You Can't Do That

Way back in the Eighties cars had catalytic converters in the muffler system. OK, I guess they still do, but whatever. They were expensive things either way.

Mine went out one day in some old wreck I had at the time. I went to Local Auto Parts store, figuring honestly to buy what pipes I might use to replace it. Why not? Converters really weren't very good at their purpose, and I'm cheap.

While looking around the row which had muffler pipes and clamps and such, an earnest employee approached. "Can I help you sir?"

I explained what I wanted, giving the make and model of the vehicle I wanted it for.

"Sir!" He responded in an over the top voice and manner. "I can't tell you how to replace your converter. That would be against the law. There is no way I can tell you that that...and that...and that third one there...with those clamps...will take up the space of your converter exactly!"

"Oh dear," said I, also in mockery. "I am so sorry to have bothered you." He then walked away, and I did not, wink, wink, buy those parts.