…like you buttoned yer lip.

I disassembled the front end and have been analyzing the damage.

detailed photos of the carnage to follow.

A need has arisen for some simi-major bodywork on the old beetle. Lets hope I can learn on the job…and not screw it up.

image from redbubble.net

Besides the obvious standard tools….wrench set (metric also!), ratchets, mallets, vice grips, etc…. there are a few tools and products I’ve found to be invaluable. Now, we’re not talking about breaking the bank here, just cheap everyday standard stuff that you may find yourself using all the time.

• T-handle allen wrench set
• Chain tool (quality combo breaker/riveter type) (motorcycle only item)
• Vise
• Cheater bar / pry bar (besides the fancy one that fits to sockets, I have a 16″-18” long axle from an old motorcycle I owned. ..it allows me to place over any tool for quick extra leverage)
• Dremel type rotary tool
• Digital multimeter / (or easier, just a 12volt test light)
• Blue painter’s (masking) tape.
• Ziploc snack bags (not for animal crackers, but for keeping hardware together that belongs together)
• Black Marker (to identify those bags, or write on the painters tape)
• Zip-ties!
• Rubber gloves
• Work gloves (Mechanix type)
• Respirator (even if it’s the cheap white cover type)
• Dielectric grease (grease EVERY wire connection/plug)
• Copper Anti-Seize
• LocTite, loctite, loctite, loctite (Blue is universal)
• Carb Cleaner (Spray and bucket)
• Brake Cleaner
• WD-40
• Liquid Wrench/PB blaster

These are just off the top of my head (or top of the bench) and there’s probably plenty I’m forgetting. Any you can add?

A couple of good sites I’ll point out to start. One being an Auto site and another a Motorcycle site. Both have a really good overview of vehicle systems, types of engines, etc…a good basis of information.

(A general note: Of course there’s loads of information out there, websites, books and all…and while alot of them have the best intentions some just aren’t correct. So read, read, read and add with your personal experiences to form your own thought, opinions and processes.)

This first one is Dan’s Motorcycle Repair Web page. I found it quite a long time ago and have read through most of it. It’s a good education tool and compass to direct you to where you need to focus.

Index page: http://www.dansmc.com/MC_repaircourse.htm

Home page: http://www.dansmc.com/

The next is Aardvark Otto’s Car Repair Help Site.  (thanks, Ken!)  I’ve only recently found this one, but it seems similar to the Dan’s M/C site. Good overview of each system.

Index page: http://mypage.direct.ca/k/kdomries/systems.html

Home page: http://mypage.direct.ca/k/kdomries/

The idea for this page is to be populated with helpful links, stories, photos and experiences relating to working on your vehicles, your engines in your own garage with your tools. Assisted mainly by books, manuals and most importantly, knowledgeable friends lending that helpful hand…or beer occasionally.

DIY, Shadetree Mechanics, etc.

Wiki:

The term “Shadetree Mechanic” is a general term for people who enjoy working on automobiles in their spare time, usually in their own driveways, taking up basic DIY upgrades as well as basic maintenance.

I personally tend to disagree with the following portion though…who cares if you screw up something on your own car? Failure is sometimes part of learning.

Amongst some people the term has also developed a negative connotation, suggesting that shadetree mechanics often cause more damage than improvement to their cars.

And another definition from UrbanDictionary:

A person willing to learn and perform scheduled maintenance or simple repairs on their own vehicle rather than being completely reliant on technicians who may be dishonest, careless, or ignorant.

Either way, I think we get the hint.

In my mind, this kind of work is done because you want to…not because you have to. Whether it’s a love for a particular vehicle, the joy of getting your hands dirty or just your thirst for knowledge, it’s definitely something you must want to do.

I’m no professional- just a guy with a few habits, a few toys and a curiosity of how to fix them (cause I sure know how to break ‘em).

So, good luck with your current project and I hope we can keep ‘em all running soundly-