IFSJA School?

[GrandWag&Prix]

I was thinking about taking a class in the Denver area on auto repair so I don't go broke trying to keep my GW on the road when I thought maybe IFSJA had something to offer that would be FSJ-specific, but I can't find anything. As previously mentioned, I don't have the skills for this sort of thing, but would be willing to pay someone to teach me how to adjust the carb, replace valve cover gaskets, fix my tailgate window, re-charge my r12, etc, even if it's in someone's garage (heck - ESPECIALLY if it's in someone's garage). If certain topics (repair, maintenance, events (shows, swaps, auctions), etc) were covered weekly and advertised here and maybe a couple other places, I'd think a good number of people would attend. And even if there's just one or two attendees, what would the teacher actually be out except one night's time? Anyone want to take my money?

[1983 j10]

napa offers classes like that and there are a lot of great write ups on this site that give very good step by step instructions.

[GrandWag&Prix]

Ya, this site's been extremely helpful and the resources have grown wildly since I first visited in 2001.

[Lindel]

You have a FSJ, you're enrolled in the ifsja school of strange knocks.

You have a FSJ, you can't get out without going broke...;)

[Jeepstress]

Best thing is announce a Wrench-O-Thon at your place! You'll learn lots from the folks that come over to help and drink beer! :thumbsup:

[Murphy]

I second the IFSJA write-ups and tech help, but if you want something more, your local community college should have auto repair classes. In enough time, I'm sure somebody in your area would be glad to show you some stuff just for the advantage of having some help fixing their own rig.

[dbuie]

You can learn how to fix most issues from the gurus on this site. Most of the before-mentioned items aren't that hard to do at all. As far as someone teaching you how to do this I hope you have better luck than I because everyone locally that I've called never called me back once I mentioned that I have a Grand Wagoneer. Therefore, I've had to learn how to fix most problems by myself with the help of the gurus here. Besides, someone can show you how to perform certain tasks but if you don't have the right tools to begin with then sometimes you have no choice but to take your Jeep to a professional.

I don't know much about carbs (but I'm learning) or engine internals (yet) but I've learned how to check most items for problems and fix these myself. Of course, I know my limitations so I leave certain items to the experts. If I get stumped I ask the guys here. The best thing that you can learn is how to use a voltmeter/ohmmeter. Probably one of the most important tools you can own. I would also get a vacuum pump, timing light, metric and standard socket sets, Haynes manual and/or shop manuals, etc.

[ClovisMan]

Best thing is announce a Wrench-O-Thon at your place! You'll learn lots from the folks that come over to supervise and help you drink beer! :thumbsup:There, I fixed it for ya!!:thumbsup:

[Gambler68]

Just come to the Ouray event in July. It's a great place to watch people break their junk and get 20 different opinions on how to fix it :D

[will e]

basically you just have to get your fingers dirty (and probably a little bloody too).

Most stuff isn't too bad.

Trick is to take your time, try not to tackle 'everything' at once.

Take lots of pictures before you start (yea! for digital cameras)

Wrench-o-thons are always a good idea, or hook up with some local IFSJA and offer to help them on their projects. Some things are just easier with two people (like spring lifts).

And if the truck is running bad, make sure everything else is good before you start messing with the carb!

[FSJ Guy]

Get yourself on the CFSJA list, too. It's similar to IFSJA, but more geared towards local events, buying and selling big stuff that you can't ship easily and stuff like that.

Use Google to search this forum and you'll learn lots about your Jeep, about who the helpful people are on this forum and who likes talking out their backside. :p

[GWDriver]

You can learn how to fix most issues from the gurus on this site. Most of the before-mentioned items aren't that hard to do at all. As far as someone teaching you how to do this I hope you have better luck than I because everyone locally that I've called never called me back once I mentioned that I have a Grand Wagoneer. Therefore, I've had to learn how to fix most problems by myself with the help of the gurus here. Besides, someone can show you how to perform certain tasks but if you don't have the right tools to begin with then sometimes you have no choice but to take your Jeep to a professional.

I don't know much about carbs (but I'm learning) or engine internals (yet) but I've learned how to check most items for problems and fix these myself. Of course, I know my limitations so I leave certain items to the experts. If I get stumped I ask the guys here. The best thing that you can learn is how to use a voltmeter/ohmmeter. Probably one of the most important tools you can own. I would also get a vacuum pump, timing light, metric and standard socket sets, Haynes manual and/or shop manuals, etc.

Funny you should say this. In my area, there are many people with FSJs. Cherks, GWs, J trucks, etc. I've left notes, waved, driven by more than once, etc. and I get no response. One GW and one Cherk are real close by and neither seems to have been moved in over 6-8 months. I wonder what gives.............

[FSJ Guy]

One GW and one Cherk are real close by and neither seems to have been moved in over 6-8 months.

