B5 mechanics - where did you learn to wrench?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 715
From: San Diego
RE: B5 mechanics - where did you learn to wrench?
I picked up a Bently Manual, read the DIY's, and just threw myself into it. Nobody in my family is into cars so the only place I learned was from reading on AZ/AF and actually doing the work.
In the last year and a half I've changed my timing belt, control arms, installed coilovers, replaced my abs module, replaced my front brakes, changed a spindle, installed a stereo, installed a boost gauge, changed axles, and installed a short shifter. Before that I had absolutely no automotive experience.
In the last year and a half I've changed my timing belt, control arms, installed coilovers, replaced my abs module, replaced my front brakes, changed a spindle, installed a stereo, installed a boost gauge, changed axles, and installed a short shifter. Before that I had absolutely no automotive experience.
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 946
From: Behind
RE: B5 mechanics - where did you learn to wrench?
ORIGINAL: crsf29
I got started on 4G63 Mitsubishi cars. Those are easy because 2 wrenches will nearly disassemble the entire car! (10mm and 17mm are the most common on them). When I made the switch, I made sure to buy a Haynes manual. It will walk through the disassembly of nearly every component of the car, as well as letting you know of any problem areas. That is my first and foremost reccommendation before anyone touches their car for the first time. Haynes Manual will answer 95% of all questions you might have about your car. You don't need to take classes to learn how to wrench, because you will most likely start on a Small Block Chevy or a Big Block Ford engine, then work to SOHC and DOHC 4 Cylinders (Honda and Mitsubishi most likely). I doubt you would ever see a Torx fastner or anything close to German engineering. Get a Haynes Manual and find a friend with a project car. Offer to buy the beer and you will learn tons.
I would be your friend, but I'm in Missouri! =)
-Cory
I got started on 4G63 Mitsubishi cars. Those are easy because 2 wrenches will nearly disassemble the entire car! (10mm and 17mm are the most common on them). When I made the switch, I made sure to buy a Haynes manual. It will walk through the disassembly of nearly every component of the car, as well as letting you know of any problem areas. That is my first and foremost reccommendation before anyone touches their car for the first time. Haynes Manual will answer 95% of all questions you might have about your car. You don't need to take classes to learn how to wrench, because you will most likely start on a Small Block Chevy or a Big Block Ford engine, then work to SOHC and DOHC 4 Cylinders (Honda and Mitsubishi most likely). I doubt you would ever see a Torx fastner or anything close to German engineering. Get a Haynes Manual and find a friend with a project car. Offer to buy the beer and you will learn tons.
I would be your friend, but I'm in Missouri! =)
-Cory
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,794
From: Home of the Yankees
RE: B5 mechanics - where did you learn to wrench?
started just as a go-for at a small shop near my house, mostly old japanese imports. Then got into the whole honda scene, no I was never a ricer. Then joined the army and began working on damn near everything with a diesel engine. Along the way I've dabbled in machine work and welding. I work at a shop but use little of my skills. Still, I never pass up the chance to tear down a motor and putting it back together.
Zombie Defense Force
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,782
From: Dallas
RE: B5 mechanics - where did you learn to wrench?
i started by just taking stuff apart and seeing how it all goes back together. from there on out i try to do most of the stuff my self or with a friend when it comes to heavy lifting like removing a transmission
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 468
From:
RE: B5 mechanics - where did you learn to wrench?
my grandfather was a mechanic, i learned from watching him and listening to his storys, i eventuly started runnig in demo derbys, and from therehave worked on everything from broken down jeeps to drag cars (not mine)
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1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 90
From: Canada
RE: B5 mechanics - where did you learn to wrench?
wow, there's a lot of interesting stories here.
What I seem to be reading most is get a friend, beer, hayes manual and just do it. SinceI don't need my ride to get to work if I take it apart and can't get it back together I'm still okay, so I can take my time (and tow it in if I mess up).
Thanks
What I seem to be reading most is get a friend, beer, hayes manual and just do it. SinceI don't need my ride to get to work if I take it apart and can't get it back together I'm still okay, so I can take my time (and tow it in if I mess up).
Thanks
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