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KTPhil Samba Member
Joined: April 06, 2006 Posts: 34023 Location: Conejo Valley, CA
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 2:55 pm Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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I started working on cars because although my folks bought us all our first car (used VW Bugs), we were responsible for insurance, gas, and maintenance. So of necessity, we did our own work.
Then I found out chicks thought being a mechanic was cool, and I was hooked!
I also discovered that most shops screwed up more than they fixed. That meant taking the car back one or more times and having an argument, wondering if they were sabotaging it in retaliation. So I figured it was less hassle (not just cheaper) to buy the tools and do it myself, rather than take it in. That's kinda still true!
I won't stop until I can't do it anymore. Probably drop down to just tune-ups in a couple of years. I'll probably never stop that; after all, one must "come to kindly terms with your ass for it bears you" and that will keep me in touch with how it is really doing. God willing, that will be a very long time, well into my 70s, I hope! |
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markswagen Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2018 Posts: 1040 Location: san diego
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 3:15 pm Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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kingkarmann wrote: |
I stopped when it was no longer bringing me joy..... |
this /\ happened a few times, when it did, l ither went back and learned a different trade, or l went travelling.
first time l got sick of wrenching for a living, l went and trained as a welder, hated that, so l went back to wrenching, next time l got fed up, l went and trained in engineering, sheet metal work etc, REALLY hated that, went back to wrenching, then l took 7 or 8 years travelling the world, and went back to wrenching, last time l got sick of it, l went and trained as an electrician, that's was OK, but by the time l got qualified, l wanted to go back to wrenching.
all of these trades, l think help me in my trade path as a mechanic.
today l still enjoy wrenching, but as all my qualifications are UK based and l live in san diego, l'd have to go back to school to get my qualifications transferred.
and l am
NOT !!!!!!!!!!! going back to school, l am too old that being nice in a classroom again. _________________ markswagen {mobile mechanic} san diego area all early VW's cared for.
619 201 0310 |
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Tram Samba Socialist
Joined: May 02, 2003 Posts: 22729 Location: Still Feelin' the Bern- Once you've felt it you can't un- feel it.
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 3:25 pm Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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Hmmmm. Interesting topic.
My plan is to stop heavy duty wrenching for others when I turn 70 (5 years). I have a pile of project cars that I'll either part out/ sell as is if I get a solid offer or will redo one on a yearly/ semi yearly basis and sell it when I get tired of it.
I'll still keep a hand in the field, though. I am a partner in an overseas classic German car shop and advise remotely on video calls. I also consult/ research originality and source parts for their builds. I won't get rich but it will be a nice supplemental income. I'll keep my hands active doing piece work- MFI pumps Diesel pumps, interior veneering work, refurbishing steering columns, etc.
Another thing I used to do often until the auto biz just got way too busy was restoring antique wind- up gramophones and phonographs, including replating of metal parts. It would be fun to start that back up. Not a lot of people left around doing it and I have original repair publications from the 1890s through the 1930s that I got at an estate sale in Ohio in the early 70s.
Health- wise, I feel pretty fortunate. I had a bad decade in the Teens- two back operations, removal of 18 kidney stones, two TURP prostate operations, and a "quickie" ablation procedure for out of control AFIB that turned into a six hour surgical ordeal.
But so far the 20s have been good. I have a few aches and pains but it seems like a new lease on life. I have meds for BP but that's it. I plan to enjoy it while I have it. _________________ Немає виправдання для війни! Я з Україною.
Bryan67 wrote: |
Just my hands. And a little lube. No tools. |
To best contact me, please use the EMAIL function in my profile |
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jinx758 Samba Member
Joined: October 04, 2014 Posts: 699 Location: Texas
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 3:38 pm Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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When I can no longer get under a car, I guess.
I'm 56, 5'-11&a half, &145lbs.
I was born with a malformed L hip socket, my R foot was pronated at 45degrees, & the toes on my L foot were resting on the shin (severe club foot). My L ankle was broken @ 6mos & put in a short leg cast. I had corrective surgeries at 6&7yrs.
