I really want to fix up my 1978 Caballero, but I don't know much anything about cars and engines other than the plan meat and potatoes how engines work. I want to be able to talk the talk about cars: transmissions, gearing, suspension, and anything else. I don't just want to throw things on the car because I think it will be a good idea, I really want to know about cars. Thanks in advance.

Welcome and you came to the right place. The tech advise here is 2nd to none, we have allot ppl that know their shizzzzz. What you need to do is surf the forum tech sections, or for specific questions, utilize the search option, and if you need more, just ask :)

If you really want to learn all about cars, Go to A hobby shop and buy one of there detail model..spend about 50 to 75 for a good 1.It can tech you alot about cars and where all the parts go. For Xmas I got my 16 year son A model of A V8 Engine fulley detail with all moving parts..It took him A week to put in together and he said he had learn alot about the way A motor works.

hey storm, could you tell me the maker of the one you got your son?

It was by Revell.. heres link

Revell (http://h1071671.hobbyshopnow.com/products/description.asp?prod=RMX858883)

Heh, could aways get a Haynes manual and start rebuilding things... everyone should own a Haynes manual for their car anyhow... Or buy a POS car use it as your daily, and when **** goes wrong you'll be forced to learn how to fix it... always a fun way of learning...

You might also try going to a shop that is rebuilding engines/trannies....they might let you watch and learn.

they wont let me, insurance reasons.

Someone on a different site showed me http://www.howstuffworks.com/ They have a ton of animations and diagrams about engines and transmissions and things.

Start off small, get your hands dirty. Change oil, antifreeze, move on up to basic tuneup. You can do most of this stuff with a book, If you have a question or are unsure, ask here, someone will help.

I did most of my own simple work for many years. But I wouldn't touch brakes. If I screwed something up with them, the consequence could be severe. But slowly I got enough confidence to do them myself. Today, there isn't but a few nuts or bolts on my el camino that I haven't personnally touched. Its not Rocket Science, stick with it & ask questions.