Should I go back to college for auto mechanics?

blackwidowkj06 · **Posted:** Sun Mar 06, 2011 4:21 pm

Matt_ wrote:

blackwidowkj06 wrote:

I know they're two totally different things, but $800 or more for labor to me seemed too much. When you we're buying all the gear oils and parts yourself. If I knew how to do all this stuff, I wouldn't have to pay people to do it for me.

Seemed to much to you because you don't know what's involved... :lol:

read below. Gear changes aren't like slapping pads and rotors on.

FYI: i've done gear changes myself... and everytime, when im done, i swear im just going to pay someone the labor next time. It's not fun when you get it all together and think you're done, then realize you need to change a pinion shim :banghead:

(there's a lot of "tricks of the trade to save time... but that comes with A LOT of experience from a lot of gear changes)

Hey Matt, I never had a chance to read that thread. Cause I had to leave. I'm on my iPhone 4 right now. Lol but when I go home ill read it. Yeah tbh i think gear change shouldn't be that hard. But if I think about it. That $800 should be quality work right? Sometimes it's not even if they are ASE cert. (like you said before) theres a guy with a welding and repair shop whose worked on my jeep 5 times and each time no problems. I trust their work and will probably go to them to do my 4.10s. For one they do not treat me like a D.A. Like the ASE cert. Did...so that's another reason I'd go see those guys. They knew I knew my jeeps! Lol
VVVVVV x10000 :ROTFL:

03CDKJ wrote:

Oh and on gear setup... you must be joking :ROTFL:

You have no idea of what is involved...
Have a read... :wink:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/articles/tech/ ... Gear_Setup

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Sun Mar 06, 2011 9:01 pm

03CDKJ wrote:

If you won't even TRY to change your own spark plugs, why would you pay someone (tuition) to make YOU change them....
Everything for our KJ's is BOLT on... Even the RL SFA kit..... Don't really need to know how to weld...Let the Pros do it.... They have yrs of experience.. and getting your hair caught on fire and having your face and arms burnt isn't all it's cracked up to be...

I know you are a tough chick, but go wrench non stop on vehicles for a week (not your own) and you'll hate it.... You're hands hurt non stop to the point where you can't even pleasure yourself with an Ice cream sandwich because you can't hold it... not to mention cracked, black hands all the time.... Not going to pick up many dudes smelling like diff fluid... :wink:

Go get a OEM manual and work on your jeep yourself.... Of couse you will need tools..... But you acquire those through time...
Go to the post about (TRAIL TOOLS) and get all of those first.... then go from there

That's my :2cents:

..... That'll be $10.00

What's wrong with a little 80-90 cologne? :lol:

Nothing says sexy like that gas smell that never washes off!!!!!

Try working in a bodyshop,my left hand is in permanate pealing due to all that laquare thinner.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Sun Mar 06, 2011 9:28 pm

What do you want to do??

a certificate for auto mechanics - is great for the folks who love working on cars - but need the paperwork to get in the door. if you don't have the love - the paperwork's not going to help.

if you didn't have to worry about money - what would you love to do - what would make you jump out of bed - excited to get going???

odds are you can't start there - but you might find something in the same direction - to same feeling.
It's amazing how many hills you can climb - how many hurtles you can jump - if you're doing something you really want to do.

blackwidowkj06 · **Posted:** Sun Mar 06, 2011 10:23 pm

tjkj2002 wrote:

What's wrong with a little 80-90 cologne? :lol:

Nothing says sexy like that gas smell that never washes off!!!!!

blackwidowkj06 · **Posted:** Sun Mar 06, 2011 10:36 pm

ATXKJ wrote:

What do you want to do??

a certificate for auto mechanics - is great for the folks who love working on cars - but need the paperwork to get in the door. if you don't have the love - the paperwork's not going to help.

if you didn't have to worry about money - what would you love to do - what would make you jump out of bed - excited to get going???

odds are you can't start there - but you might find something in the same direction - to same feeling.
It's amazing how many hills you can climb - how many hurtles you can jump - if you're doing something you really want to do.

Shoot! My dream job would be a TV Host for TruckU or some kind of car show on SpeedTV. Maybe a commentator for Barrett-Jackson??? Like Bob Varsha :-)r

But...I'll most likely won't be doing that

Anyways, I ran into my moms ex boyfriends brother whose over the highway state dept. in my town {engineer}) at Dicks Sporting Goods today...we chatted and caught up...he said if i ever need anything just to let him know...and that i could use him as a reference (that he would put a good word in for me)...He could basically help get me a job working for the State...which would be great. He also told me don't worry you'll find a job...Always good to know there are people out there willing to help you....BTW he's known me for 10yrs (basically has watched me grow up :wink:

) so I could see where he would help me out with something like that...

