Guys (and gals...) - I am looking into taking an auto repair class, probably at a community college sometime this year. I have very little experience fixing cars, and really want to learn at least some basics. Anyone else interested? Truman College has some... but it is a big time committment (>10 hours per week) Oakton has some that are 2 days a week for 1.5-2 hours, which is more my speed (squeeze it in between work, kids, drives, etc) Chicago Park District has a few, but are WAY on the south side, and I'm not interested in driving an hour each way.
I am assuming these classes are for general mechanics not a Ferrari thing. It sounds like it would be fun but finding time between work,child and Ferrari is difficult these days. Vince C.
I'd be interested in taking some mechanics classes, too. Those classes at Oakton look pretty good, but their spring term has already started. Registration for summer term starts March 28; the schedule of which (if any) car courses will be offered in the summer is not up yet.
Sure thing, Michael! First step: we'll need to take that Mondial t on a long "diagnostic test drive".
Yeah... saw that. Will just have to be patient and wait until summer. It is a bit of a time committment, but heck, even if you miss a few, I think it would be a great experience!
Well,I took "Auto Shop" all 4 years in High School.(Almost 30 years ago... ) And,my StepDad used to own an Auto Repair Shop in Berwyn,when I was a Teen,and 20's. (They moved out to Scottsdale,AZ. over 15 Years ago though) And,I used to help him out there, in exchange for a little Beer Money,some Experience,and,most of all,My own Shop time on Sundays...Full use of the Lift,Pneumatic Tools,Welder,Torch,and all of the Other tools. I Painted my '67 Chevelle there,alone. Prepping,Sanding,everything. Sure makes it a whole heck of alot easier than doing it in your Garage with not always having the proper tools... But,I did alot of that,too. Changing Carb,Manifold,Heads and Headers in a Weekend,so that my Ride was ready to be able to take me to School and Work by Monday. Clutches.Front Ends. Rear Ends. Shocks. Brakes.Springs. ETC... Changing a Water Pump one day. Ran out of Daylight,JUST as I was starting to put the Water Pump back on. (Still had alot of other assembly after that,too.). I was almost done,it was Saturday Night,and I wanted to go out. So,I had my Girlfriend at the time hold a Flashlight while I finished. Got it all back together,in time to go out,AND...No Leaks! Lots of "War Stories".... I used to do the "Mechanical Part" ...used to take apart engines and put 'em back together. But,now a days,too much stuff covering the Engine.And,Anti-lock Brake Systems,and all of the Computerized stuff on modern cars...Too much to do. You can barely even see it to work on it. Our 308's aren't too bad,though. But,todays cars are so much more complex....All sorts of little computerized pieces and parts,that,if you break it,could cost literally Hundreds to replace...Even if it's some little dinky Plastic Part. You never know.... I have fond memories of that...but,now leave it to the Pro's. Who knows. Maybe someday when my Son gets older,we will go out and look for an old car to fix up for him together. I'm talking '60's or very early '70's Cars. I can still do that stuff. Also,when you leave it to the Pro's,that way,it comes with a Warranty. I can still do some small stuff,general Maintenance things. But,no more heavy duty wrenching for me....
