definitely look into it. Just be careful, though. You'll find yourself hanging out there all the time so you can learn new stuff, and eventually help other people. Wrenching can be addictive.

 

Oh I know. I spent about 6 months working in a BMW garage. But I never had to improvise or repair parts, just use new ones.

Though, I was only an apprentice.

 

So before I go to the store tomorrow, could anyone tell me the thread size on the 1/4 rocker bolts? I'll ask them to match it, but I'd like to know for when I buy the helicoil kit. I THINK they're 1/4-20 but I'm likely wrong.

 

Like I said, stop by a hardware store with the old bolt and find what nut fits it right.

I started working on things at age 14. I did mess up some stuff at first, but learned a LOT, from how to rebuild a motor to how to paint a bike cheap.

I can fix almost anything, electronics, electric motors, alternators, pumps, etc, and have not had a car or bike in any shop since (35 years!) except for car tires.
I rebuilt Jaguars, Triumph's, all sorts of Japanese motorcycles, all sorts of cars, etc.
Some people think you cant work on modern cars, and they could not be more wrong, all the info you need is out there.

90% of my tools are also craftsmen from sears, with a mix of other better brands.
I have made tools for some jobs.

It does add up over time, taps and dies, drills, bench grinders, sand blast cabinet, air compressor, torches, electronics stuff, but once you have the stuff and a big collection of stuff like hoses, O rings, odd screws, nuts, metal bits, etc, you can do and fix almost anything.
I amaze my wife and friends, being able to fix almost anything you can think of. I don't buy things like rebuilt alternators, but rebuild them myself.

It saves me a ton of time and money, and its fun!
What is more fun then putting the tunes on, having a cold one and wrenching on a car or bike?

Brett

 

Where are you located? If you are close to Nashville, I have a shop and the tools to fix this for you. Would be glad to help.

 

I'm about 16 hours North of your location, but I appreciate the offer!