hey guys... my friends and I are all really into cars.. all of their dad's go out and help them work on the cars and trucks and have so much fun... i dont really have that option for myself but I love learning about cars and trucks and wanna learn more.. start doing my own stuff like fluids and oil and all of that... is there a place i can get a book or manual that can teach me all of this stuff? some ppl say hayens manual or something like that... but I would love to do that.

 

Haynes manuals are very useful. I always buy one for any vehicle I own. Go to a local auto store like Pep Boys or something and find the one for your exact truck. There will be a lot of useful information in there and will tell you step-by-step how to do most of the work to your vehicle. Other than that, just getting under the truck and pulling stuff apart to see how it all fits together and operates is, IMO, the best way to learn how something works. Good luck.

 

Yup, haynes manual '80-'96 will be the best 12bucks ya spend. Purdy fun readin' too.

I guess I also take for granted the fun workin with dad and grandpop on the ford trucks. Good post to remind us all.

Adrianspeeder

 

A copy of the Ford service CD is even better, and can be cheaper.

 

Once you have the manual If you ever have any questions, this forum is great too. Adrianspeeder and Steve83 are always quick to help me out when I have a problem. There are so many helpful people in this forum it is amazing!

-Vycan

 

Forums are great for learning. Car clubs are good also. You could usually find someone that can help you do things on your truck.

 

you came to the right spot here. get the Haynes and the service CD from ford.

then start with Oil changes and general service work. plan each project in advance and come here and request instructions each time before you start and you will be well on your way. lots of folks dive in and make costly mistakes and then post here for help.

I to had to learn the hard way when I was young with no father to help me but after a few trips to the wreaking yard hunting for parts I became good Friends with the owner and he helped me a lot. I eventually started working for him because I was there all of the time anyway. but I took most of my pay in parts. later I got a Ford garage to sponsor me in a apprenticeship program and became a full Ford tec. you can do it if you want you already have what it takes. a want and willingness to learn and we are here to help you.


Bruce

 

By the way Buzzsaw that is one nice ride you have and the best one for learning on


Bruce

 

thanks i love my truck and would cry if it got totaled... that's my only fear. because its bluebook is like 4000.... but its worth 40000 to me only think i hate is no power windows.. drives great love it to death... i always want to lift it or something even though it's 2wd just for looks. but i mean i dunno... you seriously don't know how lucky you are that you have someone to play with trucks and cars with until you don't have one.. :\ i lost my dad way before he could teach me everything and i just wanna learn tons. heh... well, i have SAT at 8 in the morning its right now midnight.. ima go :P

 

Hey Buzzsaw, two things:
1.) You can usually take a course at a local Junior College for basic Automotive Knowledge up to Advanced Technical Skills...and junior colleges are cheaper than Tech Schools as well. I'm not sure how old you are, but I took a course at the Local Junior College when I was in my senior year of High School. The best part was that I got a grant from the state to do it so it was free!
2.) You can easily add power windows to your older truck with a set of actuators and a wiring kit for about $100. I did this on my old probe--Added both power locks and windows. It was a snap to install too. So grab some courage and dive right in!!!!

 

Start with doing the basic maintenance. get yourself a Haynes manual, and then do your own oil changes, give it a tune-up, flush the radiator.

Then you can progress to some of the easier repair jobs as they come up. Brakes is a great example of this.

We're a poor substitute for your dad, but you can always come to us with questions. We'll help any way we can. Too bad you don't live closer.

 

Awww heck, the power window mech, wiring harness, and door panels can be had easy from a junkyard truck. And all you really need from a '92-'96 specifically is the door panels.

You sure on 4000? Seems high to me.

Adrianspeeder

 

I wish we were closer. the one thing I would change on my 95 would be to have manual windows. although they work perfectly now I know that they are going to be giving me trouble some day. I am a big fan of manual everything for less problems. I wish we could trade but you might find some one else that thinks the same way I do and make a swap with them.

Good luck on your SATs I am glad I dont need to do those anymore.


Bruce

 

Adding PW/PL/PM to an '80-96 F-series is easy, using junkyard parts. The hardest part will be finding a good driver's door harness & getting it out and BACK IN in 1 piece because it runs from the back edge of the door (lock motor) aaaaaaaaaaaalllllllll the way across the truck to the passenger kick panel.

 

bluebook was 3870