Carl:
Not drugstore cowboys, way worse than that, Rednecks. Nix and I simply did not fit!
I didn't see anything in that shop even approaching Nix! They seem to cater to farmers and ranchers with Huge giant 4x4 pickups. While I waited, several 'regulars' fell by to chew the fat (and other things) which gave me a clue.

If I'd had any idea such a simple adjustment was needed or would make a difference, I would have done it myself beforehand. I'll know next time, you can be sure of that!!

Andrew:
There will be a Lot of making up for lost time! If I hadn't already made the appointment I'd Never darken the door again! They not only left greasy hand prints on Both fenders, they scratched one of them!!

Would they not think, with such a car in such a condition, that I would not KNOW each and every blemish? Where it is, when and how it occurred? They probably didn't even notice, certainly they never gave it a thought, considering the class of vehicles they're used to working on; where the owners not only don't know about knocks and scratches, they don't care!! The dog does worse every time he jumps in or out!

Next time they'll find they're dealing with a different woman. It's gonna be all business; no more Sweetness and Light. Of course, there's a fine line between making my disappointment clear and torquing them off so they damage something deliberately. I have a few days to decide what to say and how to say it. A brief hit & run seems to work better than a long, detailed harangue.
(';')

 

Best of luck on the next approach Elinor, apply whatever tuning tricks it takes (the "system" drives us to it sometimes!).

As for the rednecks, there's a common sub-culture in "Hicksville" everywhere. I reckon there's a requirement to sport as many scratches, dings and dirt cakes as possible on your pick up or mud plugger - sign of a real man apparently. Years ago we were passing through Hicksville Aus. when I heard a local checking out a shiny new Maserati (obviously owned by visiting city dweller) parked in the main street. Commented to his mate: "Geez, what the hell is that, may as well put a skirt on it".

Go get 'em LnrB!

Cheers,

 

Lnr sorry if you felt my comment was negative as have just been interested in your journey...........certainly no ill intended......good luck!

 

Negative comment? From you, Jim? Not Even!!

I went back and read everything posted in this thread for the past 2 days and I don't see any negative comments except mine about the SMOG shop.

I'm amazed how much interest is generated by all this, but that wasn't a negative response; merely reflecting surprise when compared to the Greater Scheme of Things.

No! Rest easy, Jim, I've never seen anything negative in anything you've ever posted.
(';')

 

Thanks Lnr my misread.....I certainly hope the Smog Gods are good soon!

 

LnrB:


Nope, a real Redneck would not behave like that. A badly applied term that has just grown. I don't have a term for the type of characters that you describe. if I did, it would not likely be printable.


The term arose in the SE USA. A hard working farmer, possibly or even probably a share cropper. Hitch up a team of mules to a plow. Dawn to dusk plowing a straight furrow Big overalls and a hat. But, no protection to the nape of his neck from the blazing sun. UV protection, unheard of....


My forebears did that....


So, never darken the portals of that joint again. I'm sure that you can fix the issue . Or find a shop of folks that can respect a lady. or any customer, for that matter...


Ugh.


Carl

 

Carl, I meant no disrespect to hard working farmers of decades past. I come from a long line of them.

Meanings of a lot of words have changed over time, not usually for the better. "Gay" doesn't mean "happy" anymore either.
(';')

 

LnrB:


I recognized that. Using the term does further it's misapplication. every tine I hear of it, I challenge it.


As you say, "gay" has changed meaning as well. I just don't like that either. I think I've improved in that area, but have a way to go. The whole LBGT thing irritates me. Just folks like all the rest of us, so why the big deal???


I'll stop. I have gone to far already. Not the proper forum for that stuff.


Jaguars and the like belong here...


Plenty of fodder there, huh???


Carl