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Author Topic:   Murphy's law, Gearhead style
SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 10-02-2004 10:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just my own observations as of late:

* If you drop a tool or part, it will land at the hardest spot in your shop or garage to get to.

* How much you need a certain small part or how hard it is to find it will be directly proportional to how far the wire wheel on your bench grinder will throw it.

* If you thought that part was good enough to get by, you'll sooner or later find out you were wrong.

* If you are at the parts store and find out your car will take one of two different parts, the one you bring home will always be the wrong one.

* When you get back from the parts store or hardware store you will always, ALWAYS remember one thing you forgot to pick up.

* How hard something is to get out of your hair is directly proportional to how easy it is to get into your hair.

* If you weld, your pants WILL get a hole in them. Period.

* Women will not ever enter your garage until you put up a risque calendar, then they'll flock in just to give you dirty looks.

* All visitors in your shop will always know how to do something that you are doing better then you. The ones you can't beat up will tell you about it.

* Bugs LOVE fresh paint.

* If you are painting a part that will be easily seen, it will take three attempts to make it look 'good enough.' If you'll never see the part again after you install it, the paint will come out perfect the first time.

* A Chevy guy will ALWAYS point out any flaw he spots on your Ford.

* If you doublecheck to make sure you've tightened something enough, you will always find that you did. If you forget or neglect to doublecheck, you'll always find out that you didn't.

* Non-car-people will always think you are crazy for spending $400 for a part on your Mustang, but if you point out that's just a single monthly car payment on their beige Accord it will go right over their head and they will just give you that stupid look.

* Car restoration is not for sissies.

* Non-car-people will always look at your restoration project and ask you "Why don't you just buy a new car and go inside and watch football?"

* Non-car-people will always think you are more than happy to work on their car because '...he likes that sort of thing...' and offering to pay for your labor '...will probably only insult you anyhow...'

You guys have any more to add?

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip

[This message has been edited by SteveLaRiviere (edited 10-02-2004).]

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Buster
Gearhead

Posts: 1553
From: Hurricane alley
Registered: May 2002

posted 10-02-2004 11:51 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Buster   Click Here to Email Buster     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I will reply to this thread tomorrow because I've had too much to drink tonight to respond coherently....

I had a situation that really applies to this topic happen yesterday when I was replacing my oldest son's front brakes that I really couldn't believe happened and it really fits in this thread...

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phils68cougar
Gearhead

Posts: 304
From: San Jose, california ,US
Registered: Jul 2004

posted 10-03-2004 02:35 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for phils68cougar     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
i like this one : * Non-car-people will always look at your restoration project and ask you "Why don't you just buy a new car and go inside and watch football?"
it really makes me mad when people think im just wasting myt time working on the cougar, they just talk about how their parents are going to buy them a new civic.
Nice logic

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fastford34
Gearhead

Posts: 1008
From: penna
Registered: May 2002

posted 10-03-2004 10:29 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for fastford34   Click Here to Email fastford34     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
i think you coverd the subject quite well!

except, the wife will bring lunch into the
garage only when you are holding the HEAVIEST part in place or finally reached that bolt/nut & have dirt/grease on your arm /hands up to your ARM PIT !

------------------
34 coupe powered by 351 c 4v
keith
it`s nice to be important but more IMPORTANT to be nice.

[This message has been edited by fastford34 (edited 10-03-2004).]

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Dave Gibson
Moderator

Posts: 9844
From: Norfolk, Virginia, USA M&M#166 MCA#47921
Registered: Aug 99

posted 10-03-2004 10:40 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Dave Gibson   Click Here to Email Dave Gibson     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Great list Steve, and all so true. Gotta send it to my father. He will appreciate it. LOL

Dave & Terri

------------------
'65 Mustang Fastback
'02 Explorer XLT
I don't suffer from insanity. I enjoy every minute of it!
We have enough youth, how about a fountain of smart?
Common sense is not so common anymore.

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Toronado3800
Gearhead

Posts: 1011
From: St. Louis, MO
Registered: Jul 2001

posted 10-04-2004 04:06 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Toronado3800     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
LOL!

I try that monthly payment math all the time.

For another one I work on depreciation when that doesn't work. When reminded of the good resale value of the new Accord I say new cars are the worst monitary investment ever (assuming your beater with a heater will get you to work!). All normal cars depreciate the moment you buy them. Most become worth as than big boob tube in ten years. Buying a "nice" new SUV and parking it five days a week only gives you a low mileage TV trade in ten years later.

Darn, I was trying to be funny and ended up preaching.

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ccode67
Gearhead

Posts: 2885
From: douglasville,ga,usa
Registered: Mar 2001

posted 10-04-2004 07:39 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for ccode67   Click Here to Email ccode67     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
FF34, How in the world did you "train" your wife to bring your lunch to the garage.
I can't even get mine to fix lunch, much less deliver it.

