Thinking Like a Cuban
Saturday January 2, 2010
Since this is an auto repair blog, not my personal podium for political commentary, I'll skip talking about how stupid a Cuban embargo looks in the year 2010. But I do have an automotive angle. Since the trade embargo began in 1960, Cuba has become famous for its collection of classic American cars. It's not that they have extremely rare cars, it's that they managed to keep them running without any proper replacement parts for almost 50 years. That's some feat, and it's been accomplished by sheer determination on the part of die-hard Cuban auto enthusiasts. They are so proud of this achievement that the Cuban government has decided to recognize the so-called Yank Tanks that roam its streets by opening an automotive museum featuring many American cars kept alive in Cuba, including a 1905 Cadillac that was used until some time in the 1980s! My point is this: If Cuban mechanics can keep a 1905 Cadillac running without any parts to do it with, you can do anything you want to your car! All it takes is determination, confidence, and a quick trip to the auto parts store.
For more information on the Cuban automotive museum, The Depósito, read this.
The world, especially Americans, who consume and throw away when something breaks, should learn from Cubans, they can fix anything with very little resources. I got to know them a little while living in Miami, and they are quite ingenious. Their doctors are also known as top notch worldwide, and again, with few resources. The human spirit is incredible, squeeze it and it thrives, at least that is my case, that’s why I try not to spoil myself too much even when I’m successful, keeps you on your feet!
….so why don’t you pack your bags, renounce US citizenship and move to the communist paradise???
The embargo is that of the castro’s against the cuban people. And should be lifted, together with free elections and release of all political prisoners and dismantling of all labour camps.
As far as the cuban govt. goes,Send them ALL “Left”
Handed screwdrivers!!As for this story,ITs ABOUT .COM
Automobiles,NOT Politics 101!!Good Story,Matt!!!
I saw a story on PBS around 10 years ago about the cars and their owners in Cuba. They are very resourceful. I was amazed at what they make brake fluid out of. And I was very surprised at how they can make body parts for their cars. One of them made a new trunk lid for a car and when he was done it would have been hard to tell that it was not a OEM replacement. And they have fun as we on discussing whether Ford or Chevy are better cars. One strange thing was that in their culture the car is parked literally inside the home, the garage side is not unclosed separately from the rest of the home.
At the risk of upseting some commenters (even though this was about the Cuban people, not the government per Matthew).
Anytime there is adversity, people everywhere look for a solution. Just look at how the East Germans kept the Trabant (a crappy sub-car if there ever was one; made the Yugo look like a Lexus) until the wall came down.
I have a friend in Cuba who owns an old 53 chevy and has managed to keep it running with diesel, kerosene, natural gas, etc, etc, etc. However you must understand that his car does not go faster than 40 mph and breaks every other day. Cubans have a lot of time in their hands while they are in Cuba. They do fix their cars as they plan for a better future somewhere else. I know first hand.
Enjoy lots of time in your hands, resign US citizenship and move with them. Have no electricity, no running water, no women, no beer, no drinks, no shoes, no soap, no food, become a slave. Learn the trade of junk car repair and restoration from the masters. Have fun. It would be a good idea however to bankrupt the US obsolete and decadent car industry by repairing cars FOREVER. I am running a 20y.y. VW. No more jobs to unions.
To all you naysayers it’s not a story supporting communism, or embargo’s. It’s not about left or right. It’s about the human spirit in the face of adversity. It’s about scrounging to make something work that by all accounts shouldn’t. I saw a movie today about the ‘Yank Tanks’ and really enjoyed it. The struggle of these people was saddening but inspiring. There was a guy named Ito who re-manufactured brake pads out of asbestos BY HAND! he said he had to support his family. More relevant to this forum is the way these guys inspired me a guy with ‘66 Honda Benly. It cost me about $500 bucks. By all accounts I should never have purchased this 6V, drum brake, leading link reck but I did. And as a disposable American these guys make me feel that if they can do it with all the difficulties they have I should stop my wining and get back to work.
Best Wishes,
Justjoe