Tool box organization is vital to a professional mechanic. To be successful, we have to work both smart and hard. Professional mechanics set their toolbox up in a way that promotes efficiency and cleanliness. Today I take you on a tour of my yellow box. You know, the one with all the stickers you have seen on the Podcast for so many years. This was a big step for me. I have done toolbox tour videos before, but nothing like this.
This looks like a real mechanic’s toolbox
Become A CrewMember If you like this show. If you get value out of the videos and content that I put out, consider supporting the show by becoming a CrewMember. You will get discounts you can’t get anywhere else, exclusive videos from me, and VW/Audi training manuals. Between the discounts and the training manuals, the CrewMembership can easily pay for itself. Become a CrewMember today
Help Support The Show
Many of you have asked about supporting the show. For that I thank you. For now, the best things you can do are SHARE THE SHOW, and shop with my links on Amazon. You will not spend any more money that you would normally. Here is the Amazon link ~ Humble Mechanic on Amazon and you can check out some recommended tools I have listed below.
As always I love to hear your thoughts. Please post them in the comments section below. If you have an idea for a show email me, or use the contact me form!
https://humpodcast1.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/15113329/toolbox.jpg10801920Charleshttps://s3.amazonaws.com/humpodcast1/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/16121050/humble_mechanic_logo_white_200x100.pngCharles2017-04-18 22:02:062017-04-18 22:42:17How Real Mechanics Organize The Tool Box
Modern cars are filled with warning light that come on. These car warning lights alert us to issues with our engine, low tire pressure, cooling system issues, engine oil problems and more. If we see the check engine light come on can we really trust that is should be on? This all comes about from an experiment I did on my Passat. I wanted to see how long before my brake warning light came on. It turns out, I will be a little disappointed about the warning light on my Passat.
Become A CrewMember If you like this show. If you get value out of the videos and content that I put out, consider supporting the show by becoming a CrewMember. You will get discounts you can’t get anywhere else, exclusive videos from me, and VW/Audi training manuals. Between the discounts and the training manuals, the CrewMembership can easily pay for itself. Become a CrewMember today
Help Support The Show
Many of you have asked about supporting the show. For that I thank you. For now, the best things you can do are SHARE THE SHOW, and shop with my links on Amazon. You will not spend any more money that you would normally. Here is the Amazon link ~ Humble Mechanic on Amazon and you can check out some recommended tools I have listed below.
As always I love to hear your thoughts. Please post them in the comments section below. If you have an idea for a show email me, or use the contact me form!
https://humpodcast1.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/15113331/warning-final.jpg10801920Charleshttps://s3.amazonaws.com/humpodcast1/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/16121050/humble_mechanic_logo_white_200x100.pngCharles2017-04-06 07:30:452017-04-06 07:30:45Can You Trust a Cars Warning Lights?
Now that the CrewMembership program is fully up and running, it’s time to learn more about the companies that are supporting the program. Each week I will feature a company that is giving CrewMembers discounts. This is my way of letting you guys know just how awesome it is to be a CrewMember. It also allows me to give back to the the companies that help support the CrewMember program.
I have been doing business with Mike and the guys from Eurowise for years. The first time I went to the shop was on a quick trip to Charlotte with my wife. We stopped in to pick up my MK1 VR6 swap kit. Mike, having no idea who I was, stopped what he was doing to show me another Cabby they were finishing up. He walked us around the shop, and talked about the swaps for about 30 minutes. Mike, the owner of Eurowise, didn’t have to stop what he was doing to help me, but he did. I clearly will never forget that.
The Discounts Mike was one of the first people to step up with a discount for CrewMembers. I actually talked to him years ago about it. And when it was time to go live, he was all in. Eurowise is giving CrewMembers 10% off Eurowise products. Here are some examples:
Mk1 VR6 Conversion Kit (stage 1)
This kit retails for $1099. With your discount you save almost $110. This means you are making money by becoming a CrewMember. This is the kit that I used in my Cabby. I even did a review on it. Mk1VR6 review.
Eurowise cast AAA 12V thermostat housing
This is another Eurowise product I have removed. I had this installed on my GTI for a while. It will also be going back into he GTI when the engine is finished. The thermostat kit retails for $179.99, you save $18. That is almost 30% of your membership. MK3 AAA thermostat housing review
1.8T Aluminum Coolant flanges
If you drive a just about any VW, you know the engine bay has plenty of plastic. You also know that if you look at that plastic wrong, it breaks. Eurowise has made a solution for that. You can change out the plastic coolant flanges of aluminium ones.
