DO IT YOURSELF?

I once tuned in to a popular NPR radio show called “Car Talk,” hosted by brothers Tom and Ray Magliozzi. The siblings went by the pseudonyms Click and Clack Tappet on the air. This production originally aired from 1977 to 2012 and featured an engaging mix of car advice, humor, and listener calls.

The Magliozzi brothers, known for their comedic banter and relatable stories, would tackle a range of automotive questions while entertaining listeners with their quick wit and chemistry. Both cast themselves as simple garage mechanics, although each graduated from MIT with an engineering degree.

The show became a beloved staple of public radio, appealing to car enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. Their catchphrases and playful interactions contributed to the show’s charm, making it a memorable part of many people’s weekends.

I first came across this show while traveling in Arizona and became addicted. Being a mechanic myself, I didn’t always agree with their advice, but they were ‘spot on’ most of the time. To me, the funniest part was the interaction between callers and the Tappet brothers.

It was easy to hear that some of those callers were dangerous, especially when they had wrenches in their hands. What I mean here is that some people should outsource work to professionals rather than attempt it themselves.

I once tried to do some plumbing without really knowing the basics. This was before YouTube made it somewhat easy. I used black pipe during a new hot water heater install, and before long, electrolysis between the steel and copper created a major leak and ruined the tank. I only found this out after a veteran plumber laughed at what he saw.

On “Car Talk,” some listeners constantly asked the brothers technical questions that only someone with a computer analyzer could answer. I knew right then these callers shouldn’t be working on their own vehicles to begin with. I kept waiting for one of the Tappets to jokingly instruct a caller to place their phone near the problem car or truck.

Over the years, I’ve watched friends, family, and strangers attempt automotive work and finally give up. The reason for this was that they didn’t want to pay someone. This was true not only for car repairs but also for roofing, plumbing, electrical work, and other tasks.

In a garage where I was employed, a customer would occasionally bring in what we called a “basket case.” This was a multitude of uninstalled parts, generally in a box or boxes, that this person rounded up after admitting defeat. These jobs cost that individual much more than if they had simply left things alone.

Most guys who refuse to use automotive professionals complain that the cost is much higher than they think the job is worth. Of course, when they purchase a designer cup of coffee for $8, they never say a thing, even leaving a whole $10 bill to cover the tip.

“Car Talk” is no longer in production. When Tom Magliozzi passed away on November 3, 2014, at the age of 76, the show ceased to exist. I mourn the loss because it was one of the better public radio programs to air.

The other day, a friend who owned a successful import-car garage told me that BMW owners complained about their bills more than customers of other brands did.  German automobile parts are more expensive than American or Japanese equivalents.

Former garage owner Jim Brownfield had a humorous name for BMW. Instead of Bavarian Motor Works, Jim’s was By-itch, Moan, and Whine. I changed the spelling of the first word here to avoid being overly derogatory, while the pronunciation is the same as the original.

With “Car Talk” now gone, I’d like to see a new radio or television program where callers with a negative bent complain about the supposed high prices of auto shops, plumbers, electricians, roofers, gasoline, groceries, and anything else in between. Hey, we can even add hair stylists to that list. I’ve heard many women gripe about the beauty shops they go to.

I’d name this show, “BMW.” The program would have several panelists, with folks either calling in or appearing in person to cry, moan, and whine, especially about our government and politicians.

When I told my wife about this idea, she replied right away, “There already is such a show.” Not knowing what she was talking about, I point-blank had to ask. “The View!” Joleen then informed me, “Those women are the Debbie Downers of the television world!”

I’ve only watched a small segment of “The View” and found it totally depressing. If it were made into a radio program like “Car Talk,” I’m not sure I could handle things without a strong dose of Prozac beforehand.

Click & Clack made me laugh while I was traveling, and I wish I could bring them back!