My mom always told me, "Don't let anyone bring you down or your dreams." If I want to be a Cop, I can be. But if a different job comes my way that's better or something not to pass up, I'll pounce on it! I cannot wait to get out of college...it is not my thing.

warp2diesel · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 8:05 am

blackwidowkj06 wrote:

ATXKJ wrote:

What do you want to do??

a certificate for auto mechanics - is great for the folks who love working on cars - but need the paperwork to get in the door. if you don't have the love - the paperwork's not going to help.

if you didn't have to worry about money - what would you love to do - what would make you jump out of bed - excited to get going???

odds are you can't start there - but you might find something in the same direction - to same feeling.
It's amazing how many hills you can climb - how many hurtles you can jump - if you're doing something you really want to do.

Shoot! My dream job would be a TV Host for TruckU or some kind of car show on SpeedTV. Maybe a commentator for Barrett-Jackson??? Like Bob Varsha :-)r

But...I'll most likely won't be doing that

Anyways, I ran into my moms ex boyfriends brother whose over the highway state dept. in my town {engineer}) at Dicks Sporting Goods today...we chatted and caught up...he said if i ever need anything just to let him know...and that i could use him as a reference (that he would put a good word in for me)...He could basically help get me a job working for the State...which would be great. He also told me don't worry you'll find a job...Always good to know there are people out there willing to help you....BTW he's known me for 10yrs (basically has watched me grow up :wink:

) so I could see where he would help me out with something like that...

My mom always told me, "Don't let anyone bring you down or your dreams." If I want to be a Cop, I can be. But if a different job comes my way that's better or something not to pass up, I'll pounce on it! I cannot wait to get out of college...it is not my thing.

No matter what you go into, the Rules, Regulations, Codes, and Laws will be taking up more of the Neurons in your head than the Technical Information. Also the Politics in any situation will take up a lot of your Neurons in your head. I love the technical part, hate being stuck in the Office and can't stand the back stabbing Politics, so I am a Road Warrior for an Water Purification Equipment Company.
One thing you need to ask your self is how stuck are you on staying in the only State that can call their Whiskey Bourbon?

PS Rebeka Ruth Bourbon Balls are the best I ever had. The next best were the ones my Wife and I made from a Reverse Engineered RR Recipe. The rest of the ones I tried Sucked.

tonycrd · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 9:33 am

The way I see it:

If you can, learn as much as possible. You don't have to make a career out of it. But it comes in darn handy if you do know how to fix/build/install things.

(not only on cars, also around the house etc)

bgcarl01 · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 11:44 am

I personally think you should follow along with whatever your truly feeling you should. I know trained mechanics that work for GM that will tell you a Trac-Loc is the best "locker" they've ever used. I also have a friend that swears up and down that his Avalanche with open differentials ALWAYS spins the same tires in the mud! And he rebuilds military vehicles for a living. These guys and girls on here are correct, it's just a piece of paper unless it comes from the reccommended places. And hands on experience will get you further in the real world. I have a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, and it's my backup, I actually work for a non-profit as management. I worked on a Farm for five years as my first Job, and that place got me further than anyplace with learning to fix stuff and think mechanically. (Not to mention to think cheaply!) When you catch a lifted 85 Ranger on fire a couple of times, for instance, you learn that heat is not alway's good at loosening up things! Long story short, go with what you feel. Oh, and the Military is definately a good place to make a go at it to start. You can go into mechnical stuff there too.

blackwidowkj06 · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 1:26 pm

warp2diesel wrote:

One thing you need to ask your self is how stuck are you on staying in the only State that can call their Whiskey Bourbon?
PS Rebeka Ruth Bourbon Balls are the best I ever had. The next best were the ones my Wife and I made from a Reverse Engineered RR Recipe. The rest of the ones I tried Sucked.

I was born and raised in Kentucky. Been here all my life and never regret it. Funny story about bourbon, but I won't get into.
PS I do not drink :wink:

blackwidowkj06 · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 1:27 pm

tonycrd wrote:

The way I see it:

If you can, learn as much as possible. You don't have to make a career out of it. But it comes in darn handy if you do know how to fix/build/install things.

