What’s The Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done To A Car?

Before you type the tale of how you backed your new Z28 into a telephone pole, I must clarify that today’s Autopian Asks is enquiring about things you intentionally did to your car (or people you know did to their cars) that turned out to be horrible decisions, not fender benders and the like (but still, sorry about your Z28).

I think the classic Bad Car Move is the DIY convertible as crudely depicted in the top graphic. Like many of you (I bet), I had buddies in high school who made this tragic alteration to a malaise barge. In my case, I recall it being a Chrysler Newport that was sacrificed to the Sawzall. I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you this mod is only appropriate if the AC is non-functional and you’re about to drive more than half an hour in the middle of August to deposit the car at the salvage yard – and it’s still dubious even then, as the roof was contributing rigidity that is kinda necessary for safety. But if we’re talking a relatively decent runner you actually need to get around, well, ya really blew it by sawing that top off, because now you do need to take it to the salvage yard. Or learn to weld.

Other fails I witnessed included the absolute destruction of an interior in a painted-dashboard attempt by a would-be Hot Important Nighter who thought the job could be done with a rattle can, painter’s tape, and zero parts removal – just get in the car and spray. Things went south fast, and he was furious. And also purple, as the spray paint covered him as thoroughly as everything else in the car.

And me, personally? The worst thing I ever did to a car (a 1980 Honda Accord, specifically) was knowingly drive it a full half hour with the temp needle buried in the red, every drop of coolant prevented from entering the block because of a bum thermostat. In my defense, a tow would have cost more than the car was worth, and infinitely more than the zero dollars I had, and I had to get home somehow. But if “worst” is defined by consequences, then what I did wasn’t bad at all, as the Accord’s EK1 engine seemed no worse for wear once a new thermostat was in place.

Your turn: What’s The Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done To A Car?

Top graphic images: DepositPhotos.com; Milwaukee