Ok guys here goes,
Im considering fixing up my crashed up gxl, it needs kinda a lot of work.
This is what i would be doing: replacing front 1/4, drivers side door (getting used door and fender) After getting them painted by some willing shop.
Next comes the clutch and possily flywheel. Ive never replaced a clutch before and im kinda scared to do it with my limited tools. But basically this is my situation, It would be done in my garage, the car would have to be put on jack stands, as high as safely possible, i have basic tools like i have no power tools air tools at all. So what i want to know is is this kind of job even possible at home? I mean does the car have to be up in the air to change a clutch and flywheel? Or would this kind of work be suicide? Let me know what you home mechanics think or how possibly you got it done if at all possible.
THanks

 

Any type of auto work with the exception to body work usually isn't hard. The main thing that holds back a home mechinac isn't ability, its proper tools.

I thought the same way, then I said Fu*k it and installed a new engine myself and a new clutch, pressure plate, tranny, suspension.....and its all so easy......as long as you have proper tools...

I would never let anybody touch my car now....I can do any mech. work it will ever need....

 

right on. DIY

 

Absolutely 100% agreed!

 

Ok so its all about the tools, goodspeed, so if you did the tranny engine clutch and all that **** what tools did/do you have at home and when you removed the tranny was was the car on jacks? or do you have a lift?

 

ive removed my tranny while on jackstands w/o air tools, just a breakerbar

 

I started with this same kind of "I might as well do it myself" attitude a few years ago working on my Triumph. I've found over the years that every time I do a new kind of project I wind up shelling out $$ for tools (I have several thousand work now), but I've never regretted it. Just be prepared for a lot more downtime while you learn new skills/get new tools/take breaks to curse and throw wrenches and wonder why on earth you ever decided to do such a damned stupid thing. In the end, it's really worth it. I won't let some assembly line, quicky-lube nitwit touch my car anymore. The work is always better when you do it yourself and take your time. Just be sure you have a FSM and search the forum often.

 

I've got my tranny out now and did that without air tools and on jachstands. I did rent a tranny jack for half a day, $20, and will rent it again when I put the tranny back in. Getting the flywheel nut off will be your toughest challenge without an impact wrench. Buy a 2 1/8" socket from Sears, it's much less expensive than the correct 54mm socket in impact variety and should work fine for a single remove and replace. If you want to make a habit out of this, the right socket is something like $60 from Snap-On or MAC Tools-- not too bad, but for a single usage, the sears socket is $30. Spend the other $30 on the beer you'll want after cussin' about removing the flywheel.

'member to leave the nut on a few turns, keeps yer face from catching the flywheel

Greg O.

 

You need a centering tool for the clutch plate. You can rent them at basically all auto parts stores.

 

I have a 3/8th inch drive and that is the only tool set ive ever used or had to use and ive replaced everything on my car and i do mean everything. One minor exception.....The flywheel removal socket and 1/2 inch breaker bar. for the flywheel. -Gabe

 

Cool guys thanks for the support and info!!
Im gonna start figuring out a plan

 

have fun, your in boston? huh if i had a car id offer to help, im about an hr away

 

hey i was in the same boat you were in when i got my gxl. big dent on driver door and fender, huge rust spots rear panel, passenger fender dent...needed new tranny, clutch, brakes and many minor stuff but lucky the engine was good (still runs like a beauty). did all the body work but the paint, re/re the tranny with some good jack stands and friends etc... all done in the backyard with no garage. you can do it if your confident about doing it, if not call out a buddy.

 

Last few clutch kits I bought came with the centering tool.

 

i usually draw the line when it comes to transmission repair. Thats one area that requires special tools.

 

I would have to say if you feel comfortable (don't be too optimistic) with doing something mechanical on your car then go for it. As long as you have the tools (or tools that will suffice), then I'd go for it. BUT if you doubt it then I would not, I've NEVER let anyone (literally) work on anything in my FC...but I don't doubt my ability at all. It's all dependant on how comfortable you are with working on mechanical things.