| Working Parts of the Will |
| Written by James Pynn |
| Tuesday, 03 November 2009 13:44 |
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My friend, an amateur car enthusiast who loves new Hondas, recently told me about the time he had to replace his car engine. Though I knew he was handy with minor repairs, the fact he would dare to tackle the heart transplant of the automotive world was a shock. He said it wasn't as hard as one might think. He also told me it was a point of pride for him. Pulling off an engine transplant is the stuff of amateur car enthusiast legend.
My friend, an amateur car enthusiast who loves new Hondas, recently told me about the time he had to replace his car engine. Though I knew he was handy with minor repairs, the fact he would dare to tackle the heart transplant of the automotive world was a shock. He said it wasn't as hard as one might think. He also told me it was a point of pride for him. Pulling off an engine transplant is the stuff of amateur car enthusiast legend. The automotive love of his life, his '90 Accord, was in the shop and he had no recourse but to try and get his junked out '88 Civic in driving shape. The only problem, of course, was the fact that the Civic had no engine. A few well-placed Craig's List ads later and he had a lead on a new engine. Calling in a few favors, he had the engine transported to his make-shift garage in the wee morning hours. Imagine Harrison Ford, circa 1973, with a penchant for Japanese cars and you've got a pretty good idea of my friend's swagger. He detailed how he used a rickety engine hoist to swing the engine into place, all the while terrified the chains were going to snap. With the harmonic damper in place, the crankshaft ratcheted together, and the rod bearings holding firm, he managed to get the engine into place. Though no small feat, it was no guarantee that the engine would actually turn over. His perfectly coiffed hair slicked with engine oil, he shifted the transmission into neutral and cranked the ignition. He swore the engine turned over on the first turn. Impossible, I know, but if he insists, there is little I can do but believe him. The engine turned and he was in business. From a cobweb-encrusted heap, the old '88 was now road-ready. I can't deny I wasn't a tad jealous. A man who can replace a car engine enters a new league of manhood -- something between a demi-god and a movie star. If his square jaw and bonhomie demeanor weren't enough of a boon, his new-found skill sealed his Manly Man status. The moral of the story, that where there is a will, there is a way, was not lost on me. But that was beside the point. Needless to say, I haven't found the time to swing by a see his alleged handiwork. About the Author: If you're in the market for smart, new Honda cars, you'd be better off finding one online. Save yourself a dip into the manly world of manly things and get a new Honda car quote in seconds without the testosterone. |
