Help getting started fixing my cars.

[kctyphoon]

before i have to do anything on one of my cars, the first stop is youtube, and then the forum for that car.. start small - do regular service.. change the oil and filter, air fliter, trans fluid maybe.. doing front and rear brakes are pretty standard - im sure there is a youtube video on it... or even just get a rag, some simple green, and just start cleaning around the engine..
i cant stress enough to learn what things do, and where they are.. find a diagram online of where the sensors are located, learn what they are for and what they do.. things will go wrong, it will be miserable to learn something for the first time, but thats true for anyone..

 

[thecody59]

Well most of that was done at the auto shop I get pretty cheap oil changes so I don't think it is worth it to do it myself.

 

[PJNJ]

Well most of that was done at the auto shop I get pretty cheap oil changes so I don't think it is worth it to do it myself.

It's worth is in the "learning". For the cost of the "cheap" oil change you can use a better oil and oil filter than you get there. You will start swinging a wrench and moving around under the hood. You'll have the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself. Every time you do something your tools will pay for themselves. In the long run they'll be paid off in savings.

Just get to work. Stop talking about; stop whining about it.

To paraphrase a prior poster - start working and using the tools or start polishing the pretty tools.

 

[metalhead140]

There is nothing you can **** up that you can't fix. Sounds like you have more tools than I do, and I've completed two ground up rebuilds. Pick a small job, and just get started. For years I worked with a 3/8 ratchet set, a very cheap set of spanners and an inherited hammer and screwdrivers. Add a pair of jack stands and a scissor jack, and I replaced gearboxes, engines (with a borrowed chain block), rebuilt suspension and brakes, you name it. I had nothing but theoretical knowledge (from the internet and manuals) when I started, like you, and am about 98% self taught. Just go out and start unbolting things. You'll either work it out or decide you'd prefer to pay someone else.

 

[bonneyman]

before i have to do anything on one of my cars, the first stop is youtube, and then the forum for that car.. start small - do regular service.. change the oil and filter, air fliter, trans fluid maybe.. doing front and rear brakes are pretty standard - im sure there is a youtube video on it... or even just get a rag, some simple green, and just start cleaning around the engine..
i cant stress enough to learn what things do, and where they are.. find a diagram online of where the sensors are located, learn what they are for and what they do.. things will go wrong, it will be miserable to learn something for the first time, but thats true for anyone..

Lots of good advice here!

I had to redo the power window on the wife's Century about 5 times before the repair stuck. Practice makes perfect

I'm getting ready to take the plunge and do the brakes on my PU. Scrounged all the special tools, spent maybe $20 total. Have the Toyota repair manual. Just gotta get the time and get dirty!

 

[thecody59]

I just wanted to share my tools with you guys to see what you thought i know you guys are going to say they are all **** because there are no snap on but i really don't need those right now and think i have a good set up so far thanks guys.

 

[thecody59]

More

 

[redmondjp]

I started wrenching on lawn mowers when I was ten, using my dad's really basic SK 1/4" - 3/8" socket set (only had a 1/4" driver handle, not even a ratchet).

When I was in junior high, I bought my own 88-piece Craftsman set. Every year during the (now-defunct) annual tool sale I bought additional pieces to expand the set. Then I also added tools from yard and estate sales (and now from CL but I have just about everything that I could possibly need and need to start thinning down the extras).

Here's my advice: as others have said, stop buying tools and get to work!

You'll quickly find out which tools you really need, and those that you don't. You'll figure out that you need things like certain length extensions (that 1" one seems useless, until you come across that one situation where you absolutely need it), wobble-drive extensions, and so on. You'll figure out which tools you can go cheap on (rubber hammers) and which you can't (universal joints, wobble-drive extensions).

You'll also figure out which tools you use that don't work that well. You'll decide that the fixed-head 3/8" short-handled ratchet really doesn't get used that much, and pick up a flex-head stubby and a flex-head long-handled version of the same. You can flex the head 90 degrees and use the handle as a poor-man's speed wrench. You'll figure out that the full set of nut drivers take up way too much room in your box and start using a 1/4" drive handle with your existing 1/4" sockets that are already in your box. Stuff like that.

You'll figure this stuff out by actually doing the work and figuring out what works best for you. Most jobs will probably only require a dozen separate tools if even that.

My 'go' box that I work out of 99% of the time is a metal (not made any longer) fishing tackle box that weighs under 20lbs. This has both 1/4" and 3/8" metric and standard sockets up to 7/8" / 21mm, standard box-end wrenches up to 3/4", and all of my other tools such as ratchets, extensions, pliers, punches, hammer, torx bits, allen wrenches, screwdrivers and so on. I carry a rack of metric combination wrenches with this (8-21mm). Then add a rack of deep-well 6-point 1/4" and 3/8" sockets as needed.

