How often do you work on your own vehicles?

[Steve]

Just curious what range of skill levels we have here for people who work on their own vehicles.

[84fiero123]

Everything but trany work is done by me.

Trany work I send to a friend and that’s all he does.

[TrailLeadr]

I'll do everything but body work, provided I have the time to do it.:lol:

[BINGO53]

I am a very frustrated machinist/mechanic, and obsessive tinkerer. I used to be refered to as the high tech driveway mechanic. :rofl:

My health has gone south on me such that I do well to sit in a vehicle and do "Toothpick-Detailing" (Damp cloth and toothpick in all the little crevices within reach) But seriously, while I cannot crawl around under the car anymore, I do get very involved as to what the guy I pay is doing, and why he is doing what he is doing. I pay attention to the appearence of things under the hood, and keep detailed spread sheets of all preventive and unscheduled maintainence. Even though I can no longer get my hands dirty, I can still be an involved owner. I enjoy pride of ownership in the Nox, and the "Little Saturn"

Respectfully,
BINGO53 :great:

[Cableguy]

I'm not much of a tranny guy either (I've done a th350 shift kit) I suck at body work. I also am a big goopy welder LOL. Never learned enough about A/C systems either. Other than that I'll try anything.

The newer vehicles get, the more frightened I get. So many sensor and junk to mess up. You have to take 10 or more parts off just to get at the one you need to work on.

[Davandy]

I do everything myself
I use to be a certified mechanic, I worked in a garage for 15 years .
Now I only work on my car and the wife’s car . :glasses:

[bigbrett]

I start a lot of repairs:sarcastic: :sarcastic:

my mechanic tow's it over and finishes em

[hotwheels93]

If it has wheels and an engine somewhere inside, I'll fix it. Been rebuilding engines since I was 8. Started with lawnmowers and picked up from there. Now I fix heavy equipment. (dozers, graders, etc.)

[unplugged]

I'm an old weekend drag racer....and worked in a parts store years ago. Don't mind taking things to my mechanic (now that I've found an honest one) but I hate not knowing whats wrong with it before I do. I've got one more hot rod left in me....I just hope I still have the money when I get around to having the time. Thinking about a 32 Ford, but maybe a 62 Vette pro street.

[maxumpower]

Just about everyday! Since i bought my 1991 Blazer (full size) i have been kicked out of the house for being in the garage so much!:slap:
Since then i have put a stereo, refrigerator, and a 27 inch TV with all the trimmings....does anyone have a microwave they want to get rid of?:rofl:

[GaryL]

I do most of my own and alot of my friend's stuff too. I just can't stand to see a shop charge what they charge for stuff I can do for just the cost of parts. I was in a shop for an alignment this week and someone else had brought their 2006 F*** in for a brake job. They quoted him $897. I almost fell out of my chair.

[TrailLeadr]

I do most of my own and alot of my friend's stuff too. I just can't stand to see a shop charge what they charge for stuff I can do for just the cost of parts. I was in a shop for an alignment this week and someone else had brought their 2006 F*** in for a brake job. They quoted him $897. I almost fell out of my chair.

Holy crap! Is that with platinum backings, and tungsten pads? That's ridiculously high. It's just brakes people!:rules:

Did he go for it?

You should have offered to do it for half.

[maxumpower]

Holy cheesum crow! Thats a F*** for ya! The price of an oil change used to be about 10 bucks, now i see 25 and up. The synthetic go for over 50! Thank goodness i have a garage and a thrid grade education!:lol:

[NHSilverado]

Just curious what range of skill levels we have here for people who work on their own vehicles.

Well, I can pretty much do anything I want. Mechanical as well as body work. Only two areas I am not comfortable working on. They are auto trannies( beyond adding a shift kit, swapping out a TC, or changing fluid/gasket/filter - the easy stuff - no rebuilding however )and differentials. Just don't touch either. Also, all these new sensors and computer crap that you need all kinds of special equipment for are obviously something your average guy has issues with. Who can afford a Million dollar diagnostic computer system? I think my desire to work on cars went down proportionately to the engine being covered in hoses, wires, sensors, etc... and vanishing.

