Driving a muscle car is the best way to see its glory. Pontiac offers a wide range of models so you can have fun while driving fast. These classic American cars include the Pontiac GTO, Oldsmobile 442 convertible, Firebird Trans Am, and Catalina 421. You'll find out what makes these vehicles so desirable. This article will give you a great overview of these models.
Pontiac GTO
Pontiac has a long history of making classic muscle cars, and the GTO is no exception. John DeLorean designed the GTO, a sports coupe. He would go on to design the vehicles 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. Although originally a manual-steering car it was restored 10 years later by its previous owner. It features a Posi rear end, a 400 ci engine and front and rear sway bar. Rare find like this could fetch almost $300,000.
Firebird Trans Am
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, a mid-sized Pontiac car that was produced from 1967 to 1971, was the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. The 7.5-liter engine produces 335 horsepower and 480 lb-ft torque. Camaro and Firebird were created to rival the Ford Mustang's pony car segment.
Catalina 421
The 421 engine from the Pontiac muscle cars of the 1960s is a prime example of the engine's power. It had an aluminum intake manifold, Mickey Thompson cylinders, and a solid lifting camshaft. The engine produced 410 horsepower and weighed three thousand thirty-eightlbs. The 440 was equipped with dual four-barrel carburetors as well as a heavy-duty rotating unit. It also had a lightweight flywheel and an aluminum intake manifold. The Catalina 421 was equipped with a Carter AFB carburetor, an aluminum tail section, and an aluminum intake manifold.
Bonneville
Both the Pontiac Bonneville (and Catalina) were canceled following 1981's model year. Sales were already declining and many people had switched to smaller, more efficient cars due to the second energy crisis. Pontiac also discontinued its 301 engine. Instead, Pontiac used Chevrolet engines. These cars were the last to be manufactured by GM.
FAQ
What are the requirements of an automotive technician?
You must have high school, or GED, and be able to read and write well in English and math. Additionally, you will need to be proficient in reading and writing. To be allowed to work, you must pass a written and practical test.
What is the best career for an automotive mechanic?
For those who are passionate about excellence, automotive is a rewarding industry. You can only succeed in this field if you work hard and learn from others.
Communication skills are important as customers and coworkers will often be your main focus. You should also be willing to travel and work long hours, making commuting difficult.
If you are interested in a career working in automotive, then consider attending classes at community colleges. Many schools offer programs specifically designed for students interested in auto repair, sales, or customer service.
You should choose to study mechanical engineering if you want to get a degree. You can earn a bachelor's in as little four years.
Many employers will also hire graduates straight from school. Therefore, it is a good idea to look for employment while still pursuing part-time studies.
After you complete your education, you may need to undergo some type of training before you can become an automotive technician.
You will need to pass the Automotive Service Excellence certification exam. This test covers topics such engine maintenance as brakes, steering, suspension, etc.
Once you have passed the ASE Test, you are eligible to apply for a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence License.
A license permits you to repair private vehicles. You will be compensated based on how many services you performed.
Not all states require licensing. If you intend to work in another state, however, you will need a license.
Some states will not issue licenses until an individual has completed certain training. If this is you, you may need another option.
What are the different types of jobs available in car mechanic?
Car mechanics can find work in three areas:
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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 actually the easiest way to start. You can either work at a shop owned by someone else or set up your own business.
If you are interested in working at a shop you will need to apply for membership to a union. Once accepted into the union you will be trained by the union.
After completing the training, you'll be ready to start work.
You will need to register if your garage is going to be open. Once you have registered, certain standards will be enforced.
After you register, you will be granted a license for your garage to operate.
Your license allows you to sell spare parts and make minor repairs. It won't permit you to fix serious engine problems.
Apart from selling spare parts, customers will also expect you to provide guidance and advice.
Dealership jobs
Most dealerships employ mechanics who specialize in one area of the car. They might be able to only fix brakes or replace tires.
Some dealerships hire general mechanics to handle all aspects of car repair.
Some positions require that applicants complete training before they can be allowed to work. Employers can then choose the best candidates for their job.
Some dealerships even recruit graduates straight from university. These graduates are familiar with the fundamentals of mechanical engineering so they can easily learn about cars.
Independent garages
Independent garages don't belong to any particular dealership. Instead, independent garages tend to concentrate on providing high-quality services.
Independent garages can pay higher wages because they aren't associated with any company. These jobs generally pay better than those at dealerships.
