Seeing how the classic section probably has more younger members than most of the other groups and that a lot of these are probably a first car for some of you, I wanted to pass along just a few helpful, if not overlooked, good advice. It's free so use it if you want.
- take the time to do things safely! I know I sound like your mother, but it usually takes a moment or two to do things in a safe manner than a careless one. Jack stands, not just a jack. Got an old tire/wheel in the garage, roll it under there with you as an emergency incase the vehicle falls. Eyewear...get them, use them. This weekend I was cleaning a part in the garage with brake cleaner. Guess what, it hit a curved surface and right back in my face. Brake cleaner right in the eye BURNS! Luckily I had a sink right there and started flushing and hopefully it only lasting effects is a little blistered skin.
- frustrated....take a break! I can't tell you how many times I've worked on a car for long hours only to end the night in a swear riddled fight with a stubborn nut/snap ring/etc. I've learned that half of the battle is your own fatigue. Call it a day/night and go back at it the next day. You'll be surprised how much simplier it is rested, in a good mood, and clear thinking a task can be.
- spend a couple bucks and buy a G*# D@#! flare nut wrench!!! A 5 min fuel filter change is going to turn into a multi hour job because the friggin PO stripped the nuts probably using some dollar store open end or channel locks! A simple flare nut wrench will save time and money for fittings all over every vehicle you'll ever own!
happy driving!
- take the time to do things safely! I know I sound like your mother, but it usually takes a moment or two to do things in a safe manner than a careless one. Jack stands, not just a jack. Got an old tire/wheel in the garage, roll it under there with you as an emergency incase the vehicle falls. Eyewear...get them, use them. This weekend I was cleaning a part in the garage with brake cleaner. Guess what, it hit a curved surface and right back in my face. Brake cleaner right in the eye BURNS! Luckily I had a sink right there and started flushing and hopefully it only lasting effects is a little blistered skin.
- frustrated....take a break! I can't tell you how many times I've worked on a car for long hours only to end the night in a swear riddled fight with a stubborn nut/snap ring/etc. I've learned that half of the battle is your own fatigue. Call it a day/night and go back at it the next day. You'll be surprised how much simplier it is rested, in a good mood, and clear thinking a task can be.
- spend a couple bucks and buy a G*# D@#! flare nut wrench!!! A 5 min fuel filter change is going to turn into a multi hour job because the friggin PO stripped the nuts probably using some dollar store open end or channel locks! A simple flare nut wrench will save time and money for fittings all over every vehicle you'll ever own!
happy driving!
