I would think that riding in the Lincoln would prepare him for an alternative, though not necessarily preferable, lifestyle. 

Stephen

Mobile

> On Jun 6, 2017, at 2:06 AM, John Lauterbach <john@JHL.MGACOXMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Right now, my Son, Sebastian, age 18, is without wheels because his Dad
> cannot buy (beg, borrow) the Brake Adjuster Push Rods that are needed to
> redo the rear brakes on Dad's '84 Vanagon.  Our future generation of
> Vanagon owners should not be stranded because of parts that do wear out,
> become frozen, etc., for brakes and other safety related items.  Please
> note that according to one list vendor's web site, all Vanagons need
> these parts for the rear brakes to function correctly.  I am sure there
> is almost universal agreement that it is an embarrassment for my Son to
> be seen riding in his Dad's 2002 Lincoln Continental.  He works the
> grave yard shift at one of the local Kroger stores, so no one is around
> at 1 a.m. in the morning when I take him to work.
> 
> I am sure some of you who read this, especially if you have very good
> memories will be saying, "John, if you, working strictly on your own
> without any help, could do an engine transplant in the Summer of 2003,
> why can't you do a rear brake job in 2017"  Yes, I have the floor jack,
> jack stands, and probably most of the tools to do it.  However, if the
> adjusters are as frozen as reported, then you cannot successfully do the
> rear brakes.
> 
> You were all 18 once and remember the trauma of having to walk, use your
> bicycle, or worse yet, have to rely on your parents for essential
> transportation.  My Son had to use Uber to avoid embarrassment when he
> went on a date yesterday afternoon.  He should have his own wheels, and
> he needs you help in getting the Brake Adjuster Push Rods.
> 
> Thank you for reading.
> 
> John