TXH90 wrote:

Thanks all for taking the time to give loads of great advice and ideas. I like the idea of a buddy/mentor system- I think I will ask the garage if I can see some of the work they do next time Indie (90) is in... I teach (for my sins) so have a chunk of time off in the summer and might broach helping around the garage to pick up some more skills- I think that sounds like an awesome idea if they go for it. Also, my bike is in need of a service so I will take your advice to heart and strip it down too. As for the 90 the only thing I trust myself with right now is the ACF50 and perhaps repainting the chequer rails/side plate and rear-cross member in hammerite after wire brushing the surface rust off. I will see what else I can pick up along the way.

Ta very much all

Smyles_ wrote:

I'm a relatively young defender owner with it being my second car and had little knowledge of vehicle maintenance and modification with my old man having little interest in the subject despite being a retired engineer and having raced cars when he was younger.

Like people have suggested here, having somebody with you that has some knowledge of what they are doing - even if it isn't defender specific knowledge - is a good way to start and build confidence whilst avoiding creating a potential death trap.

My biggest resource is YouTube. You can see how something is done in real time - far better than just reading passages of text.

As for tools, I treated myself and bought a bunch of Halford Advanced tool trays and roller toolbox the week I bought my 110. They often do large discounts and bundles on the stuff which in my opinion make for phenomenal value for money (tool snobs not apply )! Also, flex-head ratchet spanners GET SOME! Saved my bacon many a time.

Breaker bar and torque wrench are must have initial tools for me, with the latter being bloody important too no matter how well calibrated you think your elbow is. Don't want any critical bolts to fall out whilst driving on a motorway...

I still haven't gotten myself a dugga dugga gun and frankly rather enjoy doing things by hand permitting it's not time critical. My standard brushless Makita drill with respectable levels of torque can help me out in a pinch with loose fasteners once you pop an adaptor in to accept 1/2" sockets.

A jack and some axle stands are also nice to haves, permitting you have place to store them. Big jacks are flipping heavy. You don't want to be picking them up.

Most other tools that aren't your basic sockets, spanners, pliers, multimeter, and the likes I just purchase as and when needed. Most of the time they pay for themselves in their first use.

I think the most important thing though, as cringe as it may sound, is to just believe in yourself and don't be afraid to undertake jobs - you will learn from mistakes. Plus, there's no shame in going to a garage if you completely balls something up I kept pushing myself (and inadvertently my parents patience too with my many late nights on the driveway ) and within a year I was replacing wheel bearings which, for some reason I had this preconceived notion it'd require some expert level shiz - it really didn't!

Learning all this will help you in becoming an expert roadside mechanic too

Apologies if I've repeated what may be been already stated. Started writing this reply in the morning...

I never understood the use of breaker bars for removing wheel nuts.....Unless your driving a wagon all you need is a decent socket and one of these:



Click image to enlarge

and one of these:



Take the strain from nut removal. Hit the slider bar with a socket attached with a hammer and all will loosen!

X4SKP wrote:

i want one ¡¡