Old iron
September 16th, 2018, 06:20 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: central Indiana
Posts: 5,232
Old iron
Let’s face it, old iron doesnt ride or handle nearly as well as modern cars. They don’t have all the convience options of new cars, they don’t get great mileage, they generally have more squeaks and rattles, they aren’t as comfortable to drive as new cars.
Having said all that, why do we classic automotive enthusiasts enjoy our old iron? I just took a 300 mile round trip to a friends house for some transmission work (transbrake install😎
and drove the Olds. That same drive in my truck is boring and dull. I do have a nice stereo in the car, not nearly as good as my truck. My truck rides like a truck, but is a little smoother than the Olds. I have added a ton of sound deadener and insulation, but the car is still noisier than anything modern. I’m guessing anyone with a comparable classic shares the same shortcomings. So why would anyone in their right mind want to “suffer” in a classic?! Am I crazy because I look forward to getting the Olds out on the road? I tell anyone who will listen that if I didn’t have the car hobby, I would take up drinking! I figure this way I don’t suffer from hangovers.
Having said all that, why do we classic automotive enthusiasts enjoy our old iron? I just took a 300 mile round trip to a friends house for some transmission work (transbrake install😎
and drove the Olds. That same drive in my truck is boring and dull. I do have a nice stereo in the car, not nearly as good as my truck. My truck rides like a truck, but is a little smoother than the Olds. I have added a ton of sound deadener and insulation, but the car is still noisier than anything modern. I’m guessing anyone with a comparable classic shares the same shortcomings. So why would anyone in their right mind want to “suffer” in a classic?! Am I crazy because I look forward to getting the Olds out on the road? I tell anyone who will listen that if I didn’t have the car hobby, I would take up drinking! I figure this way I don’t suffer from hangovers.Last edited by matt69olds; September 17th, 2018 at 04:19 AM.
September 16th, 2018, 06:39 PM
#2
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 13,737
Well you just described my Jeep Wrangler to a T. It's 20 years old vs. the Cutlass that is closing in on 50 years old, and the Cutlass beats the new(er) vehicle in just about every aspect: comfy ride, handles well, no squeaks and very few rattles. It's all relative, I guess.
September 16th, 2018, 06:40 PM
#3
71 & 72,now I want a 68
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NW Indiana
Posts: 1,864
My old iron is my time machine and stress relief!
It has much more style then anything new and is much more fun to drive!
When driving one of my daily drivers I never get the thumbs up from others and I have never gotten the comment "nice ride!"
When I started driving we had 4 wheel drum brakes,bias ply tires and 8 tracks.My old iron has the drum brakes and 8 track,I do use radial tires because I drive my old iron any and everywhere.
It takes me back in time and the stress relief is priceless!
It has much more style then anything new and is much more fun to drive!
When driving one of my daily drivers I never get the thumbs up from others and I have never gotten the comment "nice ride!"
When I started driving we had 4 wheel drum brakes,bias ply tires and 8 tracks.My old iron has the drum brakes and 8 track,I do use radial tires because I drive my old iron any and everywhere.
It takes me back in time and the stress relief is priceless!
September 16th, 2018, 07:23 PM
#4
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,473
this is exactly why i drive old cars.plus you can actually see the engine.my 66's the radios don't work.do i care???heck no i love to hear my cars roar plus.crank windows!!yeah baby. wing windows,floor vents,skinny A B and C pillars you can actually turn your head and see whats next to ya.trunks big enough for 6 kegs of beer or 6 bodies.or 2 with room.my grandma and grandpa used to go to the clay county fair here in iowa with a trick cow and they would sleep in the trunk of their 65 pontiac starchief..
September 16th, 2018, 07:28 PM
#5
Administrator
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Poteau, Ok
Posts: 40,521
I have never gotten into all the bells and whistles of the newer cars. Most of the cars and trucks we bought were not loaded up. I will admit that my wifes 06 and now current 07 Mustang GT 5 spd is a lot of fun to drive although compared to a lot of other cars its pretty mundane as far as options. It does get a lot of thumbs up and compliments.
My Cutlass is a lot of fun also and basically is a car that I enjoy myself. The wife doesn't much care for the old cars anymore.
My Cutlass is a lot of fun also and basically is a car that I enjoy myself. The wife doesn't much care for the old cars anymore.
