Comments on: Where do I begin auto repair with little experience?

By: mister ss

mister ss — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:23:59 +0000

Find someone that can work on cars and watch them.
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By: mpeeples@swbell.net

mpeeples@swbell.net — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:58:59 +0000

First, do you have the papers for it?
Do you have the car title?
If the title is in someone elses name, will they transfer it to you?
Do you have the ignition keys?
Next, you need to determine if it is worth restoring to use.
Why was it parked for 4 years?
This is usually a bad sign, because it probably has some serious
repair problems. Seldom is a good running car left for 4 years.
Does the reason for it being abandoned tell you it might be worth
restoreing? If so, then proceed!
1. Get the engine running.
Verify the engine has correct oil and water and the tires have air.
You will probably need a battery. They usually go bad if not
charged regularly. A new one is about $50. Maybe you can borrow
one untill you determine if the car is worth fixing.
You will need gasoline. That usually goes bad also! A few gallons
will be enough at first.
Push it out of the garage before trying to start the engine.
Sometimes an engine that has not been run for a long time will
backfire and could catch fire! Keep a fire extinguuisher handy!
This is serious work for a newbie, but maybe you can do it with help.
2. If the engine runs, you must check that the brakes work OK.
Don’t try to drive it untill you know the brakes will work!
If they don’t, that will be the next thing to repair.
3. After the engine and brakes work ok, it will be time to check the
transmission by actually moving the car with its own power.
You should find someone with mechanical experience to help you.
Good luck!
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Experience in restoring old cars for resale.

By: dodge man

dodge man — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:33:59 +0000

get the manual it will teach you all you need to know about your specific car,and how to repair it,good luck.
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been a certified mechanic for 38 yrs now.

By: Charlie

Charlie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:13:59 +0000

I agree with Steel and Wrench....get a good manual. If this car has not been started in 4 years, do not start it until you drain fuel, oil and coolant, replace with new. Get a good manual for it, wither Haynes or Chiltons. You will learn a lot with them. Study and then attempt with book open.
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By: wrench161

wrench161 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:40:59 +0000

Buy a good manual, read it carefully, follow directions. ask questions when you have problems. It aint rocket science.
Start by charging the battery. then you will need fresh fuel. if the tank is close to empty you can probably get away with filling it, if it’s got more than 1/4 tank you will need to drain it then refill. Then try to start it and go from there. the old mustang is good to learn on, it’s pretty basic.
most of all don’t get discouraged, you can do it just keep learning from each experience good or bad.
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By: steelstr45

steelstr45 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:22:59 +0000

Best thing to do is to get a Haynes manual specific to your car. It will teach you a great deal about your specific car, and how to specifically remove and replace any parts. Once you study that Haynes manual for a while, you'll know a great deal more about your car than you do now.
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By: AZ D'Backs

AZ D'Backs — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:09:59 +0000

I would probaby start at attempting to put some air in the tires so it can be towed to a body/resto shop for proper repairs. Are you serious
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