Bob F wrote:

>> 3. replace/rebuild engine
> Did it.

The closest I came to for the engine was an Infiniti Q45 I had where my
wife holed the oil pan somehow (she said it wasn't her fault).

To replace the oil pan, I had to buy an engine "holder" where I unbolted
the engine mounts and jacked it up from underneath and then hung it on a
hook over this crossbar which bolted into the shock bolts.

But I've never replaced an engine mostly because I never drove an engine
into the ground that needed to be replaced. I envy people who have done it
because it must feel great to put a new engine in yourself.

>> 4. clutch replacement
> Did it.

I haven't had a manual for so long that I think I lost my chance to do the
clutch and pressure plate. The one chance I had in the 80s, I blew it by
paying someone else to do it. That was my mistake because that turned out
to be my last chance in life to learn how to do it and experience it.

>> 6. timing belt
> Never had a vehicle with one.

I know what you mean. All mine have been chains, where some have plastic
chain guides or tensioners which need replacing - but I've never needed to
replace a belt - but belts are pretty common on cars nowadays, aren't they?

>> 7. head gasket and vcg
> On the rebuild - Honda 600 Sedan

I may get my chance yet on at least the valve cover gasket as mine has a
few spots of oil on the edges.

> Ditto, plus a ring replacement on the 66 Chevy van.

As in piston ring?
If so, I think that qualifies as a "engine", at least to me, since you have
to open her up pretty deep to get to the pistons.

>> What are some car-repair jobs you always wished you could do but have never
>> done?
> Replace transmission - I did pay someone else to replace an automatic
> with a manual transmission I provided, on a 66 Chevy van. Glad I did it
> - got 3 mpg out of it and way better performance (repl. power glide).
> The shop that did it said "never again.

Replacing the transmission would also be something I wish I had done, along
the lines of putting in a clutch, which is I think essentially the same
thing since the transmission has to come out anyway. In fact, unless it's a
swap (like yours was), I would think replacing the transmission one to one
would be easier than replacing just the clutch, and pressure plate.

I may have lost my chance on most of the things above though, just like I
can't hike in the Grand Canyon anymore (due to being old).