September 16th, 2018, 07:49 PM
#6
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Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Chesapeake, VA
Posts: 3,211
Great responses to a great thread! There's just something about turning the key and hearing 455 cubes roar to life under the hood that no matter how hard it's tried with today's performance cars, it will never be duplicated. The classics of yore were built unrefined and raw, and when I hear the tone of spent gasses running through headers and 3 inch exhaust, well, let's just say that nothing built today can compare.
And for those of you that own a classic driver, I'm sure you'll agree with me when I say that the one thing you won't experience in the modern machines is that old car smell...ahhhh!
And for those of you that own a classic driver, I'm sure you'll agree with me when I say that the one thing you won't experience in the modern machines is that old car smell...ahhhh!
September 17th, 2018, 07:19 AM
#7
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,259
I neither want nor need the "convenience options" on new cars. I'll never own a vehicle with a touch screen. I already have a nav system in my phone. I don't need connectivity or a hot spot because, frankly, when I'm in the car I'm DRIVING, not texting. The only time I really want power windows is on a convertible so you can put all four up or down easily with the top. I'm the only driver of my car, so why do I need power seats? With 500 ft-lbs stock, I sure don't need an eight, nine, or ten speed transmission. Every car I own has anti-lock brakes and traction control - it's built into my right foot! If I sense the wheels locking, I let up on the brake pedal. If I sense the rear wheels spinning, I let up on the gas (or don't... 
). Heck, the only "advanced" feature that I appreciate on newer cars is the speed-controlled volume on the stereo.
I can certainly make my older cars handle and ride nearly as well as newer ones. The technology and parts are available. The biggest issue is front wheel caster.
). Heck, the only "advanced" feature that I appreciate on newer cars is the speed-controlled volume on the stereo.I can certainly make my older cars handle and ride nearly as well as newer ones. The technology and parts are available. The biggest issue is front wheel caster.
September 17th, 2018, 07:45 AM
#8
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Forest Ranch Ca.
Posts: 7,714
I love my old cars, not only do they put a smile on my face they put one on most everyone that sees if floating down the road. Half the fun off driving a classic is giving pleasure to others who would love to be in our shoes
In the Old's the only thing I regret is not having is A/C. Long trips and 100+ sucks at my age so I take something that does have A/C on those adventures..... Tedd
In the Old's the only thing I regret is not having is A/C. Long trips and 100+ sucks at my age so I take something that does have A/C on those adventures..... Tedd
September 17th, 2018, 07:50 AM
#9
Out of Line, Everytime😉
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Melville, Saskatchewan
Posts: 8,911
My wife thought I didn't want the Olds anymore because it is running like ***** the choke issue is driving me nuts. I am making it a long distance driver that should get 20 mpg imperial. I am putting back in the 2004R, cruise control and back up camera and GPS, had the camera, was going to add the camera to our 2010 Dodge Challenger. We decided to trade it in. The 2010 was decently optioned, our 2017 Challenger GT AWD has every option available, would never buy another one unless it has everything. The AWD, extra 55 hp/18 ft/lbs of torque, 8 spd auto and heated steering wheel make it worth the upgrade alone but every other feature makes it awesome to drive.
September 17th, 2018, 08:49 AM
#10
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Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 13,737
September 17th, 2018, 11:25 AM
#11
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Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 14,150
September 17th, 2018, 11:32 AM
#12
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,259
Let's not trivialize the significant safety improvement that anti-lock brakes represent. They don't just "let up" if they sense the wheels locking. Rather, they apply the brakes on and off in rapid succession to keep the wheels turning to maintain steering and prevent skidding. They do this on-off-on-off thing far faster than a human could, and they don't require that the human remember to do it in the first place, which is the most important aspect. I'd MUCH rather drive in slippery situations WITH anti-lock brakes than without.
September 17th, 2018, 11:37 AM
#13
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Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 14,150
September 17th, 2018, 11:46 AM
#14
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,259
This is fine for a car that doesn't have ABS and for an era when cars did not have it, but an ABS system can pump brakes far faster and more regularly and with the correct amount of force than a human, who is likely gripping the wheel for dear life and doing all he can to not panic, can, and the ABS system doesn't have to remember what they were taught in driver's ed. If it were this easy for a human to accomplish the same thing as an ABS system, we wouldn't need ABS systems.
