Why Do I Think I Qualify ?

So what makes me think I'm a gear head ?

I have a love of mechanical devices, a hands on ability, and a passion for doing tasks to the best that I am capable of. That is good enough in my mind but let me expand on the subject.

Since the age of eight I have had a love for cars, which evolved into the mechanical aspects of virtually anything mechanical (including a mechanical engineering degree from General Motors Institute). 

I worked on and modified my bicycle(s) (still do), I built and modified model cars. Built, modified, and raced slot cars. I actually designed and made my own frames for the slot cars. I disassembled and made running a lawnmower motor in 7th grade. Painted my first car three times, with a little custom paint. Swapped motors in my first car. Custom painted cars in High School.

My first job was working for my grandfather at his airport. My grandfather was a mechanic and I was exposed to a lot of mechanic processes in working with him. Light aircraft are just full of neat little mechanical devices. I continue to be fascinated with mechanical devices and new technologies.

I'm a big fan of Hot Rods, kustom kulture, racing, motorcycles, choppers and whatever is cool in the mechanical or automotive world. Pinstriping and traditional hot rod flames are artforms that I have tried and had some success with, though mostly for my own enjoyment.

Early adoption of technology is something that I seem to be attracted to also. Computers, PDA's, digital camera's, CAD software, MP3 players, smartphones have all been tools I have used. Yes I even have an iPad that I love, which originally I thought was too limited in use. I'm a spreadsheet junkie. I haven't re-written a contact list since 1994, when I stopped using a Franklin Planner which I used religiously.

Somewhere along the way I learned to machine parts and pieces using a mill, lathe, or grinder. Alas I have not had the opportunity to learn welding.

I'm not a big a gearhead as an Ed Roth, Micky Thompson, Bryan Fuller or Chip Foose (who I met once), but I think I qualify and that's what counts.

Wow this blogging thing ain't as easy as I thought it would be. I started this a couple weeks ago and just managed to finish it.