These are just a few examples of ways you can basically pay for your CrewMembership. Remember that discounts are only part of the story. You also get exclusive videos from me. These videos can range from super secret Wookie reveals, to really raw unfiltered motivating content. In addition to that, you gain instant access to the VW/Audi training manuals that I build. These are part of a class that costs $355 to attend. Learn more about becoming a CrewMember
Free way to support the show
If becoming a CrewMember is not your thing, or simply not in the budget, I totally understand. But you can still help support the show by doing your Amazon shopping through me. By using the HumbleMechanic Amazon link. When you buy the things you were going to buy on Amazon using my link, I get a little credit for it. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it helps me out. I also put together some recommended tools at the bottom of every page for you. It is a simple, quick, and free way to help me keep the lights on LOL. As always I love your comments. If you have any questions about this or any other blog post, article of video, post that below. Also if you have an idea for a show you can email me, or use the contact me form! Don’t forget to follow me at:
https://humpodcast1.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/15113343/eurowise.jpg10801920Charleshttps://s3.amazonaws.com/humpodcast1/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/16121050/humble_mechanic_logo_white_200x100.pngCharles2017-02-15 23:20:342017-02-15 23:21:14CrewMember Business Feature Of The Week ~ EuroWise
Some may find it hard to buy holiday gifts for the gear head in their life. This Christmas season, don’t chance getting the wrong gift for that car fanatic. Here are some of my recommendations for “Gear Head Gifts”
Jack and Jack Stands
This is a must for anyone doing their own car repairs. The jack so the car can be lifted to work underneath, and the stands for added safety. This kit is great because it also comes with wheel chocks. That is an important part of lifting a vehicle. One thing that may be worth adding is these Jack Pads. They will help prevent damage to the pinch welds on the car. You could also cheat and use a hockey puck.
Vehicle Service Manual
This is a great addition to every gear head’s book collection. A repair manual will give important information like torque specs, how to’s, and other important repair information. There are a number of different companies that make repair manual. Most cars have a Chilton or Haynes manual. If your gear head owns a German car, Bentley manuals are the best. There may also be sites a PDF may be available for download.
Dash Cam
To me a dash camera is becoming more of a need than a want. With all the crazies on the road, its nice to have proof of what is going on. The hope is you never need that type of footage. Maybe of us gear heads like to record our drives. A dash cam is great, and may be more reliable than certain “action” cameras. Don’t for get the SD cards. This one will only support 32gb max. You can even get one like the Waylens, that connects to your OBD port.
Jump Start Pack
This is something that I use all the time. I actually did a review of this Noco Genius. This is the best jump pack I have owned, and is one of the best ones we have in the shop. It is great to toss in the car and keep it for emergencies. In addition to being a great gear head gift, it’s great for back up power. During a recent hurricane, it kept my wife’s cell phone charged for 2 days.
Emergency Car Kit
This is something that every car on the road should have. And while kits like this may not be everything you will ever need, it’s a great start. Having a kit with first aid kit, jumper cables, basic hand tools, a flashlight and more is a great start. An emergency car kit is one of the things you hope you never need, but you will be glad when you need it. I have found that I use my stuff like this help out others more than I need it.
Portable Tool Kit
As an addition to the emergency car kit, a portable mechanic’s tool kit is a great gift. Having a kit with a blow molded case like this is awesome. Your gear head can have plenty of tools in a neat and organized package. This also prevents tools from flying around the trunk of the car or back of a truck. This is just a suggestion for a kit. Check out Sonic Tools for more great portable tool kits.
Car Memorabilia This is the stuff that most all of us gear heads love. For me, it’s all about old VW signs. I have them hung all around my shop. Some gear heads have their favorite brands, while other can appreciate all types of cool collectible car art. If you’re not sure what your car fan loves, you can’t go wrong with old school signs from the brand of car they drive, or the tools they own. I also have a place in my heart for old oil containers too.
Heated Jacket and Cold Weather Gear
If you’re in Florida, this may not be the best gear. But in much of the country there are times of winter it gets cold. For me, I have a hard time working on cars when it’s cold outside. My hands don’t seem to function right when they are cold. One of the neat ways to stay warm is a heated jacket. This Milwaukee Tools jacket run on the M12 battery, and has heater elements in it. Heated gloves are also an option, but I find it hard to work while wearing bulky gloves. This is on my personal list (if you happen to read this honey) 😉
Qalo Ring
This is a gift that goes far beyond gear heads, but is perfect for them. My wife wears her 2 Qalo rings all the time. They are designed with a mechanic in mind, but are perfect for anyone. The rings are made of silicone so no need to worry about carrying current, or getting caught and causing unhappy finger damage. I wore a Qalo for a while, but I am too fidgety and couldn’t stop playing with it. LOL
Thermal Image Camera
This is a tool I love having in my toolbox. I did a review of the Flir One so you can see it in action. This thermal camera connects to your smart phone. They make a version for iPhone and for Android. I have used it to diagnose engine issues, seat heater issues, and more. You can also use it around the house to find places the may need attention for letting the outside climate in.
