How much of your own work do you do?

[REDONE]

So Tinkerjeeps post "Who TRUSTS Mechanics?" thread got me thinking.

We all like to think that we're all very similar around here and share more in common than our love for these old FSJs, but are often proven wrong, especially when it comes to religion and politics, which is why those are taboo around here.

One thing I've always assumed was universal with few exceptions was that we all ENJOYED working on our jeeps. I'm not saying that I thought we were all just different levels of experts on these things by any means, but it never occured to me that not everybody around here wants to do every single little thing to their jeep themselves.

So this poll is just kind of a reality check for me (and probably a few others). This is NOT to determine a pecking order or to determine who's the jeepiest jeeper. In fact, I'm going to set the poll to "private" so nobody can see who selected what.

Also, please be honest. Believe me, there have been days when I've wanted to have my Jeeps dragged to Pep Boys, 4WheelParts, Western Engine Supply, Ed's Transmissions, etc etc rather than deal with it myself, but those were the days I worked for the money (saved) rather than the glory (of saying it did it myself).;)

[77JEEPJ20]

I voted everything. I have only mounted my own tires once and they are 16.5's so it wasn't that hard. My father owns a machine shop so when it comes time for a rebuild I will be learning how to do heads.

[bruner1981jpce]

I do everything but mount my own tires, and thats because i don't have access to the tools i need. if that weren't an issue, i'd mount them myself

[Pman]

I do everything but mount my own tires, and thats because i don't have access to the tools i need. if that weren't an issue, i'd mount them myself

Sounds like a new piece of equipment we need to put on our Christmas wish list!:drivin:

[tyrodtom]

I do it all, overhaul, paint, front end alignment, heck, I even drive it sometimes.

I'm that way with everything I have, from guns to washing machines, electrical work and carpentry. Only thing i've never worked on is automatic transmissions, but i've never had any.

[letank]

I have doing everything.... but mounting my tires, and press the axle bearing.... I can do alignment, replace exhaust manifold.... Intake manifold.... QT chain replacement, TC seal replacement, cut off rusty parts and make it look almost good... did I mention I went from rattle can to roller paint... a lot nicer.
If big equipment i$ needed it is probably fa$ter to pay someone.... I did the universal once, but next time I paid someone.
Sadly, the few times that I asked for professional help, they had no clue, or gave the wrong advice.

[Tripwire]

hey i even painted my own rig - but some slacker called REDONE helped me and it turned out nice - does that count? :D

[REDONE]

hey i even painted my own rig - but some slacker called REDONE helped me and it turned out nice - does that count? :D

It don't matter who helps, especially if it's family or FSJ family!

I hear you up there about the tire machine, I've almost picked up the one from HF a couple times!

To describe myself, I do everything I have time for. The stuff I don't have time for, I only pay for what I can afford to have done, otherwise it sits until I DO have time!:thumbsup:

[WarWagon52]

It had been decades since I worked on my own stuff or had anything to work on (marriage will do that). I lived out of the country for a spell and since I moved back have accummulated quite a few projects (they fill the void where the wife once stood). I try to do what I can. I'll admit, if it weren't for the pile of people I've met and who have offerered help and advice on these forums..I probably wouldn't have found the confidence to fill my nights and weekends pulling stuff apart. Never mounted my own Jeep tires, but have changed a few tubes on my '52 Power Wagon. Only because nobody locally wants to mess with rusty old Budd rims.

[jaber]

Got my tire machine (if you can call it that) when I cleaned out my dads house. Its the old manual type. I do my own 16.5s and use antifreeze for ballast.

[bruner1981jpce]

I hear you up there about the tire machine, I've almost picked up the one from HF a couple times!
HF sells tire machines too?! Is there any tool they don't sell?!

[REDONE]

HF sells tire machines too?! Is there any tool they don't sell?!

Yep, "quality" tools. :D

[The Colonel]

With everything I've done so far to my GW, I couldn't imagine the cost if I had paid someone to do it for me....or the amount of time it would have taken.

[Mark Wilde]

There are only two things I don't do myself...mount tires and internal transmission work. I can (and have) done everything else myself, including internal engine work. Oh yeah, I don't have the tools to grind valves.

