My father really wasn't into cars other than to own one. However, one of his sisters owned a Gulf gas station, with a 3 bay garage, and and she worked in it. Along with her husband, her son and later her grand son, they ran the station and did all the mechanic work, too.
She also drove a 1940 Ford coupe in the Powder Puff (woman race car drivers) racing series back in the 50's, and wrenched the car with my uncle and cousin.
As a pre-teen (about 9 years old) and later as a teen I was allowed to work at the station during summers, and as a teen, on weekends and some evenings during the school year.
I learned most of what I know there. I pumped gas (self service gas stations are illegal in NJ). I helped with tune ups, oil changes brake jobs, radiator flushes, electrical issue, and parts changes, tire mounting, etc. slowly the allowed me to do jobs on my own (of course they'd be there to answer questions and check my work when I was done.
All in all it was an excellent learning experience. I learned how to repair stuff, not just change parts. Brazed radiators and heater cores, rebuilt carbs and starters and voltage regulators and distributors. learned to read spark plugs, and set the dwell angle on points, and best of all I learned trouble shooting.
On a part time basis I worked there for about 10 years. I doubt that all my college education taught me as much as that part time job at a family owned Gulf gas station in Newark New Jersey in the late 50's to late 60's taught me.
Many thanks to my Aunt Annie and my Uncle Pat.
Thanks for bringing back some really wonderful memories. :thumbup:
