Maintaining and repairing your car can be expensive and time-consuming. However, sometimes a simple DIY solution can save you both in time and money. One such task is to create a gasket for your car. Gaskets are essential for sealing joints and preventing leaks in various components of your vehicle. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of making a gasket for your car at home.
Materials Needed:
Gasket material sheet (available at auto parts stores)
Pencil or marker
Scissors or utility knife
Fine-grit sandpaper
Precision measuring tools (ruler, calipers)
Old gasket (if available, for reference)
Gasket sealant
Work gloves
Step 1: Identify the Gasket Type.
You could start by identifying the type of gasket you need to replace. Gaskets can be found in various parts of your car, such as the valve cover, thermostat housing, and exhaust manifold. Each gasket may have a different shape and size, so knowing what you’re working with is essential.
Step 2: Gather Measurements.
Use precision measuring tools to gather accurate measurements of the gasket’s dimensions. If you have the old gasket, you can trace its outline onto a sheet of paper for reference. Alternatively, measure the dimensions of the mating surfaces where the gasket will be placed.
Step 3: Transfer Measurements to Gasket Material.
Place the gasket material sheet on a flat surface and transfer your measurements using a pencil or marker. Ensure you accurately mark the bolt holes and any irregular shapes in the gasket.
Step 4: Cut Out the Gasket.
Carefully cut along the marked lines using scissors or a utility knife. Take your time and make precise cuts to ensure that the gasket fits perfectly.
Step 5: Smooth Edges.
After cutting out the gasket, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the edges. This step helps create a proper seal and prevents any potential leaks.
Step 6: Apply Gasket Sealant
Before installing the gasket, apply a thin layer of gasket sealant to both sides. This helps enhance the sealing properties and ensures a tight fit.
Step 7: Install the Gasket.
Place the newly made gasket onto the mating surfaces, aligning the bolt holes. Tighten the bolts gradually and evenly to ensure the gasket compresses uniformly.
Step 8: Check for Leaks.
After installation, start the engine and carefully inspect for any leaks. If everything looks good, you’ve successfully made and installed a gasket for your car!
Making a gasket for your car at home is a satisfying and cost-effective solution for minor repairs. With the right materials and careful measurements, you can ensure a proper seal and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Remember to exercise caution, take your time, and enjoy the satisfaction of a DIY job well done!
‘Editor’s Note: This Column will centre on the installation of the fog lights and not the modification of the non-modified bumper.’
Today we are installing a yollow lens fog light on the Honda Civic that was purchased off of eBay. It took two weeks to arrived but they were delivered in perfect tming as the car had just came out of the paint shop the previous day.
What’s In The Box
In the package were the following items:
2* Fog Light Exterior Housing Cover
2* Yellow Fog Lamp Housing
8* Philips Round Head Self Tapping Screws
8* Philips Modified Truss Screws
2* Philips Round Head Machine Screws
2* Wire Mesh Grills
1* Fog Light Connectors & Wire Harness
1*Fog Light Switch -Wire Harness
1* Fog Light Switch
1* Extension Cable (Red)
1* Solderless Quick Snap Wire Splice Connector
1* Wiring Diagram
There was no Installation guide or instruction wasn’t included in the package.
Tools Used
Ratchet
10mm socket
5/16 socket (or the metric equivalent)
Philips Screw Driver
Fastener Remover Tool (or any flat-head tool)
Power Drill & Drill Bit
Safety Scraper Blades
Prep-work
Where ever you choose to work, cover the work area on the ground and and cover the table or any make-shift work bench as you’ll be working in these two area.
Open the car hood and remove the five (5) clips on top of the grill and the two (2) clips on each side of the grill. On each side of the bumper, remove the single screws holdng the bumper to the side fender with either the Philips screw driver or the 5/16 socket (note: the 5/16 was easier to work with).
