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10-13-2003, 03:25 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 634
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Do You Service Your Own Car?
I did, this morning. Changed the oil and filter. Flushed the cooling system. Pumped the ATF out and put in new ATF. Rotated the tires. Toke the old fluids to a place nearby that will recycle them. Changed a taillight. I hate working on cars!! BUT! I think I saved
well over $100.00 in labor fees.  I HATE WORKING ON CARS!!! 
Forgot to mention, changed the fuel filter. I wonder how many showers and washcloths it will take to get rid of the grease an gassoline smell.
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Bob D.
Last edited by Uncle Bob; 10-13-2003 at 04:05 PM.
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10-13-2003, 03:29 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Southampton, PA
Posts: 810
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Aw man, cars are funner than computers. Its more hands on. My dad is pretty savvy when it comes to cars. I imagine the 17 years he has had his LTD he saved a couple thousand bucks by doing the simple stuff like tires, oil, coolant, etc. He even changed the shift points on the tranny. I can only hope to become as automobile inclined as he.
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FESTIVUS FOR THE REST OF US!
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10-13-2003, 03:43 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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Once upon a time I used to have fun taking care of my car. However, with my responsibilities in life and lack of free time, I am now forced to take my car to the dreaded auto mechanic, though I do have a great auto shop nearby, so it is not too annoying.
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10-13-2003, 05:40 PM
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#4 (permalink)
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Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Tech
Posts: 1,538
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i work on my car myself...it's one of the best ways for me to relax. unfortunately i may have to start doing things the same as you robrich as i have no free time anymore either  | |
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10-13-2003, 06:01 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: MA
Posts: 1,154
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I've done lights and repaced a side view mirror, getting the inside door panel off was a real hassle, thats all I've done.
I was thinking of putting in a car stereo how hard is that?
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10-13-2003, 06:07 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,119
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Been there done that---new cars are almost boring now---its so cool there are laws that protect me from the dealer saying "you changed so and so and we cant cover that"---7/70,000 mile warrantys are great---platinum plugs/K+N filters/Amsoil etc almost allow you to forget about service--
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10-13-2003, 06:11 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,119
| Quote: Originally posted by maface
I was thinking of putting in a car stereo how hard is that? | I paid 400$ to have it done in a regcab Dodge Hemi if that helps, might depend on what you are putting in...
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10-13-2003, 06:15 PM
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#8 (permalink)
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Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: mInN3$0t@
Posts: 1,303
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Changed the motor in the wife's car a couple of years ago. Did the rear axle on my Fury, among other things ( replaced heads, constantly fixed the exhaust ). I've had to replace everything brake-wise on my wagon short of the vacuum booster and the proportioning valve ( which are probably next....). I've pulled the motor on the VW beetle I had in high school more times than I care to remember.... And my job in the Army was a Mechanic.
yeah, I like wrenchin'
Oh, and stereo's are a breeze if you just want to update the head unit....Just buy the kit that converts the new stereo hook ups to fit into the wiring harness plug in your car ( if applicable ). Makes the whole thing a breeze.
Now, if you are trying to fit a new Din style radio into an old analog stereo hole....have fun with the dremel 
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do it right, do it yourself. If that doesn't work, prepare to pay for your mistakes.
Last edited by RedFury; 10-13-2003 at 06:18 PM.
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10-13-2003, 06:16 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: South Bay, CA
Posts: 600
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What's weird is, I never even do the simple stuff, like changing oil, or rotating tires...I always take her to a shop.
But big, ridiculous stuff, oh, yeah! I bought a remanufactured engine for my old Olds Cutlass, (gone to heaven, now) rented a cherry picker, and swapped 'em out in my garage.
Took me two days. Man, did I make a mess, but...it was a RIGHTEOUS mess! 
I just can't get excited about changing oil. I go to Jiffy Lube, 30 bux, 20 minutes, I'm good to go again. | |
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10-13-2003, 06:18 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Tech
Posts: 1,538
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it depends on how in depth your system will be.
I installed my own system:
kenwood excelon head unit
kenwood amp (with cap)
pioneer sub
infinity kappa components
Each was difficult in their own way.
Components aren't hard...i installed my last set in about 15 minutes. simply pull the old ones out and put new ones in (might have to put a new plug on tho, as the factory ones are generally proprietary).
The head unit is kinda in between. You have to get an adapter for your car and then you take the plug to the head unit and solder (or how ever you want to connect them) together.then gotta install it and make sure everything fits (which can be tough sometimes)
The amp is pretty easy...just gotta make sure you feed it enough power, ground it properly, and put a fuse on the main line (you might also need to put a capacitor on it as the amp can draw some pretty big current swings). this one tho does cause the most things to be torn up since you have to go from the head unit to the amp to the speaker(s).
The sub is by far the easiest as you just set it in your trunk and plug it in to the wires from your amp.
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