Car Lessons My Dad Taught Me

71vert340 · December 31, 2019, 06:27:57 AM

I just found out a few hours ago my 92 year old dad passed away. He was in failing health and we last talked Christmas morning. Later that day, he lost his ability to talk and became unresponsive. We worked on cars together and he helped me buy my 71 convertible. He taught me many lessons but here are 2 car ones that stand out.
1. Unless you can afford to pay someone to do it for you, only destroy as many clutches as you ,yourself, want to replace. This after we replaced 2 clutches n 6 months.
2. The job is not done until all bolts attaching the transmission to the bell housing are installed. No, that hard to install last one is not an extra.
I miss him already. On Wednesday, he wanted to know how work was going on the Charger.
Terry

JS29 · December 31, 2019, 06:50:22 AM

I am sorry for your loss. It's good to hold these memory's close to your hart.

BIGSHCLUNK · December 31, 2019, 07:04:54 AM

Sorry for your loss, blessings for your family

73_Cuda_4_Me · December 31, 2019, 07:29:14 AM

So sorry for your loss @71vert340 ! Thoughts and prayers to you and your family... I lost mine in 2010 at 87, and he still lives on in memories like yours!

JH27N0B · December 31, 2019, 07:40:09 AM

Sorry for your loss.

Being holiday time, I've been thinking of my dad who passed away in 2013 after a short battle with cancer at age 83. He encouraged my interest in cars when I was a teenager. Sometimes we didn't get along. But I'll never forget one time when I was a teenager and we were arguing about something, and he told me I owed him, because when I bought my T/A my mom was none to pleased and thought I'd kill myself in it and I should sell it and buy a more practical car. He said he convinced her to let me keep it! Actually she was right, I almost did kill myself in that car a few times! I wish he was still around, my mom is in assisted living now and I know she's lonely. The loss of a parent is always a big change and though life goes on, the loss is never a good thing.

7E-Bodies · December 31, 2019, 07:53:56 AM

Terry,
Words just don't always work. Count the treasured memories. My heart and my prayers go out for you.

Kevin

blown motor · December 31, 2019, 09:52:33 AM

My sympathies to you and your family. Never an easy time.

anlauto · December 31, 2019, 10:21:06 AM

Terry
Very sorry for your loss, I know exactly how you feel....

Alan

Brads70 · December 31, 2019, 10:33:25 AM

Sorry for your loss, never a "good time" but harder right around Christmas. Glad you have some great memories!

70/6chall · December 31, 2019, 10:36:31 AM

Terry.......... I lost my Father in 2015 just before Thanksgiving. He like your father was 92 y.o. even though there are those who tell me he lived a long life, it doesn't lessen my loss. He was an old school mechanic and bought me my first E-body, my 70 challenger which I still have. My condolences are extended to you and your family. I still miss him very much, Prostate cancer finally took him, even though he ran a great race. Thanks, Al

7E-Bodies · December 31, 2019, 11:00:48 AM

These stories pull at the heart's core. It stings way worse on big holidays, especially if it's fresh. I'm feeling it myself as I typically do on NYE. Gonna be a long night in therapy (my shop, my E body project) Deepest respect to all...

Kevin

Chryco Psycho · December 31, 2019, 01:48:43 PM

My condolences , Sounds like you had a great father

CudaMoparRay · December 31, 2019, 02:13:18 PM

My condolences and prayers also on your loss.

jimynick · December 31, 2019, 03:52:22 PM

Sometimes words fail, but let me offer my condolences on the loss of your dad. He sounds so much like my old man used to, and I imagine you feel the same way about yours as I did. He'll only be truly dead when he's forgotten, and in that regard, he'll live forever in your heart and mind. Sorry, man.

1 Wild R/T · December 31, 2019, 06:21:17 PM

Quote from: jimynick on December 31, 2019, 03:52:22 PM
Sometimes words fail, but let me offer my condolences on the loss of your dad. He sounds so much like my old man used to, and I imagine you feel the same way about yours as I did. He'll only be truly dead when he's forgotten, and in that regard, he'll live forever in your heart and mind. Sorry, man.

Jimmy, for a guy who starts with sometimes words fail... You expressed yourself very well and you covered my thoughts as well....

Sorry to hear of your dads passing Terry.... Like many here I know what your going through.... Just keep the good memories & let anything else go..