Couple of instances of " engineering trauma abroad"
First (to cut a long story short!) I managed to hit the back of a truck in some remote part of Macedonia on way to Greece in the late '70s which stove in the rear quarter of our Ren 5. A night when the car was "imprisoned" at the local cop shop, wife, me and young baby son were "held" in the worst hotel in the world in a village with only a dirt road through it. Next morning we were released (blameless) after interrogation by Inspector Clouseau (honest - his exact double but with a pistol) and escorted out of the village by a youth (looked about 14) in uniform and with a rifle and told to get out of Yugoslavia without stopping and never to return to Yugoslavia. The next 3-400 miles to our favourite beach were nerve shredding because every bump (there were rather a lot) we went over grated the rear off side tyre against the stove in wheel arch with horrible screeching noise. Pitched tent on beach and I went to the local garage (only one for about 100 miles). Mechanic very busy, I showed him the car and by hand signals said I wanted car mending - he went inside brought out trolley jack and lump hammer and signed for me to take off wheel and hammer the wheel arch out. I tried but failed - went back to him and "explained". He just laughed, went inside, and emerged with the tools for the job - a huge laugh and a huge sledge hammer - and it worked! I rather suspect that his range of hammers solved all mechanical problems! we got home OK!
Second (am I going on too long?) Ardennes, ourR18 with caravan on back stops on hairpin bend in cloud of smoke. Local fire engine with accompanying Land Rover stops to help. Fire engine tows car (kids get to ride in fire engine!!), LR tows caravan to local garage. We, 4 firemen and mechanic (garage was just closing as we arrived) consume box of beer from boot of our car for an hour or so while car is fixed. When fixed, ask how much to pay - mechanic says "nothing". Lots of shaking of hands and thanks and we were on our way again!
Who needs AA Components guide!!
Phil
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AA Car Components Guide (1984) new
AA Car Components Guide (1984) new