Brake energizer kit questions

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Dick Steinkamp

I disagree with your disagree

I was a young, broke 15 year old in 1962 with no mechanical skills when I got my first Model A. A 30 coupe that was in pieces. I read everything I could get my hands on about As. I joined the local club and networked with other helpful owners. I used my father's rather poor set of tools and borrowed those I didn't have. I earned the money to buy the parts I needed to put it back together.



I became a "car guy". I've restored (or hot rodded) over 30 vehicles (including 2 other Model As). I've taken 2 of those cars to the Grand National Roadster Show. If I had waited until I had the skills, tools and $$ to buy my first A, my lifelong avocation would probably be golf or bowling.

Times were different back then Dick. Less of a litigious society -and your skill set & resources, -albeit maybe limited by standards back then were still far greater then than the typical mechanical mindset found today.


I am not saying all of this just to blurt out a harmful opinion or to place judgment on people. Its just my observations. I honestly see/experience this 2 -3 times a week, ...not just on some random occasion. I field technical calls through my line of work from people who call us with a problem asking for advice, -and when you ask them questions and start giving (free) advice, I find they do not have any tools to work with nor do they have any books or manual to read. People today don't read like you did back then. I find they really just want someone to explain it to them ...yet they don't take notes on what I am saying nor do they seem to follow directions well. I will give them 3 or 4 things to do/check by phone and tell them to contact me back after they have completed those items. When I inquire afterwards, I often find they did not follow my instructions. I try to be polite but it honestly is a different mindset today. People don't try to figure things out for themselves these days. They often are looking for a simple solution to barely get by. Probably one of the most frustrating excuses I hear is "I just want a driver, so it doesn't need to be perfect like a show car."


You guys feel free to disagree with me all you like, as it really changes nothing for either side, however I am done commenting on this topic.

[Russ/40]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

You guys feel free to disagree with me all you like, as it really changes nothing for either side, however I am done commenting on this topic.

Brent, I can relate to your frustration. It's got to be difficult dealing professionally with people who want you to think for them, without compensating you for your knowledge or time. Personally, I often run into people who to me, should not own an old car. They rely on other people, taking them for granted. I will help anyone, as long as they are willing to invest there own time, money, and, or, personal effort for self study. But, I do have a soft spot for the sincere enthusiast who rewards not with money they don't have, but with an appreciative attitude, and relationship that is rewarding in ways other than money. I can do that but then, I dont have to make a living doing it.