44 yr old who wants to get some pratical experinence with cars/engines ........

[FrangaFry]

Ok, so I am putting myself out there and I am ready for the ridicule that may come ............. but looking for some ideas.

I'm 44 yrs old and have been working in the IT industry for the last 20 years or so (jee'zus, that long already...). I have been spending way too much time over the last 12 months enjoying the car scene (and all the joys and anguish that car mods brings), and I have come to realize that I know 'jack shite..' about what happens under my bonnet and car BUT, I have this 'desire' to understand and get my hands dirty.

Recently (as I have just been promoted to a middle management role), I have realized what a head 'f%$ck' office politics is and how much I miss using my hands (prior to going back to uni at the age of 23, I was a sheet metal worker) and I now find myself wanting to learn more about the car/mechanical trade/past time; Don't get me wrong, I am not looking at moving jobs/trades (it's waaaaaay toooooo late for that!), but I feel the need to balance my life with something I have a growing passion for (I need something else to think about and DO other than the crap that goes on at work).

So I am looking for ideas on how I can go about getting more involved in he car scene (read as: I would love to be part of a mechanical project or projects, where I can learn something which could then ultimately empower me to be able to do 'some' mechanical jobs myself); Over the past year I have thrown a bucket of money at my car, which is great, but I have done NONE of it myself and it feels a little hollow.....

Unfortunately all my mates/friends/acquaintances are (no offense to them ...) either workaholics/alcoholics or nerds, and the only things we build is stress, piles of empty cans, pc's, networks or applications....... (*yawn*), so I am looking for ideas on how/where I can be part of a different learning curve (I am fully prepared to be a 'grunt/gopher' in an attempt to get some 'hands on').

So what are your thoughts, are there Tafe short courses around that provide an intro into this world (again, not looking for a job here, I just want to start the process of getting to understand motor mechanics, and I am under no illusions/delusions that I will be able learn what you guys know, certainly not in the short term); Alternatively, is joining a car club something I would consider. I would love to be part of an engine build/refresh project, even if it was just to be 'that guy' who is the gopher/grunt/broom pusher/menial task man..... all with the aim of 'eventually' being able to help out and actually be able to throw a few tools around (with some confidence).

I realize that the above must sound a little bizarre, but I am at that point where I want to do 'something' along these lines (before it gets too late) and I just don't know where to start (I would love to be able to put my hand up and say, hey, you want a hand with installing that ............ but I just don't know anyone who would ever do it or who could impart this knowledge onto me......).

Would love to hear your thoughts (some of you may have read some of my posts in the past and realize that I have no bloody idea what the hell I am talking about, but I really would like to change that!!)

As always, appreciate 'any' feedback (positive or negative).

Cheers,

FrangaFry

[boggers007]

Ok, so I am putting myself out there and I am ready for the ridicule that may come ............. but looking for some ideas.

I'm 44 yrs old and have been working in the IT industry for the last 20 years or so (jee'zus, that long already...). I have been spending way too much time over the last 12 months enjoying the car scene (and all the joys and anguish that car mods brings), and I have come to realize that I know 'jack shite..' about what happens under my bonnet and car BUT, I have this 'desire' to understand and get my hands dirty.

Recently (as I have just been promoted to a middle management role), I have realized what a head 'f%$ck' office politics is and how much I miss using my hands (prior to going back to uni at the age of 23, I was a sheet metal worker) and I now find myself wanting to learn more about the car/mechanical trade/past time; Don't get me wrong, I am not looking at moving jobs/trades (it's waaaaaay toooooo late for that!), but I feel the need to balance my life with something I have a growing passion for (I need something else to think about and DO other than the crap that goes on at work).

So I am looking for ideas on how I can go about getting more involved in he car scene (read as: I would love to be part of a mechanical project or projects, where I can learn something which could then ultimately empower me to be able to do 'some' mechanical jobs myself); Over the past year I have thrown a bucket of money at my car, which is great, but I have done NONE of it myself and it feels a little hollow.....