Underneath the bumper, you’ll find two (2) Philips head screw at both ends. Remove them with a screw driver. There will also be two(2) bolts in the middle, Remove them with a 10mm socket and a ratchet.
The Bumper will be free and ready to be pulled off the car.
Fog Light Housing Installation
Move the bumper over to your work station and rest it on a non-abrasive material to protect it from scratching. Layout the hardware from the package and place the lamp housing and hardware to its corresponding locations as they will be marked with “R” (Right) or “L” (Left).
Right-side lamp housing with mounting brackets
There are two ways that the lamp can be mouned to the bumper. You can assemble the lamp and the bracket together, then moun to the underside of the bumper
OR you can mount the bracket to the bumper first, then mount the lamp to the bracket.
Use the self tapping screews to mount the lamp assembly to the back of the bumper (shown in pcture).
With both of the lamps done, it’s time to move too…
Wire-harness Installation
In the bag of wiresprovided, seperate the lamp connector wire harness from the lamp switch wire harness. You can place the switch harness, along with the extension cable (and the switch) in the car.
At the front of the car, layout the wire harness wth the red “power” cable to the battery side of the car and the yellow cable laying in the opposite end. Using a 10mm socket and ratchet, disconnect the battery erminals. remove the air box (if you still have one) with the 10mm and place it out of the way. Use any tool or method of your choice to snake the red “power” cable into the engine bay and connect it to either the positive battery terminal or the fuse box. When done, use the zip-ties (if provided) to secure any loose wires.
10mm to loosen the battery terminalBattery terminal removed. Air-box removed.snaking in the power-wire
power wire connected to the positive terminal and secure with zip-ties
On the opposite side of the car, snake the yellow wire into the engine bay via the windshiel washer and pull it towards the firewall until it stops. Connect the black “ground” cable to any flat metal mounting surface near the windshield washer resevoir.
lamp wire snaked into the car.wire length ends at the fire-wall.Lamp wire harness ground connected via the windshield washer mount.
Near the brake booster, remove the nearest rubber grommet with a body trim tool (or any flat-edge tool). Thrugh the new opening is where you’ll run the extension “red” cable. Using a power drill and a drill bit, make a wide enough hole for the extension cable to pass through.
Removing the rubber grommet with a body trim tool.
Access hole drilled with a power tool and drill bit.
Iside the car, run the male connector of the extension cable through the opening, then through the rubber grommet and connect it to the female yellow cable connector. Re-install the rubber grommet and the wire harness is done.
extension wire routed through access hole in the rubber grommet.
Lamp wire and extension wire securely connected.
Next is….
Light Switch Installation
Inside the car, remove the lower dash panel underneath the steering wheel with a philips screw-driver and pry the panel down to realese the three supporting clips holding the panel to the dash. Disconnect the cruise control and the electric mirror from he panel and place it somewhere safe ut of your way.
underneath the dash, connect the male yellow wire connector to the female red extention cable connector. The remain wires on the harness will be the ground “black” wire and the lamp “red” (power) wire. The wire was labled “L ignition”, therefore i’ll call it ignition. For the ignition wire, if it comes with a brown clip connecor plug at the end, nsert the plug into the corresponding empty port on the fuse panel that has power. If it’s a bare wire (ike shown), you will have to splice it into a wire that has power the fuse panel.
(Red)Extension wire, Light switch harness, light switch and a red wire splicer clip.
Lamp switch wire and extension wire securely connected.
Lamp switch power wire and ground wire.
Splicing The Wires
When you have selected the wire that you want to connect the ingnition wire too, take your sharp instrument (i.e. wire-cutter, razor blade or knife) making sure that your cut is a few meters away from any connection plugs or contact points and cut around the wire insulation until the wires are exposed underneath.
