Question for the Guys: How Many of You are Handy Men in Fixing Homes or Fixing Your Cars?

[gegiroor]

About two weeks ago, I broke the right-hand side mirror of my wife's van. I went to the Honda dealership near my area, and they estimated the bill to fix it to be $411.00. I didn't want to pay the money. I went to junkyard and bought a second-hand r/h side mirror for $45.00. I did not fix it early enough and was finally given an ultimatum to either fix the mirror or take it to the dealer where it can be repaired.

I searched YouTube today and found this below video, checked my tools and bought a set of tools from Autozone for $5.99. I took the laptop with me and put inside the van. I watched the video and watched it again until it can register with my head. I took the cover from the door, put the screws to the side, and replaced the mirror that was damaged.

Now, I compared how much I spent and saved, and the difference is, I saved $361.09. Woohoo, it was a milestone as I have never worked on cars before. It seemed so remote to me before but now it seems that I conquered it. It reminded me what this Caucasian American project manager in the department, where I work, told me: Unless it is a major engine issue, he never takes his car to the mechanic shop. He fixes it at home. He advised that I need to install a vehicle lift in my garage, where I can lift the car and work under it. He advised that I did not want to go to mechanic training where I will learn how to fix my car. He offered to show me few days when he is changing breaks, changing his oil, doing the tune-ups, replacing the alternator, and also replacing the radiator.

[youtube]watch?v=rg3VQn8mBmM[/youtube]

It seemed too much work at the time and I did not take the offer. Now that I tried it, it seems things are much easier, and those mechanics who were charging huge amount of money were just milking it. Now, my next project is to fix this other window for my 2005 Buick LaCarosse that sometimes does not go up. It seems I need to replace the Power Window Regulator/Motor.

I also want to install a vehicle lift in my garage where I can use it to lift the 2 vehicles whenever I need to do the maintenance work on my own. However, I have safety concerns. I've never done it before, so I am trying to gather safety tips on how to maintain it and use it safely before I commit money to it.

Ok brothers (and sister too if you do mechanical work), please share your experience if you perform majority of the maintenance work at home, and if you have a vehicle lift installed in your garage that is similar to the one shown in the below video, or even if it is different.


Thanks in advance!

[youtube]watch?v=iBEKegyZCs8[/youtube]

[gegiroor]

These are 2 videos which I will be practicing with the steps suggested in it in order to fix the other issue in my Buick LaCrosse vehicle. There will be many more videos that I will watch in order to get a grip on all of the diagnosis and replacement steps.

If you fix an issue in the power window of your vehicle, please share it.

How To Diagnose your Power Window Problem; Is the Switch or motor bad?
[youtube]watch?v=2tLmH05UKwk&spfreload=1[/youtube]


The second video seems like a little bit more, but it is explained in detail;
[youtube]watch?v=Ep8oj8v44PQ[/youtube]

[MrSalih]

About two weeks ago, I broke the right-hand side mirror of my wife's van. I went to the Honda dealership near my area, and they estimated the bill to fix it to be $411.00. I didn't want to pay the money. I went to junkyard and bought a second-hand r/h side mirror for $45.00. I did not fix it early enough and was finally given an ultimatum to either fix the mirror or take it to the dealer where it can be repaired.

I searched YouTube today and found this below video, checked my tools and bought a set of tools from Autozone for $5.99. I took the laptop with me and put inside the van. I watched the video and watched it again until it can register with my head. I took the cover from the door, put the screws to the side, and replaced the mirror that was damaged.

Now, I compared how much I spent and saved, and the difference is, I saved $361.09. Woohoo, it was a milestone as I have never worked on cars before. It seemed so remote to me before but now it seems that I conquered it. It reminded me what this Caucasian American project manager in the department, where I work, told me: Unless it is a major engine issue, he never takes his car to the mechanic shop. He fixes it at home. He advised that I need to install a vehicle lift in my garage, where I can lift the car and work under it. He advised that I did not want to go to mechanic training where I will learn how to fix my car. He offered to show me few days when he is changing breaks, changing his oil, doing the tune-ups, replacing the alternator, and also replacing the radiator.

[youtube]watch?v=rg3VQn8mBmM[/youtube]

It seemed too much work at the time and I did not take the offer. Now that I tried it, it seems things are much easier, and those mechanics who were charging huge amount of money were just milking it. Now, my next project is to fix this other window for my 2005 Buick LaCarosse that sometimes does not go up. It seems I need to replace the Power Window Regulator/Motor.