Unfortunately all my mates/friends/acquaintances are (no offense to them ...) either workaholics/alcoholics or nerds, and the only things we build is stress, piles of empty cans, pc's, networks or applications....... (*yawn*), so I am looking for ideas on how/where I can be part of a different learning curve (I am fully prepared to be a 'grunt/gopher' in an attempt to get some 'hands on').

So what are your thoughts, are there Tafe short courses around that provide an intro into this world (again, not looking for a job here, I just want to start the process of getting to understand motor mechanics, and I am under no illusions/delusions that I will be able learn what you guys know, certainly not in the short term); Alternatively, is joining a car club something I would consider. I would love to be part of an engine build/refresh project, even if it was just to be 'that guy' who is the gopher/grunt/broom pusher/menial task man..... all with the aim of 'eventually' being able to help out and actually be able to throw a few tools around (with some confidence).

I realize that the above must sound a little bizarre, but I am at that point where I want to do 'something' along these lines (before it gets too late) and I just don't know where to start (I would love to be able to put my hand up and say, hey, you want a hand with installing that ............ but I just don't know anyone who would ever do it or who could impart this knowledge onto me......).

Would love to hear your thoughts (some of you may have read some of my posts in the past and realize that I have no bloody idea what the hell I am talking about, but I really would like to change that!!)

As always, appreciate 'any' feedback (positive or negative).

Cheers,

FrangaFry

I have been thinking the same thing myself, I work infront of a computer all day and whilst I get paid more then a typical motor mechanic I do get abit jealous of the guys who can tune their own cars or chuck in a cam without too much effort.

There was a performance shop here in perth (altho found out later they were abit 'dodgey') who did offer like a weekend course on motor building which basically over the 2 days you would build a engine which they walked you thru. Sounded like a good idea to me but I have yet to see it spring up at other places since, Im sure someone in melbourne might do something similar.

[A^K^T]

A TAFE short course could be a starting point. http://www.polytechnic.wa.edu.au/short_course/advanced_search/query/results?q=automotive&searchoptions=1

[the big fist]

Find an old car that you are interested in, like the looks of. Buy it and build it as a weekender. Doesnt have to be a brute or anything super fancy. I recommend an old carby car 60's & 70's era. Learn how to play around, fix things, bit of panel and paint.
You wont regret it. I learnt a tonne when I got an old series land rover. Basic, gets a lots of looks on the road and great fun off road. With "newer" cars there's too much electrics and plastics to appreciate it. Use forums and read as much as you can. You'll be building motors in no time !

[Nutter]

What are you like with a sanding Block? I've got plenty for you to do :D

Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2

[Souljah]

Go buy yourself anything in the HQ>HZ Kingswood range with a 202, pick up a decent workshop manual and get into it!

[JezzaB]

Rub a brick on your nuckles. Now do that on the same wounds every day... plus spray a bit of brake cleaner and oil on them. Now your a mechanic :)

Seriously though, read, watch, learn, try.

[Hos]

As The Big Fist said, look at finding an older car to start with. Could even be an early
Commodore, or a car that was big in its day but would need a lot of work now. Even jist strip an old mower engine down and rebuild that. The only way to learn is to get amongst it.

I am 27, a dual tradesmen employed full time and have the exact same thoughts as you Franga. I know how to change a tyre, do basic services, very simple stuff. I'd love to know more and be able to be hands on but due to financial constraints and now having a baby, time is limited too. As soon as my garage is built i'll be buying a project car (either old Kingswood/Monaro or Chrysler) to learn on.

The other option would be to go to a workshop, like Chevs on Saturdays, to meet people and just talk about cars. I've heard at Chevs people just have a general catch up and talk about cars. Get in the scene a bit.

The other thing to consider would be a mature age apprenticeship. Might be a big jump but if you can afford to do it, a change is as good as
A holiday. I will be looking at that when money permits it as I have always loved cars but fell into my elec apprenticeship by chance.