As for ABS being able to provide "the correct amount of force", how exactly do you think that happens? I can't speak to the newest cars, but certainly the ABS in my 1999 truck doesn't measure or regulate brake line pressure. All it does is sense wheel lockup and pump the brakes until the wheels are turning again. That's no different that doing it with your foot on the pedal. I've also found a flaw in the programming of the system in my truck. Near my house there is a stop sign with a preceding bump. I'm always on the brakes as I approach this stop, and as soon as I hit the bump with the truck unloaded, the rear suspension unloads and the ABS senses the wheel lockup and relieves pressure. The first few times this happened I freaked, but now I'm used to it. Pressing harder on the pedal overcomes the momentary loss of brake pressure. I can't say that I'm happy with this design.
I also note the recent GM recall of Suburbans et al because of power steering software issue. Sorry, but if you power steering needs software, you have a much bigger problem.
September 17th, 2018, 12:23 PM
#15
'87 Delta 88 Royale
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Margate, England
Posts: 2,513
I neither want nor need the "convenience options" on new cars. I'll never own a vehicle with a touch screen. I already have a nav system in my phone. I don't need connectivity or a hot spot because, frankly, when I'm in the car I'm DRIVING, not texting. The only time I really want power windows is on a convertible so you can put all four up or down easily with the top. I'm the only driver of my car, so why do I need power seats? With 500 ft-lbs stock, I sure don't need an eight, nine, or ten speed transmission. Every car I own has anti-lock brakes and traction control - it's built into my right foot! If I sense the wheels locking, I let up on the brake pedal. If I sense the rear wheels spinning, I let up on the gas (or don't... ). Heck, the only "advanced" feature that I appreciate on newer cars is the speed-controlled volume on the stereo.
I can certainly make my older cars handle and ride nearly as well as newer ones. The technology and parts are available. The biggest issue is front wheel caster.
). Heck, the only "advanced" feature that I appreciate on newer cars is the speed-controlled volume on the stereo.I can certainly make my older cars handle and ride nearly as well as newer ones. The technology and parts are available. The biggest issue is front wheel caster.
Let's not trivialize the significant safety improvement that anti-lock brakes represent. They don't just "let up" if they sense the wheels locking. Rather, they apply the brakes on and off in rapid succession to keep the wheels turning to maintain steering and prevent skidding. They do this on-off-on-off thing far faster than a human could, and they don't require that the human remember to do it in the first place, which is the most important aspect. I'd MUCH rather drive in slippery situations WITH anti-lock brakes than without.
So why do I prefer driving my Oldsmobile as opposed to my dd?. I like the way I get a smooth comfortable ride and looks from other road users, all for a gas bill maybe double what I'd get from a 1.25 liter Ford.
Roger.
September 17th, 2018, 01:00 PM
#16
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 1,915
We love 'em because they give us a "feel of the road" and because we sense we are involved in the act of traveling on down the road, but it to the corner or across the state or country. In modern rides one feels they are being transported, vs. the feeling of doing the transporting in a old ride.
Also, one cannot discount the peace of mind/pleasant memories factor of being behind the wheel of an old ride!
Also, one cannot discount the peace of mind/pleasant memories factor of being behind the wheel of an old ride!
September 17th, 2018, 01:06 PM
#17
Jeff
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Grand Blanc, MI
Posts: 1,027
Personally looking forward to automated driving technology for the trips to the cottage. Not so much because I hate driving, but rather because I hate how other people drive in traffic. Passing on the right because they think they can slip in a few cars ahead, causing all of us to have to slow down when they pull their jackass maneuver. I'll take the safety of ESC and ABS every. Single. Day. Comes from living in the snowbelt my whole life. Better stopping performance in snowy conditions? Yep, I'll take that. Better traction control? Take that, too.
(Full disclosure: I also work at one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, and the division I'm in is Chassis & Safety. We sell all the stuff that keeps y'all safe.)
(Full disclosure: I also work at one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, and the division I'm in is Chassis & Safety. We sell all the stuff that keeps y'all safe.)
September 17th, 2018, 01:21 PM
#18
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 522
We have ABS systems because most drivers suck. Their only reaction to a panic situation is to freeze and stand on the brake pedal. We'd be a lot better off if people DID remember what they were taught in driver's ed - assuming they were actually taught something useful and not just shown the carnage movies to scare them.
