1940s Auto Mechanic…

Just stumbled across this 1940s vocational education film on becoming a mechanic. Its a great film clip for checking out vintage service equipment, car part cutaways, uniforms, etc. What strikes me is how radically the skill set has changed for a new car mechanic. In the pursuit of simplicity, reliability and safety, new cars have become rolling computers. Plug it in, find the code, and replace the part (hopefully under warranty!). It juts doesn’t pay to “service” a part these days- Items are thrown away and replaced as an entire unit. Even brake rotors get tossed! I wonder how many modern auto techs (non-HAMB guys) know how to work a lathe or acetylene torch? Many of these procedures will look familiar to those of us with pre-60s cars, although I don’t think I’ve ever cleaned carbon out of a flathead block!

Anyway, enjoy the clip. Looks like a ’39 Nash gets used a few times…

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