I always had a desire as a kid to learn how to work on cars, but never had an opportunity to get around to it. Now I'm 20 and my Disco II is my most prized possession, but I still have a strong desire to start working on her myself. Unfortunately, my knowledge to do with anything under the hood stops at topping off the coolant. Does anyone have any recommendations as far as self-taught mechanical repair? Any helpful books/websites/etc.? Is it even realistic to think I could start working on the truck myself?

 

youtube has a surprising amount of good video walk through and how to's. I enjoy a lot of Lucky8's videos although some are just plain fun as opposed to informative.

The other source you have already found, the forum. The folks on here can walk you through just about anything you can imagine doing on a Land Rover.

Oh and welcome to the forum

 

Yes, it's very realistic. There is so much more information out there than ever before. As already mentioned, u-tube, specific brand/model web-sites, etc, etc. I've been a mechanic for forty years and use these sites...since it's hard to know the ins and outs of every brand and model. And, time is money. Believe me, someone, somewhere has done what you are about to do...so learn from their mistakes.

Hanging with folks that repair their own stuff can be a plus, too. Usually, "car guys" will be easy to recognize. They'll be the ones driving older vehicles in good shape. Go to local car shows and talk to the owners there, most likely they do their own work and will take you into their fold...if you show interest in working on vehicles. Put your location on here, there may be someone close by that could help you out.

Brian.