1/4atatime
Well-known member
Man I thought someone was writing slightly altered version of myself. I also work in IT and have an affection for Japanese cars. I currently have a 370z FBO and tune and a box of suspension parts sitting around that I still need to install.So I just realized I jumped right in and never really introduced myself. My name is Trent, I’m in my early 40’s, and I work in IT consulting.
My love affair for all things automotive started when I was a little kid. My dad and I would work on projects together. Nothing elaborate and not on anything particularly exciting. Think less “putting headers on a ‘69 Camaro” and more “fix the misfire on this ‘80 Skylark.”
My old man is one of those guys that just Knows Things. I was always amazed at it, particularly in the days waaaay before Google, where if you got stumped, it usually meant having to ask for help. And The Guy Who Knows Things would never do that in a thousand years.
“We need to run a wire through the attic to install a new outlet? Well, climb up there kid, and I’ll show you how to do it.”
“Come on boy. The window regulator on your sister’s car broke. We’re going to change it. Grab my tools.”
“Our 30 year old central A/C quit. Probably needs a fan motor or a capacitor. I’ll show you how to figure that out.”
“We need to change out these busted tiles in the kitchen. You and your brother are going to help me.”
Dad definitely wanted to make sure his kids knew how to take care of themselves. Those practical skills and learning not to fear projects, but see them as opportunities for growth has always stayed with me.
Dad got me my own set of mechanics tools (A ratchet and socket set from Sears) when I got handed down the family car, a ‘90 Dodge Spirit with the 4 banger and a three speed auto. It was…not fast. It was also a 90’s era Dodge, so got real acquainted with that tool set.
I ended up going the Japanese car route pretty early on. The first car I bought with my own money was a Mazda Mx6, essentially a Ford Probe in a Kimono.
Not long after I got into Miata’s. I built out a sweet ‘91, put on a Bell Engineering turbo kit, a MSPNP standalone, Tein coilover suspension, and so much more. I sold that car about 6 years ago, and even though it was definitely time to let it go, it was like putting down the family dog to get rid of it.
Many family cars have come and gone over the past 15 years, but that little Mx5 will always hold a special place in my heart, both for the fun I had, but also for all it taught me about wrenching on cars.
Unfortunately, somewhere early on in our relationship, I made the biggest mistake a man can make, and I inadvertently let my wife SEE that I was handy.
I have never known peace since.
I won’t make the same mistake with the next one!
(My wife hates that joke)
Hopefully my garage gets built soon. But my dad is the same way somehow he just knows how to do things. I think part of that was him growing up on a farm and his dad being the same way. I remember my grandpa always had a revolving project and my dad basically doea most things around the house himself. Which means I learned a little of everything. Me and my dad service most of the family fleet of vehicles when possible (I don't want to talk about my sister's mess of a mini Cooper 
). My parents finished out their entire basement when I was younger so that's where I got to gain skills in everything from plumbing to electrical and drywall. I love your garage setup definitely jealous of having a garage that big attached to the house. Nothing like that ever came up for sale in my area when I was looking.
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