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indyphil
Gearhead

Posts: 2690
From: Senoia, G.A. USA
Registered: Jul 2002

posted 10-04-2004 09:07 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for indyphil   Click Here to Email indyphil     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Whatever time, money and tools you budget for a job will always be short. Multiply everything by 2.

If you dont wear saftey specs you will get something in your eye.

IF you do wear saftey specs you will get something in your ear.

If you wear gloves you will wrench like a clumsy oaf and drop all your tools all the time.

If you dont wear gloves your hands will be torn to hell and stay dirty for 3 days no matter how hard you scrub.

------------------
'68 coupe, '66 289 C code
engine, edel 600cfm carb, performer intake, dual exhaust http://www.geocities.com/ottouk_77/68mustang.htm

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fastford34
Gearhead

Posts: 1008
From: penna
Registered: May 2002

posted 10-04-2004 03:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for fastford34   Click Here to Email fastford34     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by ccode67:
FF34, How in the world did you "train" your wife to bring your lunch to the garage.
I can't even get mine to fix lunch, much less deliver it.

i didnt train her to make lunch & bring into the garage.
she TRAINED me to stay in the garage & NOT track dirt/grease in the house !!!
lunch is served ONLY if she`s NOT shopping!!! LOL

------------------
34 coupe powered by 351 c 4v
keith
it`s nice to be important but more IMPORTANT to be nice.

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Fastymz
Moderator

Posts: 20638
From: Reno Nv USA M&M#1240
Registered: Apr 2001

posted 10-04-2004 03:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Fastymz   Click Here to Email Fastymz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by ccode67:
FF34, How in the world did you "train" your wife to bring your lunch to the garage.
I can't even get mine to fix lunch, much less deliver it.

How our wifes have a lot in common.

------------------
SCOOP

oddly obsessed with big scoops on little Mustangs

65 coupe,351w,C4,Big Boss 429 hood scoop,8" 3.40 TracLoc.

My Pics

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Fastymz
Moderator

Posts: 20638
From: Reno Nv USA M&M#1240
Registered: Apr 2001

posted 10-04-2004 03:44 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Fastymz   Click Here to Email Fastymz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
When I cleaned out my garage to move. I found 3 small parts and a wrench I lost about 4 years ago.

------------------
SCOOP

oddly obsessed with big scoops on little Mustangs

65 coupe,351w,C4,Big Boss 429 hood scoop,8" 3.40 TracLoc.

My Pics

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ddenton749
unregistered
posted 10-04-2004 03:49 PM           Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Actually, if you drop something small while working on the engine, there is very little likelyhood that it will make it to the ground.

If you working on something that requires both left and right sides, one side will be easy and the other will be an SOB.

NOTHING is ever easy!!!!

------------------
'73 Convertible, 351C 2V
'91 LX Convertible 5.0
Member: Valley Forge Mustang Club

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Twirly Bird
Gearhead

Posts: 222
From: Central PA
Registered: Aug 2004

posted 10-04-2004 04:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Twirly Bird   Click Here to Email Twirly Bird     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Oh, this one is easy:

If you?re welding on the car, the neighbor kids will always gather around to watch?

If you just crawled under the car and nobody else is home, the phone will ring? and it will be a wrong number?

If you are working with sheet metal, you will cut yourself? Often, it is better to first slice your fingers & sprinkle the blood over the car first ? it just speeds up the inevitable?

If you have an inclined driveway, the car will always die at the bottom?

If you spent money on the car, and you still have not replaced the bedroom set for the wife, you will hear about it?

No matter how many times you wash the back of your arm, you will always have a black spot there when you get out of the shower?

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Fastymz
Moderator

Posts: 20638
From: Reno Nv USA M&M#1240
Registered: Apr 2001

posted 10-04-2004 07:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Fastymz   Click Here to Email Fastymz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thats why you should never look back. Once you a buy a car part enjoy it.

When I was driving all these crazy about my motor rebuild. Alex, told me "Life is to short to worry about the small stuff." He couldn't have been more right.

------------------
SCOOP

oddly obsessed with big scoops on little Mustangs

65 coupe,351w,C4,Big Boss 429 hood scoop,8" 3.40 TracLoc.

My Pics

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adragon8u
Gearhead

Posts: 5451
From: Oceano, Ca. member# 2895
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 10-04-2004 07:47 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for adragon8u   Click Here to Email adragon8u     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Every repair performed will create the need to repair at least 2 more things.

