Good luck. I turned a love of wrenching, although only in high school and college, into IT work. While its not exactly the same, I still troubleshoot, think, design things... but at least I'm mostly clean and work usually has AC.
I still do a bunch of side work and get involved in way to many projects to keep my feet wet. Nice thing is I can turn down work I dont want and us it only for fun $$.
Tons of opportunity in IT security in NoVa/DC, especially if your can get cleared.
Excellent move!