Re: [FWDLK] The Real Idiots in the Old Car Arena

[Brent Burger <cgico@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

  

On Feb 17, 2012, at 11:27 AM, Jim Bennett wrote:

Talk about idiots.....

 

Conversation at Local Parts Store between me and whiz kid 18 year-old behind the counter.....

 

Me: "What have you got in the way of a voltage regulator for a 1955 Chrysler New Yorker?"

 

Whiz Kid (after tapping on computer keyboard): "Chryslers were not made in 1955."

 

Me: "Well, what gave you that idea?"

 

Whiz Kid: "Computer says there is no entry for Chrysler for that year."

 

Me: "So what is that car that I drove into the parking lot?"

 

Whiz Kid: "Beats me, but it can't be a 1955 Chrysler."

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  I was having a philosophical conversation the other day regarding the "disconnect" we, the public, are encouraged to have regarding the 

world around us.  In car terms, this might be exemplified by the lack of character and disposable approach to modern cars, the focus being

on how we have been collectively "dumbed down" to not be discerning and accepting of this as "normal".  To the vast majority, a car is a car 

is a car.  To my grandfathers, this thinking would have drawn a raving rant.  Somewhere along the line, we have taken a collective "left turn"

in our culture, and at least to this observer, I do not think it was just by happenstance.  There is profit and power to be had in a numb and 

undiscerning public.

  To observe the kids around me with M-4's slung around their necks, going out on patrol, only to come back in to base and discuss video 

gaming is a bit disconcerting.  I got guys right beside me that "get" the whole discipline of combat and mission, yet have a total disconnect

about what constitutes real, tangible life.

  I would expect no different from a kid behind the parts counter.  I learned 30 years ago that to ask for a DeSoto part drew the same response

from NON-kids.  Ask the same question about a "Chrysler" or "Mopar" part, and they'd have no issue finding it.  So, perhaps that was the 

beginning of the disconnect for our little slice of the world (?).

  But disconnected souls and outright douchebags are two different animals.  I deeply regret not having the means at the time to capture the 

assbags on film telling me that my 57 NY'er coupe and 58 Fireflite ragtop were of no "value", except as parts cars for a good 300 project.  Today

this seems laughable, and is the reason I wish I had it on tape.  Guys today would be as much into these cars as they would be 300's, but the 

same douchebag behavior persists with some who seem to lack any sensibility that others might not share their "only ONE 'right' way" perspective

and really aren't interested in a berating (however well intentioned) about how "stupid" they are or what a waste of time their car of choice might

be.

  The whole issue boils down to being respectful and using that "filter" to pick up on when one has a willing audience or not.  I mean, if some guys

turns around and wants to hear about how incorrect his car is, .... maybe he has been looking for a good mentor ? ...  then by all means, let the 

show begin !  But the guy who just labors on about his "my way or the highway" approach  ....  as they commonly say in the military ..  shut the 

fxck up !

  There is a balance in there somewhere.  I know I am pretty much done with ever showing my car/s again.  Car clubs and functions pretty much 

suck ass, in my book.  I just have my selected friends and contacts in the hobby, and I like to wrench on and drive them.  My biggest pleasure 

outside of this is seeing people smile when they see the car.  Sometimes the stories of an uncle or grandad are worth their weight in gold.  But 

with that lot come the know-it-alls and douchebags, and it sends the whole argument spinning again.

  Oh well.  :-P   I am with Adam.  People are axxholes by nature, and to weed out the ones with some manners can be a bit trying.  I try to have 

fun with the idiots, and find joy in the sweet ones.  The most effective way I have found in keeping the assbags at bay is keeping my distance 

from the organized car shows and clubs.

  Burger

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