[REDONE]

There are only two things I don't do myself...mount tires and internal transmission work. I can (and have) done everything else myself, including internal engine work. Oh yeah, I don't have the tools to grind valves.

Nothing wrong with that! While I do my own trans work, I had Western Engine Supply in Denver do all the machine work for my 401, including rebuilding the heads, while I did the actual assembly. I have no shame in that. It's better than me trying to mill the decks with a flat bastard file in my garage!

[Tripwire]

was that a fat bastard file ? :D

[j2sax]

I bought one of those H Freight tire "pedestal" style tire tools and mounted it to the slab behind my shop; now I do my own tires as well. Do take to a local guy for balance... he'll spin 'em for $3 so it's not worth the trouble of doing the bubble balance!

[lkmarsh]

If I had to farm out all the work I wouldn't bother owning these old cars. It's good therapy to dive into a problem and fix it, or better yet, to figure out an upgrade and make it work. The next hurdles are the windshield and the transmission. Kinda that way about everything. I do my own guitar work, too. Home electrical, plumbing, carpentry, just the way we were raised.

[bigun]

I have a blackbart he allows me to hand him wrenches

[cajunKen]

I do what I can w/ the help of this forum.....I've progressed from simple tune ups & fluid changes to knocking out water pumps & rear axle seals. I haven't yet tackled anything "major" like engine/tranny/TC rebuilds, but with the Wag getting near 150K it's gonna happen eventually. Since it's not my DD anymore, hopefully later rather than sooner. But when it happens, y'all are gonna hear about it, with all my royal PITA questions:thumbsup:

[fulsizjeep]

I have a blackbart he allows me to hand him wrenchesI'll witness that brother. :cool:

[drlocke]

I will be honest and still select #3. I have rebuilt entire engines, done some tranny work and done R&R suspension parts, axles, engines, etc... But I did have a bad spell with my health, and I'm still getting back on my feet. Fortunately my vehicles have all been reliable drivers lately, so it's not an issue, but I have hired out some work recently.

The mechanics I have dealt with over the years when I was unable for one reason or another to do the work myself I can divide into specific categories--just two:

1)The "spit and polish organization--à la ASE" garage where they put on a white labcoat and are the epitome of efficiency and charge the heck outta ya for this professionalism. And don't know scat from shinola about anything mechanical. Doofuses. And highly paid ones at that, which makes you wax philosophical about how much you yourself make and how smart you are and why is this? If you find me taking my car to one of these costly clowns please feel free to shoot me now. I am stupid, and I need killin.

2) The grey haired mechanic that has forgotten more about how to fix cars that date back to the model T and go on from there to the latest. These old farts are never dressed in white, most likely their color and appearance from head to toe is eau d' punkin grease, with coveralls and sweats shot thru with holes that hopefully don't exactly align to show bare skin anywhere. Their garages are old bldgs that are half busted concrete and half dirt for floors, and the yards are museums of old vehicles and later models. Somehow these old guys keep up on the latest cars, and manage to scrape together enough $$$ to acquire scanners for the diagnostics of the new beer cans rolling about out there.

They will fix your car, and do it right. But don't talk about timeframe; if they have to keep it a couple of years then so be it. They are good mechanics, but they have health problems, family problems, woman trouble, drinking problems--in fact the guy is likely plastered out of his mind when he works on your car, but he'll do a good job coz that's what he's done all his life, so it's like breathing more than like a higher brain function that can be impaired by alcohol.

I know and love these guys, and a lot of them are good friends. But quite frankly I find it easier to get under a car myself sometimes than to deal with their sad stories about why it's taking so long to fix my car. The last time it was a simple timing belt job in my DD Honda CRV. I ended up making my ancient hack of a Wagoneer do a 360-mile round trip because an overnight job turned into a month's tie up of the Honda. Ah well...gotta love it...

I need to pour a floor and put up a steel bldg, and be done with it...