I also want to install a vehicle lift in my garage where I can use it to lift the 2 vehicles whenever I need to do the maintenance work on my own. However, I have safety concerns. I've never done it before, so I am trying to gather safety tips on how to maintain it and use it safely before I commit money to it.

Ok brothers (and sister too if you do mechanical work), please share your experience if you perform majority of the maintenance work at home, and if you have a vehicle lift installed in your garage that is similar to the one shown in the below video, or even if it is different.


Thanks in advance!

[youtube]watch?v=iBEKegyZCs8[/youtube]

Be your own man! It opens avenues bro.
I love wrenching it's my second hobby.

Just having a hard time fathoming $400 for a simple mirror replacement, irregardless of year & model (1) mirror couldn't total $150 & it isn't labor intense (15 minute job tops) so what gives? They're called stealerships for a reason ya know.


Only advice, invest in some decent tools.You must learn to use them before you splurge on the good stuff.Harbor freight sells a very nice 300piece budget tool set (Sockets,wrenches,adapters,extensions,hex keys etc) for around $150 best budget set hands down.I'll drop a link if you'd like.




Signed Salih...

[Idman702]

I know this topic is for the guys but I let my brothers fix everything for me. Of course I have to bribe my younger brother though.

[gegiroor]

Be your own man! It opens avenues bro.
I love wrenching it's my second hobby.

Just having a hard time fathoming $400 for a simple mirror replacement, irregardless of year & model (1) mirror couldn't total $150 & it isn't labor intense (15 minute job tops) so what gives? They're called stealerships for a reason ya know.


Only advice, invest in some decent tools.You must learn to use them before you splurge on the good stuff.Harbor freight sells a very nice 300piece budget tool set (Sockets,wrenches,adapters,extensions,hex keys etc) for around $150 best budget set hands down.I'll drop a link if you'd like.


Signed Salih...

Thanks Salih bro. I've checked Harbor Freight Tools in my town (Columbus, Ohio), and they have 3 locations in this town, and one of them is very near. I will definitely go there tomorrow as they are open 9AM - 6PM on Sundays.

Wallahi bro, the joy I felt after I fixed and how simple it was to do it. When I combined the money that I have already saved and the one that I will be saving when I will insha'Allah fix the window of my Buick LaCrosse, it will be at minimum $750.00 dollars had I gone to the dealership. You're right, there is a reason why they are called Stealerships.

My other question is, do I need to setup a vehicle lift in the house? It seems very pricey and I am thinking it may be overkill to have it installed in your house which I could be selling it or renting it to someone else when my kids start high school and I need to move to suburbs with better schools. I am also concerned about additional concrete that I need to add my house if the current one is not - which of course additional cost.

I will definitely make it as a second hobby. Thanks again bro!

[gegiroor]

I know this topic is for the guys but I let my brothers fix everything for me. Of course I have to bribe my younger brother though.

Sorry sister Idman, I should have been gender correct in my title. By the time I realized it, it was too late. This mistake reminds me this instructor who used to give F grade if we did not make sure that we were gender correct in our assignments However, in the body of my first, I mentioned "sisters too if you do mechanical work," so I think I can take cover that it was an honest mistake

Back to topic, your brother is probably much handier than me because in his generation who has grown up in the diaspora, it is something that is valued to have all of those skills. In my generation in Somalia, it used to be called kirishboy, dabakafuul, makanic for anyone who was working in cars, and for young men who were in school in those days, it was not something we expected to pursue. Somalis used to say why do you want to learn cars? Do you want to look like it and get all of that oil on you?

In the West, it is a profession that pays very good. For some reason, all of the white American guys that I work with are all handy and know how to fix cars, build or repair houses, and some type of electricity work. In Somalia, these were professions we looked down.

So that young brother of yours is a sharp guy. I am just starting to learn things now

[MrSalih]

Be your own man! It opens avenues bro.
I love wrenching it's my second hobby.

Just having a hard time fathoming $400 for a simple mirror replacement, irregardless of year & model (1) mirror couldn't total $150 & it isn't labor intense (15 minute job tops) so what gives? They're called stealerships for a reason ya know.


Only advice, invest in some decent tools.You must learn to use them before you splurge on the good stuff.Harbor freight sells a very nice 300piece budget tool set (Sockets,wrenches,adapters,extensions,hex keys etc) for around $150 best budget set hands down.I'll drop a link if you'd like.


