I was wondering, how did everyone learn how to mod their car or just fix it up. I want to learn how to fix things myself, mod my car a bit etc but the only teacher I have is the internet. I was wondering, do a lot of autobody shops do on the job training? Is it worth it? I like working on cars but I don't know if I could make a career out of it. I am sick of serving tables and am going to school for business but I would like to use the knowledge of cars to do some work with it while I'm still going to school.

 

Start out doing small mods and go up from there as your confidence level increases.Your tool collection will have to get bigger as the jobs get tougher also.

I know of no body shops that do on the job training.You might get a job as a washboy at a dealer or a gofer (gofer this gofer that) at an independent shop but it's going to pay minimum wage.
You've got to really love working on cars to do this kind of thing for a living.It's hard dirty work and unless you get a chance to open your own shop and unless it turns out to be successful,you'll never get rich.
The internet isn't a bad teacher so long as you can sort the bad info from the good.

 

Stay out of the business for now. I dont know how techs get paid but they're not paid hourly or salary. They are paid by flatrate which means they only get paid for the jobs they do regardless on how long it takes. For example, if the dealership pays you 1 hour to do an oil change and rotate, you're paid 1 hour wether it takes you 30 mins or 2 hours. There are advantages and disadvantages to it. Anyways, I work for a Lexus dealership and Im averaging 4 hours on a good day. Yesterday I made 0 hours and today I made around 4. Its so bad right now people have already been let go. Even though it doesnt cost the dealership to keep them. Ive been working at a dealership for nearly 2 years and Im looking to get out right now. Thats how it is in Tampa at least I dont know about other states. But whatever you choose good luck with it.

 

i got tried of paying shops to install stuff that could go towards more mods so now all i pay for is bodywork

 

I worked as a tech at ford, well tech helper. Didnt have my own tools, and had got certified yet. I am glad I got out, I love working on cars and I could have easily got certified and worked by my self at ford. But honestly the amount of effort you put into it is not worth the money. Only good thing out of it, is that the experience I gained is awesome, I never have to take my car to a mechanic ever again, but I realized it is not worth doing it for living. I recomend every one that doesnt have much experience to work as a helper, you learn everything. I was working on all my head techs cars, he would just sit and play games LOL.

btw, not to say its impossible to make good money but its alot of hard work. Also diesel techs make alot more money, I remember the head tech had 10 helpers, and he made over 150k a year easily.

 

yes most body shops grow there own Tech's that's how I got started. I did it for 15years and walked away one day now I start back into it on Monday it pays very well BUT it is hard work. I will be getting payed by the HR for the first few weeks then I will go on flat rate. I would rather work on flat rate any day if the work is there I make more money and work less hrs. don't get me wrong it has its ups and downs but it is better for me. I don't like doing it but it gets me back up home as I was driving 1hr each way for work.