Thanks for the ear, folks...:o

[rocklaurence]

Im cheap and hate to pay someone (I'm not the smartest-but here me out) that isn't as smart as me more than what I get payed to do something. I do everything. Including: roofing, plumbing, flooring, tree work, electrical and all vehicle projects. I can do the research and accomplish the goal (maybe not as efficient because its my 1st time) for 1/2-1/3rd the expense of having someone else do. I run a single income house hold and it won't get done (finances) unless I do it. However, if I had a lot of spare income, there's a lot of stuff (septic, roofs etc) I rather not do and would pay to have it done. I also raised my kids not to be dependant (consumer culture) on others to do routine repairs/project. I've talked to persons that are BROKE but will put an oil change on their already maxed-out credit card because they don't want to get dirty (or read the manual).:banghead:

[derf]

Being a hobby, I try to do as much work as I can myself. I'll buy the tools to do the work that I want to do. There is some work that I'll farm out because I don't have the tools or expertise:

Engine block machining - Far too expensive to get set up to do it myself.
Automatic transmission rebuilding - More than I feel like getting into. Though I've rebuild standard transmissions and transfer cases.
Tire mounting and balancing - It's so much easier to let the tire shop do that with their tools.
Axle gear setup - though I will be stepping up to do that next spring/summer when I regear my CJ.

Other than that I pretty much do everything else on my vehicles.

[710 Burner]

I have done about 90% of it.
I paid my VW mech to change the front struts, and do the timing belt since the tools alone would have been 85% of the cost, and I wanted it back on the road quick.
I pay for muffler work, because I am not set up to make a good weld like that (nor am I practiced).
I'm thinking of paying the Ford dealer to change the rear bearings in the AWD Escape. They want $500 (which is the cheapest price I have been quoted) and again, tool cost will be about $250 + learning curve + wife wanting car done, I would rather pay the other $250 to have her and the car shut up while I smoke a stogie a work on the Jeep at my own pace, and she's back on the road in a day gauranteed.

[justin'sbig7]

I was a mechanic.... so yeah, i have the tire machine in the corner of the garage :D I have seen really good trustworthy folks, and not so. i am pretty picky about certain things so i just do it myself, brakes to transmissions to fab work. its "this guy" for my stuff.

[Hippie Metal]

only asked for help on one part of the jeep, that was a custom clutch linkage. other then that, its all me...even tires

[Bobafett]

I do all my work except for a rebuilt carb. That being said, I have never rebuilt a motor or transmission. Hope I never have to.

[Schlagger]

Depends on the cost of the tool to do it myself. I needed to do the rear bearings, and my local guy wanted $204 just for the labor. I caught a good sale at harbor freight and got a 20 ton press for $149. Thats a no brainer for me. If I needed the Waggy every day I might be more hesitant to try stuff like that, but it turned out to be easy. I paid the mechanic to turn my drums-so far thats it on the Waggy. Of course, I would not be able to do most things without the 2 most important tools-my computer and this forum!:thumbsup:

[Tad]

As long as it's on a tape measure I'm fine doing it myself, any tolerance smaller than that I've learned to leave it to a pro.

Tires?
Yea, I'll mount and balance, except after my 36's (mil bias-ply) tore the tire balancer from the floor in the school shop I was asked to go elswhere with anything bigger than a 33.

[lunchbox1671]

The only thing that limits me is lack of tools. If it needs done, I will borrow/rent/buy the tools and research the project. I used to pay to have complicated work done, but now I've become more patient with myself and I'm no longer afraid to research literature or ask professionals.

...and the people on this site give me a helping hand here and there...

;)

[mdill]

I make my own parts :)

[78J-10]

I do almost everything myself. I can mount my own tires...... just cant balance them :rolleyes:

I have not had to tackle any internal engine work but i have 2 360's that i am wanting to tear into. one i machine just needs assembled and the other is still together.

I will pay to have Auto trans work done. but ill tackle a manual

oh yea i dont setup ring gears either i got friends for that.

[bufurd]

Everything, when ya have three and drive them alot, you also need a parts "yard". I think I'll start a thread, show us your stash, My wife made me drag em to the woods out of site.:drivin:

[Me and Honcho]

I like working on the Jeeps. I learn something new every time. But if it weren't for this forum it would be a lot harder for me to justify even owning a Jeep. The hands on information offered by the all IFSJA forum members makes any manual pale in comparison. Most of the time somebody is gonna have the answer.
80% of the time I can take care of it.

