When do you do DIY?

[JeffKeryk]

I always want to DIY, if I have enough knowledge.
I used to get up early and jump on the project.
I still get up early; the mind is willing but the body is almost 67.

 

[whatnext]

Same here. But still in my pj's at 9 am.

 

[GoldDot40]

I do any/all mechanical and electrical work on my truck and hotrod. Engine, transmission, transfer case, differential, interior items, electrical and audio...everything relevant to all those categories. The wife's vehicle is under warranty so it's not an issue...yet. I did put brakes on it a couple months ago.

The ONLY things I won't do here is paint/body or glass work. Don't have the proper facilities to do it here.

 

[ls1mike]

I'm kidding...seemed like a good thread for this one.

 

[antonmnster]

To answer the question from above, to the best of my knowledge, the turbos are original. They hardly spool with the way I drive.

 

[edyvw]

Unless I need special tools or lift, it is DIY.
I am in process of buying audio eqipment to improve system in 328, and I am tearing apart everything and running cables etc. by myself.

 

[WyrTwister]

Originally Posted by Imp4
To a shade tree guy like me, it comes down to know how, correct tools, facilities, available time, willingness to tackle the job, funding, and completion timing demands.
These inputs triangulate at different points for different jobs and different outside life priorities.

I'd imagine it's different for every member here.


Pretty much the way I see it , but as I get older , I am less able to DIY . :-(

 

[WyrTwister]

Originally Posted by Leo99
I try to do everything myself but I don't have LS1mike's skills or experience. I've paid to have a fuel pump replaced. Didn't want to mess with gasoline. Probably could have done it myself.

If there's a youtube video to tutor me, I'll give it a go. Lots of help on the Internet to fix lots of things.



I have replaced 4 - 5 in tank fuel pumps . Dropping the tank & re-installing it , is no fun . Especially for an old , fat man .

I agree , look for youtube videos for help .

 

[kschachn]

Originally Posted by WyrTwister
I have replaced 4 - 5 in tank fuel pumps . Dropping the tank & re-installing it , is no fun . Especially for an old , fat man .

I agree , look for youtube videos for help .

Both my old BMW and my ECHO have an access panel in the trunk to replace the pump. I've only had to replace it on the BMW but it sure was a lot easier than dropping the tank. I don't know why all manufacturers can't do likewise. The BMW pump failed about two days after I filled the tank so it would have been a... beast to remove (although it does have a drain plug in the tank).

My old Accord has an access panel but it isn't intended to be used to change out the pump, but rather to disconnect the wiring prior to dropping the tank. I've seen people on the net cut out a larger opening so you can get the pump removed through the hole. Why they didn't just make it larger I have no idea, but I guess it doesn't matter since none of my Asian cars have had failures.

 

[WyrTwister]

3 of the pumps I have changed were / are on a 1991 Caprice that is parked for long periods of time . That is my theory , along with the pumps are not too " happy " with E10 gas ?

The other one was on a 1996 ( I think ) Chevy Lumina sedan .

Neither had an access panel to get to the pump ! :-(

 

[WyrTwister]

Originally Posted by edyvw
Unless I need special tools or lift, it is DIY.
I am in process of buying audio eqipment to improve system in 328, and I am tearing apart everything and running cables etc. by myself.

For special tools , especially 1 time use , do not forget Harbor Freight . If you question the quality .

Or , " renting " them from the brick and mortar auto parts stores .

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Originally Posted by WyrTwister
Originally Posted by edyvw
Unless I need special tools or lift, it is DIY.
I am in process of buying audio eqipment to improve system in 328, and I am tearing apart everything and running cables etc. by myself.

For special tools , especially 1 time use , do not forget Harbor Freight . If you question the quality .

Or , " renting " them from the brick and mortar auto parts stores .


Ya. That's the hold up. Where to rent a couple of torque wrenches (which aren't essentially the price of buying new) and better lighting..

 

[HangFire]

I can rent a pressure washer or a bobcat in a heartbeat. But the right tool locally, I have had zero luck.

I think tank access panels are not overly common due to both cost and safety issues. Don't want flaming gas tanks next to a gap in a warped access panel.

I let the dealer do most work while under warranty. After that I do fluids, brakes, rotations, all easy repairs, struts, most suspension hub and bearing work. Also head units, speaker upgrades, custom cables for dash cams, etc.

The hard stuff is always a judgement call of equipment cost, free time, effort, vehicle downtime, and so on. Each decision is unique. I'll tackle bigger jobs on older, non-DD vehicles where downtime is not a big deal.

 

[kschachn]

Originally Posted by HangFire
I think tank access panels are not overly common due to both cost and safety issues. Don't want flaming gas tanks next to a gap in a warped access panel.

Well if you say so, but none of the three have a warped panel nor a gap.

And I don't want a flaming gas tank next to anything, panel or not.