While in college I was a mechanic at a shop that specialized in VW's but also worked on just about all production vehicles. I have maintained my own vehicles and most of the vehicles in my family for many years. I have rebuilt engines, transmissions, done body work on salvage titled vehicles and have to admit that I've most enjoyed the new Saturn LS that I got for my wife to drive, especially since I haven't had to do much to it except change the oil and drive it. I have also been a general contractor briefly and when the economy went bad I attended graduate school in Computer Science.

If any of my answers need clarification feel free to contact me at:

a_d_kirkwood@excite.com

I have the spam filter on that account turned WAY up so make sure the title of the e-mail makes me want to read the message. That account is my spam-trap and I throw away most e-mails as unread so make it look like it isn't spam and double check the spelling in the subject line. I usually assume spelling errors in the subject are a sign of spam. I really do like to help people who have questions so don't hesitate to contact me. I come across as much more grumpy than I really am... honest... even though my children and grandchildren might disagree.

In a private message, one disgruntled reader accused me of being a "narcissist". Little does he (she?) know that I am delighted that people of limited intellect and/or morality find me offensive.

I have opinions and while I usually sugar coat my answers a little, sometimes I find the questions to be just too outrageous to answer with a straight face. I find this to be a place where I can have a little occasional fun.

If you want to know more about me, read a definition of Curmudgeon below:

http://www.concentric.net/~marlowe/curdef.shtml

That pretty much sums it up.