Annual last ride
December 7th, 2015, 08:22 PM
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 14,432
That's the first thing I thought of, too. A $50,000 car as a Christmas tree hauler?!
I have a convertible, too, and I cringed when I saw these photos. Those tops are not made nor meant to carry any weight.
Isn't there a risk of getting tree sap on the top? Or having a branch or a twig puncture it? Or at least scratching it? As cute as all this is, I'd leave the Christmas tree hauling to a vehicle a bit more appropriate to the task and that you wouldn't have a heart attack over if it got or scratched or whatever in any way.
I have a convertible, too, and I cringed when I saw these photos. Those tops are not made nor meant to carry any weight.
Isn't there a risk of getting tree sap on the top? Or having a branch or a twig puncture it? Or at least scratching it? As cute as all this is, I'd leave the Christmas tree hauling to a vehicle a bit more appropriate to the task and that you wouldn't have a heart attack over if it got or scratched or whatever in any way.
December 7th, 2015, 09:01 PM
#7
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Chi-town
Posts: 4,532
Never say never but I place the tree on gently and I do not tie it down very firm. I know its rare, valuable etc. but..... i do try to enjoy it. You would be surprised at what that top can handle - they held a lot more back in the day. It was only 1.5 mile ride. I risk more driving it on the expressway on a beautiful summer day than what I did yesterday.
December 7th, 2015, 09:12 PM
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 14,432
There are many ways to enjoy the car that don't involve putting a Christmas tree on it. And 1.5 miles or 150 miles, it isn't the length of the trip that's the only issue, it's the mere fact of putting the tree on the roof in the first place. The greatest chance for damage is putting it up on the roof in the parking lot of the Christmas tree place and then taking it off again at the end of the trip.
And actually, I WOULD tie it down firmly, because, in addition to what I just said above, it's the sliding around on the roof while the car is in motion that can also cause damage.
And I disagree. You have a far greater chance of damaging the car by putting a freshly cut tree on the top than you do from simply driving it down the road.
Many will likely disagree with me, and I'll stop talking about this now, but this is one of the most insane things I've ever seen anyone do with or to a valuable old car.
And actually, I WOULD tie it down firmly, because, in addition to what I just said above, it's the sliding around on the roof while the car is in motion that can also cause damage.
And I disagree. You have a far greater chance of damaging the car by putting a freshly cut tree on the top than you do from simply driving it down the road.
Many will likely disagree with me, and I'll stop talking about this now, but this is one of the most insane things I've ever seen anyone do with or to a valuable old car.
December 8th, 2015, 05:23 AM
#10
344879M363895
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 2,234
Insured for more than that - that's for sure
Never say never but I place the tree on gently and I do not tie it down very firm. I know its rare, valuable etc. but..... i do try to enjoy it. You would be surprised at what that top can handle - they held a lot more back in the day. It was only 1.5 mile ride. I risk more driving it on the expressway on a beautiful summer day than what I did yesterday.
Never say never but I place the tree on gently and I do not tie it down very firm. I know its rare, valuable etc. but..... i do try to enjoy it. You would be surprised at what that top can handle - they held a lot more back in the day. It was only 1.5 mile ride. I risk more driving it on the expressway on a beautiful summer day than what I did yesterday.
Great pic!
December 9th, 2015, 10:38 AM
#19
71 cutlass convertible
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Trappe, MD
Posts: 2,058
Great picture.
As for the tree on the roof. I own a nursery, I have never put a tree on the roof of a convertible. I have put a 12 foot weeping willow on the front seat of a MG midget.(wish I had pics) Several bushes in the back seat of a 63 Dynamic 88 convertible. Loaded loose mulch into the trunk of an old xj6. Also put mulch into several old restored Ford/Chevy pick-ups and 48 International stake body. This year also loaded a bunch of plants and mulch into a 44 GMC deuce and half. People love their old cars and do all sorts of things with them. Me the craziest thing I have done is put a dresser in the back seat. Memories will always be more valuable than the car.
My.02
As for the tree on the roof. I own a nursery, I have never put a tree on the roof of a convertible. I have put a 12 foot weeping willow on the front seat of a MG midget.(wish I had pics) Several bushes in the back seat of a 63 Dynamic 88 convertible. Loaded loose mulch into the trunk of an old xj6. Also put mulch into several old restored Ford/Chevy pick-ups and 48 International stake body. This year also loaded a bunch of plants and mulch into a 44 GMC deuce and half. People love their old cars and do all sorts of things with them. Me the craziest thing I have done is put a dresser in the back seat. Memories will always be more valuable than the car.
My.02
December 9th, 2015, 02:49 PM
#20
Rocket Renegade!
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 4,837
You have a far greater chance of damaging the car by putting a freshly cut tree on the top than you do from simply driving it down the road.
Many will likely disagree with me, and I'll stop talking about this now, but this is one of the most insane things I've ever seen anyone do with or to a valuable old car.
Many will likely disagree with me, and I'll stop talking about this now, but this is one of the most insane things I've ever seen anyone do with or to a valuable old car.
Actually, the most insane thing he did was put the dog in there. Once you put a dog in your car, it'll never be the same again. That hair gets in everywhere and NEVER COMES OUT. If you don't believe me, come look at my truck after a 1500-mile road trip with my two Golden Retrievers.
Last edited by BangScreech4-4-2; December 9th, 2015 at 02:52 PM. Reason: Punctuation.
December 9th, 2015, 03:51 PM
#21
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Chi-town
Posts: 4,532
December 9th, 2015, 03:55 PM
#22
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Chi-town
Posts: 4,532
Now that I agree with
. One of the girls ran out of the house with the dog in hand, I was just about ready to say "NO WAY!!" when she smiled at me and said "this is going to be so much fun" - I just couldn't say no to that.