When I was young I did a lot of junkyard hunting. I was carrying a 100lb. toolbox out there and that got old really quick. I whittled it down to what is described above and now keep a larger box in the rig and go back and get anything from that as needed.

Like I said, start DOING and you will figure out most of this on your own. It's not rocket science. You'll figure out what works best for you. If you get into a job and get stuck, THEN you know exactly what tool you need (or at least know that what you have isn't sufficient) and can go after it.

That's my $.02

 

[thecody59]

Last pics and one of my car i am working on a 1979 Mazda rx7 not a very good pic tho.

 

[rsanter]

You need to learn to budget your time like you budget money.
If you spent one or two hours a week working on the car then it will start to get done even if it is slow. Once you establish what the time for working on the car is then people will leave you alone during that time, or some may even come over and help

Bob

 

[kctyphoon]

nothing wrong with what you have. husky, craftsman, kobalt, pittsburg - whatever- they all work well enough. you DONT need expensive tools.. basic sockets and wrenches is all you really need, and other basic hand tools like pliers and channel locks.. i have a mix of store brand tools also, and they have served me well.. unless your spending 40 hours a week working on cars, there is no need to upgrade to anything else..

use your cell phone, tablet - take pictures of stuff before you take anything apart.. start small..

 

[metalhead140]

Love the old rx7, I'm a big fan of rotors. Mate, you have heaps more pliers, spanners, ratchets and sockets than I do. You don't need more tools, you have heaps. Time to start using them! The recommendation above to take pictures is a good one. Pick a job and just get stuck in. I hope to see an update here within 24 hours with some actual work, even if it's just undoing a couple of bolts! Get out there and do something!

 

[thecody59]

Actually most of those i got in one big lot on craigslist got them really cheap with a snap on box for $120 so i didn't pay much for them i am not trying to buy any more tools rigt now unless i get a really good deal or need it.

 

[1950mercury]

I just wanted to share my tools with you guys to see what you thought i know you guys are going to say they are all **** because there are no snap on but i really don't need those right now and think i have a good set up so far thanks guys.

They are all usless unless you use them

 

[Stooge]

Generally, i try not to be rude on this forum, but did i just read 3 pages of someone who has more than enough tools to start on basic jobs, as well as what looks like a garage space ,but is too lazy to have ever even used one of their new tools? What is the actual question in this thread? You can accomplish alot with a ratchet, a set of sockets, which you have, and the right attitude, which you dont have.

Now have a seat on that new snap on branded stool, turn on your new milwaukee jobsite radio, maybe fire up the new laptop and start liquidating your new chrome.....or grab a ratchet, put a socket on it and start taking something apart so you will NEED to learn how to put it back together.

 

[creativecars]

Cody, Did you work on anything yesterday???
There is one more thing that is worth mentioning, that is to prioritize. When working on or fixing something you need to figure out what is a high priority and what is more for fun. Make a list of things you want/need to do and as others have said start on something simple.
Work smart, if you are going to change or pack wheel bearings, be ready to do the brakes since you are already in there.
Brakes are a priority... a stereo is for fun... Do brakes first

 

[thecody59]

No not yet I really don't have all the parts yet I have the brake pads but I am going to Change my brake lines As well and want to do it at the same time.

 

[metalhead140]

May as well start taking it apart though. If you're not driving it then no harm getting started. Get stuck into it!

 

[08Silverado]

A few years ago I was in the same boat as you, and here is what I have learned.

Having a massive amount of tools isn't always the way to go, having a solid socket wrench, socket set, and wrench set is all you need to begin working on cars.

Three things that I couldn't have lived without:
1) Floor Jack and Jack Stands. These are seriously a life saver and open up an entirely new world for the DIYer
2) A Breaker bar. (Self explanatory.
3) A solid ratchet wrench.

I would say that I have maybe 700 bucks worth of tools that I either bought or gifted to me in 3 years... I have yet to find a job that I have not been able to do with my sets of tools, this included replacing a transmission in my 92 K5 blazer.

As for motivation, I work roughly 80-90 hours a week over the summer at a tent rental company, and I can still manage to find time to get into the garage. As others have said, either get up early, or invest in a high powered shop light to work into the night, and once you start doing your own stuff, you won't want to stop.

For example, a simple brake job on my old truck (88 S10) led to a full front suspension rebuild, once you are out there and begin to successfully do your own projects, the bug will finally bite and you will be addicted.

