You remind me of a very close friend I met while in the Army (1967-1969). After Vietnam, I requested a transfer to Germany. While there, I rented an apartment off-base, and purchased on old '55 VW Bug. It didn't run all that well, but I thought I could make adequate repairs to provide a local daily driver. One day, while tuning it, a guy walked-up to me and started a conversation. He modestly offered a few tips on the source of problems with the Bug. And so, our friendship began.
Long story short, it turned-out, he was a tech rep for International Harvester, who was providing service training for the some of the big (IH) tank retrievers. He had gotten his initial training while working on his father's commercial tomato farm in Ohio. His job on the farm was to keep the equipment running, which he said primarily happened during the off-season (winter) months. In Ohio, that's cold work! Eventually, he tired of his underpaid position in the family business and took a job as a line mechanic with a local IH dealer. He worked his way up as a mechanic, shop foreman, and tech rep. Realizing his talents, IH sent him around the country and eventually he was subcontracted to the military where he worked in Germany, Kuwait, Luxembourg, etc.
Eventually, he returned to the Ohio area, coincidentally only a few miles from where I lived after separation from the Army. Fortunately (for me), our friendship continued to grow. During our friendship, we also became fishing buddies, towing boats to Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, Florida, etc. We particularly loved the salmon fishing!
I learned what I little I know of automotive mechanics from him. When he conducted training classes at some of the regional dealerships, I was often invited to attend when he thought the subject may be have interest. Eventually, he was transferred to Atlanta where he passed away several years ago. Incidentally, I haven't fished since his passing....just AIN'T the same without him! Buying this old boat (and fixing it) prompted memories of my buddy and the hopes of fishing again. I shall always miss him!
But the point is; it's not often when one encounters an individual with your level of knowledge. Thanks again!
