What can you do to a car, maintenance-wise?

So far, I've learned how to do:

brakes,
wheel bearings,
axle rebuilds & swaps,
change suspension components,
change and set-up Ring and Pinion gears,
remove/rebuild/install engines,
remove/rebuild/install transmissions (manual and auto, although manual is tons easier),
replace and adjust clutches,
install car stereos and other electronic gear,
remove and install interior parts (seats, consoles, door panels, etc),
rudimentary alignment,
radiator repair,
remove/install/repair/balance tires,
window tint,
vehicle graphics (vinyl tape, pinstriping, and paint),
and even some custom work involving center consoles and speaker box fabrication.

But, I haven't tried my hand at body work (yet).

And I'm coming to the point where I'm going to learn how to bend tubing and weld - I want a new bumper and nerf bars for the Jeep.

And this stuff is more or less just a hobby for me in my quest to save money and keep the cars running.

How 'bout you guys? What do you do to your cars for yourself?

I can pump gas!!!

I used to do a lot of my car maintenance myself. Changed brakes, basic engine stuff, a steering rack, ball joints, a spot of welding etc. Nothing too major as I don't have a driveway or a lot of tools.

I eventually gave it up and started using garages since there was always one nut rusted solid and it invariably rained when I was outside working on the car.

The two new cars I've had were looked after at the main dealer to get the service history stamped and Mrs TGM's motor is taken care of by a very good local garage.

So far, I've learned how to do:

Brakes,
Wheel bearings,
Axle rebuilds & swaps,
Change suspension components,
Change and set-up Ring and Pinion gears,
Remove/rebuild/install engines,
Remove/rebuild/install transmissions (manual and auto, I prefer Auto)
Replace and adjust clutches,
Install car stereos and other electronic gear,
Remove and install interior parts (seats, consoles, door panels, etc),
Total alignment,
Radiator repair,
Remove/install/repair/balance tires,
Body repair, painting
Welding and Fabrication
A/C Fabrication

Besides doing this to cars and trucks, I used to do the same for heavy equipment.
Up to earthmoving equipment in the 150 ton load capacity.

Now retired but do all my auto needs. (But I only have Fords, so I don't have much to do.)

All my vehicles are 25 years old.

I got a degree in automotive technology from OIT. Name it, I can do it.

I can only install car stereos simply because I refuse to pay to have them install it for me. Takes me a while to because no matter how many I have installed I always make some kind of mistake somewhere.

My brother on the other hand can do does of stuff.

Hmm,

Change, repair and maintain brakes & clutches
change engines. Tune engines, time engines
solve all sorts of wierd eletric problems
replace brake pipes, fuel pipes.
replace suspension and steering parts
internal trimming, dashboard,
fit stereos etc

used to do it all on my first two cars, basic engines and the like, now i have a new car, the egine has been replaced by a big black box with wires and pipes coming out of it, plus there is no room to do anything...

The way thins are going with cars the future of home repairs is going to end as more and more computer technology is being put in teh car.


Personally I always take my car to a main dealer for any repairs / servicing etc.

I know what a lug wrench is...

Haven't been under a hood or a car in years, help a friend do a ring job on his GTO in '88... might have been the last time I worked on any car. I used to do oil changes, brakes etc but the shop is so much easier...

Whatever is fixed, I can break. :P
I suppose I could do a fair amount but have never had the proper tools or inclination to spend that type of time or lose digits in the process.

I know theory very well and can do most little things like replacing spark plugs and stuff, even serpentine belts... but not anything heavy duty cause I don't have the tools.. BOO HOO

I do that with my warranty vehicles as well to keep em in warranty

but I always use Synthetic motor oil and the best filter I can find... so far, all my vehicle owners manuals have recommended the use of synthetic motor oils and I check with the dealers to make sure it won't void warranty.

The Honda CR-V has a 110,000 mile 7 year bumper to bumper (cost 1000.00) but they will give us the money back in 7 yrs or 110K miles if we dont need it. saves us if the car breaks, if it don't, then they get to earn interest on the money for that length of time... we both win. Average reparis are much more than 1000 bucks these days with the new cars.

