Resources for learning how to work on cars?

[1968Maro]

This is my first post on this site.

I have always loved 60's muscle cars and I bought a 1968 Camaro during my last tour in Iraq. I want to do the work myself, but I am quickly learning that I don't have the experience to get this done.

My question is this; "do you guys have any suggestions on where to go, (In Houston Tx) to start learning how to do sheet metal, body work, welding, engine work, all of it.?"

Before you answer let me tell you that I have looked at technical colleges, etc. All of them want to teach me how to work on modern cars, be a BMW Mechanic, or go the long route and give me a degree, master welder, etc.

I already have a job, so I don't need to want to go through a whole welding course. Is there anything out there that is down and dirty "restoring your muscle car 101". I just need some "shade tree" mechanic skills.

I am not totally useless, I have replaced a few tank engines in my day, but 383 Strokers are not in Abrams Tanks. I can pick up fabrications skills quickly and I have built some amazing things out of wood.

Need some advice, Thanks!

[wedgehead]

Any junior colleges there that offer welding and possibly intro to car repair?

[Paul_J]

I live in Houston and there are not many choices as far as any formal education goes. A junior college will offer some welding courses and that's about it. Lonestar College has a decent welding program. Get your hands on some of the books that are available for working with sheet metal. There are also some really good DVDs out there too.

By far the best thing you can do is start hanging out with folks who do the things you want to learn. What part of Houston do you live in?

And thanks for your service.

[class67]

IMO metal work and body work are kind of an art form / gift for some. As far as the nuts and bolts part of it....just get in there and do it, you'll learn quick enough!

[The Rook]

I agree, just dig in and learn as you go. Thats how I started on my project. I havent done any body work yet mostly just disassembly / reassembly, but my plan is to just grab a scrap door or fender at the junk yard and see what I can do. Worst case I keep trying until I get it right.

[shmoov69]

First, thanks for you service.

Second, might try to PM Tony (NineBall) here, he may be able to point you in the right directions in Houston for help.

[novaderrik]

this is what $200 cars are good for- you can take them apart and try to put them back together, and if you fail, you will get some of your money back when the scrapyard hauls it away.

[Twentyover]

Where are you at? Goldenwest Com College offered a couse in auto restoration, and evening courses in welding

[TonyHuntimer]

There's a lot of good advice flowing your way. :)

If you want to learn about metal fabrication, you could also check out the short courses offered here:
http://www.lazzemetalshaping.com/

If you want to learn more about rebuilding your Camaro, you can do it old fashioned way...buy and read some books on the subjects (How To Build GM Pro-Touring Street Machines, engine rebuild books, How to Make Your Car Handle, etc), also do yourself a favor and pick up these factory manuals for your Camaro specifically Fisher Body manual, Chevrolet Chassis Overhaul Manual, and Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual...all available from Classic Industries, Year One, Rick's First Gen, Steve's Camaros, etc.

Subscribe to Camaro Performers Magazine.

Somebody I know is writing a book on restoring/rebuilding first gen Camaros that would be a huge help for what you're inquiring about. It's supposed to be available in about 3 or 4 months.

The last tip that I'm not sure anybody else has mentioned...keep visiting this website. :)

Thanks for your service!

[meenaggie]

San Jancinto Community College has an auto body class which allows you to bring your own vehicle and do the body work and paint. A friend spend over a year in the course redoing a 60's Mustang. He even painted it himself. I must say it turned out much better than a garage paint job. He even got the college's discount on paint and supplies. It saved him a ton of money and he got to learn some skills, use nice tools, and store his car.

[cheapthrillz]

Just jump in and go for it. Any questions you have can more than likely be answered (or have already been answered) on this site. I learn new things every time I read into a thread. Good luck!

[68Formula]

I can pick up fabrications skills quickly and I have built some amazing things out of wood.
Need some advice, Thanks!

Is this yours? :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[1968Maro]

First of all, thanks for the advice!

I am inside the Beltway, I could almost hit HCC (Houston Community College) with a rock from my house. I have looked at thier classes and I can't find what I am looking for.

I want to min-tub the car, and after reading the very detailed and well done thread on this site I quicly became very intimidated about doing it.

I do like the advice about just getting a junk yard door, and learning metal work on that, but I don't want to reinvent the wheel either. There are lots of people who have done this in the past and I want to learn from them.

I will get the books suggested and start reading. Any other advice about a place I could go where somebody would let me hold a welder and look over my shoulder while I screw up would be appreciated. :hammer:

[Taylor1969]

Do you already own a good welder and all the required tools (grinders, etc.)?

If so I could probably stop by and give you some pointers. I learned everything on my own, but would be happy to share what I have picked up along the way.


https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44033
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49574



First of all, thanks for the advice!

I am inside the Beltway, I could almost hit HCC (Houston Community College) with a rock from my house. I have looked at thier classes and I can't find what I am looking for.

I want to min-tub the car, and after reading the very detailed and well done thread on this site I quicly became very intimidated about doing it.

I do like the advice about just getting a junk yard door, and learning metal work on that, but I don't want to reinvent the wheel either. There are lots of people who have done this in the past and I want to learn from them.

I will get the books suggested and start reading. Any other advice about a place I could go where somebody would let me hold a welder and look over my shoulder while I screw up would be appreciated. :hammer:

[1969CamaroRS]

Any junior colleges there that offer welding and possibly intro to car repair?

x2 very good way to learn. I learnt a lot this way, very hands on especially for those starting out.