Restorer, Technician & Tinkerer – Ready to Level Up

Introduction

Hey everyone! My name is Raul Kolk, and today I’m turning 33—what better way to celebrate than diving deeper into learning? I’m a classic car restorer from Estonia, married with three kids, and I’ve been passionate about cars, mechanics, and technology for as long as I can remember.

Background & Early Influences

I grew up in a rural area, surrounded by tractors, chainsaws, and farm equipment. From an early age, I was drawn to anything with an engine, spending countless hours tinkering with mopeds, motorcycles, and whatever machinery I could get my hands on. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a mentor to guide me, so I had to figure things out through trial and error.

My love for cars was fueled by a mix of video games and movies—titles like Street Rod, Hot Rod, Need for Speed (up to Carbon and a bit of ProStreet), Juiced: Hot Import Nights, and Street Legal Racing: Redline were big influences. Films like The Fast and the Furious (up to Tokyo Drift), Initial D, and American Graffiti only made the passion grow. I also had a strong interest in computers and spent time experimenting with Game Maker and other programs that I can’t even remember anymore. My first real introduction to computers was through DOS, and ever since, I’ve enjoyed understanding how things work at a deeper level.

Professional Experience

I’ve worked in both small independent shops and larger dealerships, mostly as a body panel fabricator and technician, with diagnostics and electrical work being a natural extension of my interests. My main responsibilities include vehicle diagnostics, repair, maintenance, disassembly/reassembly, parts sourcing and replication, and problem-solving—electrical work is always something I take a particular interest in.

Currently, I restore classic cars for a private collection, where I also handle part sourcing, wiring repairs, and documentation research. I have access to repair databases like ElsaWin and AutoData, ETKA, not to mention the "Arrr" software available to everyone. I always strive to match or exceed OEM standards in any work I do, especially when it comes to wiring. Factory-crimped connections have set the benchmark for me, and I believe in using proper tools and techniques as guided by the OE manuals.

Education & Technical Interests

I studied automotive engineering at Tallinn University of Applied Sciences but had to put my studies on hold due to family commitments. Before that, I completed training as an automotive technician and diagnostic specialist. I've also taken courses in MIG/MAG/MMA/TIG welding, electronic component soldering (SMD & THT), and basic programming. While I don’t have official certifications in welding, I approach it with a deeper curiosity than just “melting metal together.” At some point, I want to get into TIG welding and refine my soldering skills further.

I’m particularly interested in wiring, reflashing, and advanced diagnostics. I have access to Bosch KTS560, various OEM diagnostic resources, and an oscilloscope. I also own Chinese clone versions of Kess and K-Tag with BDM kit. While many say these are only good for bricking ECUs, they’re cheap enough for me to experiment on low-value test units and gain some hands-on experience.

Projects & Future Goals

Over the years, I’ve owned a variety of cars and motorcycles, giving me first-hand experience with different platforms and technologies. Some of the vehicles I’ve had include multiple BMW E34s, Opel Senator A, Nissan Sunny 4x4, Honda Civics (3rd, 4th, and 6th gen), Ducati Monster 750, Suzuki GSX600F and R, Land Rover Freelander, Citroën Berlingo, Alfa Romeo 159, Mazda MX-3 Precidia, and four Mazda 929 HB coupes among others —along with a stockpile of spare engines and parts.

My long-term goal is to set up a home garage where I can work on my projects without time pressure. I’m particularly interested in wiring solutions, reflashing, and performance modifications. I prefer modern fabrication methods like 3D scanning, printing, CNC machining, and laser cutting whenever possible. It’s frustrating when tasks that could be done efficiently with the right technology are instead completed through tedious manual labor.

I’m here to learn, exchange knowledge, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts who push the boundaries of automotive performance and engineering. Looking forward to diving deeper into tuning, fabrication, and all things technical!

Cheers,

Raul