After reading about Srini Ramanathan’s newbie dilemma (been
there-done that) and the subsequent comments about manuals,
I thought that a (somewhat humorous) proposed rating system
was in order to keep things in perspective when
contemplating the book/parts store offerings. Manual writing
should be classified as High Art. Nothing is worse than a
manual that you can’t understand so I propose the following
universal coding system, to be plastered all over every
cover so that the buyer can beware:
A: Really, Really Easy. No, I really mean, really easy
Easy as in thoughts like you’ve probably wondered which end
of that screwdriver to hold onto and is a chain saw an
appropriate tool (What’s a chain saw?) for engine work easy.
You’re one step above thinking that your checkbook is the
most useful tool in the tool box…umm, what’s a toolbox?
You’re a guy, but there are mysteries in this man’s world.
This book will introduce you to basic skills like how to
call a tow truck and waiting room etiquette.
B Easy, Easy. Easy as in you’ve figured out that cars don’t
run because of PFM, that things break and that they can be
fixed by mortals-possibly even you. You’ve used a
screwdriver to open a can of paint and you didn’t even have
to ask ‘‘slotted or phillips?’’. You’ve probably even used a
screwdriver on a screw, but your experience is limited to
tightening the bedroom door’s hinges. You’re a guy, but,
well…where’s that checkbook again?
C Easy. As in you’ve probably watched other guys work on a
car. You’ve probably poked your head under the hood (or
bonnet) and possibly could have passed a wrench (or spanner)
or two, held something while someone else tightened that
thingamajig. You might have even shared a congratulatory
beer after completion, or depending on your circles a
scotch, a glass of wine or a Mai Tai (no judgment here),
listening to the intricacy of successful carb balancing with
a shot glass and a screwdriver with reasonable attention but
convinced that the glass has better uses. You’re a guy, know
that the checkbook isn’t needed all the time and hey, this
might be fun, but don’t let that checkbook get too far out
of sight.
D Not Quite That Easy. Shop class in high school was not
your best subject, but you did manage to miter the corners
on that bread board final exam project at a somewhat 45
angle-enough to get a C+ for the year. You didn’t loose any
fingers on the band saw and you had to change a flat tire on
a date with your dad’s car-although you did wonder why there
were extra lug nuts as the 3 you could find seemed to hold
the wheel on just fine for the first few miles. You’ve got
some coordination skills and you are a bit of a thinker. You
might even try some basic engine maintenance You’re a guy,
but do I detect a few small grease stains on that checkbook?
(since this won’t fit on one, next post)–
'69 2+2-Big Red, '69 OTS-Priscilla, '99 XK8-Othello
Mantua NJ, United States
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