"themushman" (themushman)
09/08/2014 at 11:36 • Filed to: None
6
27|
"themushman" (themushman)
09/08/2014 at 11:36 • Filed to: None | 6
| 27 |
Whether it is a simple repair, major rebuild, or mod'ing to your liking; you should seriously consider doing work on your car yourself. Here I will list some useful and maybe encouraging ideas that will show you how and why.
I never went to any special school or training for any sort of subject relating to auto repair. Everything I've learned has been out of necessity. And this is how you and I are probably similar. First, you have a love for automobiles. Second, you probably do not have tons of extra money laying around to dump into paying someone else to work on your vehicle, nor do I. So performing your own work on your vehicle can kill two birds with one stone; Saving money by doing the work yourself and not paying insane amounts of labor costs as well as fulfilling that spot in your heart of gratification by being able to say "Hell yea, I did that myself". All the while, spending time doing what you love, which is bonding with your vehicle (Assuming its with a vehicle you enjoy). Not to mention, you likely have friends that share the same passion. Working on your car, or a friends car is the perfect "bro-date" for auto enthusiasts.
Myth: It costs body organs on the black market to purchase tools to perform such projects.
In a sense, this is true. If you were to try to outfit your garage or tool box from zero to full functioning shop in one lump purchase. However, that is totally not the way it has to go.
I own a modest amount of tools. And the only saying is, "The right tool for the job". This couldn't be more true. This is also the key to getting started. Last summer I blew my motor. More specifically, I broke 4 pistons because of detonation from boost on my car. I wanted to die. No way I was able to afford to have this repaired, and I definitely wasn't equipped to do it myself. Or was I ? What I can tell you (I will dedicate a full post to this later) is that a few friends and I pulled, rebuilt, reinstalled my motor, in my basement, with tools I already had (and you likely already have). The only thing outsourced was having the cylinders honed at a local machine shop.
So how did I get to a point where I could do a complete motor rebuild in my basement/garage? Its simple. The right tool for the job. "What the heck do you mean???". If you have zero tools, or very few, here is how to get started. I would like to suggest a nice 200+ piece mechanics tool set (1/4", 3/8" 1/2" ratchets and metric/standard sockets, wrenches) is the fundamental starting point.
Something as simple as this can get you on your way:
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
So pick your first job. Brake pad replacement, oil change, install a spoiler. What you will find, is that you have most the tools you need. And here is where the process begins. Notice I said "most the tools you need"? You already bought the foundation of your tools. I can tell you almost every new task you get in to, you are going to be short a tool(s). Take it one project at a time. Every new project you start, and are lacking a tool, purchase only that tool you need to complete the job. So you are spending $15-$50 a project on tools. You will find out on your first repair/project that "Dang it, I need a 1/4" drive 10mm deep socket". Ok, you have several 10mm sockets. But not THE one you need to fit in that one small space on this project. The 10mm deep socket you have is for 3/8" drive, and that ratchet just wont fit in that small space. So go buy a small metric deep socket set in 1/4" drive.
The next project you decide to take on, you will find "Damn, I need a 1/2" drive breaker bar. So go get one. $20. You are getting the right tool for the job, out of necessity. Before you know it, you will have enough tools in your chest to tackle the biggest project. So don't get intimidated to tackle some jobs yourself because you might not have the right or enough tools. Start with small projects and put your tool collection to the test and see what you are lacking. And only buy what and when you need. Sure, there are "specialty" tools that you may need through your journey. And these tools are usually expensive and you will probably only use them that one time. Often, you can still get the job done without said specialty tool but it will take 10 times the effort and time. When possible, borrow or rent if you do find yourself needing something that special. In most cases, purchasing a $150 tool you will only use once negates the savings of doing it yourself, especially if you will never use it again. If you do have to buy it, look for used/ebay/craigslist/forums and then try to sell after in the same fashion. I am lucky enough to have a close friend and wrencher that indeed does purchase every speciality tool he needs when the time comes. It works out great for me because we have the same model car. However in most cases, I don't suggest doing that unless you plan on one day working on other persons cars for money. Most local parts stores do rent specialty tools for no charge.
