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Old 22nd February 2015, 20:27   #1
arnosvale65
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Default DIY and age

When I were a lad, admittedly in the trade if only truck wise, I would tackle any job on my cars. Clutches, engine rebuilds, bodywork and even spraying. I never consulted a manual and Haynes were thin on the ground. I learned the easy and hard way to do a lot of things with a little help from workmates and others.
Fast forward 35 years and far too long sitting in trucks all over Europe I couldn't be bothered to even change the oil. Lifting a modern bonnet and being confronted with that great big plastic engine cover and all the electronics and hearing all the time, "You need to plug it in mate." didn't help my frame of mind. Back pain, Knee pain and a general fear of "Messing things up" made me trust my car to others.
Now after paying £450 for two seat belts for my wife's Renault which had failed the MOT for two tiny holes I am taking the plunge again and have even serviced my 75 myself! I am not a great fan of Haynes manuals even if they are handy for some things but find the forum a definite help in many ways.
What do other over 65 members attempt? Would any of you tackle a clutch for instance (I have an auto box car) ?
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Old 22nd February 2015, 20:30   #2
Richcl
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Not over 65 myself, but If I follow my Grandfather's steps (which I hope I do) then he fixed his car well into retirement, he may not have had the ear to tune his car's though.
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Old 22nd February 2015, 20:36   #3
FlashHarry
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As a 17/18/19 yr old I would tackle anything as I had no cash. Replaced the chassis on a Triumph Herald which meant taking everything off the old chassis and fitting it on the new one, with no cover in my front garden.

Then had many years of company cars. In the last 15 years started to fix cars (Peugeot 306 diesels) for my 3 kids, then my Volvo 240, Volvo 940 Auto a 1992 Discovery 200Tdi and more recently my Rover Tourer coni diesel.

I am younger than you but I will continue maintaining my cars as I don't trust many garages to do a good job.
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Old 22nd February 2015, 20:46   #4
DMGRS
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I've only just started giving my car to a garage, as I never trusted anyone else to do the work previously.
I've been up until 2 or 3 in the morning rolling around on my drive doing a clutch change in the past!
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Old 22nd February 2015, 21:01   #5
alanjay
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When I was younger with wife and baby daughter, I needed every penny so I did my own maintenance, couldn't see the point of paying a garage £100 to fix an Austin A105 Westminster that only cost me £25.

Now I'm approaching 68, I confine myself to basic maintenance, not so much to save money but more when I read an instruction saying use a 15mm spanner and I think, is a spanner that thing with an open or octagonal end, or thing with a flat blade or maybe that wooden handled thing with a big lump of metal on the end.

Actually what I think is, I now don't need the money as much as the young mechanic with a wife and child who's in the same boat as I was all those years ago.

Mind you, I check his work to make sure it's up to the standard I could achieve.
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Old 22nd February 2015, 21:19   #6
roverbarmy
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I used to do everything (ex HGV mechanic) but since I injured my back in a car accident, I have trouble with long periods of bending over an engine. I tend to do jobs and take a loooooonnnng time now, with lots of tea and biccy breaks. I would struggle with a gearbox/clutch but would probably go as far as a head gasket, brakes, wheel bearings, servicing, etc. I've done all the jobs listed in my signature and know that they have been done properly.

I've had a couple of new cars that have had to go to a main agents for servicing and warranty repairs and have had several reasons to have to have the work re-done. (Leaking oil seals, overfilled with oil, bearings incorrectly fitted etc )

I'm almost retired and shall try to do as much as possible. I have only recently given up my motorcycle due to the back problems.

Spanners at the ready!

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Old 22nd February 2015, 21:20   #7
VMax1000
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My dad is 79 and still does things on the car himself.........

Just hope I can do the same thing...............if I ever get there
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Old 22nd February 2015, 22:00   #8
fraz59
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I know the pain of a bad back and weak knees, (seems to be a mechanic thing) I will tackle almost everything, just takes me longer these days

I have quite a few tools and the son will help with most things if above a simple brake change or service. I have a engine hoist so would just take the full unit out and do any major clutch or engine work out the car

oh and a wee bit younger than 65 ....but sometimes I wish I had the money to farm some work out, or at least a garage to work in rather than the drive
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Old 22nd February 2015, 22:22   #9
michael peters
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68 years young and just doing the clutch on my ctd now. Don't enjoy it as much as I used to but still prefer to do it myself. No one else to blame then!!!
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Old 22nd February 2015, 22:30   #10
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well I do all my own maintenace,All the servicing, and have just changed the head on my MGF VVC and fitted a new S/S exhaust system.I will shortly be changing the rear springs to some uprated ones on the 75.Not bad for 69 I suppose.
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