So I have been thinking and stressing a lot lately about what to do with my life...After a lot of thought and ideas I have come to the conclusion that I want to be a diesel mechanic....I know there has to be a couple diesel mechanics on here...How did you guys get started? Did you go to a school for it? How do you like it? Let me know what you guys have to say. Thanks
I'm a Ford Diesel tech. On a dealer level there is alway plenty of work, but its mostly warrenty and generally doesnt pay very well( unless you can write creativley:shhh: ) I dont have any experiance past tech school( wyotech) on OTR trucks or HD equipment so I cant really comment. I did look at Marine Diesel work once. It seems to pay pretty well, but can be a PITA. I gave it up after figuring out I'd have to shrink 6 inches and lose 75 pounds to fit in alot of the "engine rooms". It's a pretty good field to get into, lots of different oppurtunities if your willing to travel.
OK, no help, but a funny story. First semester freshman biology I start dating this chick. Hot and heavy, lots of action. After Xmas break, first weekend back we pick up right where we'd left off. We show up for the first day of 2nd semester biology. The prof walks in a he's like 6'4", 250#, big clod stompin' boots, jeans and a plaid shirt. I said, "Jees, he looks like a diesel mechanic." She says (with an ice cold stare), "My dad is a diesel mechanic." I'd forgotten that her dad owned a freight company in Arnold, MO. Seemed like she was always busy after that
So, maybe that is some help. Her dad started as a diesel mechanic and ended up owning a freight company. Good luck.
so i started out sweepin the floors at mid america peterbuilt in Mo.
did that for a year.
pay is actualy pretty good but your body will pay the price.
you will have to dump tons of money into tools i have wrenches from 5/16 to 2 1/2.
i'm 26 and have had a couple injuries broken hand countless stiches weeks in physical theropy for my back ect.ect
point is its actualy a pretty dangerous job.
dont get me wrong its a good job but i'd stay in school. get a job you don't have to wash your hands BEFOREyou take a leak
I started in the Coast Guard. They sent me to school, later after I got out went to work at a dealer and then the county transit system where mechanics are making >$30 per hour. 9-11 put me back in the CG. I have probably $10K in tools and equipment that I had to purchase. The grass is always vreener on the othwer side of the fence, if I had to do it again I would become either an electrician or locksmith. Less tools, less dirt.
Hmmmmm..... School really isnt for me....The Coast Guard has been on my mind a lot lately too, though....What would you have to say about the Coast Guard? I wouldnt mind being stationed up in AK for a few years.
There are a lot of schools for aviation tech....Im looking into that too. There is a pretty good school out in Broomfield, Colorado...Can anyone comment about that area?? Thanks
I got a neighbor who works as a diesel mechanic down in Antarctica for 6 months of the year. He comes back with a nice big paycheck and 6 months off doing small jobs. Seems like a decent job if your not tied down to anything back home.
Hmmmmm..... School really isnt for me....The Coast Guard has been on my mind a lot lately too, though....What would you have to say about the Coast Guard? I wouldnt mind being stationed up in AK for a few years.
Watch what you say, you might get unlucky like me...Alaska is beautiful and all but the whole 8 months of winter with no spring or fall wears on you. Don't jump into getting stationed here unless you know what you are getting into.
