In the past, repairing vehicles was about hand-on know-how and experience. Cars were simple, electrical systems played a minor role, and diagnostics relied on intuition, sound, and smell. A skilled mechanic could pinpoint issues with little more than a timing light and experience.

What Made Repairs Simpler

• Almost no electronics: In the 1960s, cars had zero ECUs; by the 1980s, just 1-3 control units managed basic functions
• Open-engine layouts: Components were accessible, with room to “swing a spanner”
• Mechanical intuition: Diagnoses relied on senses - rattles, smoke, or uneven idle
• Standardized designs: Front-engine, rear-drive layouts dominated, simplifying repairs

Top 3 Repairs in the 1960s:

Overheating

Oil Leaks

Carburetor Tuning