I will work for free as a mechanic
Discussion
Guys and gals,
despite being a car owner, I have never been mechanically minded. It all looks wonderful in the engine bay, but I do not have a clue how it all gels to make the motor vehicle function.
To educate myself, I thought of the following. There are lots of mechanics and garages out there, so why not spend a few hours a week "working" and learning in of these establishments.
Win win situation for everyone. Garage gets some extra manpower for free and I learn more about how these machines work.
So if anyone in the Slough area, or close proximity thereof, would not mind an extra pair of learning hands, then please get in touch.
Ta much. Evenings and weekends is my availability.
despite being a car owner, I have never been mechanically minded. It all looks wonderful in the engine bay, but I do not have a clue how it all gels to make the motor vehicle function.
To educate myself, I thought of the following. There are lots of mechanics and garages out there, so why not spend a few hours a week "working" and learning in of these establishments.
Win win situation for everyone. Garage gets some extra manpower for free and I learn more about how these machines work.
So if anyone in the Slough area, or close proximity thereof, would not mind an extra pair of learning hands, then please get in touch.
Ta much. Evenings and weekends is my availability.
I'd look to get involved with an owner specific forum first TBH, the ones I've been a part of have all be friendly and community orientated, lots of people pitching in to help with even the most complex of work etc - I've lost track of the amount of engine swaps my home garage saw, and only two of them were for my cars! - and because most owners have workday schedules you'll find they're a lot more likely to be twirling spanners on evenings and weekends than garages.
Plus, your presence won't cause any problems with insurance and so on. If you're truly clueless as to which end of a ratchet is the business end, you'll probably find your offer to be another pair of hands is more of a hinderance to staff than anything else as they'll constantly be looking over your shoulder if they entrust you with some basic jobs. More likely is you'll learn how to make incredibly strong and sweet tea!
Find a bunch of owners of whatever cars you're interested in and see if they won't mind your tagging along when they're doing some work at home.
Plus, your presence won't cause any problems with insurance and so on. If you're truly clueless as to which end of a ratchet is the business end, you'll probably find your offer to be another pair of hands is more of a hinderance to staff than anything else as they'll constantly be looking over your shoulder if they entrust you with some basic jobs. More likely is you'll learn how to make incredibly strong and sweet tea!
Find a bunch of owners of whatever cars you're interested in and see if they won't mind your tagging along when they're doing some work at home.
Problem is if you are inexperienced you will take an experienced staff member off task to watch over you. you will do jobs slower than the experienced guy so no unfortunately it is not a win win.
Buy a cheap mot failure learn to take things apart and put them back together again maybe even fix it up and sell on for a profit...rinse and repeat until experienced
Buy a cheap mot failure learn to take things apart and put them back together again maybe even fix it up and sell on for a profit...rinse and repeat until experienced
magpie215 said:
Buy a cheap mot failure learn to take things apart and put them back together again maybe even fix it up and sell on for a profit...rinse and repeat until experienced
Certainly sounds like a good idea. But no mechanic/ teacher present at home to offer input when things get tricky.I still think working in a garage represents the best way to acquire the skills I am after.
For reasons outlined above, you'll be very, very lucky to find anybody willing to do this for you.
Your best bet is to sign up for a night school type course at a local college to learn the basics, and proceed from there.
FWIW, when I had a garage, a couple of people asked to do this, and it just isn't worth the hassle for the garage's point of view - there is no upside I can think of.
Your best bet is to sign up for a night school type course at a local college to learn the basics, and proceed from there.
FWIW, when I had a garage, a couple of people asked to do this, and it just isn't worth the hassle for the garage's point of view - there is no upside I can think of.
Vollgas gegeben said:
Certainly sounds like a good idea. But no mechanic/ teacher present at home to offer input when things get tricky.
I still think working in a garage represents the best way to acquire the skills I am after.
If you're serious about learning, take a course as suggested above. If you just want to get a bit of oil on your hands and know how things go together, the best way to learn is to get a banger and take it to pieces and put it back together. You'll see how every bit works! I expect it'll be easier to get yourself a knackered car for free than it would to get work as a mechanic.I still think working in a garage represents the best way to acquire the skills I am after.
Try Auto Reliance and Apple Motors in Slough they are both great places.
I worked at Auto Reliance about 2 years ago for a few weeks to fill a gap between leaving school and starting my Electrical apprenticeship.
Apple Motors, if you go in and ask to speek to the owner (Joel) he is a good guy ...... mention that someone from the company "west and west" pointed you in his direction.
Hope that helps
I worked at Auto Reliance about 2 years ago for a few weeks to fill a gap between leaving school and starting my Electrical apprenticeship.
Apple Motors, if you go in and ask to speek to the owner (Joel) he is a good guy ...... mention that someone from the company "west and west" pointed you in his direction.
Hope that helps
Vollgas gegeben said:
Certainly sounds like a good idea. But no mechanic/ teacher present at home to offer input when things get tricky.
I still think working in a garage represents the best way to acquire the skills I am after.
Buy whatever car it is AND a Haynes book of lies that will get you through most of the things!!! When you get stuck go find "whatever car you choose owners club" forum and ask on there!!I still think working in a garage represents the best way to acquire the skills I am after.
Also take pictures of everything as you go as you will forget where things go!!
That's how I learnt and can now do most task Inc head gaskets, clutches etc etc
Vollgas gegeben said:
Guys and gals,
despite being a car owner, I have never been mechanically minded. It all looks wonderful in the engine bay, but I do not have a clue how it all gels to make the motor vehicle function.
To educate myself, I thought of the following. There are lots of mechanics and garages out there, so why not spend a few hours a week "working" and learning in of these establishments.
Win win situation for everyone. Garage gets some extra manpower for free and I learn more about how these machines work.
So if anyone in the Slough area, or close proximity thereof, would not mind an extra pair of learning hands, then please get in touch.
Ta much. Evenings and weekends is my availability.
You are Dr.Yazz. despite being a car owner, I have never been mechanically minded. It all looks wonderful in the engine bay, but I do not have a clue how it all gels to make the motor vehicle function.
To educate myself, I thought of the following. There are lots of mechanics and garages out there, so why not spend a few hours a week "working" and learning in of these establishments.
Win win situation for everyone. Garage gets some extra manpower for free and I learn more about how these machines work.
So if anyone in the Slough area, or close proximity thereof, would not mind an extra pair of learning hands, then please get in touch.
Ta much. Evenings and weekends is my availability.
What's this now - 4th, 5th, maybe even 6th account you've created? Still offering free rides in your 355 to your driving school students?
What do I win?
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