Wrenching while Broke

[cptzippy]

I've got back issues and maybe some collateral stuff going on that has me where I have to get around with a cane and have very little energy. I've got a list of things I want/need to do to our cars.

What things/tools/tips make it easier to work if you're not at 100 percent?

 

[Zeke]

Well, I think that's a tough one. I suppose you have to work around the particular issues. They have steps with a platform to lie on your chest at various angles to lean over the fender to to engine work. Of course brake work rolling stools are handy instead of using your knees.

I'd use ramps rather than have to crawl around set up a jack and then stands. And, I've found that I CAN lie on my back on a creeper when the ol' back is out.

Warm up slowly and take regular breaks. Couple of snoots after the day's work never hurt me.

 

[cptzippy]

Thanks Zeke. Good suggestions. Have a rolling stool so good there. First job I have to do is the rear brakes on my car. Any suggestions on that job besides the stool?

 

[RECox286]

Not to be funny, but perhaps there is a young person in the neighborhood

who would like to start learning. Take him/her under yer wing, so to speak.

I relied a bit on my nephews, and one good friend when I was laid up. It

works if you can control the anger of not being able to do it yourself. I know

the feeling.

Uncle Bob

 

[cptzippy]

Thanks RECox286. I'm getting my older son involved. He's 9 so attention span isn't the longest.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Pace yourself. Better to get it done over time than screw up your back even worse. I had to learn the hard way. Sometimes helps to have a buddy their to talk shop while your doing it. That way as you're stopping to shoot the bull you're getting those breaks in without even realizing it. Do it all the time with my Brother-in-Law.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I've laid on cardboard or carpet instead of a creeper at times. Kneeling on carpet/rugis alot easier on the knees than concrete too.

 

[Zeke]

Well, ramps won't work for a brake job. You will have to use the jack and stands. I'm not telling you anything you don't know already. The suggestion about using other people, especially younger ones, is good. You would be doing a great service if you taught some young folks the proper and safe way to raise a car.

You might save someone from serious injury or worse. They don't teach this stuff in schools much these days.

Know how to roll and rise is good. Knowing how to grab and rise is just as good. As we get older, we don't pop up so fast. Plan your moves and try to enjoy the accomplishments.

 

[Need4racin]

old pillows. Wrench for awhile, take a nap for awhile, wrench again.

 

[Need4racin]

Do it all the time with my Brother-in-Law.

I bet he gives it to you real good huh? Then you spoon...spam together.

 

[brslk]

I bet he gives it to you real good huh? Then you spoon...spam together.

Nice one.

 

[WVBrady]

I know you said broke, but I am in a similar situation and use air and battery powered tools whenever possible. This especially helps when it minimizes how long I have to be bending over. As others have said, sometimes it is better in the long run to take breaks, especially when you have something awkward to do that takes dexterity.

I also find that making sketches and digital pictures helps when I have to stop one day and start again later.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Dammit, I knew as soon as I posted that someone was going to jump on that. But no... I thought, these guys are of good heart and clean minds, they'd never take it out of context, right?...right? anybody? Ah, screw ya'll! I'll know better next time. That's what I get for trying to help.lol.

 

[RECox286]

Never met an ol' Jarhead I didn't like, damn't... (ROFLMAO...)

Uncle Bob

 

[GMCAMARO]

Personally I have a very bad back. I can not be in the same position for more than 4 or 5 minutes or great pain is created. I have eleven compression fractures and I am on Oxycontin and percocettes(sp?). The point to telling you the drugs is so that you understand this is a diagnosed medical condition. I am also restoring a very badly rusted 1958 Apache Fleetside. I have replaced the floors from the seat support to half way up the firewall. The truck has been taken down completely to the frame.

What I find works for me is to work on something for 4 or 5 minutes and either change position or work on something else. I am doing the entire truck myself. While learning some new skills like particuliar metal bending I have paid people to help me. Right now I am leading a panel. I have been working on the project for about 4 years now. I did pay a machine shop to rebuild the engine.

Also I run my computer all day in the house and usually, I go between my garage and the house, so as to get into different positions.

 

[crewchief888]

Thanks Zeke. Good suggestions. Have a rolling stool so good there. First job I have to do is the rear brakes on my car. Any suggestions on that job besides the stool?

get the car as high as safely possible, even sitting down, bent over makes my back hurt