Huh, my sons and I were just talking about this kind of thing two days ago! When I was young and dirt poor (the 70s and 80s), I always fixed my own cars. Engine swaps, trannys, just about anything. Of course, my old beaters were from the 60s and 70s. My ability to work on my own stuff was one way I could keep my head above water. Now, my middle son is struggling to keep his used cars going, and he is having a hard time of it. Used cars of the 90s and up, what a ******! Especially anything front wheel drive. I feel bad cause I can't help him like I could myself, even with my fairly equipped shop. Heck, I even take my OWN stuff to the shop now, most of the time. Cars just aren't fun anymore. One more reason I have a small fleet of OLD cars to tinker with and enjoy! Bottom line; it's harder to be a poor working stiff these days.
