I learned how to be a complete fucking asshole from my father...a skill that has come in very handy at times, and I learned how to be everything else from my stepdad, who was a giant among men. I rode my first cat with him, running iron has been my trade because of him, he was truly a giant among men, dead thirty years this year, I miss him greatly, I was lost when he died, took years to get over it. I know he's still here, my mom died of alzheimers related issues this year, on his birthday, I swear he came and got her. I've been the best stepdad I know how to be, by choice my kids seek my advice rather than their fathers, thats what my dad taught me.
. "What did your Dad teach you?" -That the floor still needs sweeping and to look at stops/problems from 'the other side' -Honestly, I couldn't begin to portray to any of you as to how much my Dear Old -Cantankerous- 4 Eyed Prized Friend and Father has lent to me of his finest ear all while trying not to kick my most un-deserving ask for wrecking his 56 Buick way back when... -I Thank you Dad .
My Pop didn't teach me anything until I was 23, Then it dawned on me that everything of value I knew I learned from him.
Howza Bruthas- My Dad (Barry Karol-Chik) taught me to always check it twice. To make sure that there were jack stands in the right place. That the car was in neutral or park when you started it. That an hour of massaging beats 5 minutes of filler. That polish and pride is better than dirt and ignorance. That your best cheer leader is your wife and family. That a Y-Block Ford really is a good engine. That white wall tires beat raised letters any day of the week. That any car personalized is better than stock. That lowered cars are so damned cool. The line of style begins at the front of a fender and should flow back. Flames and scallops are not always needed. 1957 and 1963 Fords are soooo pretty. Edsel's are COOL. Be friendly and make people laugh. And most importantly, a big heart is better than a big fist any day. Here is a pic of the figure 8 car he ran when I was in grade school.
If its broke, its not much good anyways so you might as well take it apart and see what makes it tick, you might just be able to fix it....
"Buy a car with either a good body - OR - a good drive train......." I didn't learn very well. I usually buy cars that need everything !
Dad said, " if it ain't broke don't try to fix it. " I'm fixin to turn 67 and just now seeing the light.............
1. There's nothing worse than a theif, except a liar 2. Be practical (I haven't got the hang of that yet) 3. Don't raise your voice to your mother 4. Put hydrogen peroxide on it and scrub 5. Only cuss when it is really necesary (dont have that one down either) 6. Trust is earned. 7. If you don't know what you're doing, pay someone! (I refuse!) 8. LEAD BY EXAMPLE!
He was one hell of a good machinist, so I learned a lot from him there. He started when machine work was all analog, and he learned the computer-aided stuff as it became more prevalent. He developed a bunch of things that WL Gore has implemented company-wide, but in true corporate fashion, he never got squat for it, not even the recognition for creation them. As far as cars go, he tried to teach me to "leave it stock", which I interpreted as "know when to stop messing with it". He's a little full of shit though, as he's told me many stories of the stripped down, gutted interior, 4 speed, white and silver 58 Vette he had back in the 60's with a hot little dual quad 283. When my folks got married, he traded it for a 59 Vette, painted it in the exact same color combo, but never touched the base 283 and powerglide. He still has it today, and it's still stock as a rock, and a true unrestored survivor.
My Dad taught me to show up for work every day and give a days work for a days pay. Do it right, do it lite. Do it wrong, do it long! Righty tighty, Lefty loosey. 91 years old and still going strong!
How to keep an interior damn near mint. Not to slam car doors. About the importance of a good quality sounding radio and speakers. How to just generally take overall care of a car.
My father taught me everything he knew. He taught me to not be afraid to take on something and learn as I go. The biggest and most important thing I learned from my father was how to be a "Dad"!!!! I could have made it thru life without learning all the other stuff, but being a Dad will pass on generation after generation.
I never knew my dad,but my Uncle Billy taught me how to work hard at everything you do,to turn wrenches,treat people the way you want to be treated,and TO BE A MAN!!! He is watching over me and my family now and I hope he is proud.
Both My dad and Grandpa have taught me lots growing up My dad said when I was a teen if you want to drive it like a race car then you better be prepared to fix like its a race car.. I learned how to replace a whole RWD drivetrain by the time I was 20 ... He taught me how to do bodywork on his 55 f100 even though he didnt know much I took that and taught myself... He taught me that tools are tools and that they're good to have around and you cant have to many... My grandpa taught me you cant bullshit a bullshitter and sometime if you want it done right do it yourself... But my dad also how to be a father and a best friend but know when to draw the line and Ive passed a lot of that on how to be a dad to my 2 boys
Dad said " Get your damned elbows off the table" and "Never cuss in front of your mother" He also taught me that, if you drink too much during the week, you can't keep a job. Car wise he never knew much about cars, but I try to teach him as much as I can when he asks and help him keep his daily driver going when it breaks.
My father taught me that everything I think, do, and say is automatically wrong. Nothing I do is good enough. The last time I showed him one of my cars I had just finished a body and paint job. He walked around the car four times, around and around and around and around. Finally he found what he was looking for, a tiny run an inch long on the bottom of the rear fender. He pointed it out as if that made the car a giant turd and me along with it. That's why it was the last time.
Of all the things I've learned from my Father, two things always come to mind. 1)Respect is not given, it is earned 2)The only way you will ever get respect, is if you give it first.
The Jalopy Journal
