14 replies to this topic

[skinnyminny]

Hi guys,

Thinking about doing a more 'official' car repair course, anyone got any thoughts on the 'Motor vehicle maintenance and repair imial vrq level 2' offered by my local college? Or the idea in general?

Cheers!

[Shawbags]

do what I'm doing , get yourself an old mini engine , David Vizard's book , Tuning the a series and a Haynes manual and strip and rebuild the engine , David Vizard's book is full of useful info , if you get stuck ask on here you can't go wrong because people on here will give you all the help you need , Cooperman is the bloke to ask , good luck.

[Alex_B]

As above, I can't speak from experience as I started at foundation degree level (4) but I believe the lower levels are pretty simple and mostly tailored to modern machinery so wont be much help with classics. 

It would be much better to either go for a classic oriented course or just try and make a list of the important ones and do your own research with assistance from the forum etc. 

There is a haynes restoration manual which is very good for mini specific information I believe as well. 

[nicklouse]

Hi guys,
Thinking about doing a more 'official' car repair course, anyone got any thoughts on the 'Motor vehicle maintenance and repair imial vrq level 2' offered by my local college? Or the idea in general?
Cheers!

It kinda depends on what you want from it. Personal improvement or a piece of paper?

[greenwheels]

If it's classics that are your interest then it might be worth having a word with the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs they are trying to ensure there are courses available for maintenance and repair of historic vehicles.  http://www.fbhvc.co....ade-and-skills/

Edited by greenwheels, 14 April 2015 - 06:31 PM.

[skinnyminny]

Very interesting folks cheers!

My mini now has a 1994 Nissan micra engine, then we have a 1992 jag straight 6 auto and a 2006 VW golf diesel so looking a bit modern at the moment.

Classic engines I'm happier teaching myself as they're simpler, as stated above books are available and tend to be pretty good.

Just that I'm fed up with having enough knowledge to know I'm being mugged off at a garage but not enough to either do it myself or with a mate.

[nicklouse]

Then get the Haynes manuals for the cars. And read up on them.

You will then know what you can do and what tools you don't have.
And also what jobs to leave to someone else.

[Anthony30]

Hi guys,

Thinking about doing a more 'official' car repair course, anyone got any thoughts on the 'Motor vehicle maintenance and repair imial vrq level 2' offered by my local college? Or the idea in general?

Cheers!

Just the technical certificate, or the practical side? You might need to work in a garage to gain the full qualification.

[Anthony30]

The College will probably start you off at Level 1. They will also have an entry level course, which is easier than level 1.  If you can't do something when repairing a car never be afraid to ask someone for advise/help, we all start somewhere. 

Edited by Anthony30, 14 April 2015 - 07:19 PM.

[Cooperman]

The big question is whether the OP wants to learn more so that he can work on his own classic cars or wants to pursue a career as a motor vehicle technician.

For working on classic cars as a hobby there is no real need for a formal qualification, but to work on them to earn a living is another matter.

However, a course at a college on modern cars will teach little about how classic cars can be restored and maintained. For that either one needs to have taught oneself or been taught by someone with multi-talented skills who can do body, engine, transmission and suspension, all to a good standard.

The main thing needed is good aptitude and a willingness to 'get stuck in', asking advice when necessary.

[Anthony30]

The big question is whether the OP wants to learn more so that he can work on his own classic cars or wants to pursue a career as a motor vehicle technician.

For working on classic cars as a hobby there is no real need for a formal qualification, but to work on them to earn a living is another matter.

However, a course at a college on modern cars will teach little about how classic cars can be restored and maintained. For that either one needs to have taught oneself or been taught by someone with multi-talented skills who can do body, engine, transmission and suspension, all to a good standard.

The main thing needed is good aptitude and a willingness to 'get stuck in', asking advice when necessary.

Very true. They 'gloss over' the section about how to tune carbs, or how to set timing in favour of electronics ect.

[1984mini25]

 

The big question is whether the OP wants to learn more so that he can work on his own classic cars or wants to pursue a career as a motor vehicle technician.

For working on classic cars as a hobby there is no real need for a formal qualification, but to work on them to earn a living is another matter.

However, a course at a college on modern cars will teach little about how classic cars can be restored and maintained. For that either one needs to have taught oneself or been taught by someone with multi-talented skills who can do body, engine, transmission and suspension, all to a good standard.

The main thing needed is good aptitude and a willingness to 'get stuck in', asking advice when necessary.

Very true. They 'gloss over' the section about how to tune carbs, or how to set timing in favour of electronics ect.

 

 

Or if it was anything like the same course I did 10 years ago (nvq loosely translates to not very qualified), all it will be is how to remove stuff, throw in the bin and replace with a nice shiny new one. I've personally learned more over the last 10 years putting my nose in a Haynes manual, looking on various forums and asking people when stuck by pulling the mini to bits to keep it on the road. Even self taught with the welding, as not only is the welding at local garages crap and expensive even though they had all the kit at collage, health and safety meant no one could actually use it, plus 'new cars don't need welding'.

Edited by 1984mini25, 14 April 2015 - 08:51 PM.

[The Matt]

We should run a TMF training day!

[Shifty]

We should run a TMF training day!

We have kind of talked about this before. I've come close to organising a welding day for people.

[skinnyminny]

See a TMF training day would be perfect!

Think I'll stick to my trusty battered Haynes manuals then, thanks folks :)