Take the red splicer and insert it onto the wire in the bottom slot of the splicer. Make sure that the metal “splicer” on the tab is aligned with the splicer that you-re cut into the wre. Take the “red wire” and insert it into the top slot above the spliced wire. fold the connectr tab over and use it to push down the metal splicer to anchor the two wires together. you’ll know when they’re connected when the tab clasped close. If not, you may have to gently knock the splicer in with a blunt object without bending it. then clasp the tab shut.
Lamp switch power wire securely spliced into the ignition wire.
Ground
The only other wire to be connected is black ground wire. this wire can be connected to any non-painted metal surface on the car (as shown).
Ground wire secured to the nearest mounting point.
Finishing Up
Take any loose or hanging wires and secure them underneath the dash using zip-ties or twist ties out of sight and out of the way of your legs.
To add the new light switch, you will have to remove any one of the dummy tabs from an empty slot and side the switch into the slot until it snaps secured. reconnect the cruise control, mirror and the new light switch connector plugs. Turn on the car and test the foglights for proper operations. Once everything is operating properly and there’s no issues, re-install the panel and clean up any dirt you’ve created.
Installing the Housing Covers
The foglamp units comes with two exterior covers, the cover varies on your selection. At the back of the covers, they’re labled “L” for left and “R” for right. Each cover has a portuding tab underneath, take the cover for the corresponding sides of the car and slide the tab into the portruding hanger on the foglight housing. When it connects, press down on the opposite side and aligh the screw hole on the cover to the one on the foglight housing. Use the long screws provided and hand tighten. Do the next side in simular fashion until done. (note: the covers may not fit correctly at first try. Be patient, take your time to see where the problem occuring and adjust accordingly.)
Bumper Re-install
With the covers installed, go and re-install the bumper using the reverse steps taken to take if off. check and insure that the bumper isnt out of line, sagging or showing any gaps. Also check that the new wires arent caught or pinched in the bumper and the lights are operating properly.
Once you’re completed the checks, you’re officially done.
Good Work! Give yourself a pat on the back.
Conclusion
For this install, the time it took was four (4) hours, even though I did it before. The reason for the time is due to the prep and paintwork for the grills (If your package comes with it). For Newbies and those who have to cut out the opening for their lights. Do expect to add an additional two (2) hours of work-time.
Having all the tools and workspace prepped cuts down on any lost time and makes the work seamless. Despite how long it took, it is a great reward when you see them light up, especially at night. The great pride and the feeling of accomplishment is something that can not be easily expressed with words but it’s totally worth it.
You are thinking of getting a project car, just like I have and so many men (and some women) have done but before you hastily buy a car or get ‘paralysis by analysis’ of choosing one, you will have to ask yourself a few questions first. It is only then that you’ll know if you can afford a project build or wait until you are able too. It is wise to have these answers beforehand as society will also ask you the same frequently, until it sounds like a broken record in your ears, as it is their way to determine if your new aspiration is just a harmless hobby, a way to express yourself, a sink-hole of a money pit or that you’re having illusions of grandeur.
The Questions to ask yourself is:
Time
Do you have the time to spend working on your car after work, on weekends and on holidays? We all as a species may be the same but our work and personal lives are not the same. What is being asked is whether your job requirement leaves you with any personal time for a project. The majority of the economic workforce works an 8-hours/40-hours work week, while others such as doctors, private contractors and government/military personnel can work up to 80+ hours work week and be required to be away from home for long periods of time. If you fall in the first category, then you can afford to spend 2 or more hours working on your project but if you are in the latter, then your project will require planning, advance preparation and unwavering determination on your part to at least work on it yet to bring it to completion.
There is a popular TV-show called ‘NCSI’. On the show, there’s this character named Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a former Marine Gunnery Sergeant, a thrice-divorced widower and the Supervisor of the Major Case Response Team, stationed in Washington, D.C. We all know what Agent Gibbs personality and work-ethics are like, therefore we don’t need to elaborate on that but the main thing that I want to bring to light is to what he does with his time at home. In the brief clips when guest visits Agent Gibbs house, whether it’s “ducky” or his Boss, it is shown that he is in his basement working on his boat. Imagine that, a busy, hard-working and decorated man as himself is building a boat in his basement. It’s crazy, isn’t it …but, it shows his determination and what he chooses to do with his time.
