How many of you work on your own cars?

[pierre shags]

Am I the only one to admit it?

I never do any work on mine. I spent eleven years working on two VW buses using the Idiot's Guide. Did everything but the trans (x1) and the short bloc (x4!). When I got a new Ford van for my new business I swore that if the biz didn't make enough to pay someone else to do that dirty, uncertain, irritating work it was a failure. Thankfully the Ford didn't have any problems for the first seven years.

I don't mind getting my hands dirty - with sawdust, glue & stain. But the dirt that falls into my eyes as I'm trapped under the damn thing with my arm in a stupid position and the wrench falling off the nut continually... I'm very happy to be rich enough to pay someone else to do it.

But working on the bus was the first useful thing I ever learned without going to a class. It gave me confidence to learn furniture-making with only Fine Woodworking as a guide.

[pony13ca]

When I got this car, I assumed that I would do most of my own work. I put in a coolant tank, and a water pump. Put in a new stereo and tablet. But I took it to my indie, for the clutch and ims. That job scared me a little. So I guess I do some minor stuff, but leave the big stuff to the pros.