How Could I Be So Stupid/Careless?

Missing Linc reminds me of a story related by my good friend, the now RIP electrical engineer I met in San Diego. When Sent to NAS Miramar, I made friends with him via amateur radio on the local repeater, WB6WLV. Incidently, that SAME CALL is carried on a repeater PRESENTLY, on the SAME MOUNTAIN (Otay) it was then, in the early 70's. (San Diego Repeater Association.)

ANYway I soon also met a friend of his, "Mike." Mike was born and raised in San Diego, and at the time was a REAL Sh*thead. A drunk, not very responsible, a real screw off. I did not care much for Mike, although he and my engineer buddy were life friends. The irony is, that later in life, Mike actually became an air transport Captain via the commuter airlines, for I think Continental. There is NO WAY I would knowingly ride with Mike on an aircraft!!!

ANYway, my engineer friend told me a story about mike and his brother, neither of whom were mechanics. Their family, who was certainly not rolling in dough, had a Comet or Falcon. One day the car would not move. My engineer friend offered advise on what to check. He was no mechanic, either, but understood things. Soon, my engineer buddy went over and here Mike and his brother had removed the transmission, and not finding anything wrong, had proceeded to TEAR IT COMPLETELY APART IN THE GRASS, loosing various small bolts, parts and needle bearings.

To make a long story not so long, their Dad got a used junk yard gearbox, they put it in the car, and JUST LIKE MAGIC, IT WOULD NOT MOVE.

I don't remember anymore, whether the clutch was burnt or the rear axle broke. I think it was the rear axle.