Driving a musclecar can be the best way to feel the joy of driving one. There are many Pontiac models available to you if you're looking for fun and speed. These iconic American cars include the Pontiac GTO. Oldsmobile 442 convertible. Firebird Trans Am. Catalina 441. Find out why these cars are so sought after. This article will give you a great overview of these models.
Pontiac GTO
Pontiac is a long-standing manufacturer of classic muscle cars. The GTO is no exception. The GTO was a sports coupe designed by John DeLorean, who would later go on to design the cars seen in Back to the Future. Although GM didn't expect the GTO would be a commercial hit, it was a success. With an impressive power output of over 400 horsepower, the GTO is one of the best-selling cars of all time.
Oldsmobile 442 convertible
This 1965 Oldsmobile 442-convertible is a rare find. It boasts matching numbers and many other nice features. Although originally a manual-steering car it was restored 10 years later by its previous owner. The car has a 400 ci engine, Posi rear end and front and rear sway bars. Rare finds like this are often worth almost $300,000.
Firebird Trans Am
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was an average-sized car manufactured by Pontiac in 1967 to 1971. The engine's 7.5-liter capacity produces 335 HP and 480 lb/ft of torque. The Firebird and Camaro were both intended to compete with the Ford Mustang in the pony car segment.
Catalina 421
The power of the engine is best illustrated by the 421 engine that was used in the Pontiac muscle cars back in the 1960s. It had an aluminum intake manifold, Mickey Thompson cylinders, and a solid lifting camshaft. It was able to produce 410 horsepower and weighed in at three thousand and thirty-eight lbs. The 440 was equipped with dual four-barrel carburetors as well as a heavy-duty rotating unit. It also had an aluminum intake funnel and a lightweight flying wheel. The Catalina 421 was equipped an aluminum tail section, an aluminum intake manifold, and a Carter AFB carburator.
Bonneville
After 1981, both the Pontiac Bonneville & Catalina were canceled. Sales were already sagging and the second energy crisis had driven many new car buyers to more fuel efficient compact cars. Pontiac also ceased production of the 301 engine. Instead, Pontiac began using Chevrolet engines. These are the last models made by GM.
FAQ
What kind of car mechanic jobs exists?
There are three main areas of employment for car mechanics:
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Automotive repair shops
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Dealerships
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Independent garages
Automotive repair shops
This is where most people first think of becoming a mechanic. It's the easiest way for most people to get started. Either work for someone else's shop or you can start your own.
If you decide to work at a shop, you'll need to apply to join a union. Once you have been accepted into the Union, you'll be given training by the union.
You'll be ready for work once you have completed the training.
You will need to register if your garage is going to be open. After registering, you'll be required to meet certain standards.
After you register, you will be granted a license for your garage to operate.
Your license allows for minor repairs and spare parts sales. It will not permit you to fix major engine issues.
Apart from selling spare parts, customers will also expect you to provide guidance and advice.
Dealership jobs
Most dealerships employ mechanics that specialize in one aspect of the vehicle. They might be able to only fix brakes or replace tires.
Some dealers also have general mechanics that can handle all aspects.
These positions often require applicants to undergo specific training before being allowed to work. This means employers can choose which candidates are best suited for their role.
Some dealerships will even hire graduates right out of university. These graduates are familiar with the fundamentals of mechanical engineering so they can easily learn about cars.
Independent garages
Independent garages do not belong to any dealership. Instead, independent garages tend to concentrate on providing high-quality services.
Independent garages have the ability to afford higher wages, as they aren’t associated with any one company. These jobs generally pay better than those at dealerships.
However, independent garages may not be better places to work. Many business owners prefer to be in control of their businesses than to delegate it to employees.
So you may find yourself working long hours without having any say over what happens during the day.
Expect to earn lower salaries than if you were working in a dealership.
The good news is that you can easily switch between different kinds of jobs. To work at a dealership you will need to contact your employer to see if he is open to the idea of hiring you.
Alternatively, if you'd like to work at an independent garage, then you could try applying directly to the owner of the garage.
The bad news? Finding a new position isn't always easy. There are many other factors that can influence your earnings.