Completely active with LL baseball, skateboarding, surfing, & Varsity Tennis in HS. Took me 1.5yrs to get approved for armed services. Was honorably-medical discharged since 1992. I've always had a limp but few notice it. Years of compensating has worn out my R knee & ankle.
I've never had a desk job but learned that a quality shoe or boot is worth the $$$.
In 2011 I broke my R hand at a job (#9 on a hand chart), 2mos in a cast with rehab. I have no endurance with repetitive twisting.
I can tell when the weather is gonna change for sure !
Many, many moons ago I started using kneepads. I use them all the time, everytime. Esp slogging through attics & crawl spaces doing HVAC & plumbing. I made a cushy pad from those pads cashiers stand on held together with HVAC spray glue. I use it under cars & the small one for flooring, tile, & etc.
My wife has spinal stenosis with 2surgeries so far. Eventually she will be fused from neck to butt. We keep a walker in both vehicles.
We all have our burdens & physical limitations.
Do what you can, when you can.
Recognize when your body says "HEY - that's enuff !"
I started changing spark plugs in 1987 out of necessity as I couldn't afford shop prices. Being able to give advice & help to others makes me feel warm & fuzzy inside. I've been wrong many times but thinking outside the box has worked more often than not.
I respect those that know more than me & if I don't know I will say so. Such as those that can weld or rebuild a transmission.
I feel fortunate that I'm active & mobile, many people struggle more than I do.
I admire them fully.
Everything in moderation... stay safe
jinx _________________ " It's not valuable unless you learn something from an experience. " Henry Ford
It's not unlike the same difference
You can't push a rope
VALVES (cold)
POINTS
TIMING
CARB (fully warmed engine)
SCRAPE ALL GROUNDS
My Craigslist rescued 100 footer :
1971 Standard Bug
1776cc dual port
034 distributor
38mm EGAS Carburetor |
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Cusser Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006 Posts: 31396 Location: Hot Arizona
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 4:40 pm Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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I'm 71, still do 98% of the maintenance our six vehicles and two homes. And I do occasional work on my two daughters' vehicles.
However, 2 weeks ago after I diagnosed a bad rear universal joint (staked type) on my 1988 Mazda truck (233K miles), decided to let a shop handle it, they shipped the driveshaft out to a specialty driveshaft shop. Three new universal joints, new carrier bearing, and balance (because it was staked type) set me back $831. With shop rates here in Phoenix area at least $175 an hour, I'll continue to handle most myself.
On the schedule is to replace the manual transmission gear oil and differential oil on my 1998 Frontier. And if the electrical glitch returns on my 1988 Mazda truck AC, to troubleshoot that (I have parts yard stuff on hand for that if necessary). _________________ 1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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Abscate Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014 Posts: 22681 Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 4:59 pm Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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I switched out specializing in Proctology and Urology when I realized I would never escape work both going and coming.
I thought I had fine motor skills from Anatomy until I met people in optical physics keeping 1000 optical elements aligned - the next level _________________ .ssS! |
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jspbtown Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2004 Posts: 5157
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 5:50 pm Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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Since my dx with terminal brain cancer 2 years ago I have been slowing down. After building several buggies and kit cars I have stopped all major projects. I went on to build several 70's vintage mini bikes which I essentially gave away for costs to several elderly gentleman who wanted them as wall hangars. I alos did a pedal car.
But those days are beyond me now. I still do the routine stuff like oil changes and brakes but I always have someone monitoring me because I easily forget if I did something like tighten a drain plug or put the oil in. As I do a task I tell that I have done it so when I start questioning myself later they can confirm that "Yes, you tightened the drain plug" for example.
The price they pay for cheap oil changes and brake jobs. |
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Tram Samba Socialist
Joined: May 02, 2003 Posts: 22729 Location: Still Feelin' the Bern- Once you've felt it you can't un- feel it.