[backroadin']

I do as much as I can myself and it shows.......
but I'm gettin' better every time! :D

[Showngo]

I do absolutely everything myself,except rebuild transmission.I had a 5 speed apart once,wasn't pretty:eek:

[fulsizjeep]

I just know there is a bottle for the blinker fluid in here somewhere...
http://jubileejeeps.org/tech/part_76cherk/images/9_jpg.jpg

[lunchbox1671]

I just know there is a bottle for the blinker fluid in here somewhere...
http://jubileejeeps.org/tech/part_76cherk/images/9_jpg.jpg

Holy cow!!! Look at all those FSJ's!!! I would be in heaven there! :eek:

[JMRedwine]

I do my best. Before I bought an FSJ I knew basically how to change oil, but not without making a huge mess. So as things break I learn how to fix something new a little at a time. However there are definitely some things that due to lack of knowledge, help, or tools I would admit I am in over my head on.

[tgreese]

I do nearly everything myself. Some things I leave to my tire shop - they have an alignment machine, and for what it costs, they can mount my tires.

And I send out machine shop work.

[The Colonel]

I just know there is a bottle for the blinker fluid in here somewhere...


The tire pressure light came on yesterday on my DD, first 20' night this season.....

I must have forgotten to change the air in the tires from summer air to winter air.....:p

[SNO*MAN]

This forum has been the best tool ever, better than any of the wrenches in the box.
With that being said, I read most of the posts to see what "not to do" myself.:D Otherwise I would probably bite off more than I can chew most of the time. It is great to have something done right the first time for me. I end up paying for someone else's knowledge and experience and learn something along the way.
I am ok with not having to do everything I think everyone has paid someone to do something that they later realized they could have done for themselves later.
Even the simple things I like to have done now like:
- oil/ filter changes for $20-$25
- 35" tires rotated and balanced at schwabs- (suckers are heavy, lollipops are not)
-brakes/ bushings/ ball joints
-transmission serviced
-tune up

I have a family of six, so for me I would rather spend time four wheeling than doing those things that take time away from the family.

[billyj7175]

I'm an option #3.

If money weren't an issue, I'd do it all...but I can't justify (or afford) the machine shop equipment, tire mount/balancer, 220 mig, plasma cutter, etc...

I often approach it like this; Usually, I can afford to screw it up and completely redo it a second time for still less than if I outright paid someone to do it.


I had done several motors, but never a transmission...but this forum and some help from another member here (props to Woodchomper here), I overhauled my 727 myself.

Never had done a ring/pinion gear change, but wouldn’t hesitate giving it a shot...

Never have done any bodywork/paint, but will take my first stab at it hopefully next year...same goes for A/C work. If I were shooting for a show car, I’d pay a shop…but that’s not what I want and I’m willing to live with an entry-level paint job. If I don’t like it, I’ll sand it down and redo it…

Before it's all over, there won’t be a nut, bolt, clip or fastener on this Jeep I haven't laid my grubby hands on...

I recently visited with my brother and he (as well as several others) simply can't understand why it's taking me so long to do my overhaul/restore. I tried my best to explain to them in a manner to which they would understand…but they just don’t get it. To sum it briefly would be to say; it’s not the destination, but the journey/path you take to get there. Working on this old thing has been fun, frustrating, educational, relaxing and at times, downright maddening…often all in the same afternoon.

And they all ask “what are ya gonna do when it’s done”. I just simply chuckle and reply “It won’t ever be done…I’ll probably die still with ideas/plans for the next swap/mod/upgrade”.

[skennedy9695]

I've done pretty much all my own work. except for mounting tires. I even rebuilt my transmision which I admit was a nightmare. but got it done and saved prob a grand. This forum is probably the best tool in my tool box. The advice and experience here has been invaluable:thumbsup:

[blazer3664]

I do everything I can, and if I dont know how I find out. Only exception so far is auto transmissions. I have rebuilt all kinds of things from the kids bb and paintball guns, to an engine in the oldest boys 02 Alero. Sometimes I get stumped, but hey,

Thats what you guys are for!! Right?:confused:

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

LOL

Jim

[jaber]

I do almost everything myself. I can mount my own tires...... just cant balance them :rolleyes:

Antifeeze works the same as those ceramic BBs they put in crawler tires...;)

[blazer3664]

Antifeeze works the same as those ceramic BBs they put in crawler tires...;)

Thats a new one to me, gona have to check it out.

Thanks for ANOTHER idea Jaber.