And you find this unusual WHY??? :rolleyes:

[bigun]

Assuming you are in the Denver area, here might be a god place to get access to those tools you do not already have. My dad always said if you have the book you should be able to fix it. I prefer "Motor's manuals" I find they get more into depth since they were originally meant for the professional mechanics. Haynes and the rest just don't do it. Remember the only stupid question is the one you don't ask, after reading all you can find on the net. Remember a lot of the time people forget that not everybody has the back ground of starting out when they were 6 or 7 years old hindering their dad when he was working on the family car, so the write up you find may assume you understand everything else that went on other than just what was being covered
http://www.clubworkshop.com/

[Fiodh. Argus]

This site is an online correspondence course in mastery of FSJ. Just keep on postin' and you eventually overcome the learning curve.

(spoken by a guy who's blown a lot of $$ learning from jeep mistakes, ouch!)

[Artificer]

You will learn more at five in the morning trying to get your rig started to get to work than anywhere else.

You can pick up an older edition automotive text book for a couple of bucks on amazon. Leave it on your toilet tank and peruse at your leisure. Too many gear guys out there with a fortune in tools they will never use; they spend more time making stencils on a pegboard and sweeping there space age shop shop than knee deep in the engine bay, sweating, bloody and bruised, which is where you will learn the ropes. It reminds me of these midlife crises space cadets with there 25,000 dollar choppers with gold flake paint that sits in their garage except when they drive it around the block once a week. Less is more, and will make you a much better mechanic. Combo wrenches, 1/2" socket set, breaker bar, adjustable wrenches, 5 lb hammer, a couple pairs of channel locks, a flashlight, and plenty of beer will set you up nice. Rent specialty tools at autozone.

Tools don't make the craftsman...

[J10/J20 Project]

lots of Denver people here. Post up I'd be willing to help.

Paul

[vintagetrks]

I agree with Krista have a Wrench O Thon. You'll meet your local FSJ'ers and you'll learn alot. The folks that are involved with IFSJA are the best folks I've met since getting out of the Army. They are very helpfull and knowlegable about these neat old rigs. I have'nt been into FSJ's for very long and I have learned alot from the folks here and I enjoy their company and commeradary. There are only two of us that I know of in my area Jaber and myself and I gotta tell you Jaber has helped me out enormously with all things FSJ. Heck the two rigs I now own he found for me and has helped me with advice knowledge and spare parts you could'nt ask for a better bunch of folks to help you along in this very fun hobby/addiction. :thumbsup:

[Gas Pumper]

There are only two of us that I know of in my area Jaber and myself and I gotta tell you Jaber has helped me out enormously with all things FSJ.:thumbsup:

I gotta get together with you guys soon. My FSJ is falling apart! I'll supply the rig and the beer, of course! Sorry for the hi-jack.

Again, the only way I've really learned anything is via personal experience (er, mistakes) and this site. Really a good bunch of folks on here.

[grand_wag_85]

Buy a $400 beater FSJ, drive it cross county. By the time you get there you will know everything there is to know:cool:

[FSJ Guy]

Buy a $400 beater FSJ, drive it cross county. By the time you get there you will know everything there is to know:cool:

Or you'll trade it in and buy a sedan after the third AAA tow.

[grand_wag_85]

Or you'll trade it in and buy a sedan after the third AAA tow.

HAHA yeah.

[Gas Pumper]

Buy a $400 beater FSJ, drive it cross county. By the time you get there you will know everything there is to know:cool:

FYI, 20 year process! J/K.

[vintagetrks]

I gotta get together with you guys soon. My FSJ is falling apart! I'll supply the rig and the beer, of course! Sorry for the hi-jack.

Again, the only way I've really learned anything is via personal experience (er, mistakes) and this site. Really a good bunch of folks on here.

Hello I did'nt know there was another one of us local FSJ'ers here. You myself and Jaber should hook up some time. Jaber is very knowledgable and I'm also just learning about wrenching on FSJ's.

[Hankrod]

knowledge comes from experience, experience is the result of mistakes. Hankrod

[HOOT]

Get you a year specific FSJ Technical Service Manual for your Jeep. You can learn alot just by reading through it.

Get a Wrench-O-Thon organized , or join in on one. You'll learn alot by getting dirty yourself or at least being able to hang close to someone else.

You'll also get to meet some great guys ,gals with like interest in Jeeps.

Once you get a understanding of how things work you'll enjoy "Driving it like You're Sean" !!!!!!!!!!!!!! You gain alot of confidence in your ride. I've drove mine cross country a few times with only knowledge gained from this site for the most part.

Drive and Enjoy :drivin: :fsj: :thumbsup: :cool:

[dbuie]

Funny you should say this. In my area, there are many people with FSJs. Cherks, GWs, J trucks, etc. I've left notes, waved, driven by more than once, etc. and I get no response. One GW and one Cherk are real close by and neither seems to have been moved in over 6-8 months. I wonder what gives.............

I really don't know. As much as most people seem to like these old Jeeps you would think that there would be more comradery from the owners. Oh well, doesn't stop me from appreciating mine. As far as Jeeps in your area not moving for a long time they probably have issues and the owners don't have the time and/or money to fix them. So, they will sit out in the weather and deteriorate. That's nearly what happened to my Jeep before I purchased her.