Signed Salih...

Thanks Salih bro. I've checked Harbor Freight Tools in my town (Columbus, Ohio), and they have 3 locations in this town, and one of them is very near. I will definitely go there tomorrow as they are open 9AM - 6PM on Sundays.

Wallahi bro, the joy I felt after I fixed and how simple it was to do it. When I combined the money that I have already saved and the one that I will be saving when I will insha'Allah fix the window of my Buick LaCrosse, it will be at minimum $750.00 dollars had I gone to the dealership. You're right, there is a reason why they are called Stealerships.

My other question is, do I need to setup a vehicle lift in the house? It seems very pricey and I am thinking it may be overkill to have it installed in your house which I could be selling it or renting it to someone else when my kids start high school and I need to move to suburbs with better schools. I am also concerned about additional concrete that I need to add my house if the current one is not - which of course additional cost.

I will definitely make it as a second hobby. Thanks again bro!

No problem bro.
I'm not really into cars tho.Just not my thing (dirt bikes/motorcycles are my first love) & the bit of mechanical knowledge I pocess I've acquired wrenching on all my bikes since a kid.

Awesome feeling!!! Not only are you saving money but you convince yourself you're good at something. To my knowledge the only time a vehicle lift is needed is when you're doing complex engine work, think transmission overhaul or replacing a cradle engine.

If you're adament about getting your car off the ground theirs a much cheaper way but It requires a little patience.


1.Concrete slabs ( this should be your foundation,it's never a good idea to suspend weight on a surface you don't want damaged like a garage or carport)

2.Jack stands.( 6 ton jacks are ideal & future proof,they also support most weight loads so less to worry about)

3.Canopy/tarp ( This isnt a must but itll save you from rain,extreme heat,snow etc.)
If you place it over the concrete slab setup not only do you have a dedicated repair area but it could double as a car wash area or backyard family gathering.

Example:

A canopy this size with a concrete foundation is a win bro.

If I were in Ohio I'd help you set everything up.Just keep tampering with things & keep a sharp eye on the way it goes back in & you'll be diagnosing stuff in no time.



Signed Salih...

[Rambie]

It's a whole world out there. But am kinda new to this and don't have time anyway.
Al thought am really interested in cars, I don't bother getting deep into it.

I once tried to install a new fan to take some burden from the other one (single fan for both the engine and the AC while there is a place for two) but it back fired heavily.
Both didn't start and I had to call the towing truck cos I though the engine would heat up
and burn on the way.

Replacing a battery just before it made me feel like a king.

Never go to dealerships, they will rob you in broad day light.
A friend of mine was charged over 1000$ just to get an update for his navigation system at Honda dealership.

If any thing got broken, go to scraps and depending on the model of the
car and it's popularity, you'll probably find it easily.

Myself, I used to drive a Toyota Camry 2001 but it totaled in a car accident, it never
gave me a headch, very reliable and it's parts are available everywhere. If for example my engine
faulted or broken beyond repair, I can buy a used one form Sharjah for less than 500$ depending on you're negotiation skills. A new one from the agency will cost around 3000!

God bless the Indians & Pakis, they will install the whole engine in 48 hours for little above 100$ US.

If you liked it, than go for it, but to me, I don't need a headache when I can pay 25$ for any Asian owned garage to replace the breaks (it's a fairly hard work btw,lifting up the whole car, taking out the screws than tires, uninstalling the hot damaged brakes, putting the new once and repack the whole thing and then letting it on the ground) If the car is big or 4x4 it's even a harder job because the of the size, parts are heavier and tend to be more expensive.

In many times, the parts are more expensive than the labor hand so it's a no for me.

[EvolSyawla]

Handy men.





... the types that can fix things around the home, and be tech support.

[Malachite]

^

I can't even change a tire

[SultanOrder]

I had the same problem with my cuz her mirror was broken and they wanted to charge her a hundred. I took her to a junkyard and found the right mirror but unlike you I saw some cadaan kid with the tools and told him to do it. Afterwards I gave him five bucks. Same money less work. The house tho I've always been that guy.

[Idman702]

Evol: yeeeeeees. And when they change your tires, check the oil in the car for you.

[EvolSyawla]

^





@ Malachite, you keep disappointing us. What gives?

[Malachite]

Free JEFFO

[MujahidAishah]

If your good at repairing or even putting together ikea stuff you can rob people blind