guys over 50 doing maintenance
- Thread starter MaximaGuy
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Agreed, I have many, many tools, but maybe 30 percent comes from hobo freight, and I am not talking about about the Icon stuff. But at garage sales, I will always grab the older Craftstman tools, even Snap-Ons if the stars align. Some tools will last a lifetime, but I have superb tool-breaking skills.
"if its free-it's for me" LOL
Absolutely! It’s as important as pulling on the tie strap/rope and saying “that isn’t going anywhere!”Always make sounds when getting up and down from the floor, it makes it easier.
Late 60's, I pace myself but get it done.
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- Nov 28, 2023
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At 52 I agree with and practice most of the things on this list! The right padding, lighting, and leverage really make all the difference when working on cars. I will just add a couple of my own strategies:
-Using empty cardboard bicycle boxes to lie on when under the car. Most bike shops give them away, and are nicer to slide on than concrete or what have you. Decent amount of cushioning when using 2 layers of cardboard, and good oil absorbing properties too.
-Using a pillow! I found that having to hold my head up while under the car would result in neck pain and headaches the next day. But having a pillow (a sturdy sofa pillow) makes a world of difference. In a pinch I had an old head rest that would do the trick.
-Wait for the nicer weather. Since I don't have the luxury of a garage, I defer non-essential repairs to nice sunny days, it makes a huge difference in my moral, and the bright sun illuminates the car to lessen eye strain, especially being that I live in a part of the hemisphere that has 4 very distinct seasons.
-Don't be in a rush, enjoy the process. Sometimes I would forget this piece and this is when mishaps happen, bolts snap, sockets disappear forever, fingers get jammed into things, etc.
You made me think of when I realized I wasn’t as strong as I once was.
When I was 60 (13 years ago) I had to replace the pumpkin in my 4Runner. Installed it like I always had, just got my hands under it and arm lifted it into place.
Maybe 10 months later, I had to do the same with my Tacoma. When it came time to lift that pumpkin into place, I couldn’t do it. Had to use a floor jack. Made me feel like a weakling. Sure put a point on age stealing strength.
A quick bit of advice worth every penny you are paying for it…… Best way to find a life mate is to come across her accidentally while you are doing something you enjoy. Any pursuit that both genders enjoy is preferred. Join a hiking club or take up cooking classes.
Whatever you do, don’t look in bars or churches. The women in those places have agendas that won’t fit with yours.
That's the story of the cobbler's shoes, and the carpenter's cupboards - or more precisely the lack thereof.
I spent 10 years as a General Practitioner (GP) and some of my most frightening stories were about physician's children and problems ignored. I learned to spend extra care whenever I saw any physician's child. I only got to see them when their problems were persistent - and still it was, "I don't think it's anything serious but ..."
I just turned 58 and still do most of my own maintenance and repairs but I usually feel it the next day, especially if I have to do something under a vehicle on my back on the ground. My lower back has been giving me problems for the past couple of years so that is where I really feel it the next day. I work out about 3-5 days a week trying to keep in some type of shape so I can continue to do these types of things and just to keep active in general.
I still buy tools on a regular basis as I learned over the years that having the right tools make it a lot easier to get things done and make it more pleasurable.
I have really gotten into more of the diagnostic side of things these past five years and find that I enjoy that segment of car repair.
I wish I had a place for a lift which would make things a whole lot easier but it's not to be, so I just continue to do it the hard way.
I still buy tools on a regular basis as I learned over the years that having the right tools make it a lot easier to get things done and make it more pleasurable.
I have really gotten into more of the diagnostic side of things these past five years and find that I enjoy that segment of car repair.
I wish I had a place for a lift which would make things a whole lot easier but it's not to be, so I just continue to do it the hard way.
Dealer maintenance rates are around $150 for billable hour. That equates to around $300 for actual hour worked. Maybe a little less for Chevys, more for BMWs and Merc's.
As a senior engineer, I made around $60 per hour before I retired. I'm 73 now. I'll do maintenance and repairs for me, my adult kids, the widows on the block and anyone else I please as long as I can crawl out to the garage. I'd rather have my older vehicles towed out to the desert and use them for target practice than to pay current dealer rates.
As a senior engineer, I made around $60 per hour before I retired. I'm 73 now. I'll do maintenance and repairs for me, my adult kids, the widows on the block and anyone else I please as long as I can crawl out to the garage. I'd rather have my older vehicles towed out to the desert and use them for target practice than to pay current dealer rates.
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I purchased a complete set of Metrinch back in the early 90s and still use them today...It is my go to set as it fits any type of bolt...SAE or Metric also with the way it grabs the bolt even a rounded off bolt can be removed....
I just turned 69 and have lots of physical and mental energy, still. Maintaining my Volvo 240s and Mercedes W124 diesel brings me lots of pleasure. A long day outside maintaining the cars is highly therapeutic and so satisfying!
Buying tools has been a wonderful exploration for me. From Nepros to Tekton.
Buying tools has been a wonderful exploration for me. From Nepros to Tekton.
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That's a gorgeous car. What year? It's got a mid-'80s Toyota Camry/Mazda 626 vibe going.
It is a Volvo 240.
Yes, I saw that, but wondered about the model year
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I want to say 1993 because if memory serves me the rims are those of the Classic. Sure takes me back and makes me wish I had one
Although there seem to be different rims on pass and driver sides. I’m referring to pass side
Based on his signature i'm going with 1993.
I like the Turbo wheels in the one picture.
@Sam_Julier appears to own two 1993 Volvo 240s. I think the photos are of two different vehicles with the same color scheme.