 

[thecody59]

So do you guys think i have two many tools like i said most of the pliers came from the one perchance for cheap, some of the cheaper china odds and ends were from before i got into this just had laying around. So all i really bought is the tools chests, work bench, floor jack and ramps, a harbor freight mechanics tool set, a gearwrench wrench set, the fuel kit from the home depot sale and a couple odds and ends i got from deals i think i don't have near enough tools yet to work on my cars.

 

[Askme42]

That's all set for my rx7 got 3 books for it even a original 79 vice manual from the Mazda shop just need to get to reading them. The problem is in a couple months a will be really low on time to work on them a will at least be working 60 plus hours a week till i get the crew on my side and everything running smoothly i will be there at my job 8 to 12 hours a day everyday.

How bout weekends?

If you don't drive too far for work 10-11 hours a day should leave plenty of time to work. I drive an hour to work, workout in the morning before work, and often work 10+ hours with an hour lunch break. I still find time for projects. It's all priorities.

If you're priorities are playing video games watching tv and chasing tail that doesn't leave much time for the vehicles.

 

[Stooge]

So do you guys think i have two many tools....... i think i don't have near enough tools yet to work on my cars.

No one said you have too many tools and yes you have enough tools to start working on cars. i replaced the engine and transmission in my daily driver tahoe over the summer in my driveway with a handful of different sockets, a $2 HF set of picks, and a couple of combination wrenches. A few other odds and ends, like prybars and a hoist but 90% of what was used would fit in your hands. I dont have a ton of tools, i have enough to get by and be fairly confident that i have whats needed for most situations. when i come across a situation where i dont have what i need, thats when i buy it.

if you are going to be doing brakes, a caliper piston compressor or a big c clamp or something is needed. In all honesty, i would start with just doing the rotors and pads and make sure those are sorted and working before you go pulling all of the brake lines. that way you can atleast know the brakes are working and will be easier to narrow down issues later on.

 

[Askme42]

There is nothing you can **** up that you can't fix. Sounds like you have more tools than I do, and I've completed two ground up rebuilds. Pick a small job, and just get started. For years I worked with a 3/8 ratchet set, a very cheap set of spanners and an inherited hammer and screwdrivers. Add a pair of jack stands and a scissor jack, and I replaced gearboxes, engines (with a borrowed chain block), rebuilt suspension and brakes, you name it. I had nothing but theoretical knowledge (from the internet and manuals) when I started, like you, and am about 98% self taught. Just go out and start unbolting things. You'll either work it out or decide you'd prefer to pay someone else.

So true my wife gets pretty mad when my projects don't go smooth and is always like why don't you just take it somewhere?!?!?

I was not the handiest when she met me and I've taught myself most everything. I always tell her worst case scenario I have to take it somewhere and pay them to fix it cause I cant. Why not at least give me the chance to fix it first?

 

[metalhead140]

So do you guys think i have two many tools like i said most of the pliers came from the one perchance for cheap, some of the cheaper china odds and ends were from before i got into this just had laying around. So all i really bought is the tools chests, work bench, floor jack and ramps, a harbor freight mechanics tool set, a gearwrench wrench set, the fuel kit from the home depot sale and a couple odds and ends i got from deals i think i don't have near enough tools yet to work on my cars.

Are you for real? You have more than enough to get started, there's really no such thing as too many tools, just get out there and work on something and stop making excuses! When you find something you can't do then buy whatever tool you need you need, but I've done countless brake / suspension rebuilds and gearbox and engine swaps with less tools than you have pictured.

 

[Jagmandave]

I'm suspecting a troll here.....

Cody, nobody cares how many tools you have or where you got them, if you want help from us on a specific repair, fine.

If you just want to talk about what tools you have, that's fine too but don't play with us, please.

 

[Askme42]

Are you for real? You have more than enough to get started, there's really no such thing as too many tools, just get out there and work on something and stop making excuses! When you find something you can't do then buy whatever tool you need you need, but I've done countless brake / suspension rebuilds and gearbox and engine swaps with less tools than you have pictured.

Man I remember multiple trips to the hardware store with my first few projects. Now it's the point I can do most jobs with what I have but often realize another tool could of made it easier.

Example I now have a socket stuck on a bolt inside a frame rail and told the wife last night locking extensions are my next purchase.

 

[redmondjp]

Example I now have a socket stuck on a bolt inside a frame rail and told the wife last night locking extensions are my next purchase.

And this is one particular tool where quality matters - I have a Craftsman 6" locking extension (mandatory for doing spark plugs on modern cars) and won't lock with some sockets (sloppy tolerances and differences in the retainer ball socket are likely culprits).

