Pshibly,

I know how you feel... I really do. Grandpa owned a Ford dealership, but the garage was off limits. Dad is a master mechanic, but wouldn't even change my oil. I helped him rebuild cars (motors, trannys, body work, paint, electrical) since I was 6. I say helped, but mostly I watched and did a lot of "hand me that" or "here, hold this for me" until we rebuilt a 450SL that had engine fire damage. After that I was hooked on Benz's.

After I got my first ride (a '77 Maverick bought with my after-school money), I bought a book and did a lot of reading. I then bought my own tools... a few at a time... quality ones... and I still have 90% of them. Since that first car, I've owned a few dozen, and for each one, I've bought a Haynes manual.

Back to your frustrations, the first time you open a hood you'll feel like you are trying to shut down a nuclear reactor using a toothpick!! The same thing happened when I worked on my first Mercedes, first diesel, first MG, Triumph, Saab, .... you get the picture.... so, you see, you are not alone.

What I'm trying to say is this: Buy a manual for $20 and invest in a good set of basic tools. What you can't get or understand from the manual (manuals are written assuming you know how to fix it without the manual) is one reason this forum was started. We are here to give you a hand on specifics... just ask.

Start on the necessities first, like your tranny or finding that oil leak. You can live without the A/C for a while, besides, A/C will not do you any good if the car is not driveable. It's not comfortable, but you'll live. The hissy-fit will not fix your car... you don't even know what's wrong with it. Diagnose the problems first, then worry about what parts you may need. Maybe you can get something good from a junk yard or friend who has an extra lying around? This site and a couple of others on the web have the best prices for parts that I've ever seen!

The first rule of auto mechanics is figure out the problem before you rebuild the engine! And the satisfaction of a well running machine can only be improved upon if you did the work yourself!