How old is too old

Age is only a number. Really it is how old you "feel" and how in shape. As mechanic's work is hard, and I am sure big rig mechanic's work is even harder. If you feel health and fitness wise you are in shape. I say go for it. I've seen 30 yr olds that were in worst shape than 70 yr olds and vice versa.

 

You'll get used to it. This isn't 1976 anymore where you gotta muscle everything around. Any good shop will have jacks, dollies, crane, hoist etc.

 

Hardest part will be learning how to pick up, move, and hold heavy parts while bolting them in place without hurting your back.
You will need 3-4 hands at times where only 1 will fit.

 

Well, your definitely a geezer, but I'd go for it anyway!

 

I know guys in their 70's that still wrench/weld part time. They aren't exactly the picture of health but considering they worked half their careers with virtually no safety standards (asbestos/dust, welding fumes, solvents on bare skin, muscleing around parts etc) they are doing very good. Find a company that takes worker health seriously, wear the proper gear, work smart and you'll be fine.

 

Forget the age number.

Im still 18 at times on good days. Thats scary to consider. Mid 50's now and battling a number of medical wear and tear from trucking with spare parts on the skeleton when required. (Ugh..) I sort of refuse to acknowledge my limitations in spirit and morale, but there are days I should not do anything. Fortunately not too many bad days as that.

Age is just a number. However. In trucking school long ago, one old instructor in his 60's told us we have one spine and thats it when it quits. One of another instructors lost his spine in front of me at my gas station one bad night. Lifting hose one too many times. snap ow and back home he went probably finished as a driver close to 50 himself. I think about him now and then, he was a quiet instructor. A good one. If anything, if you heard from him you are in trouble. LOL.

 

Refrigerated trailer mechanic might be a good alternative. Those have smaller diesel engines.
Here's one reference and there's plenty of others.
How to Get Training to Work on Refrigerated Trailers | The ...
https://www.theclassroom.com/training-work-refrigerated-trailers-7622160.html
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REEFER TRAINING - Thinkific
https://reeferworks.thinkific.com/courses/preventive-maintenance-training
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Videos of Refrigerated trailer engine mechanic training