As for ABS being able to provide "the correct amount of force", how exactly do you think that happens? I can't speak to the newest cars, but certainly the ABS in my 1999 truck doesn't measure or regulate brake line pressure. All it does is sense wheel lockup and pump the brakes until the wheels are turning again. That's no different that doing it with your foot on the pedal. I've also found a flaw in the programming of the system in my truck. Near my house there is a stop sign with a preceding bump. I'm always on the brakes as I approach this stop, and as soon as I hit the bump with the truck unloaded, the rear suspension unloads and the ABS senses the wheel lockup and relieves pressure. The first few times this happened I freaked, but now I'm used to it. Pressing harder on the pedal overcomes the momentary loss of brake pressure. I can't say that I'm happy with this design.
I also note the recent GM recall of Suburbans et al because of power steering software issue. Sorry, but if you power steering needs software, you have a much bigger problem.
As for ABS being able to provide "the correct amount of force", how exactly do you think that happens? I can't speak to the newest cars, but certainly the ABS in my 1999 truck doesn't measure or regulate brake line pressure. All it does is sense wheel lockup and pump the brakes until the wheels are turning again. That's no different that doing it with your foot on the pedal. I've also found a flaw in the programming of the system in my truck. Near my house there is a stop sign with a preceding bump. I'm always on the brakes as I approach this stop, and as soon as I hit the bump with the truck unloaded, the rear suspension unloads and the ABS senses the wheel lockup and relieves pressure. The first few times this happened I freaked, but now I'm used to it. Pressing harder on the pedal overcomes the momentary loss of brake pressure. I can't say that I'm happy with this design.
I also note the recent GM recall of Suburbans et al because of power steering software issue. Sorry, but if you power steering needs software, you have a much bigger problem.
That's one of my pet peeves. I like to steer with one finger. I don't need to "feel the road" as they say about less power-power steering. If one needs to feel the road, you're either going way too fast, or you don't know what you're doing.
September 17th, 2018, 05:40 PM
#19
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: central Indiana
Posts: 5,232
I enjoy reading these comments!! Im glad to see I’m not the only one who enjoys the raw “untamed” feel of old iron!!
im not as old as Joe (he started driving about the time the earth cooled, I rode a dinosaur to school!) but I have to agree with him and others about modern safety features making drivers overconfident. I taught all of my younger sister-in-laws to drive, and insisted they drive my truck to learn. If they can handle driving a MegaCab 3/4 ton 4x4, they can handle most anything they are likely to drive.
As far as antilock brakes, the biggest advantage is being able to steer in poor traction conditions. The abs modules can detect wheel speed and lockup far better and more accurately than a person. And being able to pulse the brakes far faster and more accurately than any driver. The ONLY time I have ever been in a situation where abs was a hindrance was during some off-road rock crawling, going downhill it’s beneficial to lock up the wheels, it piles up the rocks in front of the tires. Most guys either unplug the abs, or pull the abs fuse.
New cars are much quicker than the feel, that’s just a side effect of today’s musclecars being “domesticated “. Look at some of the quarter mile times today’s musclecars are running, it’s pretty easy to build a 11 second “stab and steer” car, chances are old iron turning those times are pretty rowdy.
I was just curious what other old iron enthusiasts enjoy about their classics. I enjoy the feel of the road, I don’t care for “powerful steering” of newer cars. I don’t care for the throttle control of new cars, when I stand on the loud pedal, I don’t want the pcm limiting power! With old iron, when you floor it, there is nothing questioning that you want tire smoke! When your being a little to aggressive with the steering wheel,old iron is very vocal that your pushing your luck.
im not as old as Joe (he started driving about the time the earth cooled, I rode a dinosaur to school!) but I have to agree with him and others about modern safety features making drivers overconfident. I taught all of my younger sister-in-laws to drive, and insisted they drive my truck to learn. If they can handle driving a MegaCab 3/4 ton 4x4, they can handle most anything they are likely to drive.
As far as antilock brakes, the biggest advantage is being able to steer in poor traction conditions. The abs modules can detect wheel speed and lockup far better and more accurately than a person. And being able to pulse the brakes far faster and more accurately than any driver. The ONLY time I have ever been in a situation where abs was a hindrance was during some off-road rock crawling, going downhill it’s beneficial to lock up the wheels, it piles up the rocks in front of the tires. Most guys either unplug the abs, or pull the abs fuse.
New cars are much quicker than the feel, that’s just a side effect of today’s musclecars being “domesticated “. Look at some of the quarter mile times today’s musclecars are running, it’s pretty easy to build a 11 second “stab and steer” car, chances are old iron turning those times are pretty rowdy.