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 6:01 pm Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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jspbtown wrote: |
Since my dx with terminal brain cancer 2 years ago I have been slowing down. After building several buggies and kit cars I have stopped all major projects. I went on to build several 70's vintage mini bikes which I essentially gave away for costs to several elderly gentleman who wanted them as wall hangars. I alos did a pedal car.
But those days are beyond me now. I still do the routine stuff like oil changes and brakes but I always have someone monitoring me because I easily forget if I did something like tighten a drain plug or put the oil in. As I do a task I tell that I have done it so when I start questioning myself later they can confirm that "Yes, you tightened the drain plug" for example.
The price they pay for cheap oil changes and brake jobs. |
A blob of paint on the plug or fastener when you tightened/ torqued is good. Ever wonder why our cars came with paint marks all over them? Clean off your mark at the next service, then mark it when it's done. _________________ Немає виправдання для війни! Я з Україною.
Bryan67 wrote: |
Just my hands. And a little lube. No tools. |
To best contact me, please use the EMAIL function in my profile |
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Dusty1 Samba Member
Joined: April 16, 2004 Posts: 1435
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 6:48 pm Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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KTPhil wrote: |
Then I found out chicks thought being a mechanic was cool, and I was hooked! |
I gotta admit I got way further with the wimmens with my wrenches and my mig welder than I got bein' the cool guy with a motorcycle and a guitar.
I met my last girlfriend at a VW swap meet. She's considerably younger than I am. I'm going to build her a Bucket List Bug so she remembers me when I'm gone.
KTPhil wrote: |
I also discovered that most shops screwed up more than they fixed. That meant taking the car back one or more times and having an argument, wondering if they were sabotaging it in retaliation. So I figured it was less hassle (not just cheaper) to buy the tools and do it myself, rather than take it in. That's kinda still true! |
Testify! I worked for a douchebag "VW specialist" whose ironclad policy is to rig your vehicle so you will be coming back. I'd like to out his thieving ass every time I'm on this forum. But... it turns out 42% of customers can't tell when they're getting screwed.
markswagen wrote: |
kingkarmann wrote: |
I stopped when it was no longer bringing me joy..... |
this /\ happened a few times, when it did, l ither went back and learned a different trade, or l went travelling.
first time l got sick of wrenching for a living, l went and trained as a welder, hated that, so l went back to wrenching, next time l got fed up, l went and trained in engineering, sheet metal work etc, REALLY hated that, went back to wrenching, then l took 7 or 8 years travelling the world, and went back to wrenching, last time l got sick of it, l went and trained as an electrician, that's was OK, but by the time l got qualified, l wanted to go back to wrenching.
all of these trades, l think help me in my trade path as a mechanic.
today l still enjoy wrenching, but as all my qualifications are UK based and l live in san diego, l'd have to go back to school to get my qualifications transferred.
and l am
NOT !!!!!!!!!!! going back to school, l am too old that being nice in a classroom again. |
If you can weld, turn wrenches and untangle wiring you pretty much have it covered. I'm a pretty good body and paint man as well.
There was a time when the world was filled with mystery and I didn't have a lot of confidence. That was maybe 50 years ago although it feels like yesterday. When I have to tackle a job I don't enjoy I remind myself of how many times I've already done similar tasks. I may complete individual tasks but I'm never "done with it". If something needs to be done I guess I need to do it.
Abscate wrote: |
I switched out specializing in Proctology and Urology when I realized I would never escape work both going and coming.
I thought I had fine motor skills from Anatomy until I met people in optical physics keeping 1000 optical elements aligned - the next level |
Surely you're joking. There's at least half a set of stand- up right there.
I momentarily considered becoming a proctologist. Didn't take long to realize I've seen a lifetime's supply of assholes already.
I can't recall compositing 1000 visual elements. That would be the studio across the street if anywhere.
Just for fun we would try to sync as many elements as possible on a hot summer night just to see what we could get away with before CMX crashed. Avid juggles a lot more a lot more easily these days.
