Old Dog – Reeeeally New Tricks!

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You know how I keep telling you all that you need to be brave and experiment with new things once you are retired?  You know how learning new skills is supposed to keep your brain young?

Well I’d like to introduce you to

Nelson

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I’ll wait patiently for any of you car people to figure out why his name is “Nelson.”  OK, here’s a hint:  He’s a 1946 Jeep Willys.  (I was gonna name him “Wonka,”  but my friends convinced me that “Willys Wonka” sounded a bit naughty.)

Jeremy bought him…he says it’s for me, for my upcoming 60th birthday.  I told him, “Fine, I can work with that, but it better not be my ONLY 60th birthday present!”  Secretly, I Love, Love, Love Nelson!  He’s the original four-wheeler. His top speed is about 40 mph, and he could probably climb a wall!  I have visions of us on our mountain explorations, saying,

“I Wonder Where That Goes?!”

Talk about MAKING PLANS!  And here’s where the “new tricks” part comes in.  Jeremy says he’s had lunch boxes bigger than Nelson’s engine.  He’s pretty simple, and built to last.  With that in mind, I innocently asked him,  “Do you think maybe I might be able to do some work on him?”

We had discussed in the past how Jeremy had learned his automotive/mechanical skills by hanging on the shirt tails of his dad, who showed him the ins and outs.  And so it has begun…

So far, I’ve put in a new fuel pump, cleaned Nelson’s fuel filter, given him a new battery hold-down, put on a new rear-view mirror and new tail-gate chains.  Mostly all by myself!  (With my dear hubs right there every step of the way, showing me what to do and checking my work.)

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That’s my handy-work!  I’m pretty proud of myself!  Dirty fingernails, greasy fingers, smelled like gas – but I did it (mostly) all by myself!  And now I can see the attraction!  And I find myself wanting to fix and change out all kinds of things.  So time will tell if he’s created a monster!  I’ll keep you posted on how Nelson is coming along as we get nearer to my real 60th birthday!  In the meantime, he’s a blast to drive!  If you see me, wave!

Lynn

24 thoughts on “Old Dog – Reeeeally New Tricks!”

    1. Encore Voyage Post author

      It’s the “make it back” part that’s a little scary. Before we go too far afoot, we need to make sure he’s in excellent mechanical shape. (Notice I say “we” there…) ~ Lynn

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  6. patwdoyle11

    WOW!! Awesome… for so many reasons. It’s awesome you can learn to do the work! It’s awesome you’ve got such a cool new jeep to have fun in. I’ve always looked a Jeeps with a bit of envy… they just look like so much fun. In FL (where we are at the moment), there are a bunch around. It’s not that good of an option in OH though. It’s awesome you’ve got a hubby able & willing to teach you new tricks. It’s awesome the adventures you’ll have. Wishing you many fun “where does that go”… and make it backs as well. (And yes, with the Willy… I get the Nelson… on the road again, just can’t wait to get on the road again….).

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    1. Encore Voyage Post author

      I think it’s pretty awesome, too! Although I’m pretty sure that while watching me work a wrench, he really had to bite his tongue to keep from snatching it out of my hand and saying, “Let me do it!” He was really patient! And Nelson will probably stay covered up all winter. He doesn’t even have a top anymore!

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    1. Encore Voyage Post author

      Thanks, Christie. Since the post I’ve changed his spark plugs, given him a new rear view mirror, a new gas cap and new tailgate chains. One step at a time – he’s getting more and more handsome! ~ Lynn

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