Consider, for example, what type of vehicle you are repairing and whether additional labor charges will apply.
What is the length of an apprenticeship as an automotive mechanic?
It takes three years to complete an apprenticeship as an automotive mechanic. It includes two years of school and two years as an apprentice. The first year is dedicated to learning the theory and practical skills of the trade. You'll also learn the safe and efficient use of tools during this first year. After you have completed the first year of training, you will be able to spend an additional year on-the job learning different trades. These periods will also give you the chance to take formal courses.
The last year of your program will be spent earning qualifications and becoming certified. These include NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications), which are awarded after passing exams covering specific topics within the industry. In addition, there are HNCs (Higher National Certificates) that cover general subjects such as management, business administration, and customer service. City & Guilds certificates offer qualifications in certain trades.
How do I fix my car for a hobby?
Take up a hobby in car repair if you have an interest. It is possible to learn about cars, repair them, purchase parts, or simply enjoy them. It's a fun hobby that you can do if it interests you.
But it is not easy to turn this into your full-time occupation. It requires hard work and dedication. And you'll need to invest a lot of money too.
So unless you have a good reason for wanting to get involved with cars, then it might be best to leave it alone.
Is it important which college I go?
It's not true. There is no difference in the programs offered by colleges for getting into automotive work. Some schools have better programs than others, so you might want to look elsewhere if your goal is something more specialized.
Statistics
- According to the BLS, the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $44,050 in May 2020. (uti.edu)
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to decline by 4% from 2019 to 2029. (indeed.com)
- There were 749,900 jobs available for automotive service technicians and mechanics in 2016, which is expected to grow by six percent through 2026. (jobhero.com)
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How To
How to become an Automotive Technician
An automotive technician provides repair services and maintenance to vehicles. He/she works in car dealerships as well as auto shops, garages, and service centers. He/she works with customers to repair their cars and trucks, ATVs or snowmobiles. A technician in automotive must be able diagnose and repair problems quickly, safely, accurately, efficiently, and effectively.
To become an automotive technician, a person must first earn an associate's degree from a vocational college. After completing this program the student must pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence exam (ASE). ASE stands for American Society of Mechanical Engineers. There are two parts to the ASE certification exam. The first section tests the ability to use mechanical knowledge. The second section tests the ability to apply practical skills. To take the test, you must visit one of the approved testing locations. These locations are available online or through your local automotive dealer.
After passing the test, a candidate must pass a state examination before becoming licensed as an automotive technician. This process is different depending on where you live. Some states require that candidates attend training courses, while others permit them to learn independently. Some states require technicians to be licensed immediately upon receiving their license. Other states wait until they have been employed as automotive technicians for at least six month.
A person must apply to an auto dealership in order to get started as an automobile technician. Most new employees work as apprentices after they have been hired. Apprenticeship programs last about three years. A student will learn to repair basic things like changing oil, adjusting brakes or replacing tires. They also learn how spark plugs are cleaned and inspect engine compartments. Advanced repairs can be done by some students, including replacing shocks, installing air filters and repairing engines. Classes are offered by most schools during regular business hours. Some schools also offer evening classes, if necessary.
Once a student is done with his/her apprenticeship he/she can become a master journeyman. Journeymen generally spend four- to five decades learning how to fix major systems like transmissions. They are also taught how to troubleshoot electrical components and remanufacture engines. Many employers prefer to hire Journeymen because they understand the job well.
Once a candidate passes the required exams and is granted a license, they might consider opening their own shop. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were nearly 1.7 million jobs available for automotive mechanics in 2010. This number was expected increase 18% between 2009 - 2020. A candidate who plans to open a shop should expect to spend many thousands of dollars on equipment and supplies.
Many factors affect the automotive technician's salary, including location, education, experience, and employer type. A jobless person could make an average of $20,000 annually. Someone who has only a highschool diploma could earn around 21,000 dollars per year. An associate's degree earns approximately $24,000 annually. Technicians with bachelor's degrees earned about $27,000 per year. Master's degree holders make around $32,000 annually. Salaries are increasing so that a professional earning less than $30,000 could expect to make $40,000 in a few years.