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Manfred58sc Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2009 Posts: 3386
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 8:54 pm Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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I'll turn 60 in a few months , I'm still in good health over all and really thinking about this topic. I'm NOT spending a fortune on tools to work on newer stuff and I'm not taking on any really heavy work. I had a 92 year old customer really challenge my thinking ( as The Dude said "new shit has come to light"). He retired at age 65 and did the fishing/beer drinking with buddies for 6 months and watched them all die off. That scared the hell out of him so he took his retirement cash and built a good shop to do ACVW restoration. He told me he has not taken a day off in 25 years, no vacations. He works 4-6 hours a day and is in great health with no plans to stop.
Go till you blow, when you blow "oh no!"
Glen Plake ( extreme skiing legend) _________________ Fat chick owner/operator |
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jinx758 Samba Member
Joined: October 04, 2014 Posts: 699 Location: Texas
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 10:54 pm Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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Maybe not so much about wrenching but about stopping :
My Dad turns 84 in July. He worked as a computer programmer for 34yrs. They offered him early retirement in1993 without penalties when he was 59.
He said "Where do I sign" ? - ! ! !
He used to be fairly active ; basketball, softball, & property maintenance before building most of his retirement house from '95 to '98. Afterwards he kinda hit a wall, spending increasing time in a big comfy chair.
Now he's dependent on a walker & even showering is a task.
Just wanted to say don't stop moving whether it is a local Tour deFrance or a few laps in the living room.
WAY back in the day my Mamaw (his mother) started to get weak at age 85. She did water aerobics 2or3 times a week at the local Y. Darn it if she didn't have more energy that put a pep in her step (within reason). She made it to 92 before her stroke.
Nothing is for sure including tomorrow.
Move it or lose it ... stay well
jinx _________________ " It's not valuable unless you learn something from an experience. " Henry Ford
It's not unlike the same difference
You can't push a rope
VALVES (cold)
POINTS
TIMING
CARB (fully warmed engine)
SCRAPE ALL GROUNDS
My Craigslist rescued 100 footer :
1971 Standard Bug
1776cc dual port
034 distributor
38mm EGAS Carburetor |
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Abscate Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014 Posts: 22681 Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2024 4:33 am Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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I’ve learned to take the minutes to run through the job in my head and gather all the tools I need to stop the multiple car roll scenario.
My ladies all drive P80 Volvos so I’ve gotten pretty good with the brakes,struts, engine , and maintenance working on 5 cars with minor variations
I would love a lift but might go for the portable jack one if I can turn a few more tricks this weekend. _________________ .ssS! |
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Dusty1 Samba Member
Joined: April 16, 2004 Posts: 1435
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Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2024 6:43 am Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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Abscate wrote: |
I’ve learned to take the minutes to run through the job in my head and gather all the tools I need to stop the multiple car roll scenario.
My ladies all drive P80 Volvos so I’ve gotten pretty good with the brakes, struts, engine , and maintenance working on 5 cars with minor variations
I would love a lift but might go for the portable jack one if I can turn a few more tricks this weekend. |
Last Volvo I worked on was a V70. It's mostly like workin' on a Chevy except for the concentric rear brakes. I always thought a drum inside a disc was redundant and excessively complicated.
One of my riding buddies kicked the front wheel off a moving Volvo. He ended up in the ditch sayin', "Oww, oww, owie oww oww."
If Volvos could talk presumably it would say the same thing.
Subaru uses the same concentric rear brake arrangement as Volvo.
I brought up prostitution because it might be fun until you have to do it for a living.
Don't need a lift for ACVWs. They're flat on the bottom. There's nothing under there.
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oprn Samba Member
Joined: November 13, 2016 Posts: 12762 Location: Western Canada
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Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2024 6:50 am Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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Na, no matter how fun it is, if you have to do it all day every day it becomes just another job and the joy goes out of it. That has been my experience.