(not only on cars, also around the house etc)

This is EXACTLY what I was shooting for.

blackwidowkj06 · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 1:29 pm

bgcarl01 wrote:

I personally think you should follow along with whatever your truly feeling you should. I know trained mechanics that work for GM that will tell you a Trac-Loc is the best "locker" they've ever used. I also have a friend that swears up and down that his Avalanche with open differentials ALWAYS spins the same tires in the mud! And he rebuilds military vehicles for a living. These guys and girls on here are correct, it's just a piece of paper unless it comes from the reccommended places. And hands on experience will get you further in the real world. I have a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, and it's my backup, I actually work for a non-profit as management. I worked on a Farm for five years as my first Job, and that place got me further than anyplace with learning to fix stuff and think mechanically. (Not to mention to think cheaply!) When you catch a lifted 85 Ranger on fire a couple of times, for instance, you learn that heat is not alway's good at loosening up things! Long story short, go with what you feel. Oh, and the Military is definately a good place to make a go at it to start. You can go into mechnical stuff there too.

I'm one of the few women on LOST :lol:

and the only one chating on this thread :-)r

I lived on a farm my whole life. I know how to do farm work and such, but was never taught how to work on things.

warp2diesel · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 8:24 pm

Now that you have tipped your hand, go for the longer wrenches so you don't mess up your hands, wrists, or other joints. As I have aged, I tend to use longer wrenches than I did when I was younger. Leave the stubbies for the big young strong guy that can twist off a 1/2" bolt with a 6" adjustable wrench.
As far as mechanics goes, there is the abstract that is how things work and the hands on part. For the abstract, read the technical books and get the feel of how it works. For the hands on part you need develop your hand dexterity, start out by putting a ring onto your ring finger using only one hand after you pick it up and roll it in your palm. Then pick up a 3/8" bolt and nut, using only one hand, then roll the nut and bolt in your palm, position the bolt so you can grasp the head with your pinkie and ring finger, then use your index finger and thumb to thread the nut onto the bolt, you can use your middle finger to help position the bolt and the nut. Practice with both hands the tricks with the ring and with the nut and bolt. When you get good, you have developed the minimal finger dexterity to do mechanic work. The operations above can not be done by robotics until there is much more advanced development in tactile feed back, so feel proud. Your nerves going to your brain give you the tactile feedback feel the robot lacks to thread a bolt or nut.
Then figure out how to contort your hands and arms into tight spots and use your hands and fingers in ways you have never thought of (mechanic work that is), that is how you get stuff apart and back together. Sound like a magic act?

Since you don't drink alcohol, you will need to find other things to win with your new skills at social occasions. Ruby Tuesday has some great non-alcohol teas.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 8:35 pm

warp2diesel wrote:

Now that you have tipped your hand, go for the longer wrenches so you don't mess up your hands, wrists, or other joints. As I have aged, I tend to use longer wrenches than I did when I was younger. Leave the stubbies for the big young strong guy that can twist off a 1/2" bolt with a 6" adjustable wrench.
As far as mechanics goes, there is the abstract that is how things work and the hands on part. For the abstract, read the technical books and get the feel of how it works. For the hands on part you need develop your hand dexterity, start out by putting a ring onto your ring finger using only one hand after you pick it up and roll it in your palm. Then pick up a 3/8" bolt and nut, using only one hand, then roll the nut and bolt in your palm, position the bolt so you can grasp the head with your pinkie and ring finger, then use your index finger and thumb to thread the nut onto the bolt, you can use your middle finger to help position the bolt and the nut. Practice with both hands the tricks with the ring and with the nut and bolt. When you get good, you have developed the minimal finger dexterity to do mechanic work. The operations above can not be done by robotics until there is much more advanced development in tactile feed back, so feel proud. Your nerves going to your brain give you the tactile feedback feel the robot lacks to thread a bolt or nut.
Then figure out how to contort your hands and arms into tight spots and use your hands and fingers in ways you have never thought of (mechanic work that is), that is how you get stuff apart and back together. Sound like a magic act?

Since you don't drink alcohol, you will need to find other things to win with your new skills at social occasions. Ruby Tuesday has some great non-alcohol teas.

HUH? I have zero fealing in my left hand,still average 70 flag hours a week(45-46 clock hours) with less then a 2% comeback rate,can't spell either.Dexterity has nothing to do with it.