December 9th, 2015, 04:53 PM
#24
Lansing built
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Grand Ledge, MI
Posts: 3,250
I have had a german shepherd in my Supreme and my 87 442. I had a large beach towel down in both cases.
We used to put my three wheeler in the trunk of my dads 76 98 with the front wheel on the rear bumper!
Pat
We used to put my three wheeler in the trunk of my dads 76 98 with the front wheel on the rear bumper!
Pat
Last edited by 1970cs; December 10th, 2015 at 04:24 PM.
December 10th, 2015, 09:50 AM
#25
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,407
I once heard a great line: "not enjoying your car to save it for the future is like not enjoying your girlfriend/wife so she'll be in perfect shape for the next guy."
Cool pics, glad your whole family can enjoy it. Merry Christmas!
Cool pics, glad your whole family can enjoy it. Merry Christmas!
December 10th, 2015, 04:40 PM
#29
I love seeing this stuff. Cars getting used as they should. The other day i saw a guy towing a fifth wheel motor home down the highway with a beautifully restore late 60's 3/4 ton truck. That W machine looks great btw.
December 11th, 2015, 11:30 AM
#30
Rocket Renegade!
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 4,837
Yeah, I guess I'll have to give you a pass on that one!
December 11th, 2015, 12:13 PM
#31
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Mannheim, PA
Posts: 103
I take my dog in the car and you would never know she went along. My dog seems to know there is something special about a collector car, she just is happy to lay on the front seat between me and my wife. Not even nose prints on the windows.photo_zpsfc1a59ee.jpg Zoey's first ride in my Corvair this past spring at the AACA Museum. I adopted her a year ago, she is one year old, very sweet and we love her.
Last edited by Larry/car; December 11th, 2015 at 12:28 PM.
December 11th, 2015, 12:29 PM
#32
344879M363895
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 2,234
The worst thing I've done in this car so far is let my wife back it off the uhaul trailer and then come to a screeching stop right before hitting the back garage wall. She said she just wanted to get it where it was supposed to go. Well, I guess so!
December 11th, 2015, 03:43 PM
#33
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 14,432
Because when it was new, it wasn't worth $50,000+ and because snow and ice don't have chemicals in them that can stain the top nor any sharp branches or twigs that can puncture it?
Because designers of convertibles take into account that they might be out in the snow and ice, but they don't assume they will be used to ferry trees about?
Last edited by jaunty75; December 11th, 2015 at 03:45 PM.
December 12th, 2015, 09:38 AM
#37
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Chi-town
Posts: 4,532
Thanks for all the Cheerful remarks everyone. I really do try to enjoy the car while taking very good care of it. As you can see from where the car was parked, not even close to another car. I take very good care of that car, yet I can point out 25 items that need to be addressed, believe me, at car shows, I get "know-it-alls" pointing out another 25. It is what it is.
Four children have grown up in this car and the present dog does love to drive it in. She hates all our other cars but for some reason is as calm as can be in this car - maybe its the openness of it, maybe the rumble of the 455 - who knows. So I do take her in the car occasionally. Its vinyl seat covers, the easiest thing to wipe down.
I feel a great responsibility owning this car as it has turned out to be way more of car than even I expected, decades ago it was only a few grand more than a Cutlass convertible - who would have thought.
At the same time, as many have said the memories with the family and friends are priceless and are the most valuable — including the numerous times I have been stranded on the side of the road. Last year I was in a local hospital and a nurse recognized me as the "guy with the awesome 442 with the tree on top." Years ago I ran into a friend in the middle of no where, Michigan, we went on a ride on the side roads, he still laughs at how I suddenly stopped, wondered what was wrong only to laugh and admire the burnout I subsequently did. The picture above with us in the car was taken by another friend who flagged us down - put a smile on their face as well.
Last night I showed this same picture to a friend with a GTO, he laughed. He said two months ago he was driving the goat and remembered he needed some lumber, put some 2x4s out the window and drove home, as usual most gave him the thumbs up, one guy screamed at him for doing it. Oh well. He too enjoys the car for what it is. A car.
Four children have grown up in this car and the present dog does love to drive it in. She hates all our other cars but for some reason is as calm as can be in this car - maybe its the openness of it, maybe the rumble of the 455 - who knows. So I do take her in the car occasionally. Its vinyl seat covers, the easiest thing to wipe down.
I feel a great responsibility owning this car as it has turned out to be way more of car than even I expected, decades ago it was only a few grand more than a Cutlass convertible - who would have thought.
At the same time, as many have said the memories with the family and friends are priceless and are the most valuable — including the numerous times I have been stranded on the side of the road. Last year I was in a local hospital and a nurse recognized me as the "guy with the awesome 442 with the tree on top." Years ago I ran into a friend in the middle of no where, Michigan, we went on a ride on the side roads, he still laughs at how I suddenly stopped, wondered what was wrong only to laugh and admire the burnout I subsequently did. The picture above with us in the car was taken by another friend who flagged us down - put a smile on their face as well.
Last night I showed this same picture to a friend with a GTO, he laughed. He said two months ago he was driving the goat and remembered he needed some lumber, put some 2x4s out the window and drove home, as usual most gave him the thumbs up, one guy screamed at him for doing it. Oh well. He too enjoys the car for what it is. A car.
December 12th, 2015, 10:09 AM
#38
Still on the planet...
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Texas Hill Country
Posts: 214
Steven, you get what truly matters in our brief time on this rock! I admire and respect your outlook. Merry Christmas to you and I hope you enjoy a safe and happy Holiday Season with friends & family!
-David
-David