The other issue to consider is your family and social obligations. What I’m driving at is whether or not that you have a family that requires the majority of your time such as a wife, children, ageing parents …or in worst cases, are you the sole bread-winner in your family which depends on your wages to cover the bills?! Do you have any extra-curricular activities, such as college or on-line training, gym-training ?! Anything that takes up your time other than your work hours. If you do have such responsibilities the best thing to do is to create a written time schedule or download t your phone a time management app the will send you scheduled reminders to keep you on a ‘timely’ routine.
Space
Storage and a good working environment are critical in the process of your project build. You would need a place to park your project vehicle, as that area will be its home until you’re finished with the build. The best places to house your new project is in a fairly sizable car garage in which you have enough room to move around the vehicle without any impediment and no other vehicle needs to be a park in the spot of your vehicle. Small or crowded garages are not ideal as there isn’t enough room to freely move about the vehicle, especially if you need to remove or carry parts and tools. Be cautious when working in the garage as this is where most accidents happen. Insure that it is well light, so that you can see what you’re doing and ventilated if you’re working with chemicals or need to have the engine running.
A Paved driveway. If a paved driveway is all you have, then as long as it is level and it isn’t taking the space of another vehicle, it will be ideal. You should never try to jack up a car that is sitting on a slope! You also should never jack the car up on gravel! Take care not to drop any bolt on a slope or gravel as it will quickly become infuriating to find and clean afterwards.
The Yard, such as the front or back of your house is ideal, only, if the yard is your own (or you have permission from the owner/landlord or parents). The yard (or property) should be sectioned by a fence or a wall as you don’t want unwanted visitors to have easy access to your project vehicle. Also, the vehicle isn’t obstructing the flow of traffic and isn’t making the yard to look ‘junky’, if it does, you will hear lots of complaints by the female members of the family and the “concern neighbours” which can result in becoming the beginning of the end for your project. It is also good to have your project parked in an area that is shaded or can be shaded by erecting a make-shift tent or covering for shelter from the natural elements. There will be days when the sun will try to cook you alive and the rain clouds try to wash away all of your efforts. You will need some shade. If you don’t believe me, wait until summer comes around!
Remember, when you’re working in the yard to make sure you make provisions for catching spilled fluids, as they can damaged the environment.
If you have spare cash, a rented shop or storage unit may be ideal. If you are living in a situation mentioned above and don’t have the permission to work at your residents, then renting a space maybe your other option. People have always used storage units to store their belongings when they run out of space at the homestead. There have also been instances where husbands have rented storage units to hide their “toys” from the unsuspecting wives, so why should this should be any different for you. There is an ‘Upside’ and a ‘Downside’ for a storage unit and a rented shop space. The ‘Upside’ for the storage unit is that you can store your project vehicle, part and tools there. You can work there in peace without interference, leave and return again to pick up where you left off . For rented shop space, you will have access to the shop tools and experienced personnel, if you run into any mechanical difficulties. It’s also good to have access to a car lift which make working under the car much quicker and safer. The ‘Downside’ for both the storage unit and the rented shop space is that both may be charging you an hourly or daily rate, in which it can turn costly. Also, both the unit and shop have hours for operation in which you can go to do some work. This means that you’re unable to work on our project whenever or as long as you want.
