

You will hurt your knuckles, you will be out there at midnight. You will have to throw in the towel and pay someone occasionally, you will get lazy and not put all the tools back correctly. But dammit, it seperates the men from the boys!!!!

mercutio · Post by **mercutio** » Fri Mar 20, 2015 6:21 pm

this ^^^^^

Post by **4thgenphil** » Fri Mar 20, 2015 6:23 pm

Marry me vertex.

vetrox · Post by **vetrox** » Fri Mar 20, 2015 6:44 pm

Basically

firstlude · Post by **firstlude** » Sat Mar 21, 2015 9:09 pm

i agree get some tools together and start off with the basics like a service , when you get onto bigger jobs try and do them so you remember how it all came apart lay things out to jog your memory trust me your gonna mess things up bolts will snap and round off you will cus and swear but its the end result that makes it all worth it , when things go wrong thats when you really start learning if needs be by a scarp car to practice on

Post by **Thebusofwoe** » Sat Mar 21, 2015 9:45 pm

I've been in the trade for 10 years now and I'm still learning.

YouTube · Post by **Sailor** » Sat Mar 21, 2015 10:05 pm

I'd guess that reputable workshop owner would feel that looking over the shoulder of a novice would need as much time as actually doing the job.
In any case, the DIY approach does have a lot to commend it - as stated.
I'd probably still be doing most of my own stuff these days if I hadn't been spoiled by company cars.

Bludge · Post by **Bludge** » Mon Mar 23, 2015 12:59 pm

In the age of convenient photography, take lots of pictures on your phone or whatever as you go along. May save you a serious headache when you cant remember how something goes back together!

Search for a writeup for the job you are undertaking, it helped me when I first started workig on my own cars, especially when written with a layman in mind and included lots of pictures, hence the reason I try to write out guides whenever I do a job, no matter how simple it may seem to some.

And like others have said, get yourself some tools and get stuck in! Worth looking on gumtree for tools, I have had some serious bargains on spanner sets and the like on there.

And just remember to be safe, never work under a car that isnt properly supported, always use stands, not a jack to hold the car up. Use wheel chocks as well as handbrake/puting in gear.

But most of all have fun. Its a great feeling fixing a car!

Sand · Post by **Sand** » Mon Mar 23, 2015 2:56 pm

Well I am reading the auto repair for dummies and will attempt a what they call a monthly under the hood check for starter next saturday or sunday.