When I was younger I routinely was rebuilding engines and doing all kinds of work on my muscle cars/DD's as well as helping friends( we were really into cars and helped each other all the time ). I worked in the auto field for a lot of years as well( aftermarket parts, dealer parts & service, auto body supply salesman ). You can't help learn when working around cars, mechanics, and body guys all the time. I got to tell you that back in my day you would be hard pressed to find a do it yourselfer who could touch me rebuilding carbs. Especially Holley's. Everyone always had me do them. I had guys bring me brand new out of the box Holley's for me to rebuild and set up for them. Used to really like doing carb's. I could do a mean MOPAR 6-pak tune bye ear on the 3 2bbls as well and had a knack for setting up the linkage( very hard to tune in/set linkage right ).

Now, with all that said, I seldom do much of anything these days. I have a good group of guys( ie; body guy, speed shop guy, excellent dealer )that I have a long relationship with, who charge me very reasonable rates, and I am very comfortable letting them work on my vehicles. These days as I get older( 40 is coming FAST! :surprised: ) I just don't have the "wrench turning" desire I did as a youth. I think if I had a muscle car again, or an older clunker to tinker on, that would be different. Cars and trucks these days are too complicated plus I don't seem to keep them past warranty expiration so most work is done under warranty anyway.

I also have lower back issues which makes just doing simple things like an OC in the driveway torture on me never mind more serious stuff. I put a trailer hitch on my Tacoma in the driveway( talk about a NIGHTMARE - rear bumper almost had to come off and I swear the hitch weighed more than the truck )and couldn't walk for a week. So, I pay to have most things done. I do at times however on each vehicle bring the tools out of retirement and do a few things here and there. For instance I just put the step bars on the truck. I will install the BedRug and Hard Tonneau when I get them. That kind of stuff.

"MOST" stuff I have done these days even though I could do it myself.

[barnhartred]

only when i have to but had my tranny done wanted a pro for that since i tow stuff

[tbplus10]

Just curious what range of skill levels we have here for people who work on their own vehicles.

I'm from a family that owns an auto conversion buisiness. If I didnt work on my own cars I'd be kicked out of family reunions.
The only time I dont work on my own stuff is if its a warranty issue or the rare time when it has to be done right away and I dont have the time to do it. When those times happen I have a mechanic friend I've known for 20 years do the work.
I've got a decent machine shop set-up in the garage with three different types of welders, a metal lathe, a drill press, a parts washer, small sand blasting booth, a 6k porta power and frame puller, chop saw, and loads of hand tools. I live 3 blocks from Northern Hydraulics so I'm always adding tools I dont really need.

[jeremysr10]

I have been working on cars since I can remember. I have done or tried just about everything except transmission work. My father and I rebuilt a 1979 RX-7 and a 1980 Caprice classic engine back in the day. Now I just mostly tinkier with upgrades when I get the time.

[1stTRUCKsilverado]

I don't do very much work on my vehicles other than the easy stuff... never worked on 'em, just played sports and now im into my truck so im starting to learn more about it and do more with it

[Wheel_Man]

I can do everything that needs done if time permits, but when I get busy with work and family I will go to the garage and pay their outlandish prices.

[kaiah723]

i used to work for a shop but it ruined the fun of working on a car for me so i started working in a different field that makes more money. i do all work on my car unless a lift is required, then i bring it to my old boss and he takes care of me.

[poncho08]

im Only 24 years old and a love working on everything before fuel injection whether it's small engine small block or big block.

[bdub]

I started working on cars/trucks/tractors when I was a youngster working with my Dad. I can remember washing parts and tying cork gasgets on valve covers, side covers and oil pans. I graduated to a certified mechanic working on most everything except Auto Trannies and finally finished my carreer as a rear axle and diesel mechanic. Today I'll do brakes and general maintenance on my vehicles and let the younger guys take care of the heavy work.

