Well, my name is Sam and I'm 13. I've been in love with cars for the better half of a year and a half. My obsession began with Corvairs of all cars, and it's now graduated to early imports. However, I don't own a garage, and I've never worked on a car. What should I do?
Learn as much as you can about automotive electrical system. (12Volt) It will serve you well in the future.
I’m sorry, I’ve got more questions than answers... Do you live in the city or country? Any relatives or neighbors you could help? Washing, cleaning, detailing, oil changes, anything to help will give you an opportunity to ask questions and learn.
Does your school offer any kind of automotive shop class? Any local dealerships you could hang out at? Is there a local car club or cars and coffee? Any of those would offer more possibilities in meeting someone who might be interested in helping. If you were in my town I know I would... it’s rather discouraging to see how few people pre drivers license age are interested in cars for anything other than transportation.
Good luck!
congrats!it's an interesting hobby. i was about 7 when my dad brought home a 1/4 scale '55 t'bird that ran on a 6 volt battery. that was it i've been at it 65 years.
Advice: don't do any thing radical just starting out. If you're going to mess with the carb. start talking about it, pretty soon you'll hear the same name as the 'expert' go talk to them and go for it. enjoy!
Offer to sweep up, do the trash, etc for a local garage. Have it as a 2nd or 3rd priority after school - #1, and #2, play (socially w/art, band, theater, camping - whatever you have interest in. It's too young to narrow dwn & settle on 1 or 2 things). As U hang w/an owner and the crew try'n C if any 1 hasa interest in a mentorship relation w/U. This is how I was raised and now work at a job but restoration, problem solving and improving cars is a passion I only now have money to contribute (semi-retired). I do the same - offer brake'n muffler jobs to a friend (he gets the income) and he helps me restore an ol bronco (1966).
Ask them to show U the right way to do a tire, change oil, etc. Prove that you know safety as number one (it is a dangerous world in there). Many have insurance and leases that do not allow this type of arrangement. Most need to wait a few yrs to allow a 13 y/o in the shop - all depends on U, where U live, etc. Worth a try. Otherwise U can try a class in school (if it is so equipped). I would not enroll in a full program w/o tryin it out on 1 of these levels 1st (just a single class, volunteer at a parent's friend's place, etc)... Good Luck, let us know how U do!