Keep us posted on what avenue you take to learn.

Regards,

Hos

[feistl]

Ill let you in on a little secret... Cars, even modern ones, are actually incredibly simple. They are designed to be as simple and cost effective as possible.
When i very first started working on cars i thought they were this ultimate complex super advanced machinery that would take years to learn how it works... The truth is they are so simple once you start pulling them apart.

One thing i will say, if you are serious about working on cars go buy yourself some decent tools. Spend $1000-1500 at total tools and get yourself good socket sets, screw drivers, a jack, jack stands, torque wrench etc etc. You cannot comprehend how much difference a good set of tools make.

Let me put it to you this way... Imagine trying to build a hyper-v cluster/entire network from a terminal with a pentium 2 cpu, 128mb ram, a 12" screen with a 800*600 screen and a 56k connection.... That what using supercheap/repco tools is like. On the other hand now imagine doing the same task with a full spec'd XPS laptop with i7 8 core cpu, 32gb ram, 512gb SSD, 30" 2560x1600 resolution on a 10gb/s network connection... Thats what its like using Total Tools/Sidchrome tools etc. Snapon tools is much the same, but also includes having a very hot young secretary.

The other thing is to sit down and serious work out how much you want to spend, and what you want to achieve. Have a very clear goal in mind, put a bit of a project plan together and then double your budget.

Finally, make sure you've got a digital camera (reasonable quality) and take shit loads of pictures as your pulling things apart. Makes putting it back together much simpler if you get stuck. Oh and get a couple of those plastic containers with the dividers in the middle, on the lid of the box number each compartment from 1 up and then put screws in as you take things apart. That way when it comes to reassembly work in the reverse order.

Cheers

[Marco]

I haven't done one of the basic mechanical TAFE courses, but I did a basic bodywork one earlier in the year through CIT (which is basically Canberra TAFE) and it was excellent - learned some great panelbeating and welding skills. (I'm a desk jocket for the Fed Govt the rest of the time so I know your feeling!)

[RARASV8]

forget about buying a car, cost too much and takes up too much room. consider a lawn mower, motor bike or even a go cart. best it doesn't run, strip the engine and take note of what your doing like what feistl said with the camera and boxes. these are only little expenses, so if it don't work out you've only lost a little. but the big gain will be when you rebuild your choice you will be able to sell and then go onto a bigger project. even if you got hold of an old gearbox from a car and pulled it apart then rebuilt it, again a profit in $ and learning.
got me thinking now whats out in the garage:nyuk:

Garry

[Radikl]

Frangafry,

The late model stuff is more easier to work on pulling apart and seeing how it all goes in. A lot is plug in and plug out.

Got a lazy $3 OR $4k, Go and buy a damaged VT VY LS1 or the like and pull it apart. Have a jack, stands, engine crane. Yes you can but a manual, but nothing beats looking at something physically and trying to take it apart. Forget the middle management roles, been there done that for many years (over 10) you know what i think about the politics.............:) Jam it!

Do it over a few weekends and learn as you go.

Get your hands direct, make the mistakes and learn !!!

It is an apprenticeship, takes years to learn it all, but you got to start somewhere!

Good luck.

[Xjas]

Join a good car club and dont feel silly for asking questions, everyone who knows a lot about cars started from nothing and nobody I've met yet knows everthing. I'd buy an earlier commodore, say VH-VK, cheap, light easy to work on simple design, if you go for a 253 or six they can be had pretty cheap and are good fun and easy to modify.

[LuisS]

My advice , read , read some more , then read again .
Once you think you've understood what you've read , read it all again !

..........then, ask the questions and be prepared for a barrage , most of which you will have to sift through to find the information you want/need.

TAFE course? Short of that , Xjas nailed it on the head.