[Rossy]

I like to think I could fix anything it I put the time into it or fix two or three things when I break it the first time. I will do any work that doesn't deal with the computers and/or transmission.

[pmf608]

I don't like to pay people to do something I could do myself. I'll do pretty much anything mechanical - unless it gets confusing and i don't trust myself with it. I'll do transmission - to an extent. I've changed my transmission fluid, but I'll only do so much on that before it starts to get too risky. I'll do brakes (but not fluid) - but my mom won't let me do pads/rotors myself. Bodywork/paint. I've tried, but im not so good at that stuff. I repainted my tailgate and the color matches, but its too thin to colorsand and smooth. For the $200 it cost in materials, it would have been better to have it professionally done.

My favorite is probably electrical though. Wiring is tedious, but the results are usually worth it. Especially if it involves lighting.:great:

[2COR517]

My favorite is probably electrical though. Wiring is tedious, but the results are usually worth it. Especially if it involves lighting.:great:
Same here!


I do just about everything, including AC. Probably going to tackle a TH350 soon. I never cared for bodywork, but will be learning to like it as I work on the 81.

I went white collar for ten years and got out of it, but I really enjoy getting my hands dirty again. Actually, I use those blue gloves when I remember.

[crane557]

I'll try almost anything after doing some research.

[bcoffman]

I'll replace whatever needs replaced, after doing some research and asking a friend's (mechanic) advice.

[cascott325]

anything past general maintenance is done by my mechanic

[lbuajlw]

I tackle all the basic stuff (brakes, exhaust, etc...) and I've done the wheel bearings in my truck, but when it comes to major engine, transmission work, I let the pros do it.

[Mean_Green_95]

Anything that has broken on my truck I have fixed. I haven't had to fix anything too in depth, yet. I'm waiting for my engine to fail or my trans to crack just so I can fix it! I am about to replace my clutch though! Everytime it heats up it gets hard to shift.

[route66paul]

I know what to do and have the tools to do it, but my disabilities limit what I do. Knowing keeps you from being a victim

[safetyfast]

99% of the time.

[corsair855]

I do as much as possible on my own...it's a stress reliever for me and I have always enjoyed working on my vehicles. Besides, today more than ever, I can save a bunch of money doing the work myself. But, I also know my limitations and I take it to a trusted mechanic I have used for years.

[redneckarmyMP]

as long as it doesnt involve pullin the motor or trans ive done everything myself as often as i can.i love takin stuff apart seein how it works and puttin it back together.you cant beat that feeling when you get it all fixed and save yourself a couple hundred dollars

[ahm1127]

i will try to conquer everything before I bring to dealer unless it is under warranty. Dealers have even given me the part for me to replace myself under warranty.

[2ToNe04]

lol i always try to find something to do to my truck, its usually just cleaning and cleaning.

[dans02silverado]

I work all the time on my own.

[m0j0TX]

Just curious what range of skill levels we have here for people who work on their own vehicles.

I wish I could work on my own vehicle more often. My wife and I relocated back home to Texas several months ago, and we moved into an apartment until we could sell our house. We're still in the apartment, without a garage, and all my tools and stuff are in storage. Right now I'm having to pay to get pretty much everything done.

Normally I do my own routine maintenance (change oil, etc.) and some of the easier stuff. I'm by no means an ASE-certified mechanic, so for big stuff I leave it to the pros.

[seffieldvillage@aol.com]

i do it all my self. every think that is on my truck i did. the body work the paint work and door locks and the power windowsand the lift kit by my self. i do all the motor and tanny work to. i was a gm mechmic for 14 years.

[Pyro81]

I'd like to think i can do it all myself. But i know i can't. I'm limited in experiece in most things, with no experience in others. But never the less, i bought full service manuals for both of my vehicles just in case i ever need them. I have had to break them out a time or two, though.

