- Chapter 24
o Motorcycle references:
- Cover screw sticking, get stuck when the threads cold-weld (steel on steel), stripping out the head (snap off a piece, use a slotted screwdriver to avoid), corroded with rust. Can use penetrating oil or impact driver to get out (impact driver= screw driver with a twist, hit it).
- Self-locking plier wrench: the vice grips (tool of last resort), used to get stuck screw)
- Screw extractor: like a unicorn horn, grip the screw
- Drill out, burn out method (might damage threads, should put Hela coil on it to put threads back in)
- sissy bar (rear of the seat, keeps you from falling off)
o Theme of the screw being stuck: parallels a mental stuck-ness; quality is movement (train metaphor), you have to care about it.
o Form and function: parallel the train (the movement=function, the machine/cars=form)
o Truman: adapt your ideals until you find a quality solution that works
- Chapter 25
o Motorcycle references:
- How to mix and apply glue for engine covers, gasket compound
- Classic quality can’t tell you how to do something really well “good does not naturally follow”
- Mechanic as an artist: fusion of skill and mechanics of machinery
o The ugliness of technology: the relationship between the people who produce/use technology and the product. People don’t have a personal connection with these things, they need to care to have a good relationship with it.
- Marxist idea of the creators getting detached from their work/labor.
- Also talks about ugly materials (changing of styles and opinions)
o Style/stylized garbage dump: making that which is utilitarian look pretty
- Chapter 26
o Motorcycle references:
- Not many technical complexities
o Jim is on heavy-weight crew but is “glad [he looks] slim”
o Gumption as enthusiasm or motivation
- Getting stuck is important, thinking for yourself, developing a personal connection with your work and developing that enthusiasm.
- Gumption traps: not getting frustrated or discouraged, stay calm with that “peace of mind”
- The ego: less open to improvement
- Parts: lost parts, put on in the wrong order (mis-assembly), frustration.
- Setbacks/hang ups:
- Gumption filling process: quiet, still, like on fishing trips, thinking and taking your time, reflecting.