How bad can it be?

I read a quote a long time ago about temporary used car repairs; spun rod bearings, find and make to fit a leather belt or strap after smoothing journal as bet possible. they said it worked, I never tried it, and it made me laugh but I can see how it would work just don't know how long?
Possibly, I need to talk to a cousin about a story about it.

Rumor was our Grandpa spun a bearing in Colorado maybe Trail Ridge forever ago. Dropped pan, saved oil and leather belt repair and limped home.