A great Perspective on Modern Life

[TheEtaUnderdog]

That's how a lot of Baja and Formula programs are. I was on the Formula team at FIT 2 years ago, along with 13 other guys. When it came time to build the car, there were only 5 of us actually in the machine shop.

and that year the car actually drove, unlike previous years

[dsobering47]

I'd like to cue all the conversations I've had with customers on their late-model BMWs...

-"Oh, I didnt know you were supposed to change the oil"
-"Is this the right way for this to work?" (talking about rear DVD entertainment controls)
-"Thats not the alternator, is it?" (customer pointing to the DSC control unit)

Cars are appliances. They move people. Some move people in more style/luxury/opulence more than others. And then theres us....

[HarryPotter]

I'd like to cue all the conversations I've had with customers on their late-model BMWs...

-"Oh, I didnt know you were supposed to change the oil"
-"Is this the right way for this to work?" (talking about rear DVD entertainment controls)
-"Thats not the alternator, is it?" (customer pointing to the DSC control unit)

Cars are appliances. They move people. Some move people in more style/luxury/opulence more than others. And then theres us....

Pretty much sums it up nicely.

People these days make me sick honestly. I can't even deal with my deadbeat friends who have no idea how ANYTHING works.

The worst are the ones who THINK they know what theyre talking about yet just sound completely ignorant every time they open their mouths.

I have 3-4 buddies that can actually work on their cars. All my other friends don't know shit and have never turned a wrench.

My buddies 03 gti has gone through 2 clutches because he can't drive a stick. He says it's just cause vw's are like that, because that's what the dumbfuck at the dealer told him. He also tells me that first gear is supposed to grind when he puts it into 1st. Cause the dealer told him it does. Sliding the fuck out of your clutch isn't going to make it last very long, he's like a 16 year old girl with a manual.

[Stanley Rockefeller]

Picture this - driving your E30 in ten years from now - a true car with a soul among all those shapeless molds that look more and more like toys...

Funny you should say that...

I've been driving my rusty 92 Corolla to this job since I started last Feb. There were those owners of the newer e46's and x3's and a couple of x5's at my office.

Today one of the new x3's parked next to my e30. Funny how un-BMW the new stuff looks when compared to their roots. Kinda reminds me of the old Volvo's that LOOKED LIKE A VOLVO..now they could be mistaken for anything imagineable.

[payney8]

Just give it 10 years things are only going to get worse.

[kid325e]

That's some food for thought. Interesting read.

[CaptCanada]

Wow I never realized how lucky we were at my high school. Auto repair, Small engine repair, Welding, Auto paint, and Woodshop. If you want to include it electronics, but a real class that tought you how to build you own circuts, wire a house, and take apart anything.

The current direction we are headed looks bad, but there is still time before the avarage joe looks at even a screwdriver with amusment.

[DanMan68]

I totally agree, people these days have lost touch. I went into a parts store the other day asking about supplies to fix some rust on my car, and the guy kept asking me "are you doing this your self"? I mean duh, if I wasn't why would I be in the store.

Also, the hood on the A2 wasn't sealed shut. It was just more of a removable hatch.

[kamotors]

good read

[Alecs MacDonald]

Very good read. Who wrote this?

[SpecM]

I work for AAA road side assistance
.

cool, I work for AAA Car Care Center

[HarryPotter]

Try getting a belt for your car at any advanced auto or discount. If it's not the one in the computer they can't even figure out that you may need one that is irregular. They are really slow there.

Autozone is half decent.. The old man brought out like 10 different belts for me to choose from.

[1craze30]

That's why they are on that side of the counter. Right? I wonder why parts stores won't hire me. I know too much. Lol

[AlarmedBread]

I think even worse than the people who don't know how to do anything are the ones to do a halfass job. It really irks me when people hack shit together and act like they are awesome because of it. Just because you did it yourself doesn't mean it has to look like a total piece of crap.

Try getting a belt for your car at any advanced auto or discount. If it's not the one in the computer they can't even figure out that you may need one that is irregular. They are really slow there.

Autozone is half decent.. The old man brought out like 10 different belts for me to choose from.

There is no rule of thumb, it is all down to the individual. I have seen people who work at all types of autoparts stores who have no common sense and people who say "well, we don't have that exact part, but I betcha this one would work in a pinch".

This goes for mechanics too, there are some who are 'book smart' and some who have experiance and common sense to problem solve.

[imsotyerred]

Wow I never realized how lucky we were at my high school. Auto repair, Small engine repair, Welding, Auto paint, and Woodshop. If you want to include it electronics, but a real class that tought you how to build you own circuts, wire a house, and take apart anything.

The current direction we are headed looks bad, but there is still time before the avarage joe looks at even a screwdriver with amusment.

and the funny thing is that the majority of people would denounce that as 'useless knowledge' and 'just playing around' when you should be learning something 'applicable'

i'm not hopeful at all for the present/future