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Blind Mechanic
Man Fixes Cars Without His Sense of Sight

Reported by: Send eMail Steve Borecky
Videographer: Jarod Herrell
Web Producer: Steve Borecky
Reported: Nov. 16, 2009 4:01 PM EST

EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO
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Fixing a car can be a hard task, but imagine doing it without your sense of sight. That's exactly what one man in southern Ohio is doing.

Ed Rife lost both of his eyes in a work related explosion back in 1995. He's been blind ever since.

In the past 14 years, he's continued his passion of working on cars, and has rebuilt nearly 200 vehicles without being able to see his work. Instead he uses his knowledge of cars and a keen sense of touch. He also has some help from his girlfriend's son Chris.

"I thought I could never do nothing else again. People kept telling me you're not going to be able to do it. I made up my mind and said I'm going to do it," commented Rife.

The Jackson, Ohio man planned to retire after he finishes his current project, but has now ordered a few more cars to repair. Since going blind, Rife has also rebuilt multiple tractors and expanded his home's front porch.





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