General Discussions => Hobbies => Topic started by: SonadoraXVX on October 07, 2015, 02:50:32 AM Return to Full Version

Title: Any Automechanics aka Gearheads out there?
Post by: SonadoraXVX on October 07, 2015, 02:50:32 AM
I'm a school trained (i.e. auto/diesel/small engine) mechanic, at least on paper, lol, installed an engine on an old import truck of mine, and worked on brakes, suspension, bodywork, tune up on my vehicles. Currently I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 extended cab, that needs a rebuilt engine and transmission, and a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 318 cid engine, that also needs a rebuild engine, and maybe rebuilt transaxle and transmission. Can't wait to slowly work on those, as time permits, anybody else into fixing mechanical things out there?

Best thing is when your able to give these vehicles life again, from the grave and make them better than when they were new  ;D
Title: Re: Any Automechanics aka Gearheads out there?
Post by: Northern Jane on October 07, 2015, 06:06:26 AM
I guess I would qualify. My father was a master mechanic and too much of my misspent youth was as conscript labour in his shop. I learned far more than I ever intended but I didn't like getting greasy. I worked for an Aeronautic Mechanical Engineer for awhile and thought about going into aircraft mechanics - it was cleaner LOL! - but went into a nice clean office job instead.

Much later in life, 40 years post-op and retired, I seemed to have fallen into antique/classic motorcycle repair and restoration.
Title: Re: Any Automechanics aka Gearheads out there?
Post by: Sspar on October 18, 2015, 11:35:08 AM
1 year auto mechanic
20 years aircraft mechanic
10 years industrial technician..
I have restored several cars, motorcycles,and a boat..
( soft spot for old VW'S )
not too many things in this world I can't fix or make..
Title: Re: Any Automechanics aka Gearheads out there?
Post by: brandyvgs on October 18, 2015, 12:35:45 PM
Gearhead as a hobbies since I also participate in a motorsport that requires me to understand my car to the bare bones Mostly working on old school nissans. But IT as a professional career, they kinda work together hand in hand though.
Title: Re: Any Automechanics aka Gearheads out there?
Post by: PastyPrincess on October 23, 2015, 07:21:47 PM
I am a mechanic in training aaaa,
Im still only in high school but whence i graduate I'll be heading over to UTI and go into the auto mechanics business after high school. I also aspire to be a race car driver in IndyCar, D1GP, DTM, or NASCAR.

First car ideas are a Honda Civic Si/SiR and I'm going to turbocharge it and put in racing shocks with vented rotor 4 piston brakes when I have the money to do so, after throwing out the back seats for weight reduction
Title: Re: Any Automechanics aka Gearheads out there?
Post by: Lady Smith on December 09, 2015, 09:51:17 AM
I'm a certified Automotive Engineer (New Zealand qualification) and before my transition mostly worked on buses and trucks.  After I qualified as a social worker I rebuilt a 1954 Morris Minor for my own use and it was my everyday driver car for over 10 years.

I don't drive these days due to illness, but I still like to tinker with bicycle technology stuff from time to time.
Title: Re: Any Automechanics aka Gearheads out there?
Post by: BeverlyAnn on December 09, 2015, 10:21:36 AM
Used to be.  Had a '70 Plymouth Duster dragster 340cid at somewhere around 650hp.  At the same time my street car was a '73 Roadrunner 440cid and we took the 275hp pollution control motor to around 450hp.  I think I could still rebuild a RB block Chrysler in my sleep and we rebuilt the A block in the Duster so many times I know I could do that one in my sleep.  Of course that was back when I pretended to be all male.  LOL
Title: Re: Any Automechanics aka Gearheads out there?
Post by: Lady Smith on December 09, 2015, 10:31:59 AM
(sigh) Yes I used to work on buses and trucks to prove I was a 'normal' guy.

I wasn't into drag racing except as a spectator, but I did crew on a 3/4 midget team for a while which was a lot of fun.
Title: Re: Any Automechanics aka Gearheads out there?
Post by: BeverlyAnn on December 09, 2015, 10:58:02 AM
A late friend of mine (I miss her so badly) once said only one thing changed when she transitioned.  She said, "I ran a garage, wore blue jeans and t-shirts and worked on cars before surgery.  I still run a garage, wear blue jeans and t-shirts and work on cars."  Then she looked down at her implants, grinned and said, "The only thing that's changed is I just have to jack them up a LOT higher!"
Title: Re: Any Automechanics aka Gearheads out there?
Post by: paula lesley on December 09, 2015, 11:26:05 AM
Totally  ;D

Motorcycles and custom cars  ;) Used to work on lorries ( Trucks ) I remember laying in the snow, and thinking this is no job for a girl  ;)

My late father would simply give me the tools and just let me try and fix things  ;D Lovely way to learn. I thank him every time I spend too long trying to make old thing work again :)

I ride , on my custom Harley; to help at a homeless charity and the men ask " who rides the cool bike ? " Some don't believe it's mine  ;D

Paula, X.

Title: Re: Any Automechanics aka Gearheads out there?
Post by: Lady Smith on December 09, 2015, 11:30:05 AM
Quote from: BeverlyAnn on December 09, 2015, 10:58:02 AM
A late friend of mine (I miss her so badly) once said only one thing changed when she transitioned.  She said, "I ran a garage, wore blue jeans and t-shirts and worked on cars before surgery.  I still run a garage, wear blue jeans and t-shirts and work on cars."  Then she looked down at her implants, grinned and said, "The only thing that's changed is I just have to jack them up a LOT higher!"

Thanks for sharing that story about your friend Beverly Ann.  '......I just have to jack them up a LOT higher!'  That really made me smile this morning :)
Title: Re: Any Automechanics aka Gearheads out there?
Post by: TG CLare on December 09, 2015, 02:40:47 PM
I taught myself auto mechanics from a book and eventually was able to bag an apprenticeship at a shop until it closed down.

I was into restoring military vehicles and had built a 1943 Ford built jeep from 2 virtual wrecks. Fortunately what one had the other didn't so it was a matter of cannibalizing the worst one for parts. I also was involved in a number of restorations for others as well.

My biggest and most recent restoration involved a 1944 Grumman TBM Avenger! All I could do due my limited skills on aircraft was to strip the paint from the entire airframe using aircraft paint stripper and a credit card sized piece of plastic! My dirty job was the first link in the chain and it is scheduled to be in the air late 2016. I can watch it fly again and be proud I helped get it there.

I also spend time with my other 2 cars. A 1976 MG Midget and a 1996 Collector Edition Corvette with the 6 speed manual transmission and 330HP LT4 engine. Only 126 others are exactly like mine according to the records and only 80 Collector Edition Corvettes are in Canada out of 4521 built.

Silly boys, cars are for girls too!

Love,
Clare

Title: Re: Any Automechanics aka Gearheads out there?
Post by: Harley Quinn on December 10, 2015, 04:19:20 PM
I would consider myself a "Hotrodder" for lack of better. I prefer mechanical over computers... 60s and older "tech" is my speed. Old School go fast goodies... I enjoy the whole gambit of auto restoration and customization.