Jim

[turtlejoe]

Time was when I did everything I could, until the necessary tool investment exceeded the price of having someone do the work. The exceptions have been transmission work and if I was ever going to need engine work done.

Now though, I've grown tired of crawling around on the garage floor in the cold or Texas summer heat and just don't want to deal with stuff anymore. Heck, I even stopped doing my own oil changes and lubrication chores this past summer. The last time I did one, my back and hands were sore for 3 days, and it was well worth the $25 to let someone else get dirty. I'm "only" 51, but things I've done in those years are catching up with me - and it just isn't as much fun to do the work as it used to be.

[will e]

I don't weld. That's a negative if you want to do fab work.
I don't do machine work on engines, equipment costs are too high and since I have paid for the machine work I let them assemble it too. (If there is a problem it's best that they put it together).
I don't rebuild tranny's. Not that I find them mysterious it's just that with nothing more than a creeper and a floor jack with a tranny attachment it is just too much of a process to remove/replace the transmision only to discover you made a mistake and have to pull it again. I used to pull them myself but now I just let the shop do it.
I will tackle most anything else. I didn't paint the jeep, for what I paid vs getting equipment/time and not doing a good job it made sense to fork over the cash. (But I did pull the trim/bumpers/etc)

For me it's a hobby so I enjoy (most of the time) doing the work.

[jsinajeep]

I don't weld. That's a negative if you want to do fab work.
I don't do machine work on engines, equipment costs are too high and since I have paid for the machine work I let them assemble it too. (If there is a problem it's best that they put it together).
I don't rebuild tranny's. Not that I find them mysterious it's just that with nothing more than a creeper and a floor jack with a tranny attachment it is just too much of a process to remove/replace the transmision only to discover you made a mistake and have to pull it again. I used to pull them myself but now I just let the shop do it.
I will tackle most anything else. I didn't paint the jeep, for what I paid vs getting equipment/time and not doing a good job it made sense to fork over the cash. (But I did pull the trim/bumpers/etc)

For me it's a hobby so I enjoy (most of the time) doing the work.


Do you drive it or let the WIFE drive it for you:thumbsup:
PM sent to you.

[Kuraki]

Everything but mount my own tires. That I'll pay someone to do.

And I do it all outside for the most part.

[InfiniteWisdumb]

For you guys who say you do it all yourself, do you mean that you have done all repairs "to date" yourself? I cant imagine doing a rear axle regear - too much precision involved for a shadetree mechanic. I also cant imagine trying to bore an engine .030 over. For the same reason.

[MonsterZ]

I will normally do most of the work myself, mostly because it is cheaper and it kinda helps keep me honest. If something gets screwed up, the only person I can really get upset with is me. I do mount and balance my own tires, usually way cheaper and I do just as good of a job, and normally quicker. However, when I am obviously over my head, I am totally not above taking it to a shop, bribing somebody, or generally screaming for help.:fsj: :thumbsup:

[draglink]

Depends on the job for me....couple weekends ago I took apart the tailgate, got the welder out and fabbed up a new bottom window channel....old one was disintegrating. But when my exhaust manifold gasket blew out, I took it to my buddys shop.....I could just imagine me breaking a couple studs:(

[lunchbox1671]

For you guys who say you do it all yourself, do you mean that you have done all repairs "to date" yourself? I cant imagine doing a rear axle regear - too much precision involved for a shadetree mechanic. I also cant imagine trying to bore an engine .030 over. For the same reason.

No, I haven't done it all "up to date" in the past 11 years I've owned the Cherokee. However, I have done ALL the work in the past 5-6 years. I've become more confident and I will do an axle re-gear myself when the time comes (i.e., I can use a micrometer, cut, weld, turn parts, etc.). I'm more willing to learn and am much more patient than I used to be.

Even if it costs more and I will only do it a handful of times in my life, I want to know how it all works and how to fix it in the future. :)

[rocklaurence]

IMO, its fine to contract-out your work as long as you don't go into debt to do it. How many persons on this thread have most of their work done outside and carry $10k or more in credit card debt? What happened to the American culture of I'll Git-it-Done and I'll make it work. Now-a-days, It's "I'll pay someone else to do it" and I'll also charge the kids game systems without having any idea on how to pay for it.:cool:
Sorry for the rant but the Do-it Yourselfer is a dying breed:(