h4mza

I have no knowledge about mechanical stuff such as how to repair, replace or paints parts etc. I only know how to drive a car I am more of a computer guy, didn't know what i wanted to do after i finished school so took up IT course in college, after 2 years i was sick of it and applied for motor mechanics at college but got rejected twice, so went back to IT, now im in my last year at college and think i would be doing IT for the rest of my life

But still even after these years, i still love cars and have interests in them. Im buying a Honda Civic soon and would need to change some parts, mostly body kits.

I wanted to ask how hard are these stuff, would you rather get a mechanic to fit the parts or learn to do it yourself? Whats the best and quick way of learning these things?

Im hoping to buy a classic sport in 6 months when im 21 and i would need to make it into a turbo replica so i really need to know how to do it myself by then.

Springs

iTrader: (4)

stay away from bodykits..

If you want to learn buy something that is relatively easy to work on / repair

Peugeots / Citroens are cheap to buy and repair as are other cars.. I learnt all mine on Pugs and now slowly working on the Subaru.

d4vidh

Buy a cheap scooby turbo (Sub £1k) and use that as a project, tinker to your hearts content. Internet is a fountain of knowledge and there is nothing better than getting stuck in. Play and if it blows up or dies you have not lost a bucket load of cash.

DanAmo

There is nothing wrong with body kits just as long as its the right one and done properly. Fitting them is repetitively straight forward.

My Impreza has a body kit and it has always had good comments.

I just threw myself in the deep end and leaned as I went on. Asking questions on forums if I got stuck. People (especially on here) can be very helpful.

Frizzle-Dee

I can kinda relate to you in the respects that I too considered doing a mechanics course at some point.
As Springs has just said, buy yourself something cheap to learn with for starters.

My first car was a rather rebellious 92 plate Escort. It had all manner of issues and I found I learnt a lot about that particular car as the parts were cheap to purchase and easy to fit.
Buying a car like this would cost you peanuts, armed with a Haynes manual you will find you can learn a fair bit even if its something simple like servicing it yourself. If your not dependant on the car as a run-a-round and your feeling brave you could get a bit more in depth, taking bits apart and putting them back together.
I'm surprised to hear your application for a motor mechanics college course have been rejected on numerous occasions, I must admit I didn't realise it was so hard to get into!
If you want my advice, pop down to your local garage and speak to the owner. If your not afraid of working unpaid for the sheer value of the experience you could gain, you may find he will let you 'shadow' him.
When I was between jobs after graduating from Uni I did the same, I wanted to learn how to restore body panels and the basics and my local mechanic who was a great chap offered to teach me.
It just so happened that I moved away for a job before I could take him up on the offer and there's always been a little bit of me that wishes I could have had at least 6 months there first.
Your at an age where you are free to change your mind about what you want to do. If your serious about it and you don't mind grafting for it I say go for it!

Osimabu

iTrader: (2)

If I might suggest, I'd check with your insurance whether you can afford the increased premiums to cover a modified car before you spend too much on modifying it.