New to Mustang-needs guidance

The way I started learning (but I'm no expert yet) is by simplying obtaining a couple repair manuals (Haynes & Chiltons) and reading through it & trying to fix/maintain everything I could on my own & consulting the newsgroup when I needed. Also just by reading other posts here you learn a lot i've found. Congrats on the new stang. Hope you enjoy it.

-Mike

First, learn how to do your own maintenance, then build on that. Buy a Chilton/Hayne's repair manual and read it cover-cover. Enlist the help of a friend, co-worker or neighbor who is already experienced with maintenance and have them show you how to change fluids and filters, lubricate locks, wash/glaze/wax the car, and do other minor repairs.

Another suggestion: take a couple sat/evening classes at a local community college. One can learn routine maintenance, bodywork, powertrain repair and more very inexpensively this way. Hands-on classes like this are always a great investment.

-JD

_________________________________ JD's Locally-Famous Mustang Page: http://207.13.104.8/users/jdadams Please note: UCE is deleted at the ISP server level. Unless your address is on my 'accept list', your mail will never reach me. See my website for more information.

You can buy the complete repair manual from Helminc.com

John

Bah just go to a local O'Reilly or Hammons auto parts.

-Mike

I'm 20 years old. I picked up my 1988 Mustang GT Convertible when I was 17. I knew zero about cars when I bought it. Last summer I swapped a new engine into it all by myself =) I have the old block on a stand in my garage... I'm getting ready to build up an engine for it so I can finally have the fast car I have always dreamed of... Anyway my point is experience will get you there. Pick up a Haynes or Chilton manual and read read read. When you need to change your oil or brakes do it yourself. Refer to your manual first then ask specific questions here. Over time you'll learn a lot!

Andy

Ok, My two cents worth. As long as it's under warranty, if it works, don't fix it.

As JD said, learn how to do your own maintenance, things you would have to pay for such as oil changes and lubes. Read this group.. a LOT.. ask a zillion questions, you will get many different answers on any given question. Combine what you are told and run with it.

Mods, simple ones at first are a great way to start.

Personally, I think the first thing you need to do....

...is give her a name.

Kate

I'd recommend taking auto classes at your local community college. You can learn the basics all the way through engine/transmission overhaul. Not only will you get the theory and technical side, you'll get hands-on experience (on someone elses car). The classes are cheap and fun.

I had lots of mechanical experience but decided to take an engine building class prior to building a performance engine from scratch. I am very glad I did. I learned a lot of things that were of great help plus I had a lot of fun. Highly recommended!

When you've got the classes behind you, invest in a set of Ford shop manuals

They are not cheap but they answer virtually any question. The Haynes, etc. manuals just skim the surface.

LJH

95GT

I got my official Ford manual in the mail today from Helminc.com.

It's great. The more you pay for a manual up front the more you will benefit.

The sheep may go bah bah bah, but they won't understand the level of detail and quality of information that th Ford docs contain.

John