These are some of the best gear head gifts I could find. There are countless things that people love. I hope that these inspire you to find the perfect gift for that car guy or gal on your list. I have also created an Amazon store with plenty of other “Humble Mechanic gift recommendations”
As always I love to hear your thoughts. Please post them in the comments section below. Also if you have an idea for a show you can email me, or use the contact me form!
https://humpodcast1.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15113401/gifts2.jpg10801920Charleshttps://s3.amazonaws.com/humpodcast1/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/16121050/humble_mechanic_logo_white_200x100.pngCharles2016-12-04 20:24:362016-12-04 20:24:36Best Holiday Gifts for A Gear Head
As a professional mechanic, there are many items we check on cars. We not only look for broken or failing car parts, but we look for maintenance items as well. Over the years serpentine belts and “V-belt” have been a common part that require maintenance. Back when I first started, a simple visual inspection was all that a mechanic really needed to spot a bad serpentine belt. Today that is not the case. New compounds used to make belts, have not eliminated the need for replacement, but have made checking the belts a little more challenging. Today find out why.
Help Support The Show Many of you have asked about supporting the show. For that I thank you. For now, the best things you can do are SHARE THE SHOW, and shop with my links on Amazon. You will not spend any more money that you would normally. Here is the Amazon link ~ Humble Mechanic on Amazon or you can check out some recommended tools I have listed below. Join me as I take you questions on:
As always I love to hear your thoughts. Please post them in the comments section below. Also if you have an idea for a show you can email me, or use the contact me form! Thanks to David from CRP Automotive for helping out with some great serpentine belt information.
https://humpodcast1.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/15113405/serp-betl.jpg10801920Charleshttps://s3.amazonaws.com/humpodcast1/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/16121050/humble_mechanic_logo_white_200x100.pngCharles2016-11-23 05:51:582016-11-23 05:51:58How To Properly Check A Serpentine Belt
In this DIY and Drive video, I will show you how to remove a Volkswagen alternator. As I mention in the video, you will need to remove the serpentine belt, and the belt tensioner. Luckily I have a video on how to remove a VW serpentine belt tensioner. This car is a 2.0 Jetta MK4. And while I am using this one for the demo, the strategy used can be applied to many other Volkswagen and even Audi cars.
Help Support The Show Many of you have asked about supporting the show. For that I thank you. For now, the best things you can do are SHARE THE SHOW, and shop with my links on Amazon. You will not spend any more money that you would normally. Here is the Amazon link ~ Humble Mechanic on Amazon or you can check out some recommended tools I have listed below. Join me today:
For more salvage yard DIYs, be sure to check out the Salvage Yard DIY’s playlist. As always I love to hear your thoughts. Please post them in the comments section below.Also if you have an idea for a show you can email me, or use the contact me form!
The SEMA Show 2016 is an amazing car show. I along with other automotive Youtubers had to pleasure of making the drive from LA to the SEMA show, in an event we call “The Road TO SEMA 2016”. This SEMA road trip consisted of an automotive museum tour, a local car show, a fan get together, and fun times with great people. Shout Outs For The Trip
Help Support The Show Many of you have asked about supporting the show. For that I thank you. For now, the best things you can do are SHARE THE SHOW, and shop with my links on Amazon. You will not spend any more money that you would normally. Here is the Amazon link ~ Humble Mechanic on Amazon or you can check out some recommended tools I have listed below. Join me as we discuss:
Trouble viewing? Watch “The Road To SEMA 2016” on Youtube. As always I love to hear your thoughts. Please post them in the comments section below.Also if you have an idea for a show you can email me, or use the contact me form! Don’t forget to follow me at:
Modern cars are filled with warning light that come on. These car warning lights alert us to issues with our engine, low tire pressure, cooling system issues, engine oil problems and more. If we see the check engine light come on can we really trust that is should be on? This all comes about from an experiment I did on my Passat. I wanted to see how long before my brake warning light came on. It turns out, I will be a little disappointed about the warning light on my Passat.
These are just a few examples of ways you can basically pay for your CrewMembership. Remember that discounts are only part of the story. You also get exclusive videos from me. These videos can range from super secret Wookie reveals, to really raw unfiltered motivating content. In addition to that, you gain instant access to the VW/Audi training manuals that I build. These are part of a class that costs $355 to attend. Learn more about becoming a 
