WildBillyT
04-24-2007, 11:16 PM
Every now and then I find myself suddenly aware of the differences between the way non-motorhead "surface people" look at automotive topics/maintenance and the way I (and probably many others on here) do. Sometimes I kind of forget the way most people look at car stuff until something happens to remind me.
Take today, for example. I was talking to somebody about their new BMW and they were all excited about the fact that it has 275 horsepower and can hit 60 in under 7 seconds. I didn't want to be a dick so I smiled and told him how cool it was. That got me thinking... for the most part, unless it has 400 horsepower these days it's not too impressive to me. Then I started wondering about some stuff that I think about/do and how odd it might seem to a "surface person" such as:
1.) I carry a fire extinguisher, an air compressor, and tools in my ride.
2.) I put an oil pressure gauge, voltmeter, and trans temp gauge in my DD because not having proper monitoring pissed me the F off.
3.) I'll suffer through a winter on 3 season tires because the other 3 seasons will kick ass.
4.) Going to a dealership is a last resort for service, like going to the mob for a loan.
5.) I am very picky about what penetrating oils I use to loosen bolts.
6.) Forced induction (mechanical or chemical) isn't out of the ordinary or anything to cause a second glance.
7.) I don't think synthetic oil is overpriced.
8.) Rusty 50's-70's cars and trucks aren't junk, they "have potential".
9.) I think no radio, air conditioning and/or power steering can be/is perfectly acceptable.
10.) I wouldn't be caught dead with any recreational drugs but I wouldn't give busting 100 on a highway a second thought.
11.) Certain parts of the car break and I don't care, because it's a known problem and "accepted"- like window motors, headlight gears, fuel pump resistors, etc.
...
Among others.
I'm sure some of you have plenty more to add. It's just interesting how a hobby/passion like this can change your way of thinking.
Take today, for example. I was talking to somebody about their new BMW and they were all excited about the fact that it has 275 horsepower and can hit 60 in under 7 seconds. I didn't want to be a dick so I smiled and told him how cool it was. That got me thinking... for the most part, unless it has 400 horsepower these days it's not too impressive to me. Then I started wondering about some stuff that I think about/do and how odd it might seem to a "surface person" such as:
1.) I carry a fire extinguisher, an air compressor, and tools in my ride.
2.) I put an oil pressure gauge, voltmeter, and trans temp gauge in my DD because not having proper monitoring pissed me the F off.
3.) I'll suffer through a winter on 3 season tires because the other 3 seasons will kick ass.
4.) Going to a dealership is a last resort for service, like going to the mob for a loan.
5.) I am very picky about what penetrating oils I use to loosen bolts.
6.) Forced induction (mechanical or chemical) isn't out of the ordinary or anything to cause a second glance.
7.) I don't think synthetic oil is overpriced.
8.) Rusty 50's-70's cars and trucks aren't junk, they "have potential".
9.) I think no radio, air conditioning and/or power steering can be/is perfectly acceptable.
10.) I wouldn't be caught dead with any recreational drugs but I wouldn't give busting 100 on a highway a second thought.
11.) Certain parts of the car break and I don't care, because it's a known problem and "accepted"- like window motors, headlight gears, fuel pump resistors, etc.
...
Among others.
I'm sure some of you have plenty more to add. It's just interesting how a hobby/passion like this can change your way of thinking.