Please visit my new, improved website!

>> Wildermuth Creative Portraits <<

  • Just Call Me Jerry’s Kid

    October
    26
    2006

    Seriously.

    Jerry, aka dad, is a mechanic (now the proper term is “technician”, I believe). I grew up in a grease monkey’s home. The smell of oil and “garage” was always around. Dad’s hands were always cracked and raw and covered in dirt and grime, and his blue uniforms always smelled of a hard day under the hood of a car. For as long as I can remember, I always had a Ford – until I rebelled and bought a Mazda – then an Isuzu, then a Toyota.

    I always fancied cars. I try to stay current with new makes and models, the changes from year to year, prices, options – that kind of thing.

    The stuff under the hood, however, I’ve always left to a “Technician”.

    In the midst of the construction around my house, I hit a bump in the road. I had to pull our truck (Yes, a Ford) out of the garage. It wouldn’t start. The annoyance was not even that it wouldn’t start, but that every time I attempted it grew more and more weary of me.

    “Rowr-rowr-rowr” soon became “click-click-click”. If you know what I mean.

    It’s been in storage for years. That’s a nice reduction in annual registration stickers as well as insurance costs – but it sure does wreak havoc on a battery.

    Iew. So. I hooked up the jumper cables (scared little mouse that I am when I see a spark) and tried to charge it up with my car. No go. It clicked at me, and went away. Literally.

    I called for some consults, and ended up being referred to WallyWorld (blech) for a new battery. I selected one – someday someone please explain to me why there are so many – and lugged the 50 pound beast home. Then I had to figure out how to get the rusty bolts loose off of this petrified rusty old thing.

    Word of advice: don’t wear a nice fuzzy cute new sweatshirt while you do stuff like this. D’oh.

    So, I got the old battery out.

    Then I got the new one in.

    I tightened up the bolts and doohickeys and gadgets, keeping my girlish soft skin in check all the while – and presto, the truck liked me again! It started right up, and gave me a nice pretty battery gauge reading.

    I’ve done stuff to cars before, you know, the simple stuff. Added oil. Wiper fluid. Coolant. Changed the air filter. But this, this is harder than that easy shmeazy stuff. Phew. I think I should get some sort of certificate of accomplishment or something, you know?

    Do I have any other Amateur Technicians in my midst? Please do show off your mechanical prowess. I am green with envy if you know what size socket wrench to get when you see all my screws loose.

    {10 Comments}

    1
    Crusty said,

    Ah the smell of motor oil and transmission fluid. I lived with a ‘mechanic’ for years. (I can use the word ‘mechanic’ because this involved engines before the computer was used.) It brings back memories. I can’t count how many lunches I made and shoved under the car. Especially after he got a cherry picker. (the author pauses to look around to see how many people are familar with the term.) However, I have no mechanical prowess other than to drive into Jiffy Lube. I’m impressed with you…. stand proud! :giggle:

    10.26.2006 @ 6:15 pm
    2
    Debbie said,

    To tinker is always fun! And if you have a small clue to what you are doing even better!

    I love the changes to the blog! Your sort of blew it up and it really rocks! Nice work as usual! I learn so much from you!
    :meow:

    10.27.2006 @ 6:44 am
    3
    phoenix said,

    If I told you – You might hate me 🙁 But since you asked…

    I can change oil, batteries, tires, all fluids, spark plugs and wires and gap the plugs proplerly. I can change any light (tail, head, turn etc), pull out simple dents, cover scratches, dye carpets, and fully detail a car… I can also dye faded leather. I have in the past assisted with changing out fuel and water pumps, master cylinders, generators, brakes and helped repair 2 broken axles. If the car is an older model there is not much that I CAN”T do to repair it.

    I think that is enough… No I am not butch, I just love cars LOL! told you that you would hate me 😛

    10.27.2006 @ 8:22 am
    4
    Leanne said,

    Of course I do not hate you, but am I green?

    :sarcastic:

    Yeah, I’m green!

    :yes:

    10.27.2006 @ 8:27 am
    5
    taba said,

    good god woman. is there anything you can’t or wont attempt to do? you are making me feel bad just reading about your exploits. :sorry:

    ps- i looooooooooooooooooooooooooove the new layout. it’s perfection. :lovestruck:

    10.27.2006 @ 9:47 am
    6

    That engine looks a disaster area!

    This looks a beautiful blog with an awesome template.

    10.27.2006 @ 12:08 pm
    7
    Lisa said,

    So cool! My dad is Jerry as well.

    10.27.2006 @ 9:16 pm
    8
    Lisa said,

    Whoa! Way old email and URL in that last comment! :zombie:

    10.27.2006 @ 9:17 pm
    9
    hubby said,

    You have to be handy otherwise you would have had to push it , and I am terrible about figuring out clicking and stuff over the phone.

    Good Job Honey :yahoo: :iloveu:

    10.28.2006 @ 7:35 am
    10
    Darlene said,

    But I like your loose screws. Leave them just the way they are. :giggle:

    10.29.2006 @ 11:01 am

    Sorry, comments are now closed.


    {Latest Projects}