https://www.wired.com/story/vintage-...r-way-of-life/
(';')

 

Anything that old is simple to fix/maintain, not a computer in sight, whoopee.

 

LnR,
I have just read the article in your link. I was very taken by it, but particularly by the final paragraphs (reproduced below), which so perfectly describe our happy forum, my own learning experience from other members, and our cars. It also gives me a little hope for the future that self-reliance is becoming more prized. I SO hope that is true for the younger generations.

"The bus will never not need fixing. But my relationship with it has changed. I no longer look at the engine in awe and mystery. Nor do I look at it with perfect, go-it-alone mastery. I know what all the parts do. I don't know everything that can go wrong, and I don't always know what to do when it does. But I have the thing I've come to prize the most—the relationship with my fellow shade tree mechanics and car enthusiasts. It isn't just me turning my own wrenches that I rely on; it's everyone who turns their own wrenches.

It isn’t just wrenches either. We are in the middle of a repair revival. Other repair gurus are out there helping the next generation. Sewing groups hold “mending days” where you can get your clothing repaired, and learn to do it yourself. A luthier friend of mine has apprenticed under a master and now helps others learn how to build and repair guitars. Another friend who started out buying and repairing bicycles for fun now regularly runs workshops for people to learn how to repair their own bikes. All around the country there are local fixing groups. Check the bulletin boards in your community and you’ll likely find someone organizing a repair group.

The community of people who repair things is an interesting group, perched on a curious dichotomy. We are, by and large, people who prize self-reliance. Whether that spirit grows out of economic necessity, pure enjoyment, or something else, it is essential to the ethic of repair. At the same time, the community is very hierarchical, which means those of us near the bottom must learn from those above. Self-reliance alone tends to make you isolated and either snobbish (if you think you're good) or intimidated (if you know you're not). The only way out of these predicaments is to connect with other people who know more than you. In the first case they'll quickly put you in your place. In the second, they'll lift you up to where they are. "

 

90 % of self reliance is "Showing Up".
I have no respect for those, who perform repairs & restorations with a check or a credit card, unless it was used to buy tools & hand cleaner.

 

A bit harsh, don't you think?

I do tons of DIY stuff. Still, I pay others to do what I don't want to do, or don't have time to do. Or things that a clearly beyond my skill and experience level.

I see no shame in it.

Once before I die I'd love to be in a position to do a checkbook restoration ! Not likely to happen, though !

Cheers
DD

 

If I won the lottery (unlikely if I bought a ticket, even less as I never have), I'd buy my own repair shop, employ some good people, and do a cheque book restoration hands on!

 

Thank you for your thoughts, But...
Nix's Previous Owner waved his checkbook and a Lot of cash at Professionals, well known in 1986, who did Resto-versions all the time, Knew the Ins and Outs of stuffing a small block Chevy into a 1970s Jag body, making it all work and getting it blessed by BAR. From what I have found in the 10 years of my ownership, they did a pretty good job. I'm glad husband bought me a finished car. (I only had to deal with 10 or 15 years of Neglect)

I'm vary glad for you if you've never had to pay for outside help; I really am. That probably described most of us at one time. But for many of us, our circumstances have Changed so that for one reason or another, either time constraints or domestic complications, we are simply Not Able anymore,
So we hire it done. I'm not ashamed of that.
(';')

 

I have found that Most of those who already know, enjoy Teaching those who don't.
(';')

 

Helping, not teaching, LnR!

 

As one who started wrench turning in the mid-60s, I now leave it up to younger guys to do. My wrenching inlcuded rebuilding an Ariel Square Four motorcycle, and engines of a few other bikes. Being British bikes, wrenching was very often needed ! I then did serious wrenching rebuilding a Mark 2, an almost-rebuild of an XJ6, and service and repairs on other cars, before deciding this was enough for one life !

 

What about those who have the knowledge, but who are physically unable to do the work anymore? I know someone who has early Parkinsons Disease who is still able to drive, but lacks the fine motor skills to get a nut on a bolt anymore, or put a small screwdriver on a screw in an awkward place. He'd love to be able to do the work like he used to, but simply can't anymore.

 

I'm afraid that day of reckoning is coming for us all. Some sooner then later.

Jack

 

that’s a fact jack!!!
lol, sorry couldn’t resist, but it is indeed a fact, I have spent years doing heavy work, and never thought twice, I knew when something was too heavy, and got help! Was down from December until
a Couple of weeks ago, I hurt myself putting Christmas decorations back In the attic!!! Getting old is no joke, and neither is recovering from a surgery as you get older, and I’m only 55!!!

 

At 78 I am very aware of reaching physical limitation, but that is different from being 30 or 50 years younger & proud of work others did for you, claiming it as your own.

 

AHA!
You weren't clear about that before; Buying the work and then taking credit for doing it oneself.
Rather than say, "I had this done," say "I did this."
Yes. Big difference.
Thank you for the clarification.
(';')

 

There are car enthusiasts at all income levels. I would say most are average guys, some girls, who, if they want something like a Jag, Rolls, Aston, etc must do it themselves. As time goes on we relinquish work to others until we are forced to let go. Very few Jay Leno's in the world with both money & dirty hands.

 

I agree...I am more than capable to do most anything on my car. However, as I lack both a proper workspace and most all the special tools that allow one to do it right without wasting hours just to do a half-assed job, I gladly pay someone to do it for me. Basic maintenance and repairs are one thing, but yanking the engine to re-sleeve the block is simply out of the question, given my resources.

 

I'm 73 and now getting very worried about this physical limitation barrier I will face at 78.

Graham

 

I could never afford a Jag if I had to pay a shop to keep it going.

My roots are in the muscle car world. I left that hobby for a few years and, when I returned, it was wayyyyy too expensive for me. Nice old Jags, OTOH, could be had for peanuts....and made for very enjoyable hobby cars. And, relative to many other choices, they're still a great choice for a hobbyist on a budget.

Cheers
DD

 

I'll add a "plus one" to Doug's comment on not affording to pay shop rates to do all the things I want to do to the Jag. That extra incentive to do my own work is my outright aversion to anyone else doing the work. Very little good has come from most of the work I've farmed out.

I too, cannot afford to even test drive the muscle car of my dreams, but my Jag does a very good job of standing in for that automotive unicorn.

Dave