And no I was not in the sex trades! _________________ We had the stone age, the bronze age, the industrial age and now we are in the age of mass deception and mind control for corporate profit. (The mass media age) |
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61 BUS Samba Member
Joined: January 05, 2005 Posts: 692 Location: Tucson, Arizona
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Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2024 8:37 am Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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When they pull the wrench from my cold, dead hands. Activities like working on my old cars make me feel alive. _________________ 61 Bus, 71 Bus, 76 Beetle, 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth, 47 Plymouth Business Coupe, 58 BMW Isetta 300 |
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NJ John Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2007 Posts: 2237 Location: HdG, MD & NJ
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Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2024 9:12 am Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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I turn 58 next and my car interest and excitement is the same as when I was a teenager. Physically I’m still going strong. And I’ll probably go till I blow.
My Father basically dropped dead from covid and was still building cars. He knew his 51 Chevy pickup was probably his last project. He was right and never got to enjoy it.
I sometimes think about getting a modern factory hot rod or sports car. But I would probably still keep my classics and be wrenching on them. _________________ 1973 standard, yellow, lowered, 3” narrowed front, 1600 blo-thru turbo w/single dell 15.4@86, so far
11.41 et buggy. Long gone
Let’s go O’s! Let’s go O’s!
https://www.youtube.com/@AirSpooledGarage |
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Da TOW'D Samba Member
Joined: December 25, 2005 Posts: 1321 Location: Bella Coma Canada
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Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2024 10:14 am Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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Well I'll be 79 this year . With all the usual aches and pains.
I've stopped working on commercial fishing boat mechanical problems but enjoy sorting out the wiring problems.
I built my shop in the '80s with the intention of installing a 2 post hoist one day well it took 15 years of crawling on the floor then I bought a 10,000 lbs. hoist and that brought back the enjoyment of working in the shop.
I've still have a few people that I'll do automotive work for but now I just enjoy spending a few hours on my own projects. I have a 1962 Notchback and a 70 Ghia Convertible to keep me interested.
I enjoyed getting a worn out car to take apart so I'll pass my worn out carcass for the new doctors in training when I'm done with it.
Hank _________________ '57 type 1 Blackberry
'58 SC Ruf
'62 type 3 Notch
'92 Eurovan Willy DD
and NUTS |
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babysnakes Samba Member
Joined: August 19, 2008 Posts: 7111
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Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2024 11:15 am Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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Abscate wrote: |
I switched out specializing in Proctology and Urology when I realized I would never escape work both going and coming. |
I knew a psychiatrist that also practiced proctology. He specialized in odds and ends. |
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KTPhil Samba Member
Joined: April 06, 2006 Posts: 34023 Location: Conejo Valley, CA
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Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2024 11:20 am Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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babysnakes wrote: |
Abscate wrote: |
I switched out specializing in Proctology and Urology when I realized I would never escape work both going and coming. |
I knew a psychiatrist that also practiced proctology. He specialized in odds and ends. |
And politicians. |
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Dusty1 Samba Member
Joined: April 16, 2004 Posts: 1435
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Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2024 12:35 pm Post subject: Re: At what age did you stop or plan to stop wrenching? |
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NJ John wrote: |
I sometimes think about getting a modern factory hot rod or sports car. But I would probably still keep my classics and be wrenching on them. |
Yeah, but...
Your choices are new Chryslers that look like old Chryslers.
New Mustangs that look like old Mustangs.
New Broncos that look like old Broncos.
New Land Cruisers that look like old Land Cruisers.
New Camaros that look like old Hot Wheels.
New Corvettes that look like Pontiac Azteks. They were probably designed by the same styling team.
Built not bought:
Remember when you could open the hood and name every part you saw?
Remember when you actually could see the motor not just a snake pit of plumbing?
Remember when you could swap wheels and tires without having to mess with the stupid TPI system? If your ass is properly calibrated it will tell you when you have a low tire.
I paid $31k for my first house. I vowed to never pay more than that for a car.
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