The Intimidator

Posted by 141drew Posted onFeb 7, 2011 at 12:31 PM and filed under Reviews & Features


This isn’t entirely on topic, but I thought you guys would enjoy this incredible documentary. Ever since he was a little boy, Bart Hickey has always loved cars – so it’s only natural that he became a mechanic. In fact, he has his own car shop, called Bart’s Auto and Towing or B.A.T. The name is very apt, because Bart is blind as a bat since birth. Enjoy the video above…


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JustBob

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heartbreaking...

and inspirational at the same time. From just that short video I have the utmost respect for that man.
 
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lynam

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Thats is very inspirational to me personally because i'm a 4th year automotive apprentice and i think 90% of the techs that I have worked with say to get out now and find a different career. Him being blind and working at 50ish in the trade makes me feel more embarrassed in it.
 
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Kevin54

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A friend of mine is blind and I have known him since I was 17. So for 38 years now. He plays excellent keyboard along with other instruments. But the thing is that a number of years ago he had a write up in the newspaper. He worked out to TRC or Transportation Research Center which is an automotive test facility and now owned by Honda. He was the transmission specialist and was very proficient in rebuilding transmissions. After that he ran the Parts Department. He also was very proficient in the building of electronics and power supplies for CB radios at the time. His name was Rocky. He is a very interesting individual to talk to. One thing was though, he never let being blind be a hindrance as that was his world. He never has known what it was like to see. Him and I shared some great times together.
 
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Johnny chaos

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Very inspirational stuff......It's pretty easy to take things for granted.....My son is handicapped by definition but he never uses it as an excuse. In his mind everyone is different and that's where it ends, he's ten and inspires me daily :)
 
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vette66bob

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I enjoyed watching Video. I have been teaching Auto mechanics for many years, I have had many students with various handicaps (visually impaired, missing limbs etc). recently the school allowed hearing impaired and deft students to participate in our classes. At first I was uncertain they would succeed. They came with desire and enthusiasm and the results where rewarding for both the students and myself. It allowed me to rethink my methods of delivering information and expand my experiences. I thank them for motivating me to become a better instructor. I believe the video is motivational not only for people with handicaps but also for students looking for direction and inspiration.
 
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4StarCstms

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Very Cool. Notice the vintage Snap On box, walking thru his door is like stepping back in time I'm sure. A simpler Car and a Simpler way of life ...
 
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nhmercracer

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Inspiring, yes!

And as new as I am here, I would say it is ON Topic. As far as I am concerned, it belongs here on GJ. This is the most patriotic place on the net, that I know of.
 
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chrisherzog

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I know Bart personally (shocked the hell out of me to see the still from the video on the forum - "Hey, that guy looks like Bart Hickey!"). He's a straight ahead guy and his shop, like a lot of small independent shops, is having a rough time with all the **** that's been happening. Bart's been working on cars for a long time; just rolling with the changes and getting things done. That ought to be pretty stand up in anyone's book.

If you're down on the south side of Chicago (Ridgeland just south of I-294 in Alsip), stop by and maybe toss him some business.

Tell him Chris Herzog sent ya ;)

Rock on Bart!
 
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JCQuick

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In my early years of the auto parts biz (70's) we had a place that we sent parts to and electrical items to be repaired because the guy that did it was the best. I got to meet the guy a few years later he was completely blind.
I do my best to never under estimate people with what we call dissablitys
 
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markviii

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Thanks for sharing this, Ryan. Very inspirational! Two other related videos on Vimeo are about his family and his quest to drive at the Bonneville Salt Flats. If he can raise the money, I know he can do it.

Chris
 
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