I was just curious what other old iron enthusiasts enjoy about their classics. I enjoy the feel of the road, I don’t care for “powerful steering” of newer cars. I don’t care for the throttle control of new cars, when I stand on the loud pedal, I don’t want the pcm limiting power! With old iron, when you floor it, there is nothing questioning that you want tire smoke! When your being a little to aggressive with the steering wheel,old iron is very vocal that your pushing your luck.
September 17th, 2018, 06:56 PM
#20
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,473
As for ABS being able to provide "the correct amount of force", how exactly do you think that happens? I can't speak to the newest cars, but certainly the ABS in my 1999 truck doesn't measure or regulate brake line pressure. All it does is sense wheel lockup and pump the brakes until the wheels are turning again. That's no different that doing it with your foot on the pedal. I've also found a flaw in the programming of the system in my truck. Near my house there is a stop sign with a preceding bump. I'm always on the brakes as I approach this stop, and as soon as I hit the bump with the truck unloaded, the rear suspension unloads and the ABS senses the wheel lockup and relieves pressure. The first few times this happened I freaked, but now I'm used to it. Pressing harder on the pedal overcomes the momentary loss of brake pressure. I can't say that I'm happy with this design.
then did it again,got researching it and found there was an issue with rust getting under the abs sensor on the front wheel bearing,so pulled the sensor and scraped the rust off and that cured the problem.i thought that is a pretty crappy default in the system.it should have sensed it had an issue and defaulted to normal braking.instead of no brakes.
September 17th, 2018, 10:52 PM
#21
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 522
We have ABS systems because most drivers suck. Their only reaction to a panic situation is to freeze and stand on the brake pedal. We'd be a lot better off if people DID remember what they were taught in driver's ed - assuming they were actually taught something useful and not just shown the carnage movies to scare them.
As for ABS being able to provide "the correct amount of force", how exactly do you think that happens? I can't speak to the newest cars, but certainly the ABS in my 1999 truck doesn't measure or regulate brake line pressure. All it does is sense wheel lockup and pump the brakes until the wheels are turning again. That's no different that doing it with your foot on the pedal. I've also found a flaw in the programming of the system in my truck. Near my house there is a stop sign with a preceding bump. I'm always on the brakes as I approach this stop, and as soon as I hit the bump with the truck unloaded, the rear suspension unloads and the ABS senses the wheel lockup and relieves pressure. The first few times this happened I freaked, but now I'm used to it. Pressing harder on the pedal overcomes the momentary loss of brake pressure. I can't say that I'm happy with this design.
I also note the recent GM recall of Suburbans et al because of power steering software issue. Sorry, but if you power steering needs software, you have a much bigger problem.
As for ABS being able to provide "the correct amount of force", how exactly do you think that happens? I can't speak to the newest cars, but certainly the ABS in my 1999 truck doesn't measure or regulate brake line pressure. All it does is sense wheel lockup and pump the brakes until the wheels are turning again. That's no different that doing it with your foot on the pedal. I've also found a flaw in the programming of the system in my truck. Near my house there is a stop sign with a preceding bump. I'm always on the brakes as I approach this stop, and as soon as I hit the bump with the truck unloaded, the rear suspension unloads and the ABS senses the wheel lockup and relieves pressure. The first few times this happened I freaked, but now I'm used to it. Pressing harder on the pedal overcomes the momentary loss of brake pressure. I can't say that I'm happy with this design.
I also note the recent GM recall of Suburbans et al because of power steering software issue. Sorry, but if you power steering needs software, you have a much bigger problem.
The more of these so called safety features they put in vehicles the more people will suck at driving.
September 18th, 2018, 02:48 AM
#22
Lansing built
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Grand Ledge, MI
Posts: 3,227
I am on the fence. I like my new Silverados safety features, with 355hp a blast and rides well! Last year I took people in my supreme to the Woodward dream cruise and Grand Rapids 28th street cruise. Everybody said the same thing with air on and cruising down the highway it was just like riding in modern car.
We are old car people and i think everybody likes the visceral feel when listening to the engine or driving down the road! And the plus side is that are old cars accrue value instead of depreciate.
Pat
We are old car people and i think everybody likes the visceral feel when listening to the engine or driving down the road! And the plus side is that are old cars accrue value instead of depreciate.
