Know your 1949-54 Pontiac starter

The "sparky stuff". 

Formative things. I was 18, driving an old mid-sixties GM van that probably used the same starter as this. The starter was struggling to turn over the engine, and I was considering a rebuilt starter whenever payday came. The mechanic at work suggested I rebuild mine. It's easy, he said, " a couple of wire connections, two bolts and you can bring it into the shop. Go to the auto electric place across the street and get a bushing and brushes."

So, about $6, some guidance (thanks, Ron!) and a half hour later I had a rebuilt starter,  I was king of the world.