want to learn

[gotacuda23]

i REALLY want to learn more about auto mechanics in general, i want to know how do do basic repair, engine rebuilding, the whole 9 yards.  ive been looking around for good books, videos, and online classes, and didnt exactly find anything that really stood out, so i was wondering if anyone on here had any suggestions

im hoping i can get a part time job as a mechanic, too help get money for college in 4 years, and also to suppourt my cuda - gas, pay off loan, ect...



thanks,
shane

[Oldschool]

Shane,

If you are like most folks, your are a "visual" learner.  If that's the case, is there someone you know that is a pretty good mechanic that would let you hang out and watch what he does?  Offer to sweep the floor, help clean the shop up, whatever.  Also, emphasize that you won't get in the way, you just want to learn about mechanics and how to rebuild/repair things.  That way you could ask questions along the way.  Hope that helps a little.      ..........Oldschool

[gotacuda23]

thanks, thats a great idea! but i wont be able to do that until summer, because by the time i get outa school and basketball practice, everyone is off work      so im really looking for someting more like an online class, a book, or video, jus to get me buy until summer

[VPOINTCUDA]

Hit the local junk yard, buy a junked chevette or something as cheap as you can get one. Take it home , buy a chiltons manual and " DIG IN !" Tear it apart and put it back together. The harder it is to rip apart and re-assemble the more learning you'll do!
 :undercar: 

[gotacuda23]

thats also a good idea, but im looking more for a formal type of learning... such as online class, book, or video, altho i will probably try something like that also, problem is, im not sure where the closet junkyard is, theres none in this town

[gotacuda23]

anyone???

[4Cruizn]

I'd stick with Chryco 101   

[gotacuda23]

I'd stick with Chryco 101   

huh???

[VPOINTCUDA]

Sorry , Dude , I don't know much about Kansas, but if its formal education that you're interested in , you should look into a technical school. Out here in R.I. we have new england school of technologies and sometimes some of the high schools that have Vocational technical training will have night traing for adults in automotive , small engines, nursing, stuff like that .
Look in your local yellow pages and see if there is any technical schools .
Thats the best advise I can give ya, but definitly get some hands on time ! It will definitly help when you're in school !  :undercar:

[gotacuda23]

thanks for all the help, but im only 15 and cant go to like a school or anything, thats why im looking for an online class, books, or a video just to get me by until summer, cause this summer im going to work with a mechanic like old school suggested

[VPOINTCUDA]

AHHHH, Gotcha ! I ass-umed that you were already out of school. Sorry 'bout that ! Yeah, in that case, Old school is right on the money! 

[BIG MIKE]

a really good book is

 AUTOMATIVE TECHNOLOGY a systems approach 2nd edition

delmar publishers.

it tell how things work and why...it's good for covering the basics, also if you don't know how it works then it's that much harder to trouble shoot when there's problems.

and here is a thought pickup a engine model kit like  Revell Visible V-8 Engine Plastic Model Kit,Revell Visible Turbo Engine Model(it's a 4 cyl with turbo and a timing belt), or the HEMI 426 Engine 1/4 Scale Model Kit.
 that way you can see how things go together and work together....the model kit are alot more forgiving in clearance,have no gaskets ect. but you'll get the idea

[Rev-It-Up]

We did one of those clear engine kits a long time ago and still have it around.  It's great when you need to explain something to someone who doesn't understand engines.  We've used it a bunch of times.  Well worth doing.