[El_oscuro]

For my old 92 Camaro, all interior (new seats, carpet, sub-woofer) is done by me. Some minor engine work. My 2008 Silverado is still under warranty, so I don't do any work on it yet.

[iPublicEnemy47]

I wish i had the time to work on my truck but I dont. I use to do my own oil change but now I go to this lube place and get done their.

I dont even have time to wash my on truck now....

[djlndc]

The normal stuff: oil, filters, belts, brakes and other general maintenance items. Also like to do most modifications if possible.

[leester79]

I do as much as I can. Hate paying to have stuff done. unfortunately I have had a lot of "learning the hard way" from time to time. Have done frame off rebuild and did everything but tranny rebuild and engine rotating assembly

[Marty04Sierra]

I wish i had the time to work on my truck but I dont. I use to do my own oil change but now I go to this lube place and get done their.

I dont even have time to wash my on truck now....


Me Too!!!!!

[kylegillean]

on this website to learn how to do it all myself. lol

[bob13]

I do pretty much everything but I am really more able on the older stuff.

[trapstud]

I will try anything once, but I have never touched an engines internals or a transmission YET!

[L0sts0ul]

I generally take the time it would take my mech head to do it... double it, multiply by 2 beers per hour = I do it all myself.

[L0sts0ul]

I have another reply about not having time. Working on your truck is like making love to your wife. If you want it done by yourself, and done right... you have to MAKE the time to do it.

oh yeah... and don't forget the full synthetic :) ROFLMAo

[2COR517]

I wish i had the time to work on my truck but I dont. I use to do my own oil change but now I go to this lube place and get done their.

I dont even have time to wash my on truck now....

I will never go to another lube place. Cheap oil, filters, and monkeys in the pit that don't really care about your car.

As for washing the truck, I did all the time when I first got it. Now it's lucky to get four baths a year.

[crane557]

My sub is not my daily and kind of our camping/project vehicle. So far I've done all the work on it, we'll see what happens with the A/C . The lift will definitely be me though.

[Knucklehead]

I do all my own work unless it requires pulling the engine or transmission.

[Offshore24]

I do my own work for the most part. As long as it can be done without special tools i can handle it.

[tattooed4life]

I do 99% of my repairs, neighbors, friends, family, coworkers, pretty much anybody that finds out I work on cars and gives me the "can you give me a hand" story. Although there is the occasional trip to the shop, like the stubborn torsion keys that I pretty much gave up on. If it's broke or needs some mods, I'll give it one hell of a shot to get it done!!

[dsfloyd]

I do most all my own work. I still have a warranty on the truck so if it is cheaper to pay the deductable I have them do the work. major engine and tranny work not super good with. Murphy's law is currently kicking my ass on my wifes car right now while trying to repair her A/C system.

[texas99lb]

I do all my own tune ups, minor repairs, pretty much everything externally on the motor, if it comes to anything inside the engine...bye bye to a shop...

[BluBurb89]

I do everything, except work on the tranny and rear end; only because I haven't had to yet (and for that, I give "Thanks" to the one above!). I don't paint and need to learn;:grrrrrr: I made a bad mistake and went to Maaco 'on the cheap' and am paying for it. For what I got and what I paid for it; I could've painted it, screwed up and done it over and had all the equiptment to boot. Oh well, you live and you learn!

[Cowl327]

I work on my truck more than I drive it! LOL I do all my own work...except for trans stuff

[vms4evr]

Like many on here. Other than tearing down the tranny or differentials. I'll do pretty much anything. Have worked on all our cars since I was a teenager.

[nateofmt]

I have done everything but rebuild tranny and xfer case. Mostly swapping stuff into my Jeep, though. Which is now about 1/2 Chevy parts.

[Henchman]

I can do the light stuff, but when it comes to the motor, not much. I will be doing a few upgrades myself like the cold air intake, but that's about it.