[lukemcg]

I am fairly mechanically minded, I wouldnt go near the internals of an engine/diff/auto but Im confident enough to do things like installing extractors, gearboxes diffs etc, and I found I learnt the most from car forums, and from actually doing it.

My first car was an EF Falcon (hence why it was shagged all the time and I had to fix it) I couldnt afford for anyone else to fix it so I was forced to get online, ask the question, buy the parts and do it myself. The wealth of information available from forums is amazing. There would be enough info on here to literally strip a commodore to pieces and put it back together again.

[blnls1]

I've been a qualified mechanic for over 12 years and am now a seinor mechanic at a leading independant workshop in melbourne. Although id say that 85% of our work is european cars. Ive always had "project" cars.. Everything from Datsun 1600s that I used to race, to rice burner turbo imports when I was younger. I've only recently in the last 2 or 3 years got into the v8 seen and LSX's. I have built and modified both my LS1 powered cars myself, besides from the overhaul and modification of the 4L65e trans, and I don't have the equipment or the expert knowledge yet to takle the tuning side of things although I do have a solid understanding. But everything else of the car has either been done at home in the shed or when a hoist has been needed at my workshop. But my VZ exec has almost alway's got something going on with it! So if You don't mind a few froffies while getting your hand dirty I can always do with a hand. I have only just reciently finished rebuilding the bottom end with some forged bits and peices and am about to start on sorting out the fuel system to suit E85. I'm not offering an apprenticeship or anything but if your a decient bloke who wants to just chew the fat, knock back a few cold ones and give me a hand with a few jobs on my vz?????..... Send me a PM and I'll let you know when.
Cheers
Bart.

[VYSHSV8]

Rub a brick on your nuckles. Now do that on the same wounds every day... plus spray a bit of brake cleaner and oil on them. Now your a mechanic :)

Seriously though, read, watch, learn, try.

And don't let petrol leak up to your arm pit when changing a fuel filter ;)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk in the middle of Farkin no-where

[VYSHSV8]

Well said Bart :)
As for a car to start on try an old Dato
Say a 1200 or a 1600 they are light and easy to work on and have basically most of what current cars have although old.... Heaps of space in the engine bay

So go for it and ask as Luis has said


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk in the middle of Farkin no-where

[Swordie]

Another approach is workout what you want to achieve and how much time you have to spend. I'd say it would help if you can find a mentor, someone you can ask for help when you need advise.

[Skedy]

id go ask a local performance shop if you can help on a saturday. even if you start as an observer/sweeping floors im sure they would love free labour and you would pick up the basics pretty quick

[FrangaFry]

You fellas are bloody legends ............. thanks to all for the great feedback ...... your replies are just another reason I keep coming back to this forum (much to my wife's disgust)

[VX2VESS]

What sort of things do you want to do yourself?

Helps if your good at fixing things, anything. Be able to understand how things work, how they came apart etc etc.

Then get a workshop manual to refer to.

Since I was 4 I have pulled anything and everything apart to see how it works or fix it. so pretty easy any job really. not much around home or on cars, push bike, motor bikes, house extensions, tiling, landscaping, plumbing, building pc's etc etc

All my cars and modifications have been done by me, many engines in and out, gearboxes, diffs, suspensions, wiring, full strip backs and resprays, panel beating. all self taught. occasionally I might get somethime done because i don't have time myself. But I prefer to do myself as I know its done well.

Good with all that stuff and probably more not listed, yet don't do any of those for a job lol

[Swordie]

Another way to learn is join a car club.

A friend has a HR Holden project. He is member of a club and calls on the their advice. There's many people in the club willing to provide a helping hand.

[EGG]

This is serious advice, but get something that breaks a lot. 5 years ago I didn't know nearly as much as I do now (or maybe if I'd known what I know now I wouldn't have made that purchase 5 years ago...)

Find something you like, then check on the availability of manuals and online info. Some car models have vast expanses of info on the net, to the point where any engine swap, or any stupidity you contemplate has already been tried and posted by someone.