I recently got a Volvo 245 to learn how to wrench. I was starting from complete zero, didn't even know where spark plugs were. Since I got it I've been wrenching on it a tad; spark plugs, distributor cap, rotors, air filter, and front brake pads and rotors. Brake pads and rotor were a triumph as I did it with no guidance, just turning the page in the haynes manual one at a time. But this weekend takes the cake, teamed up with a member from turbobricks forum and we spent Friday through Sunday wrenching a good 9 hours a day breaking for beer and burritos. We did a complete front steering refresh and rear suspension refresh. I got a bit carried away with Paypal credit and probably put too many good components into the car, but the amount I learned was well worth the cash!
It feels really good to tackle large tasks and learn something. Really builds confidence and experience. Not only that, you start looking after your car, doing preventative work instead of just driving it till it breaks.
Awesome! That's a damned good feeling, yeah?
Well done! Want to come try your hand at the VW? 
calteg
Dork
10/18/16 11:58 a.m.
You got some rando to give you 27 hours of his time? 
That's the most impressive part of the story
mtn
MegaDork
10/18/16 12:18 p.m.
Way to go! Great car to learn on too, everything is very easy to figure out.
I had a mediocre night of wrenching last night. My one story was that whoever put the transmission drain plug back in wayyyy overtorqued it. I had to put the wrench in it, then lay a hockey stick on top of the wrench, and bounce on the hockey stick 3 or 4 times until it broke free (and I weigh over 200). Thankfully the threads are still good and there was no leaking afterwards.
Coldsnap wrote:
I recently got a Volvo 245 to learn how to wrench.
Nice! That is quite a feat! I've been trying to teach my dog to talk for about 3 years now and he can only say one word.
calteg wrote:
You got some rando to give you 27 hours of his time?
That's the most impressive part of the story
Right! Volvo community has been pretty stellar so far. Everyone has spare parts and is willing to help to some extent.
Well Done!
I've got a deal with myself- I get the premium quality parts on anything I'm doing myself, and most of the time, I get much better results with better components. When I screw up, and have to do something 2 or more times, it is still cheaper than paying a professional to put cheap parts on. Also, it is cheap education.Buying good tools is also part of the deal.
