> I had the same background, Mostly self taught. And in days gone by I was   
    > a pretty good "Shade Tree" mechanic.   
    > One has not lived until they change a manual tranny in a Gravel Parking   
    > Lot. OR changed a starter during in a Las Vegas Sand Storm in an Auto   
    > Parts Store parking lot!!!  :-)  :-) :-)   
      
   Ahh yes, the stories of working on cars under bad conditions.  With help from   
   a few friends, we did replace an automatic transmission.  Wheeled it under the   
   car on a flat piece of wood with wheels on it and pushed it up into place   
   while the other bolted it up.   
      
   I used to have to bang on one of my old car's starters to get it started -   
   only when it was freezing and snowing/ice on the ground.  Nothing like having   
   work cloths on getting under the car to hammer the starter.  I also lost a tie   
   rod end on my way to work years ago.  Also lost an entire wheel on the beltway   
   due to broken studs on the bearing.   
      
   I spent part of the repair of my duaghter's car outside in snow flurries, high   
   wind, and 15 degrees.  Had to start the water pump repair outside since it   
   makes a mess.  Then after the messy part was done, I started it with no water   
   pump and drive it into the garage to finish.  :)  I'm sure I have more   
   stories, just can't think of them off the top of my head.   
      
   - Mark   
      
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