However, independent garages may not be better places to work. Many owners prefer to control their businesses themselves, rather than delegating it to employees.
This could lead to you working long hours with little control over your day.
You should also expect to earn lower wages than if you were employed at a dealership.
There are many jobs that can be switched between. Ask your employer if you would like to work as a mechanic at a dealership.
Or, if your dream is to work for an independent garage you can contact the owner directly.
The bad news is that finding a new job isn't always easy. Many other factors can also influence the amount you earn.
It could be the type and cost of labor you use to repair your vehicle.
What's the difference between a mechanic and an automotive technician?
Both are related, but they are not the same. A mechanic repairs cars and an automotive technician performs maintenance.
A mechanic must possess good manual dexterity, and be able perform simple tasks efficiently. They should be able to accurately diagnose problems and repair them efficiently.
An automotive technician is required to have more technical knowledge than a mechanic. They need to be able use tools such drills and wrenches, and read blueprints.
They must also be able to carry out complex procedures safely. They must be familiar with all types of electrical and engine systems.
They must also understand the interplay of different parts.
This means that mechanics usually make less money than automotive technicians. Both careers have many options.
How do I prepare to be a mechanic apprentice?
It is vital to be able to comprehend what you are doing. You need to understand the mechanics of cars and how they work. You will be able to know exactly where to begin when you arrive at the garage for your first day.
You will also need to learn how to fix simple problems like tires and broken lights.
You will be able to diagnose and repair problems yourself.
Also, it is important to know how parts fit together so that you can put them back together.
Finally, be proficient in using tools safely and efficiently.
All of these factors will allow you to become a skilled mechanic.
Statistics
- 52% of Mechanics in the United States think their salaries are enough for the cost of living in their area. (indeed.com)
- 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)
- Apprentice mechanics earn significantly less hourly than mechanics who have completed training, with a median wage of approximately $14.50 an hour, according to PayScale. (jobhero.com)
External Links
How To
How to become an Automotive Technician
An automotive technician performs repairs and maintains vehicles. He/she works at automotive shops, garages or service centers. He/she helps customers fix their cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, lawn mowers, snowmobiles, tractors, trailers, farm equipment, planes, helicopters, jet skis, watercraft, bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, golf carts, etc. An automotive technician must be capable of diagnosing problems and making repairs safely, accurately and efficiently.
To become an automotive technician, a person must first earn an associate's degree from a vocational college. After completing the program, he/she must pass ASE certification. ASE stands for American Society of Mechanical Engineers. There are two parts to the ASE certification exam. One section tests knowledge of mechanical components, while the other section tests skills in practical areas. To pass the test you must go to one of the authorized testing facilities. These locations can be found online, or by contacting your local car dealer.
After passing the exam, a candidate must take a state exam before being licensed as an automobile technician. This process can vary depending on where the applicant lives. Some states require applicants to take a training course while others allow them the freedom to study on their own. In addition, some states license technicians immediately after they receive their license, while others wait until they have completed at least six months of employment as an automotive technician.
To become an automotive technician, one must apply at a local dealership. Most new employees work as apprentices after they have been hired. Apprenticeship programs typically last three to four 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. Some students are able to perform more advanced repairs such as replacing shocks and installing air filters. Schools offer classes during business hours. Some schools also offer evening classes when needed.
Once a student is done with his/her apprenticeship he/she can become a master journeyman. Journeymen typically spend four to five years learning how to install major systems, such as transmissions, differentials, steering gear, suspensions, and drive shafts. You will also learn how to repair complicated electrical components, as well as how to remanufacture engines and rebuild transmissions. Because they have a good understanding of the job and what customers expect, many employers prefer to hire journeymen.
After passing the exams, candidates may be eligible to open their own shop if they pass all requirements. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2010, nearly 1.7 Million automotive mechanic jobs were available. This figure is expected to rise 18 percent between 2009-2020. If a candidate decides to open his/her own shop, he/she should prepare to invest many thousands of dollars in equipment and supplies.
There are many factors that affect the salary of an automotive technician, such as where they live, their education and experience. An average salary for a jobless individual is $20,000 per annum. 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 earn approximately $27,000 per year. The average annual salary for those with master's degrees was $32,000. A common trend is for salary increases to occur so a professional making less than $30,000 can reasonably expect to be earning $40,000 or more within a few years.