Houston area mechanics/body shops

[sek8031]

Finding myself in possession of a 1980 280zx, and the mechanical knowledge of say...a plant or rock, I find myself in need of a good mechanic, and an even better body shop. If anyone knows of anyone particularly good with old Z's in the Houston area (especially close to downtown or Montrose, she's currently not a great fan of long distances or high speeds), please let me know.

This also brings me to a general automotive question...how does one become proficient in general automotive maintenance? I can change oil and filters and tires and such, but if it comes to diagnosis or any kind of in-depth repair, I don't even know where to start. I have a factory service manual for the '82, which I assume is pretty close, but a lot of the information there is over my head. Are there any good beginner's books or web sites, or is it more a trial-by-fire thing?

[needmydatsun]

for me i did alot of reading till i could know what the technical terms are and what every does and such and then its all trail and error from there

[sek8031]

Suggested reading?

[evildky]

there are some very large Z clubs in texas, they might have a recomendation or even a member who owns a shop or does side work

[sek8031]

Suggested reading?

I did not mean to post this twice...reading through the thread it makes me sound like a jerk, which I generally am not. My bad!
Modified by sek8031 at 11:09 AM 7/30/2007

[cpt jack]

Finding myself in possession of a 1980 280zx, and the mechanical knowledge of say...a plant or rock, I find myself in need of a good mechanic, and an even better body shop. If anyone knows of anyone particularly good with old Z's in the Houston area (especially close to downtown or Montrose, she's currently not a great fan of long distances or high speeds), please let me know.

This also brings me to a general automotive question...how does one become proficient in general automotive maintenance? I can change oil and filters and tires and such, but if it comes to diagnosis or any kind of in-depth repair, I don't even know where to start. I have a factory service manual for the '82, which I assume is pretty close, but a lot of the information there is over my head. Are there any good beginner's books or web sites, or is it more a trial-by-fire thing?

dude i use to be like that.... u just gotta read and do your self... look at hybridz.org man help u alot with questions...

[needmydatsun]

well unless you have someone to take you through stuff step by step then yah, for me and my brother it was grab a chiltons and the tool set and go from there

[cpt jack]

well unless you have someone to take you through stuff step by step then yah, for me and my brother it was grab a chiltons and the tool set and go from there

another good option!