Currently I am rebuilding my automatic transmission and upgrading it to handle 700hp. A few years ago, there is no way I would have believed this to be something I could be doing. Same story when I rebuilt my motor last summer. But with a few small tool purchases before getting started, lil ole me had enough tools to do a motor rebuild. With the popularity of model focused forums on the web now, almost every question you could ever need answered is a click away on a forum. And it likely will have details write up threads, photos, tool list, instructions and all. All performed by someone like you. So get out there, set a bro date with your buddy, and change your oil, change your brakes, install an exhaust system on your car. It is not out of your reach. Fix it, make it better, and sit back revel in the glory that you did that shit yourself, and saved lots of money. Before you know it, you will be welding up a complete turbo system for your car and installing it yourself, installing forged pistons, fixing the little ole lady next doors 1998 Cadillac, and being the star of your circle of friends.
If you own nothing (I am sure most people here own some selection), here are some things to get started:
As mentioned above, a 3 drive mechanics tool set (your foundation)
Floor jack
At least 2 jack stands
Lots of 10mm sockets in all configurations
A drill of any sort and drill bits
Gloves
Eye protection
Breaker bar (any configuration for now)
Hammer
Trust me, this is enough to get you started on your first adventure. Now go fix some shit!
TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts.
> themushman
09/08/2014 at 11:41 |
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Don't forget one of these, for those tough to remove gaskets that you can't grind away:
One of the lesser know and huge pain in the ass about DIY. Spent all day yesterday shaving an old water pump gasket off the front of my Land Rovers engine.
Milky
> themushman
09/08/2014 at 11:41 |
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But I'm so lazy
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themushman
> TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts.
09/08/2014 at 11:44 |
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Yes! A good selection of razor blades/scrappers/knives is very important to have. I just didnt want to overload someone thinking about taking the plunge. All day shaving with a razor blade. After 5 minutes, I would have had to bust out the angle grinder or dremel. Or lit it on fire! FIRE!
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themushman
> Milky
09/08/2014 at 11:44 |
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Haha. Perfect gif to go with the comment
mcseanerson
> themushman
09/08/2014 at 11:45 |
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One of the fixes for me to get going was to get a small flexible toolset that I could easily transport. http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_… This is my current set and I've probably done more jobs with it and kept it longer than any other toolset I've ever bought. The big problem for me is I've not had a place with a garage in my adult life.
Bozi Tatarevic
> themushman
09/08/2014 at 11:47 |
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I saw a good thread over on GJ about starting a tool collections and I think it had some good ideas:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthre…
Craftsman 150 Piece Mechanics Tool Set $90.00
Craftsman 8 Piece Philips/Standard Screwdriver Set $13.00
Craftsman 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench $16.00
Craftsman 3/8 Extension set $12.00
Craftsman 1/2 Extension Set $13.00
Craftsman Hammer $18.00
Craftsman Raised Panel Wrench SAE Set $18.00
Craftsman Raised Panel Wrench Metric $18.00
Craftsman 3/8 Breaker Bar $13.00
Craftsman 1/2 Breaker Bar $9.00
Craftsman 20 Inch Tool Box $10.00
Craftsman Screwdriver Handle 10 Inch Pry Bar $10.00
Craftsman 6 Inch C Clamp $16.00
Channellock Ultimate Plier Set $42.00
Vice-Grips $12.00
Stanley Tape Measure $10.00
Stanley Utility Knife $4.00
Harbor Freight Voltmeter $0.00 w/coupon
jariten1781
> themushman
09/08/2014 at 11:47 |
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Pretty much mirrors my experience. Started with a 3/8 ratchet, a set of metric sockets, a interchangable bit screw driver and went from there. I do, however, buy all the specialty tools (because I may need to use them again). I've also never bought a 1/4 ratchet...either wrenches or the 3/8s with chains of universal joints and extensions have been good enough.
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themushman
> mcseanerson
09/08/2014 at 11:49 |
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Its amazing what you really can do with a good foundation/starter tool kit. Good point on the garage. That makes it a bit hard to be DIY. However, I do know a fella who purchased a totalled car to rebuild. He had no garage either. But purchased something similar to this, and did the whole rebuild inside it.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_530300-6263…
Not cheap, but better than building a garage!
crowmolly
> themushman
09/08/2014 at 11:51 |
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If you are on a really tight budget and can't afford a good torque wrench be aware that AZ and Advance lend them out for free. Since you might be at the store anyway to pick up parts you have no excuse for saying "this feels tight enough".
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themushman
> Bozi Tatarevic
09/08/2014 at 11:51 |
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Thats a great list to get started with. On a side note regarding harbor freight. By all means, they offer amazing prices on stuff. Just dont expect whatever you purchase to last as long as your dewalt/craftsman/name brand stuff. In reality, some of their items are great for DIY that you will use once or twice a year. I have a MIG welder from there that has lasted me 5 years so far, problem free. I only use it a few times a year. I bought a cheap little portable socket set to keep in my car, the ratchet broke the first time I used it. But, it was only a $5 kit.