Pat
September 18th, 2018, 03:12 AM
#23
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Chicago suburbs, Finland
Posts: 1,882
Youre just fooling yourself if you pretend to be beating ABS. But thats fine, its your opinion, and just that. Every test states otherwise. But, as is the case usually, people rely on facts as long as they support their opinion. Otherwise, nah..
But a bit about the topic. Hmm. For me, part of the novelty is the fact its old, looks way better than most new cars, and has that different feeling about driving. And that not-so-sophisticated technology versus nowadays technology.
But a bit about the topic. Hmm. For me, part of the novelty is the fact its old, looks way better than most new cars, and has that different feeling about driving. And that not-so-sophisticated technology versus nowadays technology.
September 18th, 2018, 05:44 AM
#24
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,473
most people suck. I think the older cars were safer in that people had to PAY ATTENTION and actually drive the car instead of texting and all of the other stupid things they do today and relying on all the nanny crap to keep them out of trouble.
The more of these so called safety features they put in vehicles the more people will suck at driving.
The more of these so called safety features they put in vehicles the more people will suck at driving.
September 18th, 2018, 07:12 AM
#25
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 329
Old cars
My 50 year old car gets crap gas mileage, is loud, smells like burned hydrocarbons, has a rough ride, squeaks and rattles, lacks any modern safety features except the lap belt, and the vinyl seats burn my legs in summer. It is slower, less comfortable, has less conveniences ( although I would love a cup holder) and is less safe than most cars made in the last 10 years.
i don't care about any of that. The car brings a smile to my face every time I drive it and that is enough. It starts numerous conversations and has introduced me to many friendly people. I enjoy the hobbyist side of it too, making repIrs and betterments.
That said, while I do drive it several times a week, it is not my daily driver. A convertible with no AC in Texas takes car of that.
i don't care about any of that. The car brings a smile to my face every time I drive it and that is enough. It starts numerous conversations and has introduced me to many friendly people. I enjoy the hobbyist side of it too, making repIrs and betterments.
That said, while I do drive it several times a week, it is not my daily driver. A convertible with no AC in Texas takes car of that.
September 18th, 2018, 07:54 AM
#26
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ft. Wayne, IN
Posts: 1,195
Driving Old Car PROs:
- All of the thumbs-ups and complements
- Raw mechanical feel of the drive train and suspension (subjective, I know)
- The looks on the Mustang / Camaro driver's faces when I leave them sitting at the light
Driving Old Car CONs:
- Feel less safe amongst other "yay-hoos" on the road not paying attention (lap belts, no head rests, no airbags, no RH side mirror; lack of ABS and traction control isn't a factor here since I would never drive the old car in the snow, that'd be stupid)
- No A/C (hoping to resolve that in the future)
- No cup-holders
- All of the thumbs-ups and complements
- Raw mechanical feel of the drive train and suspension (subjective, I know)
- The looks on the Mustang / Camaro driver's faces when I leave them sitting at the light
Driving Old Car CONs:
- Feel less safe amongst other "yay-hoos" on the road not paying attention (lap belts, no head rests, no airbags, no RH side mirror; lack of ABS and traction control isn't a factor here since I would never drive the old car in the snow, that'd be stupid)
- No A/C (hoping to resolve that in the future)
- No cup-holders
September 18th, 2018, 09:30 AM
#27
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 522
Driving Old Car PROs:
- All of the thumbs-ups and complements
- Raw mechanical feel of the drive train and suspension (subjective, I know)
- The looks on the Mustang / Camaro driver's faces when I leave them sitting at the light
Driving Old Car CONs:
- Feel less safe amongst other "yay-hoos" on the road not paying attention (lap belts, no head rests, no airbags, no RH side mirror; lack of ABS and traction control isn't a factor here since I would never drive the old car in the snow, that'd be stupid)
- No A/C (hoping to resolve that in the future)
- No cup-holders
- All of the thumbs-ups and complements
- Raw mechanical feel of the drive train and suspension (subjective, I know)
- The looks on the Mustang / Camaro driver's faces when I leave them sitting at the light
Driving Old Car CONs:
- Feel less safe amongst other "yay-hoos" on the road not paying attention (lap belts, no head rests, no airbags, no RH side mirror; lack of ABS and traction control isn't a factor here since I would never drive the old car in the snow, that'd be stupid)
- No A/C (hoping to resolve that in the future)
- No cup-holders
For AC, I got it working, and if I had to guess, I'd say it's colder than my newer cars, but the blower is not quite as strong.
