WARNING: Theres some car talk in this post, but you dont have to know anything about cars to appreciate it
Work ends, and Im blowing home on 280. Suddenly, the car quits in mid-flight. Im in the second lane, but somehow I manage to glide it over to the shoulder without getting killed.
I drive a 1966 Volkswagen Bug. When I first got it in 1986, I didnt know diddly about cars. It was cheap, teenage transportation. But between then and now, Ive become pretty handy at it. I do pretty much all of the work myself, including dropping a new, more powerful motor in it several years back. I tell you, once youve done that, there is NO mystery left in the internal combustion engine.
So there I am on the side of the road, hood propped up, trying to figure out whats wrong. And let me tell you, Silicon Valley rush hour traffic is NO JOKE. These people drive their SUVs and dented Lexuss FAST, with seemingly NO CARE for anyone else on the road. So Ive got my head on a swivel, trying to look at the engine and also behind me, to make sure no cars are going to make me a grease spot. (Remember, the Bug engine is in the back)
Ive got gas, so thats not it. Carburetor or fuel pump? I mess with them, then try the key; nuthin. Distributor? Probably not, but I check it anyway. I was right; still nuthin.
Im a bundle of please-dont-plow-into-me nerves, when suddenly an orange Bug (72, looks like) pulls up in front of my car. Out jumps an old guy with a pot belly and long white beard.
Whats the trouble?
It quit on me.
Outta gas?
Nope.
Lets have a look.
So we both crouch in front of the engine compartment, and his calm mind spots the harness wire that worked itself free from the coil. I grab a pair of forceps from my little black bag, and clip the wire back on. I try the key, my car roars to life, and as the old guy jogs back to his, he gives me the thumbs up. Then I find a nice, mellow parking lot and do a proper job of fixing that wire (I ALWAYS carry a full set of tools).
Im sure Ill never see that guy again, but I know hes everywhere. Its the brotherhood of vintage VW owners, and we look out for each other.
Work ends, and Im blowing home on 280. Suddenly, the car quits in mid-flight. Im in the second lane, but somehow I manage to glide it over to the shoulder without getting killed.
I drive a 1966 Volkswagen Bug. When I first got it in 1986, I didnt know diddly about cars. It was cheap, teenage transportation. But between then and now, Ive become pretty handy at it. I do pretty much all of the work myself, including dropping a new, more powerful motor in it several years back. I tell you, once youve done that, there is NO mystery left in the internal combustion engine.
So there I am on the side of the road, hood propped up, trying to figure out whats wrong. And let me tell you, Silicon Valley rush hour traffic is NO JOKE. These people drive their SUVs and dented Lexuss FAST, with seemingly NO CARE for anyone else on the road. So Ive got my head on a swivel, trying to look at the engine and also behind me, to make sure no cars are going to make me a grease spot. (Remember, the Bug engine is in the back
)
Ive got gas, so thats not it. Carburetor or fuel pump? I mess with them, then try the key; nuthin. Distributor? Probably not, but I check it anyway. I was right; still nuthin.
Im a bundle of please-dont-plow-into-me nerves, when suddenly an orange Bug (72, looks like) pulls up in front of my car. Out jumps an old guy with a pot belly and long white beard.
Whats the trouble?
It quit on me.
Outta gas?
Nope.
Lets have a look.
So we both crouch in front of the engine compartment, and his calm mind spots the harness wire that worked itself free from the coil. I grab a pair of forceps from my little black bag, and clip the wire back on. I try the key, my car roars to life, and as the old guy jogs back to his, he gives me the thumbs up. Then I find a nice, mellow parking lot and do a proper job of fixing that wire (I ALWAYS carry a full set of tools).
Im sure Ill never see that guy again, but I know hes everywhere. Its the brotherhood of vintage VW owners, and we look out for each other.
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