Tools
Tool Kit
From the dawn of time man crafted tools to aid in the development of civilization. To work on your project, you will need some basic tool which is a socket set. If you’re working on a JDM vehicle, the basic tool you’ll need would be a 10mm, 12mm, 14mm (maybe 17mm) sockets, an extension and a driver to match. With these combination, the entire car could be stripped down to a shell within hours. The tools you would need are as follows:
Socket Set
Pliers and Wirecutters
Torque Wrench
Wrenches
Screwdrivers
Dead Blow Mallet
Work Light
Latex Gloves (or Mechanic Gloves)
Zip Ties
Multimeter
Impact Wrench
Lubricants and Cleaners
Drip Pan
Desiccant
Duct Tape & Electrical Tape
Factory Service Manuel (Or “How-To” Manuels)
You don’t have to buy everything at once or any of them at all. As you start on your project, you’ll know what tools you would need to complete the task. You can buy what you need or you can opt to rent the needed tools or borrow them from a good friend or neighbour. If you do borrow any tool, make sure to remember to return them immediately when you’re done. Many trusts were lost just because someone didn’t return tools back to the owner or even worst.. they loan the borrowed tools out to someone else who has not to return.
Experience
Society loves to know the extent of one’s capabilities, whether if it’s applying for a job or to offer someone a simple, yet true dating advice. The question will always be, “What do you know?!”. Having “experience” is only important if you are offering your service for a paycheck. The only thing that is important for you and your project is “knowledge”. Consider this for a moment. A baby growing to a toddler doesn’t instantly begin to walk, does it?! Just as the toddler who first have to gain the knowledge to walk, you have to do the same. To gain the knowledge you’ll need for your project, there are numerous of the way for you to obtain it, such as: taking a trade course or online course in mechanics, taking an apprenticeship or asking an expert for help or advice, or sourcing information from reputable YouTubers and “How to” books/manuals.
As for myself, I do find YouTube to be my source of information as it is a treasure trove of valuable content but do make sure to your research. With these videos, you can easily follow along with the instruction as you work on your project and complete it within hours. In the past, you would either would have to hire someone, or spend years in technical school/college but now you have all of this within a click of a button.
YouTube “How-To” Tutorials
I do have to iterate the importance of doing your research before you start to work on your vehicle. Whether you have chosen the YouTube route or the books, do keep in mind to make sure the content you’re viewing is from a reputable person, with “years of experience” in the field, they are giving advice on and that their content is in an easy to follow step by step fashion so as if you get confused on anything. If you do get confused, you can always go back to find out the answer. YouTube Reality and Your Reality are two separate entities. What the YouTubers may find easy to do with their no-problematic vehicle, the magic of editing and their top of the line tools, you will find it 2x harder with your rusted bolts and borrowed tools. Trust me, I Know, with cuts to prove it.
A Plan
Whether it is to build a dog house or to start a business, everything requires a plan and your project is no different. The sole purpose of your plan is to put your ideas to paper and with it, you’ll be able to know what is your whole vision for your project from start to finish. Your (written) plan should list everything that is needed for your project, such as to what work needs to be done to the vehicle, what parts are needed for the vehicle, what jobs that have to be outsource for the project and lastly the cost of everything. Once you have everything listed and the prices or estimated prices of everything, then you should be able to determine what you can do first or not at all by your Budget. Also, you should plan to build in stages as you won’t have all the finances to complete your build from start to finish, Unless your rich (unlikely not). With a plan set in stages you are able to see your progress and enjoy your accomplishment in the process.
A Budget
In Order to buy anything, you need to know how much it cost and how long will it take to get the funds to get it. This is also where the plan (mention above) comes into play as you’ll need to know the cost of the project car you’re aiming for and what all is required for it. The Budget will show you what you can afford from what you can not. Let us say, for example, that you what to build a turbo 4-cylinder sleeper that you can drive daily. The sleeper build can easily be achieved as the exterior of the vehicle will remain stock but there will be some parts you will need to achieve the horsepower such as upgraded fuel system, intake manifold, throttle body, turbo exhaust manifold, turbo kit with inter-cooler, etcetera and etcetera.
