show-n-tell

[tomshobby]

Today I was invited to bring my TR6 to an area high school for their shop class. I am looking forward to it and one of the first nice days I will be doing it.
Figure it is a great way to share our hobby!

 

[TRDejaVu]

Be prepared for, "Oh look, it doesn't have traction control, an automatic transmission, speed control, air conditioning, fuel injection or any computers. How did they drive them back in the old days?"

Your answer of course is that some skill was required and that's what made driving fun as opposed to the majority of sterile shoe boxes that they pass off as cars today, where you just point it and the car does the driving for you.

 

[martx-5]

Don't forget to show them some of the high tech tools needed for working on these cars...such as the matchbook cover to set the points, and the twelve inch piece of hose to balance the carbs! :thumbsup:

 

[Brosky]

Tom,

I did something similar last year and I expected the same response as Ian stated. It was the exact opposite.

The guys acted like I had an alien spaceship when I pulled in. It was perfect top down 80 degree sunny weather. They just stared and whispered "cool" to one another. Many had never even heard of a Triumph TR6, let alone seen one up close and personal.

When I opened the hood and they saw the triple carbs and chrome, it was like I opened up a treasure chest of gold. I could have answered questions for hours. They were fascinated with the electric switch for the overdrive and the headers on a straight six.

As I left, one of the kids came over to thank me and said that he wished he grew up when those cars were new. I told him that I was lucky be there then and he just kept smiling as I pulled away.

I sometimes wish for those days again myself.....

Do yourself a favor and take a camera. They are going to want pictures sitting in and standing around you car with you. Trust me, I wish I had taken mine.

 

[poolboy]

That's great, Tom. I believe it will be a day some young gearhead will never forget. I know I wouldn't.

 

[2wrench]

You're gonna blow their minds, Tom. Fun thing.

 

[toysrrus]

Hi There Tom,

I had a similar exp. several years ago when I had a `55 MGTF (Red One no less).

I and the TF were interviewed by a group of students who were gernalists who their school newspaper (Video Taped etc).

I was telling them about the history of the car & how it was built. Some statements:

Hey, the doors open the wrong way!
Wood framing! You have to be kidding!
The body is tacked to the wood! You can`t be for real! "No Way"!
The windshield folds down! "Thats Neat"!
etc etc etc.

It really was fun & to this day I still have and occassionaly look at the video.

You`ll have a Ton of Fun with this. As mentioned bring your camera for the kids. They probably cherish some the pics for quite awhile.

Enjoy every moment,

Russ

 

[NutmegCT]

Last summer I took TeeYah to work, to show a young guy my "project". He thought it was cool, and wanted to drive it.

I suggested he drive slow around the parking lot first, as it doesn't have power steering or power brakes.

He asked "what is power steering and power brakes?"

T.

 

[tomshobby]

Thanks for the camera idea Paul. I would not have thought about that. I think I will offer them a chance to sit in my car and take their photo. Being digital they can download them before I leave.

I plan on taking some photos of the work I have done and my past Triumphs. I used to teach shop classes at the local tech college and liked bringing in related projects to apply the lessons to real life. Kind of the idea of this teacher. It is amazing what the enthusiasim can become for the students and teacher.

I am looking forward to a fun time.