Understanding how the system works and being able to visually take apart something is key,and where to find the proper info is also key.

warp2diesel · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 9:38 pm

tjkj2002 wrote:

warp2diesel wrote:

Now that you have tipped your hand, go for the longer wrenches so you don't mess up your hands, wrists, or other joints. As I have aged, I tend to use longer wrenches than I did when I was younger. Leave the stubbies for the big young strong guy that can twist off a 1/2" bolt with a 6" adjustable wrench.
As far as mechanics goes, there is the abstract that is how things work and the hands on part. For the abstract, read the technical books and get the feel of how it works. For the hands on part you need develop your hand dexterity, start out by putting a ring onto your ring finger using only one hand after you pick it up and roll it in your palm. Then pick up a 3/8" bolt and nut, using only one hand, then roll the nut and bolt in your palm, position the bolt so you can grasp the head with your pinkie and ring finger, then use your index finger and thumb to thread the nut onto the bolt, you can use your middle finger to help position the bolt and the nut. Practice with both hands the tricks with the ring and with the nut and bolt. When you get good, you have developed the minimal finger dexterity to do mechanic work. The operations above can not be done by robotics until there is much more advanced development in tactile feed back, so feel proud. Your nerves going to your brain give you the tactile feedback feel the robot lacks to thread a bolt or nut.
Then figure out how to contort your hands and arms into tight spots and use your hands and fingers in ways you have never thought of (mechanic work that is), that is how you get stuff apart and back together. Sound like a magic act?

Since you don't drink alcohol, you will need to find other things to win with your new skills at social occasions. Ruby Tuesday has some great non-alcohol teas.

HUH? I have zero fealing in my left hand,still average 70 flag hours a week(45-46 clock hours) with less then a 2% comeback rate,can't spell either.Dexterity has nothing to do with it.

Understanding how the system works and being able to visually take apart something is key,and where to find the proper info is also key.

You started out with dexterity and made up for it as you developed a problem by loosing the feeling in your left hand, you now do it from memory. Even with the loss of feeling you have load sensing in your muscles and use the feedback to thread bolts, Robots don't have it. If you did not have load sensing feedback out of your muscles you would rip your tendons apart and be constantly twisting off bolts. You have adapted. She is starting out and needs to learn so she can do the tricks you and I have practiced for years.
Understanding the abstract is understanding how the system works.

BTW: I did my Masters on Robotic Load Sensing, industry has not yet advanced to the level of what I tested and wrote my Masters Paper on.

blackwidowkj06 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 09, 2011 12:17 am

warp...burnt out on Ruby's. Pick something else :ROTFL:

reading all of what you said gave me a headache :dizzy:

lol

my gradnfather (mom's dad) was a wizz at mechanical stuff. he wired the whole house my dad currently lives in and infact my dad helped him. but that's getting into electrical stuff not mechanics. anyways, if my grandfather (Cecil) was still here today, i'm sure he would have taught me the basics by now and i'd be wenching on every jeep i could! :mrgreen:

so proud of him serving our country (USS HORNET U.S. NAVY) served during the 50's. i looked at his Navy book and it had 1955 on it.

blackwidowkj06 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 09, 2011 12:18 am

BTW: who doesn't love my new avatar :mrgreen:

Kaa vs Hypno Toad
:ROTFL:

STINGN · **Posted:** Wed Mar 09, 2011 1:40 am

blackwidowkj06 wrote:

BTW: who doesn't love my new avatar :mrgreen:

Kaa vs Hypno Toad
:ROTFL:

i tend to think mine has some "cult" meaning to it...le jackrabbit !!!

STINGN · **Posted:** Wed Mar 09, 2011 1:40 am

blackwidowkj06 wrote:

BTW: who doesn't love my new avatar :mrgreen:

Kaa vs Hypno Toad
:ROTFL:

i tend to think mine has some "cult" meaning to it...le jackrabbit !!!

blackwidowkj06 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 09, 2011 2:10 am

STINGN wrote:

i tend to think mine has some "cult" meaning to it...le jackrabbit !!!

Steve, your avatar reminds me of a PS1 game. :ROTFL:

Paparapper I believe it was? Anyways something PS1 though. A "cult" meaning never crossed my mind.

warp2diesel · **Posted:** Wed Mar 09, 2011 7:46 am

The hardware in the photo would make a nice prop for a new avatar if you ever get tired of the Cobra.

Oh yah, make use the hardware to enhance your finger dexterity and hand eye coordination

Should I go back to college for auto mechanics?

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