rate your mechanical ability
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Hartland WI
rate your mechanical ability
When I bought my 72 awhile back I hardly had any experience working on cars. I mean this is my first car with a carburetor
(I'm only 32) I feel like I've learned a lot since then, most of it from these forums. Every time I read a thread I'm amazed at how much knowledge is on this forum. Just wondering how some of you rate your mechanical abilities. Let's go on a 1 to 10 scale. 1 being I'm still trying to figure out how to fill the headlight fluid to 10 being I could build a car from the ground up if you give me the pieces.
I guess I'll start. I'd put myself at about 3.5. Since I bought my car I've started a lot of projects with the help of the forum. I've installed a new carburetor, put on a new starter, changed plugs/fluids and learned a lot about how our cars work. Nothing real major yet but still learning a lot. So, where are you at?
(I'm only 32) I feel like I've learned a lot since then, most of it from these forums. Every time I read a thread I'm amazed at how much knowledge is on this forum. Just wondering how some of you rate your mechanical abilities. Let's go on a 1 to 10 scale. 1 being I'm still trying to figure out how to fill the headlight fluid to 10 being I could build a car from the ground up if you give me the pieces.I guess I'll start. I'd put myself at about 3.5. Since I bought my car I've started a lot of projects with the help of the forum. I've installed a new carburetor, put on a new starter, changed plugs/fluids and learned a lot about how our cars work. Nothing real major yet but still learning a lot. So, where are you at?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 906
Likes: 1
From: Dallas via Honolulu TX
.01, b/c 1) I've never worked on my car 2) (knock on wood) Nothing is currently wrong with it, and 3) I don't even have my car with me to work on even if it did need anything. Whenever I move back, I hope to increase my knowledge - definately with the help of this forum (and maybe some Dallas members
)
On another note, if anyone is in HI working on their vette, and needs an extra hand (remembering my skill level) I am always up for some learning and helping . PM me so we don't hijack the thread.
)On another note, if anyone is in HI working on their vette, and needs an extra hand (remembering my skill level) I am always up for some learning and helping
. PM me so we don't hijack the thread.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 2
From: Circleville Ohio
Vader Vette
Well my grandfater was A mec my uncle was a mec my father was a mec my brother is a mech I would rate me at 5.5 Ive done A cam job on my 77 (with help) A radiator on my 75 bumpers on my 75 and a rear end cover(twice) on my 75.Front rotors & calipers .
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids Michigan
Not real high for me either, so don't feel bad. I'll give myself a 2.5 to three. I've got a father in law that is good with cars, so he normally helps me out when I have a problem, but this forum is great for info! Nothing really major with mine since I've had it, just a couple of minor things like bulbs burning out and whatnot. Sometime within the next couple weeks I'll be replacing the front calipers, which will be new for me, since i've never had to replace anything but pads. Should be fun from what I've read on here! Looking forward to my first "bleeding" (the brakes, not my knuckles hopefully). 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
11 J/K ... but not afraid to fix (or try fixing) any problem.
I don't bring any of my cars to any shop for anything. period.
OK, so 9 for ability and 10 for no fear of trying.
That's a 9.5, baby. Do I win ?
I don't bring any of my cars to any shop for anything. period.
OK, so 9 for ability and 10 for no fear of trying.
That's a 9.5, baby. Do I win ?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
I do absolutely everything (although I did let my machinist completely rebuild my 327). I'm sure it would be quicker to let a pro do everything, but I just don't trust anybody. Besides it's fun and less expensive!
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,351
Likes: 5,240
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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I guess I'm about a 6 or 7. After 35 years of Corvettes I've had to fix everything 2 or 3 times. Did a frame off restoration of my 65 but had lots of help. Took my 61 apart, had it painted and put it back together again. My 68 was pretty well done when I bought it. Just needed some sorting out. I do most of my mechanical work but am not afraid to admit when I am licked. It's good to have friends that are car guys that will help you out when you need it. As long as you are willing to help them when they need it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
somewhere between an 8 and a 8.5. As many others, I do my own work, including rebuilding my engines, trans and clutch replacement,ect. I do NOT rebuild automatic trans (yet),but have done a few rear ends.I have been a prof. machanic and from the pic on my avitar..I have been a helicopter machanic,learning from the guns up. I flew on what i worked on, so it had to be right,,didnt want to kill my buddies.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
I've replaced a heater core in a late C-4 (with automatic climate control), and a 2004 Z-06 windshield frame/firewall structure (roll-over).....
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 528
Likes: 9
From: Grand Rapids Michigan
While I read and understand a lot about all aspects of cars, I would rate myself as 2.5-3. I don't tackle internal engine work, but do things like brakes, parts R&R jobs, etc. But some of the guys on this forum amaze me at what they do in their own garages! My hats off to all of you. 
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
New England Events Coordinator
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
I guess in the 4-6 range. Still learning a lot about the vette, but understand most of what's discussed. I've pulled & replaced motors, transmissions, done brakes, replaced springs, ball joints, fenders, tune ups, exhaust, rebuilt q-jets years ago on my 69 Impala, swapped an intake manifold, mostly nuts & bolts stuff. Haven't rebuilt an engine, (but would love to do it with someone who knows what their doing), or trans or rear end.
Biggest problem now is lack of time with teenage kids.
Glenn
Biggest problem now is lack of time with teenage kids.
Glenn
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,911
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
If you have the patience & perseverence to rebuild an engine from this:
And turn it into this:
I don't think there is anything you can't fix on a vette. Except maybe the vacuum headlights and wiper door. Those are cursed by Zora's ghost and can never be repaired.
And turn it into this:
I don't think there is anything you can't fix on a vette. Except maybe the vacuum headlights and wiper door. Those are cursed by Zora's ghost and can never be repaired.
