Garage setup and training….help
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Queretaro Qro
Garage setup and training….help
I am really into cars and Corvettes are definitely my thing. I love to work on cars but had never had the time nor the place to really do it right. I am now going to set um my dream garage the way I have always wanted and will spend the rest of my days working on cars. My question is: Does anyone know of a good crash course in car mechanics, preferably something that would focus more on old school mechanics versus new models? Maybe even something related to restoration and engine rebuilding? I could be anywhere although I would prefer something on the east coast. Also I would appreciate any input on a list of what a good garage setup should have.
Thanks guys and hope to be able to post pictures of the setup in the future.
Thanks guys and hope to be able to post pictures of the setup in the future.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Oradell NJ
I lived on the east coast all of my life but I would have to say that the west coast has more of the automotive aftermarket /custom industry. From bodyshops to hotrods , fabrication etc. Lots of talent and competition. California being the capitol. If relocation is possible it should be considered. They seem to be the pioneers in custom fabs with the trends slowly coming east. FWIW
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Hard to make any recommendation without knowig anything of your background?? ever turn a wrench, engineer, goals, etc....if you know nothing of cars now....hit the local library and get some books on car engines, and get some good basic theoretical/practical information that way...cheap...and second offf do the same for chassis/suspension/trannies, etc....
then for brakes steering, tires, etx....
we can keep you busy read for a very LONG time, then when you know those basic books backwards and forwards....then delve in to what your desires are, and plan from there....
I would not take up anything as expensive as a car hobby, or any other hobby for that matter without knowing a good bit about it first....
I HAD to become a hotrodder, the natural extension of having to fiix my own fraking used cars for transportation to and from work....so that evolved into hotrodding,
lots of this depens on where in the E Coast you live....in NYC etc, you will ot have weather cooperating well, from NC south you will, unless you in the mountains...so all that depends....
garage construction should wait untill you get aquainted with whare/what in hell you want to do....
GENE
then for brakes steering, tires, etx....
we can keep you busy read for a very LONG time, then when you know those basic books backwards and forwards....then delve in to what your desires are, and plan from there....
I would not take up anything as expensive as a car hobby, or any other hobby for that matter without knowing a good bit about it first....
I HAD to become a hotrodder, the natural extension of having to fiix my own fraking used cars for transportation to and from work....so that evolved into hotrodding,
lots of this depens on where in the E Coast you live....in NYC etc, you will ot have weather cooperating well, from NC south you will, unless you in the mountains...so all that depends....
garage construction should wait untill you get aquainted with whare/what in hell you want to do....
GENE
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Certainly, hand tools from open end/box wrenches, to 1/4"-1/2" drives and sockets, torque wrench, screwdrivers, channel locks, 5 hp aircompressor, jack stands, hydraulic jack, good heavy duty vice, work bench, good lighting, parts cleaner and brushes just to name the things to get you started.
Also shelves, cabinets, and other storage
Also shelves, cabinets, and other storage
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
See if you can get an apprenticeship part-time at a Corvette shop in your area. As a helper, you will learn more in a month than a tech. school will teach you in 1 year. I own a Resto. biz, and we hire apprentice body-shop and mech. shop helpers from time to time. Eagerness to learn is what we look for the most. Just be honest with them and let them know it won't be a full-time or permanent thing. G/L 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Queretaro Qro
Electronics engineer, have owned a full set of wrench and other major tools with good tool cabinet for years, always changed the oil on my cards, did minor repairs, even fixed a problem with battery drainage on an I525 bmw for a friend of mine that the dealership could not locate. I can get very creative and do a lot of things if pointed in the right direction. My problem is experience on doing major things like tune up, suspension, engine rebuild and performance. I believe books are very helpful and I plan on getting a full library although I have learned throughout my life that in practice, the theory is a completely different ball game. I had a 1981 vette few years back and would spend my entire weekend fixing things up but could never get down to the big boys stuff. I was also afraid to mess it up. I will build the garage no matter what. It will be a 4 car garage with a two post lift. Don’t care about spending the money.
