Best at home automotive tech/repair teaching method?

[legmaker72]

Hey guys,
I need some recommendations. Although this forum is a wealth of information and has helped me out numerous times, I would like to become alot more self sufficient and knowledged about the technical and repair aspects of the cars that I own. We will only be in Roanoke for another 5-6 months, so a class may not be an option. Can anyone recommend any type of home study that would teach you alot about the engine workings and thngs like all the different types of breaks, suspension etc...something that would help somone understand more so that they would be more prepared and inclined to fix stuff themselves at home. I want to be able to work on my own car...do stuff like change my own breaks...and not worry about it after I get it done. Once we get settled some where, I plan on looking for a technical school to help me with this, but for now I wanted to get some recommendations for home. I envy all of the guys here that are tackling jobs like putting on the coilovers and doing break work at home. I don't know enough to feel comfortable with it yet. Also, do we have a Chilton type manual out yet for the Mags?
Thanks all...I appreciate any help you can give.
Christopher

[saluki450]

I'm the immortal words of someone famous...

"Do it your damn self!"

I learned watching my dad and working with him on cars as I was growing up. Since then I've done all my own brake jobs, replaced alternators, water pumps, a carberator, a rear bumper, a heater, and a radiator.

Get a job repair manual and start doing things on your own. You previously posted about what a break job costs... do the fronts on your own. They're pretty easy and it would save you some $$$. Good luck!

Dan

[Cam]

Here this should help get you started.

http://www.credit.sears.ca/credit/RapidCredit?L=E

[Ricks06]

Legmaker,
Sounds like maybe you work with your hands. Some people have the apptitude to do "mechanical" things and some don't. If you have the apptitude, then jump in, read the directions, take something apart and replace or modify it. For a beginner taking digital pics or making drawings before taking things apart, will make things easier when it comes time to put them back together. Also read car magazines, "how to" books, watch Monster Garage, Speed channel, HOT ROD TV etc to give you some insight.
Join a car club and make some friends that have knowledge and experience that you can learn from. There's only so much you can learn from the internet, tv, books and magazines eventually you have to try it yourself.

[Hemi31]

Start with a Chilton or other repair manual on your vehicles.Start small,learn the basics and go from there.

[legmaker72]

Dan,
Thanks for the advice, but it really doesn't help me in my situation. It would be kind of foolish for me to rip apart my daily driver without really knowing what I was doing. That is the reason for my post. You are one of the lucky ones who had that experience with your Father, that is not the case for me. I need something to study up on before I begin to "do it myself". I wish I had been able to do the wifes breaks today...I researched the parts and they were pretty cheap...it was the labor that killed us. But right now I don't have a garage and it makes any job on the car difficult and dependant on the weather these days...
Sounds like you have a better handle on things than I do at the moment.
Thanks

I'm the immortal words of someone famous...

"Do it your damn self!"

I learned watching my dad and working with him on cars as I was growing up. Since then I've done all my own brake jobs, replaced alternators, water pumps, a carberator, a rear bumper, a heater, and a radiator.

Get a job repair manual and start doing things on your own. You previously posted about what a break job costs... do the fronts on your own. They're pretty easy and it would save you some $$$. Good luck!

Dan

[legmaker72]

Ok Cam...not sure how this is going to help...

Here this should help get you started.

http://www.credit.sears.ca/credit/RapidCredit?L=E

[legmaker72]

Hemi,

Do you know if they have a Chilton for the Mags?

Start with a Chilton or other repair manual on your vehicles.Start small,learn the basics and go from there.

[legmaker72]

Ricks,
I do work with my hands daily making artificial limbs, so I'm ok with that part. I've read magazines, watched shows and done some minor mods (usually bolt on stuff) but what I need is a recommendation towards a specific comprehensive auto mechanic guide. Something that explains all the major parts of the engine, what their function is and how to trouble shoot things. I'm used to figuring out health issues, and making differential diagnoses, but I don't like feeling like I don't have that ability with the cars. I plan on joining the local Mopar club here and hopefully I can meet up with some poeple that work on their cars regularly. I was just hoping that someone might have an idea what I could look at in the meantime to freshen up!

Legmaker,
Sounds like maybe you work with your hands. Some people have the apptitude to do "mechanical" things and some don't. If you have the apptitude, then jump in, read the directions, take something apart and replace or modify it. For a beginner taking digital pics or making drawings before taking things apart, will make things easier when it comes time to put them back together. Also read car magazines, "how to" books, watch Monster Garage, Speed channel, HOT ROD TV etc to give you some insight.
Join a car club and make some friends that have knowledge and experience that you can learn from. There's only so much you can learn from the internet, tv, books and magazines eventually you have to try it yourself.

[fnkychkn]

Hemi,

Do you know if they have a Chilton for the Mags?

if you're going to spend money on a repair manual, get the FSM on CD. i'm pretty sure someone posted a link to download the entire manual a while back. can't seem to find it now.

[legmaker72]

Can you get this FSM in print as well? Thanks Fnky...I just want to learn as much as I can.

[fnkychkn]

Can you get this FSM in print as well? Thanks Fnky...I just want to learn as much as I can.

pretty sure you can get in print also.

check your pm

[Hemi31]

if you're going to spend money on a repair manual, get the FSM on CD. i'm pretty sure someone posted a link to download the entire manual a while back. can't seem to find it now.

It's in the knowledge base.

[fnkychkn]

It's in the knowledge base.

if it's there, i can't find it.:(

[Cam]

Ok Cam...not sure how this is going to help...

Tools man, buy lots and lots of tools. Then at least it will look like you know what your doing . But back to your original question. Pick up manuals, they have step by step instructions and are not hard to follow. The brake job for your wife's ride, very easy. And if you get stuck, ya got 5000 of your closest friends right here to back you up. This place is 24/7, always some gearhead around.