Comments for Carl Johnson Auto Service

Comment 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.
References :

Comment on Where do I begin auto repair with little experience? 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!
References :
Experience in restoring old cars for resale.

Comment on Where do I begin auto repair with little experience? 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.
References :
been a certified mechanic for 38 yrs now.

Comment on How difficult is auto body work for the mechanically challenged? by !"£$%^&* Adam *&^%$£"!

!"£$%^&* Adam *&^%$£"! — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:26:59 +0000

don't know but i put you in my contacts like you did
References :

Comment on Which automotive repair scan tool to buy? by scott h

scott h — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:25:59 +0000

I personally have a genisys which is a pretty good tool for the price.If your looking for a good asian & domestic tool I bought it from a eBay store USA toolwarehouse.They have very good prices.If your looking for for a euro. tool at a cheap price look into a launch x431
References :

Comment on Where do I begin auto repair with little experience? 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.
References :

Comment on Is auto insurance collision estimates pretty close to those at auto body shops? by ^nez^

^nez^ — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:05:59 +0000

I guess you should consult it to yourself to experts.
References :
http://www.johnalsopinsurance.com/

Comment on Is auto insurance collision estimates pretty close to those at auto body shops? by sororitychick

sororitychick — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:00:59 +0000

The body shop and the insurance estimate will be relatively close. It mostly depends on the shop hourly rates. It could be a variance of $500-$1000.00. Also, typically the insurance company will low ball the estimate to ensure you get the vehicle repaired and the body shop has the ability to request a supplement for additional charges or damages.
References :

Comment on Which automotive repair scan tool to buy? by Delphi

Delphi — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:53:59 +0000

Go to this wesite
References :
http://www.vetronix.com/aftermarket/

Comment on How difficult is auto body work for the mechanically challenged? by Dennis G

Dennis G — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:51:59 +0000

using filler to repair small dents is probably no brainer (large dents have to be beat out somewhere close then filled withbondo or other filler material)just use a flat object when sanding it down. The primer you can get in cans get sandable type again no brainer 240 to 320 grit paper until you cannot feel any differences when your run your hand over it. The final paint that's going to take some doing. f your painting whole truck need a compressor and sprayer auto parts place can set you up with the right reducers and such. If your just going to touch up paint it probably Will not match due to age of truck but it will be better than primer look..
References :