Regarding the above, reversing the rotation of the socket won't break it loose from the bolt? Is it a 6-point or a 12-point socket?

 

[thecody59]

I am sorry if i am annoying you guys all i wanted was some help on working on my car didn't mean to piss off anybody.

 

[kawtoy]

Start fining yourself maybe $20 per day. The money goes into savings and you can't use it for car parts or tools.

 

[Nikon_RH50]

Just start! You will later know as you go along what tools you need. You will come into situations where you will say "theirs got to be a better tool for this". You will never know till you get down their. It will get expensive! When I started, I spent the whole weekend just changing the struts on all four wheels using craftsman wrenches and sockets, 10" 3/8 ratchet and 3 lbs hammer. I was so tired and sore. Then I convince the wife to get me a compressor and air tools, now I can do it in couple of hrs.

 

[Askme42]

I am sorry if i am annoying you guys all i wanted was some help on working on my car didn't mean to piss off anybody.

Here's my help.

Quit making excuses why you shouldn't do it and start finding reasons why you should.

There are lots of things we can help with on this forum. Unfortunately motivating someone isn't really one of those.

 

[Jagmandave]

I am sorry if i am annoying you guys all i wanted was some help on working on my car didn't mean to piss off anybody.

What help is it that you want? What exactly do you want us to help you with, and how can we help you?

You've been going on and on but you haven't said anything.

 

[Askme42]

And this is one particular tool where quality matters - I have a Craftsman 6" locking extension (mandatory for doing spark plugs on modern cars) and won't lock with some sockets (sloppy tolerances and differences in the retainer ball socket are likely culprits).

Regarding the above, reversing the rotation of the socket won't break it loose from the bolt? Is it a 6-point or a 12-point socket?

6 point. I put some masking tape over it to help hold the bolt head in and now it doesn't want to come out. Lol

I'll get it out its not near as bad as I'm making it sound. Gonna use it as an excuse to buy some extra long reach proto needle nose.

 

[thecody59]

I really don't need any help working on the car i just need to get motivated to start. I will probably order some parts in the morning from Rockauto and get started when they come in i will look tonight to see if i can do any work while i am waiting.

 

[umwaddee]

I really don't need any help working on the car i just need to get motivated to start. I will probably order some parts in the morning from Rockauto and get started when they come in i will look tonight to see if i can do any work while i am waiting.

Post some pictures of what you did tonight... I think we want proof ha ha. But on a serious note... tearing stuff apart when you don't have the new parts on hand actually might help you to be more organized, especially dealing with auto work. I find that if i'm not itching to throw in that shiny new part, I will take my time and keep everything organized. For example bagging and tagging all the fasteners, taking pictures of your process etc. Like a few members have already said, "get stuck in" and be proud of any progress you make even if its only part removal and cataloging. Hey, i was proud of my days work on my project... even though all I did was uncover at least 16 more hours of future fab work.

 

[SantaAna12]

I think mine is different it has a huge square box connected to the engine i had a guy take a look at it that knows more then me about these and says in is almost impossible to take off without lifting the engine i might take up the offer on my cousins boyfriend said he can do it for a couple hounded but i really wanted to do it myself.

Just simple ones mostly brakes, belts, and such but also got to change out the entire exhaust on my 79 rx7 which i know will be a pain because it is connected to the engine and have been told i might have to take out the whole engine to do it. Plus some stuff on my truck i just bought but got it for only $1k so of course it need some work.

"a huge square box connected to the engine"
"a pain because it is connected to the engine"

Hmmmmmmmmmm. Yes the exhaust is connected to the engine.

Unidentified big boxes connected to the engine!

Hmmmmmmmmmm.

 

[thecody59]

Here it is it is bolted right under the engine i don't think there is enough room to take it off without lifting the engine out but i could be wrong. The exhaust is completely rusted through so i have to get it replaced before spring i don't want to go through another summer without driving this beauty.

 

[SantaAna12]

ok.

Farm out the exhaust work.

Figure out what the box is.

It gets easier.

Good luck.

 

[thecody59]

I really want to do it on my own if i can here is the pic.

 

[AnEv942]

I wouldn't buy anymore tools until you start working on something. No matter what or how much you pre-buy you wont have what you need. Every task often leads to needing a tool you don't have-and you wont know it until your there.
Then again its the learning-many tools can be made to do something they weren't designed for, again by trying you'll find the limits of the tools you do have, what'll work in a pinch-what wont, and what you need for a specific task.

Tools of a trade don't make the tradesman. My opinion is you should be spending the money on the 'parts' you need installed. Start simple-then youll end up with the tools you need, gaining the experience and tools to do more.