As for feeling less safe, I'm with you there, because as solid as the old tank is, I don't want it damaged because it'll take forever to find the parts needed for repairs if there ever was an accident.
September 18th, 2018, 01:26 PM
#31
Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 482
doubtful anyone here disputes newer cars are safer, regardless of your own driving skill. would you put your own new-driver children behind the wheel of a 50 year old car ? or, would you rather be hit by another driver if you're in a newer car or a 50year old car ?
the old cars are fun and rewarding to own, but newer cars are better cars.
the old cars are fun and rewarding to own, but newer cars are better cars.
September 18th, 2018, 02:01 PM
#32
Administrator
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Poteau, Ok
Posts: 40,521
Whats the difference in putting a new driver behind the wheel of an old car from when you started behind the wheel of these cars? I taught my son to drive in the 67 Cutlass back in 2009. Being his daily driver didn't work out for other reasons and another story.
You stated the obvious about the difference in safety, why ask which car you'd rather be hit in? Personally I prefer avoiding being hit to start with.
I would not say new cars are better cars because all cars are pieces of crap, just some are bigger pieces of crap than others.
You stated the obvious about the difference in safety, why ask which car you'd rather be hit in? Personally I prefer avoiding being hit to start with.
I would not say new cars are better cars because all cars are pieces of crap, just some are bigger pieces of crap than others.
September 18th, 2018, 02:38 PM
#33
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 13,737
I disagree with this, but then my Wrangler has a manual transmission and low gears. I leave it in first gear and engine brake down hill as this keeps the wheels turning so I can steer and keeps the speed slow - if the downhill is steep enough (like dropping into a deep ravine), sliding wheels can lead to excessive speed, which can then lead to loss of control.
Last edited by Fun71; September 18th, 2018 at 02:45 PM.
September 18th, 2018, 04:24 PM
#34
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,259
Heck, when I was a new driver, my first car was a 1968 Vista (into which I swapped a 425).
September 18th, 2018, 06:23 PM
#35
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Poconos, Pennsylvania
Posts: 2,029
Still do not understand the current trend of upgrading an old car to a new car standard - Modern crate motor, modern suspension, 16+ taller wheels, 45+ less ratio tires, etc. Just buy a new car and add some old car design cues.
September 18th, 2018, 06:28 PM
#36
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,259
Simple. The people who do this only watch cable shows where they build cars like this. They've never driven an older car, so they assume that since this is what the people with TV shows are doing, it must be the thing to do.
September 18th, 2018, 07:44 PM
#37
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 14,150
September 18th, 2018, 07:59 PM
#38
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 14,150
All you need to see to convince you that you want your loved ones surrounded by as much modern technology as possible is in this video. It's been around before, but it's worth repeating. There is no question that the cars of today are immeasurably safer than the cars of decades ago.
In this video, a driver of the '09 Impala would be walking away. The family of the driver of the '59 Impala might very well be making his funeral arrangements.
September 18th, 2018, 08:28 PM
#39
Out of Line, Everytime😉
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Melville, Saskatchewan
Posts: 8,911
I actually would have loved locking brakes on the 70, yesterday. Idle set too high and the brake pedal going to the floor is a rush. I found the rear reservoir nearly empty, thought t felt spongy lately, time to track down the leak. Ahh, old car memories
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September 19th, 2018, 12:21 AM
#40
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: central Indiana
Posts: 5,232
That video comparing the old impala to the new ones has been beat to death. Many have speculated that it was a total rust bucket (kinda hard to not to think it’s a cosmetic restoration, judging from all the dirt and dust that went flying) also been accused of having no drivetrain, and of course, the infamous X frame, possibly the worst design. Try that same test with a early 70s impala, I bet the late model wouldn’t fair as well. I’m not suggesting that new car safety features aren’t a big improvement, but it’s simple physics. Big, heavy full frame vehicle vs lighter car? And I’m not entirely convinced crumble zones are the ultimate answer either. If so, why do race cars have 14 point cages? Don’t tell me those are designed to give in a collision!!!
I think we we can all agree the safest car in the world is only as safe as the person in the drivers seat.
I think we we can all agree the safest car in the world is only as safe as the person in the drivers seat.
