My motto has been, "If man can put it together, man can take it apart." I've learned a lot over the years trying to take each project, large or small, to the next level. "Can he or can he not put it back together again?" Success rates have varied, but it's always instructional and helps to build confidence in your abilities for the next time.

Well written, well executed. Enjoyable piece. Reinforcement to fellow Hoons relegated to keeping machines operating that are usually scrapped by a couple of generations of consumers more prone to just throwing things away. The further we get from those who lived through the 20th century Depression, the further we reduce the need and desire to learn the skills needed to get through life in a self-sufficient manner.
I've had recent discussions with friends of my age group regarding required shop classes from seventh grade through high school back in the day. How much of this effort is made in educational institutions today? It's pretty sad to think a large population of citizens faced with a situation where their basic mechanical aptitude could save their life (or, in the least, their finances) would instead be left sitting and twiddling their thumbs.

"...random branches..."
This is the car used by the old bearded gentleman on Led Zeppelin's fourth album after his back finally gave out.