I've been doing this for 61 years! (I'm 66 - yep, started "helping" a neighbor at age 5). I was bit HARD by the bug. So over the years I've gathered the tools (and made plenty as needed), built the shop, and have done work on the side as a money-maker, mostly rebuilding repairable totals.

You might find it interesting to take a look at my thread on my current project - "I'm Back - OM617 in an S-10 (or something like that - I usually look it up by entering my name). None of this is rocket surgery - er - something like that.

All that said, I STILL get a kick with the completion of a new task. The first fire-up of a new engine project is especially satisfying whether it's a full rebuild or just a repair. Admiring a new repaint is also a kick whether I did it or I did the prep and had someone shoot it (I don't have a booth). I just put shocks and struts on my wife's HHR and the first test drive was a smile-inducing event.

You're on the path to a satisfying and rewarding hobby which can also save you a ton of money over the years. Carry On!

Dan