MPN11,
(Your #5583) You say:
"I think, Danny42C, that we kids (and that includes you) were actually quite good at coping with new technology and a mass of semi-anonymous buttons and switches. Presented with all that cr@p, we knew what we needed to know"'.
If only
we did ! Speak for yourself ! Sadly, the saying: "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" is all too true. Our Radio/Radar mechs would've walked out in a body if they'd seen us so much as
look at a tool. I dimly recall that there was an equipment console right down at the LH end of the Leeming control desk. From time to time a red warning light would come on low down on the outer panel (no idea what for). If you kicked the panel, it would go out.
That much they allowed us, and no more.
Ah, the far-off days when cars were cars, and men were men. You could open any bonnet (locks ? what for ?). There were all the old friends you'd known since childhood. There was the carb, have it off and get the jets out, poke with stiff bristle. Distributor ? Off with its head, clean and gap points, smear of vaseline on rotor, plenty of "Wet-Start" inside and out of cap, put all back. Coil and plug leads ditto. Plugs out, scrub with brass-bristlebrush, gap and replace (only
wrist tight, of course). All aided and abetted by the Starting Handle - oh what a blessing
that was ! If there was enough in the battery to dimly light a torch bulb, one good swing, and you're on your way. What would you want an AA man for ? Happy Days !...D.
Molemot,
More effective it might have been if you stood close to the "hot" side of the truck for five minutes when it was in full cry. Trouble is, the results would be irreversible ! (
and you'd probably glow in the dark !
)....D.
Cheers, both. Danny.