These parts are not cheap, even though you can do a cheap china build by buying all Chinese made parts from China but it will still cost you money than leaving everything OEM. For each and every part you’ll need for the project, you will need to know the cost of each item, then decide on how much money will be allocated from your paycheck (Or whether you going to borrow from your Parent, Grand Ma or the Bank) towards your parts list. It can be a fixed amount allocated from your paycheck after expenses each week or a percentage from your paycheck if you’re someone who works on commission.
The Budget will determine what items you can afford to purchase first and what items you will have to get in the future. By dividing the cost of the parts from your pay-check each week, you can determine how long it will take for you to save up the money for your parts. Also, It will also determine if you will need to create a second income or not. Sticking to a good budget will be the key to your success.
“A Budget Tells Us What We Can’t Afford, But It Doesn’t Keep Us From Buying It.” – William Feather
The Vehicle
Project Car
A project car build would be nothing without a vehicle or the idea of one. When you’re considering potential candidate for your project car, here are some questions you need to ask of your potential vehicle.
Is it inexpensive to purchase?
Is it easy to work on?
Is there a ready supply of technical literature and repair manuals for the vehicle?
Can it be fixed with common tools?
Can the parts be easily sourced?
Can you get help when needed?
Does the vehicle have the potential to increase in value? (It may not likely to happen, but it’s always good to make a profit if you chose to sell).
There is a reason why certain 4-cylinder vehicles and the straight 6-cylinder vehicles are popular with car enthusiast as these cover all of the above list, easy to work on and working on them makes the project a fun build without a heavy cost. But before you run to your friends to ask them if they know of some cheap cars for sale or source Facebook Groups & Marketplace for one, there are some things you should know and look for in the car. Firstly, How much money are you willing to spend? Is it $500 or $1000? This should should already be in your Plan & Budget. In any case, to buy a car for that price you should always believe that there is something wrong with it even though it is running and driving. Secondly, If the car you want is online, ask the owner for a picture. You want to see the full interior, the dash gauges, the entire exterior, inside the trunk and under the hood. What you are looking for is rust, body damages or anything that will cost you more than what the car is worth. If the car is for $500, none-running but the body and interior are in excellent condition, then it may be worth it as you can just do an engine swap but if its none-running and a rust bucket, then your answer should be a firm “No”. Remember, you just getting into the game. When you’re more experienced, then you can move up the difficulty level. After you have seen all of the pictures and have decided that the vehicle is a good deal, then it’s time to see the vehicle. When you go to see the vehicle, go with someone if you can. Having someone with you will give you security, peace of mind, another set of eye for the inspection and a leverage in case negotiations is needed.
You have already seen the pictures of the vehicle, went and inspected the vehicle with someone or your mechanic and you have determined the vehicle is worth the deal then it’s time to seal the deal but before you do you need papers. Make sure that the owner has the papers/title to the vehicle and that the VIN numbers match the VIN on the vehicle. If the owner doesn’t have the title proceed with caution. The last thing you need is legal problems. Presuming that the owner has the tile and everything is legit, then it’s time to pay. A safe way would be to do a e-banking transaction as this eliminate the need for you to have cash. Ask the owner if he accepts this method. If not, you need to pay in cash. If you have cash on you or have to go get some, always have it already counted and in an envelope. Having it in the envelope makes the transaction discreet, the other party doesn’t know how much cash you actually have on you and it forces the other party to count it. When you pay, make sure you get a receipt for payment. If the owner don’t have one, withhold payment until you get one and have them sign for payment. This is your proof in case a legal litigation. Its better safe, that sorry.
If you made it this far, then a BIG Congratulations to you. Pat yourself on the back and break out in dance (…after you get the car home). You did well.Summary
Summary
So, with that said. Having completed all of the questions/requirements, then I encourage you to get started. If you have not completed all of the questions/requirements, then the question to ask is “What is preventing me? ” The best time to start is ‘Right Now’, when there are great deals on the market and the economy and life is slow (post-Covid-19). The choice is yours. Whatever your choice may be, do what you love and love what you do!
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