Anyone learn mechanics on their 100?

[kashmir]

I'm sure most people have learned *something* working on it, but have any of you started as total newb and gone up the learning curve while building it up?

Feels like I'm going to be making costly mistakes without mentoring, but I'm figuring it will probably be worth it to finally get my wrench on with two vehicles that are going to hopefully be very capable overlanders

Case in point, all the stuff involved in getting a basic lift going - seems like cutting teeth on AHC surgery is not the easiest way to jump in.

 

[Mxndrnks]

I spent 6 years in the Navy working on engines and auxiliary equipment.

First time I dove into the LC was still daunting. My advice would be to purchase a set of FSM specific to your rig. Read the section you need. Then search on here for tips from people that have done this before.

These trucks are amazingly simple to work on.

 

[jcrandall]

That's me. Started as a total novice, and by novice I mean never even having changed my oil. Washed my own car always, waxed, and wiper blades and that's it. Still a novice, just maybe not a total novice.

I had read a lot, huge amounts of info and helpful people here, but reading is way different than doing.

The first thing I used this site for was to replace my door lock actuator. I had no idea if I could do it, but the cost difference was too great not to attempt it $0.50 motor vs however many $100 the dealer wanted. Broke the inside metal frame off my door panel (forgot the screw behind the window switch assemble, yanked the panel off), and then learned the awesomeness of jb weld.

Then, my AHC started doing weird things. Like randomly adjusting while I was stopped, all four corners independently and going to low on the highway. So, since I the actuator worked so well, I thought I'd try to rip out the AHC and just throw in an OME medium. A rear shock broke loose from the stainless steel center (whatever the term is for that) and now I was in trouble bc I had no torch, no sawzall, no plan. Ended up getting the car towed to Josh at Baertrax to finish the job.

I have also done some convenience led interior lighting, speaker replacement, head unit "reinstall", plasti dip, paint, air horn, coil packs, and have a hid project kind of finished.

As a true noob, it has been worth every penny, worth every mistake, and worth every minute spent. Jump in there, just don't hurt yourself. And have a backup plan to bail out if you need to.

 

[Keowee]

I started back when Chevys had AFB carbs. It was basic mechanics then without computers. Do some research and understand what you want to do before you start.
I'll just say work safely. Never trust a jack without a jack stand when you have a wheel off or are under the car. Buy some rubber wheel chocks. It's hard to breath with a hot, heavy LC on your chest. All this on a solid work area.

 

[TrekboxX]

I could rebuild a motorcycle, but had fairly limited truck wrenching experience. You can do it- just remember that with all the information on this site/ the web, you are still solely responsible for your work. Use the how-to's as a guide, but reference an official manual. Anyone can post a how-to. Ask me how I know!

 

[kashmir]

Thanks guys - some good learning on others' mistakes.

My work area is kind of annoying - tiny single car garage and heavily sloped driveway / street area. A semi-level area next to the house unpaved. Too bad the DIY auto garages don't seem to be popular in this area yet - besides the lifting aspect I still probably need a ton of basic tools like torque wrenches...

There is so much cool stuff on youtube to do some basic homework - e.g. too bad our shocks aren't as easy to work on as this miata example done by car and driver

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTF2WHOH6ls

I think sometimes my AHC is doing some funny things at stoplights - but I'm hoping it's just the "thud" issue and my paranoia

I did notice the underside is kind of extra greasy, seems like something is leaking which I gotta go chase down.

 

[Jordan345]

Kashmir - best to jump in with small jobs to build your confidence - by small, those which don't require complex systems or multiple process systems to worry about.. i.e. , don't start with the starter contacts. This isn't necessarily hard to do, but there is alot involved since its so buried.

i started at 15 by simply changing wheels for winter.. then migrated to learning how to change my own oil, filter etc.. i didn't venture beyond that and the basics like changing plugs, then since i bought the cruiser 2 years ago, i didn't know how to change a serpintine belt. with the help of utube, ih8mud, google, the Factory Service Manual, i took progressively more complex jobs as i got more comfortable. serpentine belt, fluid changes, OME suspension (torsion bars were a pain as we live in a place where we salt our roads; most bolts are corroded), brakes, starter, dual battery systems, aux fuse boxes, winch, lighting, wheel bearings, alternator, bumpers etc etc.. these aren't necessarily the order i did them. for example, the starter kicked my butt as i took it all apart, replaced and rebuilt, turned the key, nothing happened.. this in the midst of -15 so i was freezing and frustrated.. i redid everything from scratch and it worked.. i was crapping myself that i did more damage than good but she came around.. i still don't know what happened but figured i didn't press contacts in enough..

overall, the cruiser is straight forward, start with the little jobs and go from there. Use your resources at hand. if you get stuck, search the forum as there is a ton of info and pictures. someone can also chime in to help you. enjoy your build and accomplishments as you get better, it will be rewarding and addictive.

 

[adrenalinefjz80]

I started wrenching on a 93 MR2 turbo, which had a crammed engine bay. I replaced various coolant hoses, ignition parts, plus changed the turbo. After that, I feel comfortable working in the 100 engine bay as it has much more room. I already have changed a coil pack as well as tightened the valve cover bolts. I'm planning to do the front wheel bearing repack and new brake rotors/pads myself sometime this year.

I changed the fluids in the 3 diffs and transmission in my 80, so another easy DIY when the 100 needs it. Obviously, I've changed oils in all my cars, but it was one of the first things I did myself back in the day.

 

[RobRed]

Correct tools make all the difference for wrenching. Learning the correct use of them is important. This will help your "learning" on the systems you need to work on. fighting the wrong tool leads to frustration and bad habits.

Obviously you have to do what you need to do sometimes but that should be an exception.

 

[seashellz321]

I started on my 00 LX470 because I wanted to change my own oil. A neighbor's father said I should then try cleaning my own sparkplugs, which lead to a tune-up. Then I changed mom's PT cruiser's oil, and used a jack for the first time. Then did her tune-up and was psyched by how much better her car ran.
I then changed my LX470's brake pads. I couldn't budge the caliper bolt to change the rotors, so decided pads were enough. Invested in PB Buster for next time.
I want to change my suspension fluid and power steering cable next, maybe serpentine belt....
Easy to get hooked!