I want to hear from mechanics who worked in the 50s and 60s.....

[yella71]

Every time I do a repair at work on some newer engines , a lot of the time I,m amazed at the way stuff is put together and the type of break down and how it needs to be repaired. Case in point the 2011 ram pick up With the 5.7 Hemi I currently have torn down to replace the shot cam and lifters ( see random picture thread). Did you guys that fixed cars and trucks back then do the face palm thing when new (then) engines/ technology came into your service bay? I'm 54 and have been working on this stuff since I could look over the fender of my fathers cars when I was a kid. I went through the 80s learning about electronic fuel injection and that kind of new tech. The reason I love cars IS the engines. they always fascinated me. I could use a history lesson, I would love to hear from anyone in the repair business from back as far as possible .....

 

[wagonman]

Well I am not quite that old, graduated HS in 74 after 3yrs of auto shop. Started in a Gulf station and worked on every thing from Flathead Fords on up. I remember the owners Dad bought a new 74 Caddy. We just had to take the HEI distributor apart to see whats what. Been working on Junk ever since. It is all Junk when you have to work on it. Retired about 6 years ago thank God but still interested in the Tech aspect. I watch a You Tube channel called South Main Auto, the continued schooling and tools needed are a big draw back for younger folks trying to get in that field. Check it out.

 

[Ironbuilt]

I also watch South Main.

I remember as a young adult working in my Dad's truck repair shop when the electronic controlled injector pumps came along. I had to buy a scanner to adjust the pump and thought, "this is nuts". Now I raise the hood of my 2019 Kenworth and scratch my head at all of the wires and sensors.

 

[Darter6]

For me it was the 60's. Worked at a Dodge dealership and several independent shops.
The dealership was something as the new cars that came in were a mess most of the time. Many barely ran, and lots of engine problems.We got one in and had no oil pressure. Scratched our head on this one,later found out that the center cam bearings were missing, only the front and rear cam bearings were installed. ?? maybe a line worker was having a bad day.

 

[flypaper]

I worked in the late 70's and remember that stuff started to get really stupid in the early 80's

 

[oldbee]

I started in mid-60’s. It’s always something, there’s more than a couple engineers I’d like to strangle. It’ll never change (gas & diesel).

 

[66383]

GM’s 5.7 Diesel 1978. What a disaster. Also Pontiac engines in Oldsmobile’s. Etc.

 

[yella71]

For me it was the 60's. Worked at a Dodge dealership and several independent shops.
The dealership was something as the new cars that came in were a mess most of the time. Many barely ran, and lots of engine problems.We got one in and had no oil pressure. Scratched our head on this one,later found out that the center cam bearings were missing, only the front and rear cam bearings were installed. ?? maybe a line worker was having a bad day.

That is exactly what I'm looking for ...no cam bearings from the factory, priceless. How many engines got put together that way that day?

 

[wagonman]

Had a brand new chevy 350 with a wooshing noise, no rings on 1 cyl. The Olds diesels were oil leaking pigs. Made lots of $$ flat rating head gaskets on them, would not clean or scrape nuthin they would be back anyway. The Goodwrench 350s made in Mexico were so bad they ( factory ) paid to tear down and inspect. Missing main bolts, rod nuts ect. True Junk.

 

[Darter6]

The dealership workers took a toll on many of the new cars.The transporter driver would take them off the trailer.Guys would jump in and take 'um around the block (it was one way in front of the dealership) smokin' the tires on every intersection.Lots of collapsed lifters when driving into the bays. Imagine that.
We did have a guy spin the rod bearings on a new 68 340 Dart over revin' in front of the store. New crank was ordered for that one..
So it wasn't always the factory's fault.But things like broken back or side glass that they put the rugs right over the top and send her down the line. Stuff like that.

 

[khryslerkid]

I remember when the electronic ignition was coming into play and a lot of the senior mechanics around were dropping out. They wanted nothing to do with it. It was easier to work on than the points systems but you know how people don't like changes.

Working in a Dodge dealership I had to remove the rear end cover on a brand new van for some reason and realized there wasn't a gasket anymore, just silicone. Had the parts dept and I scratching our heads for awhile. (1978)

Found automatic trans fluid in the standard transmissions. We didn't get the memo that they went to it. Found plenty of broken engine parts on new models. Lot's of electrical trouble shooting, pinched wires, carpet screws through the wiring harness ect. Stupid recalls that you couldn't make any money on. And lastly, crooked service managers!