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FCP Euro Service Kits

FCP Euro Kits

When I was growing up in the Midwest back in the 60s, I spent entire summers on my grandparents' farm.

Much like the rest of the farms in the area, it was a small holding of 100 acres and produced only a fair profit at the end of the day. Being such a farm, the equipment used was mostly pre-war with some pieces being modified from their more-distant horse-drawn use. Old and well-used, these bits and pieces of farming history required a fair amount of love, understanding and maintenance.

My grandfather's shop, where these tasks were performed, was a marvel to a young lad. It had a welder, the largest vice I've ever seen, a small metal lathe, hand tools spread all over and a smell of old grease and oil-soaked wooden work benches. It was here as “the kid” that I was told to stay out of the way and pay attention. It was here that I learned the names of all the tools and mostly how to use them. Most importantly, I learned the language of the shop. Words such as “chummy” (my grandfather originally being from Cape Breton), and the more common “thingie”, for those various items that had no name, or at least, not one that came to mind at the important moment of reference. I also learned the language of frustration when things did not quite go according to plan. This was included in the lesson on spitting.

My hands-on mechanical training began the day that I drove my first car over for my Grandfather to see and approve of it. A 1958 MGA, it had cost me my entire summer wages of $400. At 12 years-old and being a British car of 1950s vintage, it needed a bit of care and attention to say the least. Looking over the twin SU carbs and an infamous SU fuel pump, lever shocks, dash-mounted horn button and turn signal switch, my amused Grandfather remarked that it was much like some of the cars he had had.....back in the 20's. My grandfather had been something of a customizer of Model As and a motorcycle racer of some local repute, so it was during those times that he had developed into the ace mechanic and self-taught engineer he was.

So, the real lessons began.

First, things go back together the way they came apart. Second, never over-tighten a nut, bolt or screw. Third, every part has a logical purpose, understand what it is supposed to do. Fourth, never scrimp on the quality of parts, materials or fluids; good parts and materials don't need to come from a dealer, but only make your own if there are no other logical options. Fifth, never think that there is anything you cannot fix yourself; there are manuals and other people that can help you. Sixth, your performance, reliability and safety depend on you and the quality of your own efforts.

So, who taught you the basics of auto mechanics and maintenance?

About the Author: Uilleam Ross

bill_rossUilleam (Bill) Ross is a 60 year-old retired 30-year veteran of the IT industry and a 45-year car guy. Living in Western Head, Nova Scotia, he now indulges his passions for landscape photography and cars, principally Volvos and Land Rovers.


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Written by :
Uilleam Ross

Uilleam (Bill) Ross is a 60 year-old retired 30-year veteran of the IT industry and a 45-year car guy. Living in Western Head, Nova Scotia, he now indulges his passions for landscape photography and cars, principally Volvo’s and Land Rovers.


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