Hello facepunch, for the past few months I've been starting to get really, really interested in cars, and I've been wanting to do some work on cars really bad and just in general immerse myself completely in them. I have a huge passion for cars and automobiles, and when I get my own car, I want to be able to stand out on the road, so I want to learn how to do some DIY stuff. Not only that, I think it would just be a lot of fun working on cars, but I don't think I can get a job at an auto shop because I got interested in cars too late so I wasn't able to take a class at school or anything so I'll be at a disadvantage compared to everyone else. I have a few social issues as well and I'm extremely fucking shy around strangers (ass burgers herp derp) so I'm not quite ready to get a job yet. I can't get my own car because of that and my family is pretty poor (could be worse off though), my parents both make 35k and have a lot of expenses since we have a fairly large family. I do get an allowance of 20 bucks though for various reasons, so it's not entirely unrealistic that I may be able to get a junker in the next couple years. All we have though is a 97 Cutlass Supreme and this hot, rusting piece of ass.
[IMG]http://img1.classistatic.com/cps/po/110816/348r4/446944_27.jpeg[/IMG]
(Not actually OUR car, just the model.)
We can't even afford a new car if either of those breaks down, so we don't have a lot. Anyway, facepunch, I've been wondering, what would be the best way to start learning how to work on cars? What did everyone else start doing when they got into cars?
Literally, by doing it yourself.
[QUOTE=Second-gear-of-mgear;32262874]Literally, by doing it yourself.[/QUOTE]
Yes, but I don't have any idea of how to take things apart, put them together, replace things, what products to use on what, how different tiny car parts work together, where to get parts for things such as replacing the upholstery in the interior, and so on. I just have never done any DIY things. I have no experience so I don't know how things work. I'd like to get into it, but when I look at different projects they dive right into it and automatically assume you know how to do some things like dismantle certain parts. What I'm saying is, are there any easy projects that kind of lead you into understand how to do some things and give you a feel for it? I'm curious how everyone else got into it, too.
[QUOTE=Ouendanation;32263047]Yes, but I don't have any idea of how to take things apart, put them together, replace things, what products to use on what, how different tiny car parts work together, where to get parts for things such as replacing the upholstery in the interior, and so on. I just have never done any DIY things. I have no experience so I don't know how things work. I'd like to get into it, but when I look at different projects they dive right into it and automatically assume you know how to do some things like dismantle certain parts. What I'm saying is, are there any easy projects that kind of lead you into understand how to do some things and give you a feel for it?[/QUOTE]
Get the manual to your car (most autoparts stores sell the maintenance manual) and start off on simple things like changing the oil and brakes. I am just getting into it and did those two things with a buddy. I can do them myself now when it comes time to do it again. From there I am learning how to repair rust spots, and then some minor bodywork from friends who are in the business.
Haynes/Chiltons manuals, or just take shit apart and bolt it back together until it works. Asking for help isn't really helping you on the way to being a DIYer. Just saying.
If you're open to a job, go find one at a local shop, they usually need a dependable person to sweep the floor, take out the trash, etc. All mechanics have social issues, you'll be able to get along and you'll learn a lot by watching professionals.
[QUOTE=Waffle99;32263088]Get the manual to your car (most autoparts stores sell the maintenance manual) and start off on simple things like changing the oil and brakes. I am just getting into it and did those two things with a buddy. I can do them myself now when it comes time to do it again. From there I am learning how to repair rust spots, and then some minor bodywork from friends who are in the business.[/QUOTE]
Pretty much this, plus there are often useful step-by-step guides floating around on the net on how to do replace various parts on your particular model of car, I've used these when the Haynes wasn't very clear, plus asking for help at a Nissan forum will always get your questions answered.
I learned by doing things as and when needed on my car, it's always good to have someone to call if you get stuck but the best way to learn is by getting your hands dirty. You'll never truly learn from reading the books.
Haynes Manual, all day every day
[QUOTE=Ouendanation;32263047]Yes, but I don't have any idea of how to take things apart, put them together, replace things, what products to use on what, how different tiny car parts work together, where to get parts for things such as replacing the upholstery in the interior, and so on. I just have never done any DIY things. I have no experience so I don't know how things work. I'd like to get into it, but when I look at different projects they dive right into it and automatically assume you know how to do some things like dismantle certain parts. What I'm saying is, are there any easy projects that kind of lead you into understand how to do some things and give you a feel for it? I'm curious how everyone else got into it, too.[/QUOTE]
at least you know an engine is made up of a bunch of different parts
most people think that somehow a chunk of metal and plastic make the car move.
i learned a lot of the stuff I know by helping my dad in the garage, getting him wrenches and shit. i just watched what he did
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