Wanting to learn the basics

[MoparKid]

Hey every B-Bodies, how's it going?

Recently my dad got a new car, 74' Dodge Challenger - #'s Matching :usa2:

I am new to the whole car basics, and I want to learn more.

Is anyone out their willing to reply for some useful information for a fourteen year old kid, to learn more so he can know when his dad says car lingo to respond back with more car lingo?

Not that I'm looking for car lingo, but you get the point!

 

[Coronet 500]

You found the right place Kid. By the way, the two guys in the picture are John and Horace Dodge.
Describe the car to us.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

We like to help young guns!!:sleepy2:

 

[MoparKid]

Yeah, I know about the Young Guns Club haha, dad told me about it.

What I want to know is just the simple stuff that will educate me enough to get started, so any tips or information you can give me?

 

[Deleted member 214]

Get a catalog from Summit Racing - it has pictures and descriptions of parts. Go to your local library and see if they have any car magazines you can read, or books on hot rodding, engines, etc. Go tp the websites for Mopar Muscle, Mopar Action, Mopar Collectors Guide magazines for Mopar info, check out Hot Rod, Car Craft, and Popular Hot Rodding magazine websites for general hot rod info. Subscribe to one or more if you have the $$$.

It is a great hobby. Have fun!

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Yeah, I know about the Young Guns Club haha, dad told me about it.

What I want to know is just the simple stuff that will educate me enough to get started, so any tips or information you can give me?

That's way too general a question,I'd say to get your hands on a repair manuel for pop's car.Start from the front of the book,when you finish,,,,,,,,,,,,reread! Ask questions here.

 

[myaerocars]

Welcome Friend! You have come to the right place to ask questions. Glad you are getting started in this hobby. Don't be afraid to ask questions.. thats how you learn and most everyone here seems like they want to help.

In 1979, when I was 14, I wrote a letter to Hot Rod asking about a "kit" to build a 1969 Charger Daytona clone. They actually responded back to me ( I still have the letter somewhere). I have always liked the Winged cars and eventually ended up building a Superbird clone that I've had now for 19 years. Point is, I asked question, built up an extensive library on these ( and many other) types or cars and have made some life long friends and contacts.

All the above suggestions are great - one more I'd add for you: BE SAFE ! Cars are heavy and have a lot of dangerous fluids in them. Always use good jack stands and block the wheels when working on the car. Many of the chemicals used to restore and repair cars can cause you harm. Read and understand the warnings and directions. Don't run the car in an enclosed space. Hey, it sounds obvious, but things happen. Not trying to scare you, but a car is no good if you are too sick or not around to enjoy it - my 2 cents worth of advice.

ALso, head to a cars show and look around - the Barrett Jackson auction starts today too.

Godspeed,
JON

 

[eagleone1983]

In 1979, when I was 14, I wrote a letter to Hot Rod asking about a "kit" to build a 1969 Charger Daytona clone. They actually responded back to me ( I still have the letter somewhere). Godspeed,
JON

Jon, you might have to explain to moparkid what a letter is:grin: First thing is first MoparKid look on the home page of this forum it shows on the right side what every "B-body" car chrysler made was. That way you will know that when someone is talking about a Roadrunner, charger, etc they are referring to B-bodies; if they are talking about darts or dusters it's an A-body and so on. Remember that wikipedia and Google is your friend for a lot of this basic type information.

 

[MoparKid]

Well thank you all for your help it is very useful and I will be reading up on it and posting back soon

 

[Donahue72]

The best way to learn is just by doing it. Whenever your dad is going to work on the car ask him if you could help him. Watch how he does things and ask questions. Also do your research on the car. It's how I learned how to wrench and my friend who has been a mechanic for 25 yrs learned the same way. Good luck

 

[Revhendo]

I'll second the "Read Everything" comment. I'm betting that you already do. Get a factory service manual for the car you are working on. Not only will it explain the basics, it has troubleshooting charts, and it has pictures relevent to YOUR car that makes it much easier. Thirty some odd years later and I still refer to FSMs for reference on what I'm working on. (It's a good habit to have).