Best ways in learning on how to work on subaru's (or cars in general)

[sizzflair]

Hey all,

I really want to LEARN how to work on the car. What is the best way to do this? Unfortunately I don't have a garage space or tools... or knowledge (just very general knowledge)

so...

1. Books?
2. Video guides?
3. Classes? (I don't want to be a certified technician or anything.. just want to learn how to fix/build MY car) I'm a full time student and in the Army is there a part-time school during summer vacation times?
4. Someone willing to teach me around my area? (NY)

My goal is to acquire enough knowledge to do aftermarket parts installation and engine building. Tell where to start!

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[GenoaWRX9]

i'd say friends are the best and cheapest ways to learn

[chazly413]

Books and related stuff are great for explaining theory but until you get out there and actually do it, you won't really know how to do it. I've learned how to work on cars just by doing it a lot.

[viper74656]

www.scoobymods.com

Where is your closest military installation that has an auto hobby shop? If there is one close, use it. They've got the tools and equipment and the folks that work there usually are more than willing to help you learn how to work on your own car.

Start with the little stuff, changing your oil etc. and go from there.

[xjustinx]

Hours and hours of reading all types of forums have really made me well rounded with working on cars. Went from just the basics to full motor swaps.

[kh15]

Originally Posted by viper74656

www.scoobymods.com

Where is your closest military installation that has an auto hobby shop? If there is one close, use it. They've got the tools and equipment and the folks that work there usually are more than willing to help you learn how to work on your own car.

Start with the little stuff, changing your oil etc. and go from there.

i feel like scoobymods.com hasnt been added to in the last 5 years, its kinda lame

[sizzflair]

^yea... that's the problem with scoobymods.

I really wish I lived back home where all of my friends were gearheads and they helped me learn a lot when I had my STi. Did all of my mods with friends' help.

[subaru_steve]

- Unabomber Manifesto from the "Newbies Stickies". Alot of stuff there.
- also try www.howstuffworks.com
- Get the magazine "Project Car" if you can find it, ALOT of good DIY on basic mods

[XanRules]

Originally Posted by viper74656

www.scoobymods.com

Where is your closest military installation that has an auto hobby shop? If there is one close, use it. They've got the tools and equipment and the folks that work there usually are more than willing to help you learn how to work on your own car.

Start with the little stuff, changing your oil etc. and go from there.

I had no idea about these auto hobby shops!

Also - trial and error, OP.
I've made a lot of modifications and had a lot of fun, but I've also destroyed a lot of stuff on accident.

[WRrexu]

in all honesty . through working on my jeep and wrx. the forums were my best tool to fixing anything .

usually if its a popular car that'll have a forum online with a good amount of people. your set because someone somewhere has done what you want or need to do and is willing to point u in the right direction

other than that . google . friends . and sometimes u just gota dig into a car and just start doing stuff and learning ( please . not on a new car ahha )

most of all .

get errr donnnne

[crash60068]

the three F's
friends
forum
facts

[WRrexu]

Originally Posted by crash60068

the three F's
friends
forum
facts

u reminded me of the 5 D's of dodgeball

dodge
dip
duck
dive
and duck

[crash60068]

Originally Posted by WRrexu

u reminded me of the 5 D's of dodgeball

dodge
dip
duck
dive
and duck

or the three B's from bad santa

booze
bull****
butt f**k

[WRrexu]

Originally Posted by crash60068

or the three B's from bad santa

booze
bull****
butt f**k

that movie should be kept away from small children at all costs. all i remember from that movie is that big chick sayin she couldnt **** right for a week . . they really coulda left that out of the movie

[crash60068]

Originally Posted by WRrexu

that movie should be kept away from small children at all costs. all i remember from that movie is that big chick sayin she couldnt **** right for a week . . they really coulda left that out of the movie

lol that was friken hilarious . wonder if the fat kid got brain washed after being in exposed to the script

this kid

[sti3573]

when stuff breaks and someone wants and arm and leg to fix it.
You can learn pretty quick and internet is great tool.

[Calamity Jesus]

Originally Posted by sizzflair

Hey all,

I really want to LEARN how to work on the car. What is the best way to do this? Unfortunately I don't have a garage space or tools... or knowledge (just very general knowledge)

so...

1. Books?
2. Video guides?
3. Classes? (I don't want to be a certified technician or anything.. just want to learn how to fix/build MY car) I'm a full time student and in the Army is there a part-time school during summer vacation times?
4. Someone willing to teach me around my area? (NY)

My goal is to acquire enough knowledge to do aftermarket parts installation and engine building. Tell where to start!

1. Books are good.
2. Video guides are good.
3. Classes are great.
4. Friends are good.
5. A $500 barely running car that you can make street worthy again. Practice on something old, rusty and cheap before you touch your good car.
6. A great set of tools.
7. A decent workshop environment.

[BLACKBUG03]

Originally Posted by crash60068

lol that was friken hilarious . wonder if the fat kid got brain washed after being in exposed to the script

this kid

haha thurman murman

[Chi_San]

Don't work on STi's and WRX's as your first projects? They're a bitch to work on, especially the older ones with more stuck bolts and such. The NA Subies are much easier to work on, IMO. Cars in general, if you've got some money, you can probably find some automotive classes at your local Community College.

[crash60068]

Originally Posted by Chi_San

Don't work on STi's and WRX's as your first projects? They're a bitch to work on, especially the older ones with more stuck bolts and such. The NA Subies are much easier to work on, IMO. Cars in general, if you've got some money, you can probably find some automotive classes at your local Community College.

exactly what i did but i went to school in the country so everyone talked about there broken american cars in class and at the time i owned my evo when it was brand new so i couldnt work on it during class. so find something you can work on. but youll learn just like everyone else now i can fix both my cars.

[fastwrx25]

best way to learn is actual time working on the car.

borrow a friend's or family members garage, get a basic tool set, look up directions here or the other subie forums.

if you want to learn about theory buy some suspension, turbo engine books.

[i_c_the_light]

Okay.

Best way that has worked for me so far involves a DIY workshop manual specific to your vehicle, tools and a broken car. I just get stuck into it and hope like **** I get it right.

[sizzflair]

If I'm getting a 1995 v2 STi, what are some essential tools to do most of the maintenance and some modifications? When I had my 06 STi, I used my friend's tools... I might as well buy my own and keep it in the trunk or somewhere nearby.

By the way, I'm not THAT much of a newb. I just wanted to have the knowledge to build an engine if it blows on my own... something like that. Tools and such can be borrowed, but not knowledge

I wish there was a community college around me with automotive classes. Maybe I'll look for one if I go back home during summer.

[JohnnyC]

I started with a Chilton, my dad's tool, a little knowledge from dad and a 92 Chevy Lumina. But if that's not an option, I would find some knowledgeable local Subaru enthusiasts, and ask to help on their car or yours.

Basic tools (quick list, feel free to add to it people):
-Metric Socket set (maybe a shallow and deep set)
-3/8' extentions (different sizes)
-Breaker bar
-Torque wrench (a $20 racheting one from Harbor Freight works well for me)
-Basic Screwdriver set
-Hydraulic jack
-Jack stands

Although those are just the basics, you can get a lot done with them. I just add tools as I need them. I justify it by the money I save by not taking it to a shop.

Other helpful items:
-PB Blaster (loosens rusted bolts/nuts/parts/etc)
-Deadblow hammers (so you can bang on stuff and not damage it)
-WD-40 (good general lubricant)

[sizzflair]

^Thanks man!

I just located some local subaru groups & meetings in my area. I'm sure I'll meet some who are willing to help and have knowledge