So I looked up the retail value for my CR-V, after 7 months it is still worth 22,550. WOW. I only paid 22,056!! Nice Honda... very nice. I know, I could really only get about 20-21K for it in this economy but hey....

Highly recommend Mobil 1 synthetic oil.

that is my favorite oil dude AND their Mobil One tripple stage filters rated for 38,000 Miles and 99.99% efficiency

We agree

I like extra virgin olive myself by sausage his own...

I can work on my old 1972 240Z but my newer cars are a mystery to me. I can take apart carbs and rebuild them but my newer cars don't have carbs. I can set the timing and do the tune-ups. I can keep the old thing running pretty good.

I have the skill to know I cant repair a car. I might do something easy like change a lens in my wifes car but thats about it. I am old enough to know what I can do nad what I cant do. Car repair is high on the cant list.

I'm a wiz at light bulb changing!

I've done enough to know I don't want to do anymore.
1972 Chevy Van - 3 on the tree, did the clutch, tranny swap, tune ups (pita on that sucker), oil changes, belts, steering column, stereo.
1970 Volkswagen Squareback - oil changes, replace injectors for fuel injection, replaced gas tank that was rusty causing injectors to clog (even with filters!) and stereo.
1967 Ford Falcon - oil changes, tune up - that rust bucket ran like a top!
1983 Toyota 4x4 SR5 - clutch, plugs, oil, head gasket (with help). Biggest POS I've owned - always had problems.
1962 Chevy Nova - rust repair, oil changes, tune up, carb swap, installed seat belts, stereo and sold it prior to fulfilling my dream (or nightmare?) of swapping the straight six for small block V8.
1995 Isuzu Rodeo - oil changes, belts, stereo.
1997 Isuzu Rodeo - oil changes, belts, stereo. Currently sitting at work with what I believe is a bad master cylinder (clutch).
1999 Ford Expedition - washer fluid

There were some others in there that had basic maintenance done, Ford Probe, Chevy Malibu, 1969 VW Bug

I'm a wiz at light bulb changing!

I've done enough to know I don't want to do anymore.
1972 Chevy Van - 3 on the tree, did the clutch, tranny swap, tune ups (pita on that sucker), oil changes, belts, steering column, stereo.
1970 Volkswagen Squareback - oil changes, replace injectors for fuel injection, replaced gas tank that was rusty causing injectors to clog (even with filters!) and stereo.
1967 Ford Falcon - oil changes, tune up - that rust bucket ran like a top!
1983 Toyota 4x4 SR5 - clutch, plugs, oil, head gasket (with help). Biggest POS I've owned - always had problems.
1962 Chevy Nova - rust repair, oil changes, tune up, carb swap, installed seat belts, stereo and sold it prior to fulfilling my dream (or nightmare?) of swapping the straight six for small block V8.
1995 Isuzu Rodeo - oil changes, belts, stereo.
1997 Isuzu Rodeo - oil changes, belts, stereo. Currently sitting at work with what I believe is a bad master cylinder (clutch).
1999 Ford Expedition - washer fluid

There were some others in there that had basic maintenance done, Ford Probe, Chevy Malibu, 1969 VW Bug

Just turn the key and pray!!

Yeah, but not very skilled at posting

Hey, long time no see you smartass! How've ya been? Hows the family? The house?

Been testing a new connection here at work (wireless broadband) and there are huge latency issues. Being as impatient as I am I tend the click, click, click - so thats my story and I'm sticking with it!

Feel free to delete the dups, mods, and watch out for this Varth character!!!

I have been doing good. Living in New Hampshire now. Been here almost a month. We have a brand new house with only a few problems. We now have 3 acres, 2 of which is all woods. I am in heaven. The kids are 4 and 2 and are acting appropriatly. I havent killed them yet for being little PITA. I am trying to get the photography business going. I have to start spending money on advertising to draw in some business. Until then I am finishing unpacking the house and taking a much deserved rest.


How is life with your clan?