Hey El Camino Folk.
Well, I am trying like heck to learn more so I can do more on my 75 that runs. But half the stuff I read in Haynes, my mechanic buddy tells me the opposite. And the library doesn't seem to be much help either. Thought about taking a class at the local community college...I don't know, I like body work so far, but that is probably because the rest of it makes less sense. Went into this shop in town where they build cars from from the ground up, and thought, man, I would like to be doing this 10 years from now. But right now, I know jack and I am already 28. So, any advice is appreciated.

Can't wait to get the seatbelts in and emissions passed, so I can get rid of this eyesore taurus that gets me to work now. Ugh.

ECOA rock on.
J

Well Jeff,professional mechanic's don't always agree with Haynes books.The Haynes manuals are mostly for DIY shadetree mechanics.They peovide a way to fix a problem that an everday pro mechanic would not always use.The pro needs the same result as you(fix the problem),but he also needs to do it fast.
If your buddy works full time as a pro mechanic,then try to use his info to create a blend from all sources.Haynes does a decent job of helping the DIY guy get the job done.If your buddy has no formal training or does not work as a mechanic,believe the book first.
This forum is filled with a lot of skilled auto repair people,some pro,some not.However,they are ALL skilled at different aspects of El Camino repair.
Do not hesitate to ask questions,they have helped me several times with info I lacked and I've been employed as a mechanic since 1969.
A better group of people you couldn't ask for.
8) Shane
BTW The class at college is a great idea,it's the first step to ASC certification

Hey Jeff,

I can't talk much to becoming a mechanic, but I did body work professionally for many years. I don't know how many colleges offer courses, but there are good technical schools around to learn body work. Within that, you could specialize in frame, body or paint.

Bodywork takes a good hand and many years to establish yourself in the field. When you get to a certain level, the rewards are many. It is definitely a "work your way up" business where you will learn a lot as you go. Keep an open mind as there are many "Hacks" out there who will tell you the quick and dirty way to get a job done. Learn from everyone you meet and find your own groove.

The shop you described sounds like they do restoration and probably nice customs. Most body shops out there do insurance repair work which pays the bills, but the work is not that glamorous. After so many Radiator Support replacements and fixing fenders that should have been replaced, it can get to you. If you are going for the restoration / custom markets, which are fewer and farther between, you had better become the best of the best as these jobs are fewer and the owners pick from the cream of the crop. If you can land that type work, it is great.

All in all, body work pays well and the benefits of a good shop are very many. If you are good, there is always work out there as cars keep getting wrecked and people find the money to fix up that old El Camino. Could be nice to be the "Go to" guy . . . . . .