OK, well where do you start?
First job, I guess, basic preparation & service.
Good starting point is to learn how to change a wheel properly - there is a right & a wrong way. Also something you should do when you get new car, a) to make sure you know how to do it. b) to make sure you have the toold in the car to do it c) becouse chances are some KwikFit monket has done the wheel nuts up to 120ft-lb and you need a ten foot scaffold pole on the wheel brace to undo the nuts - that and / or nuts will have rusted on.
So, go try, one corner at a time. When you have got the wheel off, you might as well follow the Haynes instructions and adjust the brakes while you are down there.
Then you can put the wheel back on with plenty of copper grease, and be sure, should you suffer a flat tyre, that you WILL be able to fix it.
Any way, more detailed stuff is on my web-site
'Teflon's torque'
Start with
'tools'
I think the V8 rebuild pages are probably a bit advanced yet, but the
'Power Theory' pages might be interesting reading.
Keep an eye on the site too, as I am composing some 'Work Shop Practice' pages, to add once I have got the V8 thing out of the way.
Basically I was a bit astounded by some posts on the LROi forum, and my son starting a mechanic's aprenticeship, and have realised that a lot of hobby mechanics, and even a lot of profesionals, are actually quite ignorant about a lot of fundemental principles.
So there will hopefuly be some pages appearing soon on the subjects of using hand tools; cleaning & preparation; Gaskets and getting decent leak free joints; how to fix things; and stuff like that.
Oh, after you have done the wheels, you might like to tackle the ignition system. Cleaning the points, and setting the gap, then setting the ignition timing.
After that, the next one to try is setting the tappet clerances.
All basic service operations, and well withing the competances of the average driver - just requires patience and attension to detail.
Extremely rewarding to do all your own spannering. First you save money. Second you get a good sence of satisfaction from it. Third, your car will go better, and last longer for it.
Oh well, better stop rabbiting.
Have fun.
