Which are you? I think I am a wrench monkey - over the years I have amassed a garage full of tools and am passably proficient at removing an old part and replacing it without making the situation worse. As I am usually under time constraints, I do not enjoy the process very much; I have to focus on getting it done and getting back on the road.
In the near future (post 9-5) I would like to attempt some of the awesome rebuilds documented here as a hobby and get to enjoy it. The engineering that goes in to an engine is fascinating - how they last as long as they do with the hundreds of thousands of mini explosions they endure is amazing.

That's the sh$t I think about before I have had enough coffee.

Thanks for all the Mini help - board is an invaluable resource.

Happy Thanksgiving (if we are still allowed to say that).

 

I am definitely a wrench monkey. I mostly enjoy it, as long as I’m not under a time constraint. I also try to acknowledge my limitations when it comes to certain tasks, and research he crap out of any operation I’m about to perform. Going to try my hands at a clutch replacement on the Mini as my next project...

 

njaremka, bravo for replacing your clutch. It's good that you're not under a time constraint because it's a PITA. Good part is you'll learn a lot about your MINI because you're going to need to disassemble lots of parts. I replaced mine about six months ago with a Valeo unit and there's no mystery to it, just a lot of work. Since you have to remove the front subframe, it's the perfect time to replace suspension components if needed. Also, do yourself a favor and go buy the engine hoist (sits on the shock towers) at Harbor Freight. You need it for the transmission removal and can easily resell it once your clutch is replaced. Good luck.

 

I'm a little of both. I'm fixing to replace
Alternator
Water pump
Coolant hoses
Thermostat
Manual trans fluid
Belt tensioner
Belt
Crank sensor seal
Oil
Radiator fan resistor
Valve cover gasket
I probably missed something 🤔

 

Enjoy the process while you can. When you get an electric car there won't be anything to do but change struts!

 

No electric for me. I vote Republican. 🥰🤑

 

 

Definitely a wrench monkey because I don't know if I'd be able to get paid to do this for a living lol. First huge task I did was replace the clutch on my Mini and after I was successful everything else seemed like small potatoes. I did have the luxury of being able to allow it to sit in my garage for a month or so while I worked on it to other people's points.

All-in-all, what I have done to my Mini I could probably do the same or better than some of the tech's over at the local dealership, specifically on the R53. I wouldn't mind making $125/hour to do it either.

 

Back to the original question...

Neither really. I'm just a guy with some reasonably good mechanical skills, a reasonably good schooling background, a pretty high common sense level, that likes to work on cars and motorcycles. Make them fit more what "I" like.
Working with aircraft and spacecraft (design and test) for most of my adult workforce time (retired) also helped increase some of my related skills.

Mike

 

Only way to not lose money in the car/motorcycle game, is to do the work yourself.

I'm not a mechanic by trade, although I probably would enjoy it more than teaching.

 

Monkey with a wrench? Maybe?

I do most all of my work myself, mostly I don't like paying for things I can do myself but secondly I have trust issues with most shops. The tool collection keeps growing so jobs gets easier as I decided to buy the right tool for the job. I enjoy working on the cars, trucks and bikes and will probably just keep on expanding the tool collection. Lift is in my future!

 

No longer have the flexibility combined with bad back make me one who mostly seeks out mechanics. I like doing car repairs, save money, etc. but you can't beat time.

 

The more experience you get, the more you analyze the problem before diving in. I've caused the 'wasn't broke until I fixed it' scenaro . . .

 

I just retired from 42+ years in the automotive field. Been an ASE Certified tech technician most all those years. I have many thousands of $$ in tools, diagnostic equipment, and technician training classes. I also have two complete sets of tools and tool boxes here at the house now after I retired. I worked on all of my own vehicles and friends vehicles while I was still working in a shop. That's why I have 2 sets of tools and storage units for all of the tools. I made a decent living, raised 3 kids, bought a couple houses, and have 9 vehicles that I keep running here at the house. I was really getting burned out with working on cars & trucks for a living....yet I enjoyed working on all my own cars, to a certain point.

About the only thing I will; not attempt to repair are transmissions, both auto & manual versions, rear end gears in the RWD vehicles, or any body work at all, I know my limitations

To make a long story short, I picked up a 2006 R52 JCW car in 2018....person I got it from said he could not get it to fire off....I thought to myself, after over 40 years in the automotive trade, how hard could it be to get a little 4 cylinder engine to run? Boy, was I in for the surprise of my life. Grab something to drink and get comfy and read my link below....

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ni-or-not.html

This site and the people here have been so helpful to me in getting that little car back on the road in just over a years time after I drug it home. The help here from members has been more valuable to me than all my mechanic tools put together

A big thank you to everyone here in NAM......

Bryan

 

I would say both