Vehicle Longevity

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Feb 24, 2021 | 07:38 PM

Sir Repairs Alot

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From: Southern Manitoba

Vehicle Longevity

I've been sitting here as I read a post about retrofitting an older 1988 Ford 302 into an older '50s truck or something of the like, and I ask myself, "How long until the late 80's to 2003ish versions of vehicles are sought after?" (yeah, I'm talking to myself again) because they can be worked with and made to run in more than it was installed. I see so many able units to give life to other than they were built with sent to the scrap yard. Scrap is worth more than the car running on the market sometimes and it bugs me.

Multiplexing garbage has wrecked the fabricators ability to use existing parts to make there creations, mechanics are now using a PC more than their ratchet. It's pretty wack where things are going. Ive tried to keep up but I'm just not into it anymore. Keeping up with the Jones is not fun anymore, nor desirable. Thanks for reading and/or replying!

Feb 24, 2021 | 08:17 PM

RLXXI

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From: Sportsman's Paradise

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Repairs Alot

Heh, burn out is not uncommon in this industry. I've gone from adjusting the dwell and carb to programming those multiplexed computer networks on wheels professionally for 40
+ years. Loving every minute of the transition but I started out learning computer repair and electronics/electricity at a very early age so it gave me an advantage.

I just can't get enough technology in the worst way, soon as the latest greatest comes about, I'm already dreaming of what's next.

It's like an addiction for me, the more I learn the happier I become. They say ya can't teach an old dog new tricks, they are full of crap.

Very exciting times indeed.

Feb 25, 2021 | 05:10 AM

JWA

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Joined: Aug 2010

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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Repairs Alot

Multiplexing garbage has wrecked the fabricators ability to use existing parts to make there creations, mechanics are now using a PC more than their ratchet. It's pretty wack where things are going. Ive tried to keep up but I'm just not into it anymore. Keeping up with the Jones is not fun anymore, nor desirable. Thanks for reading and/or replying!

Your choices become stay abreast with changes or abandon the business completely. Technology is NOT going away, auto mechanics skills need to change or find new work.

FWIW most of these changes have been somewhat slow coming to market so its not like we've gone from riding horses to 2021 vehicles that suddenly appear and demand repairs. As RLXXI says keeping up has been a choice, he's enjoyed the process and welcomes anything new. He's 100% you CAN learn new things IF the desire to do so is there. Too many fear they'll look bad for needing additional training but at nearly 70 y/o myself I'd welcome any supplemental learning I could find in my current industry. If I'm the oldest guy in the room or class who cares?

None the less you might want to give up auto repair if its past you by without updating your skills and learning.

Feb 25, 2021 | 09:54 AM

Sir Repairs Alot

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From: Southern Manitoba

I'm well aware

I've been here in this trade for 20+ years and know all about the changes and what it entails and what it takes to repair them. It's just a government control style tactic that takes a vehicle off the road sooner in it's life than that of an older not so technically advanced unit. Just dumb and controlled tactics that only hurt the consumer.

Feb 25, 2021 | 10:25 AM

RLXXI

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From: Sportsman's Paradise

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Repairs Alot

Vehicles today last longer than they did even 20 years ago. Much safer as well.

Mar 5, 2021 | 02:54 PM

chiefdave

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Joined: Oct 2011

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From: Warsaw

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLXXI

Vehicles today last longer than they did even 20 years ago. Much safer as well.

While that's true but they sure a boring. If I pull into a parking lot in my '20 no one pays attention but park in the same spot in the '49 or '62 the curious assemble.

Mar 5, 2021 | 04:00 PM

RLXXI

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From: Sportsman's Paradise

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefdave

While that's true but they sure a boring. If I pull into a parking lot in my '20 no one pays attention but park in the same spot in the '49 or '62 the curious assemble.

Boring?

What is this boring you speak of? lol TBH if I saw you pull into a parking lot with a classic like you have, I'd get out of my truck to go look at yours in a heart beat so I get what you're saying but modern doesn't have to be boring at all, the proof of that is in the picture above me thinks.