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themushman
> crowmolly
09/08/2014 at 11:54 |
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Very true. And when you get into motor work dealing with aluminum heads and such, a TQ wrench is a must. "Tight enough" on aluminum could turn into several hundred dollars in repairing what you just stripped out in that soft aluminum.
miadaman? yes please
> themushman
09/08/2014 at 11:54 |
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Right on! Don't forget the shop manual and internet.
Something that screw me over was being unrealistic about completion time, having only one car meant I had to take 3 hour bus ride to work for a week straight.
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TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts.
> themushman
09/08/2014 at 11:57 |
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Ha! I wish but it was on aluminium so couldn't go crazy on it and the stuff that was supposed to dissolve the gasket wasn't doing shit. I have no idea what that gasket was made of but it was stuck on there like shit in a wool blanket.
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themushman
> miadaman? yes please
09/08/2014 at 11:58 |
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I used to be big on shop manuals. With the popularity of such focused forums, I honestly have not had to purchase a shop manual in a while. Although you may not find a real tech savvy forum on 1992 Ford Focus repair.
And wonderful point on your daily driver. Its likely to take much longer that you think. And you will run in to problems. Always have a back up plan should you get in a bind and need longer to repair your car! I should have thought to add that in to the post. Great tip
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mcseanerson
> themushman
09/08/2014 at 11:58 |
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I don't even have offstreet parking.
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themushman
> TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts.
09/08/2014 at 12:00 |
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Little things like that is enough to drive you crazy. Never fails, something small and trivial gets you every time. I often spend all day just looking for where I set my wrench down last
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miadaman? yes please
> themushman
09/08/2014 at 12:02 |
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You are most welcome.
I think a manual is a must have unless you're subscribed to a mechanic's system (forgot its name). If anything it'll show you torque #s, circuit diagram and/or any specs. Love my Haynes, haven't broken a single trim tab yet even after an interior overhaul.
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themushman
> mcseanerson
09/08/2014 at 12:03 |
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I see. Well that definitely makes it a little harder for you to wrench on your own car. But have faith, you will eventually get a place that will allow it. In the meantime, if you do have to take your vehicle in for repair due to not having a place to do it yourself, I suggest pretending like you are going to fix it yourself. What? You know, get online, do the research. Troubleshoot it. Read through the repair. Learn as much about it as you can without actually getting your tools out. Brain power is just as important as elbow grease!
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mcseanerson
> themushman
09/08/2014 at 12:12 |
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I try to do as much as I can myself still actually. I've gotten to the point where it's no longer out of being cheap and now just not trusting the guy at the shop to do it right.
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themushman
> mcseanerson
09/08/2014 at 12:16 |
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Very true. Its easier to blame yourself and get over it, than having paid someone your hard earned money to fix your issue and having it done wrong, half assed, or making it worse. Back in college when I lived in apartments, you werent allowed to work on your car in the parking lot. But if it wasnt going to be longer than a day or so, Id put it up on jack stands, take the wheels off and put them inside so it couldnt even be towed off.
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mcseanerson
> themushman
09/08/2014 at 12:18 |
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One of my beefs is last job I had done was having my headgasket replaced on my wife's WJ and now it leaks oil. On top of that I bought a radiator with the intention of doing it myself but since the mechanic was doing the headgasket I told them to just go ahead and do the radiator too. Well I think he damaged my trans cooler because I'm leaking trans fluid now too.
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themushman
> mcseanerson
09/08/2014 at 12:24 |
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That figures. And its so hard to prove that they were the cause of the issue. Its hard to prove either which way.
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mcseanerson
> themushman
09/08/2014 at 12:54 |
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I'm not worried about it. I never make a stink anywhere about bad service. I just take the advice of a friend and vote with my wallet.
Luken10
> themushman
09/08/2014 at 16:47 |
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EVERY DAMN TIME. "Where the hell did I set my ratchet?!!"
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themushman
> Luken10
09/08/2014 at 17:16 |
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seriously. Spend more time looking for my tools in my garage/chest than I do using them.
Halifax Max
> themushman
09/11/2014 at 22:12 |
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I have a few dozen great purchases from HF, and a couple awful ones. The Garage Journal has a 330+ page thread on Harbor Freight tools worth buying or avoiding. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthre…
Sally O'Broder
> themushman
09/13/2014 at 03:20 |
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...Am I doin' it right?