------------------
"I started with nothing, and I still have most of it left"
http://webpages.charter.net/adragon8u/mystang

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Fastymz
Moderator

Posts: 20638
From: Reno Nv USA M&M#1240
Registered: Apr 2001

posted 10-04-2004 07:52 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Fastymz   Click Here to Email Fastymz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Twirly Bird:
Oh, this one is easy:

If you?re welding on the car, the neighbor kids will always gather around to watch?

If you just crawled under the car and nobody else is home, the phone will ring? and it will be a wrong number?

If you are working with sheet metal, you will cut yourself? Often, it is better to first slice your fingers & sprinkle the blood over the car first ? it just speeds up the inevitable?

If you have an inclined driveway, the car will always die at the bottom?

If you spent money on the car, and you still have not replaced the bedroom set for the wife, you will hear about it?

No matter how many times you wash the back of your arm, you will always have a black spot there when you get out of the shower?


LOL all are so true for me.

------------------
SCOOP

oddly obsessed with big scoops on little Mustangs

65 coupe,351w,C4,Big Boss 429 hood scoop,8" 3.40 TracLoc.

My Pics

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MLariviere
Moderator

Posts: 4063
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99

posted 10-04-2004 08:50 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for MLariviere   Click Here to Email MLariviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
except, the wife will bring lunch into the
garage
[/B]


Your wife does that?

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MLariviere
Moderator

Posts: 4063
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99

posted 10-04-2004 09:06 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for MLariviere   Click Here to Email MLariviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Nevasieze spreads like wildfire.

If you break something taking it apart,the replacement part will be out of stock within a 25 mile radius.

Said part needed to get you to the replacement part.

It will be "out of the way" for wife to pick up said part on the way home from the mall.

If you get the wrong part,the store WILL be closed till tommorrow.

Four wheel drive is just a way to get stuck deeper in the woods.{personal observation}

Trucks are cool,especially to your friends. "BTW,what are you doing Saturday?" LOL

Old VW Beetles are absolute junk. {personal observation}

If you need a tool you have,it will be somewhere else.

A woman's interest in an automobile is directly proportionate to the fuel level in the tank.

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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 10-04-2004 09:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by MLariviere:
Old VW Beetles are absolute junk. {personal observation}

That one is up close and personal, isn't it?

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip

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GTRocks
Gearhead

Posts: 4072
From: Lusby, MD
Registered: Jun 99

posted 10-04-2004 10:35 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GTRocks   Click Here to Email GTRocks     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by SteveLaRiviere:
That one is up close and personal, isn't it?


I can confirm this one!! My dad had 3 of these (not at the same time). Took a long time for him to realize that it was costing him more for that car than a new one.

Man, there are a lot of posts here that I have lived through!!

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kcode
Gearhead

Posts: 3226
From: alvaton,ky,usa Suburb of Bowling Green, M&M #79, MCA #29208
Registered: Jun 99

posted 10-04-2004 11:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kcode   Click Here to Email kcode     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Steve,
Just wondering, was this your observation or was it your brothers

* How hard something is to get out of your hair is directly proportional to how easy it is to get into your hair.

Mike

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ccode67
Gearhead

Posts: 2885
From: douglasville,ga,usa
Registered: Mar 2001

posted 10-05-2004 07:24 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for ccode67   Click Here to Email ccode67     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by kcode:
Steve,
Just wondering, was this your observation or was it your brothers

* How hard something is to get out of your hair is directly proportional to how easy it is to get into your hair.

Mike


I'm not sure about Steve, but this is only memories for me.

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ccode67
Gearhead

Posts: 2885
From: douglasville,ga,usa
Registered: Mar 2001

posted 10-05-2004 07:36 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for ccode67   Click Here to Email ccode67     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
[QUOTE]Originally posted by MLariviere:
[B]Nevasieze spreads like wildfire

I saw a mechanic get this stuff in his hair,he was climbing under a machine and bumped his head on a slide lubed with it. Came in the next day with his head shaved, said it would not wash out.


[This message has been edited by ccode67 (edited 10-06-2004).]

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BlueMule
Gearhead

Posts: 1547
From: Kent Island, MD USA M&M # 2423
Registered: Sep 2002

posted 10-05-2004 08:13 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for BlueMule   Click Here to Email BlueMule     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
* If there are new linens on the bed, even the slightest bit of grunge will find its way to the new pillow slips. You are automatically dead meat.

This is universal.

(There is no bias toward race, creed, sexual orientation, hair length or amount of folicles. Paint thinner, acetone, mineral spirits, diesel fuel, or GoJo will leave that one smudge of spooge that will find its way to the pillows.)

------------------
-Paul

70 Mach1 351C/FMX
79 Ranchero GT 302 smogger/C4
97 Expedition XLT 5.4
00 SVT f150 Lightning 4149 of 4966 Born on: 06/26/2000

'If you're not the lead dog, the view never changes.'

