I'd like to be able to work on my vehicle but I've only recently learned how to use basic tools (sockets etc). I keep wanting to jump into projects like rust removal, electricals, and heater core replacement but since I lack basic skills I'm getting frustrated at myself. Have already spent a bit over $1000 on labour costs in the short amount of time I've had my 80 and I'd like to do more on it by myself.
What are some small projects and jobs you started with, when you were learning?
Hows it going boss, I'm not a mechanic and have minimal experience turning wrenches beyond assembling store bought furniture for myself. This is my second cruiser, had an 1995 80 series in South Africa and just got a '06 LX470 in the US. I want to do most of my work myself, because 1. I want to save money, 2. I like to tinker 3. I overland often and dont want to get stuck somewhere and not have the ability to fix in a jam. I've saved a ton of money but wasted a ton of time, my lessons learned are below
1. Get the vehicle thoroughly inspected, you may be able to fix, but you likely arent able to diagnose. Before I bought my LX I took it for a thorough pre-inspection at ACC here in Atlanta before purchasing and have used that as a starting point for the work that I will do on my cruiser.
2. It's super important to make sure you have the tools you need to do the job as there is nothing more frustrating than tearing apart your car and then having to either put it back together to drive to the store for tools or walk (my cruiser is my daily driver as well). You will definitely need an impact driver and a good socket set.
Example: I was planning on changing my heater Tees and hoses this weekend, didnt have yota red coolant nor clamp pliers ( I didnt even get started because I knew from other work that I've done how important it is to have the tools at hand, before starting).
3. Things will take longer than you expect and much longer than what folks here on mud say, especially if you are a beginner and thats OK.
Example: Changing the alternator without removing the radiator on a 100 series according to some on the forum is a 1 hour, 1 banana job. Ha, I toiled in my garage for 6 hours trying to swap out the alternator, which involved loosening and moving to the side the power-steering pump, removing intake valve, and wiggling the alternator from underneath the bottom of the cruiser. In hindsight it should have probably taken about 1.5 hours max (and if I have to do it again or change anything in that part of the engine bay, it certainly wont take as long, but I was scared s***less of messing something up, losing a bolt, and didn't have deep sockets (needs to be deep to remove the power steering pump) so I had to walk 1.2 miles each way to the shop to pick up tools (see point 2 - have the right tools!))
Things I have worked on in about 2 months of owning the car: Swapped alternator, replaced heater Tees and hoses, will do the valve cover gasket soon
Its just rubber and metal, follow instructions be organized and go slow! Good luck!