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67stang
Gearhead

Posts: 2443
From: Panama City, FL
Registered: Jun 99

posted 10-05-2004 11:12 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for 67stang   Click Here to Email 67stang     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
"Four wheel drive is just a way to get stuck deeper in the woods.{personal observation} "

This is so untrue. I use my four wheel drive more than most people and have yet to get stuck... And I intentionally try to get stuck!! It's just the fun part of four wheeling...

Oh yes, keep in mind most 4x4's are only 2 wheel drive (open diffs).

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indyphil
Gearhead

Posts: 2690
From: Senoia, G.A. USA
Registered: Jul 2002

posted 10-05-2004 12:06 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for indyphil   Click Here to Email indyphil     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Intake manifold vacuum:
refers to the engines ability to suck in small parts from anywhere in the garage WHEN THE ENGINE ISNT RUNNING. Spring clips, nuts and washers are attracted strongly - especially when you have removed the air filter.

------------------
'68 coupe, '66 289 C code
engine, edel 600cfm carb, performer intake, dual exhaust http://www.geocities.com/ottouk_77/68mustang.htm

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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 10-05-2004 05:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by 67stang:
"Four wheel drive is just a way to get stuck deeper in the woods.{personal observation} "

This is so untrue. I use my four wheel drive more than most people and have yet to get stuck... And I intentionally try to get stuck!! It's just the fun part of four wheeling...


Then you're not going in the woods deep enough.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip

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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 44921
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 10-05-2004 05:41 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by kcode:
Steve,
Just wondering, was this your observation or was it your brothers

* How hard something is to get out of your hair is directly proportional to how easy it is to get into your hair.

Mike


I've heard talk of it...

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip

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kwazykat
Moderator

Posts: 7447
From: ...a wonderful place to be.... orange county... NC!!!! M&M member #92 .... a blue-oval GRRL-deluxe.....
Registered: Jun 99

posted 10-05-2004 11:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kwazykat   Click Here to Email kwazykat     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
the one time you decide not to disconnect the cables from the battery, and you dont notice your ignition is stuck in the "on" position due to a misalignment in the steering column, is the one time an errant wire will make funky contact and set off a chain reaction of smoking wires resulting in the need to completely rewire the guts of your F150.....after you smother the smoking wires with a fire-blanket.......

dont ask me how i know these things....

heh heh heh


kk

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67stang
Gearhead

Posts: 2443
From: Panama City, FL
Registered: Jun 99

posted 10-06-2004 12:34 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for 67stang   Click Here to Email 67stang     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by SteveLaRiviere:
Then you're not going in the woods deep enough.

Maybe I just need to drive a Chevy??

I actually do get stuck. I have to work on it sometimes, and push the limits of my rig. But I am attempting things in my 4x4 that others don't even bother to think about, other than "There's no trail there...that's the side of a mountain..."

Back on subject...
You know Murphy's First Law is always around every corner in my garage. "Whatever can go wrong, will."

[This message has been edited by 67stang (edited 10-06-2004).]

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MLariviere
Moderator

Posts: 4063
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99

posted 10-06-2004 08:57 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for MLariviere   Click Here to Email MLariviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by 67stang:
"Four wheel drive is just a way to get stuck deeper in the woods.{personal observation} "

This is so untrue. I use my four wheel drive more than most people and have yet to get stuck... And I intentionally try to get stuck!! It's just the fun part of four wheeling...

Oh yes, keep in mind most 4x4's are only 2 wheel drive (open diffs).


When you start dragging diffs in it,your day is done. I don't care what tire or how big it is. Do you have real mud down there? I've seen vehicles get dismembered from getting pulled out up here.

The mentality of invincibility will eventually get you stuck one day.

My truck is kickin'3 tires!

[This message has been edited by MLariviere (edited 10-06-2004).]

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MLariviere
Moderator

Posts: 4063
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99

posted 10-06-2004 09:02 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for MLariviere   Click Here to Email MLariviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by SteveLaRiviere:
That one is up close and personal, isn't it?


Yes! The rave about German engineering is too overblown,IMHO. I run German machines at work,and they are pos's too. They have absolutely nothing over us.

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indyphil
Gearhead

Posts: 2690
From: Senoia, G.A. USA
Registered: Jul 2002

posted 10-06-2004 11:10 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for indyphil   Click Here to Email indyphil     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The rave about German engineering is "attention to detail" Unfortunatley they often miss the big pitcure - like whether it really works well or is reliable. They forgot the KISS rule.

------------------
'68 coupe, '66 289 C code
engine, edel 600cfm carb, performer intake, dual exhaust http://www.geocities.com/ottouk_77/68mustang.htm

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