16th Dec 2012, 20:43
I a still trying to figure how a Tacoma owner selects a mid 50s domestic Mercury Montclair as their first classic of choice? And keeps it 10 plus years. What are its pluses to own it so long?
17th Dec 2012, 18:51
If older cars had air bags and modern seat and shoulder belts, they would be vastly safer than newer unibody crush-mobiles. Can you imagine what a '78 Lincoln would do to a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry in a head-on collision?
18th Dec 2012, 14:02
... Once more... if you're "confused" as to why a Tacoma owner would comment about classic cars, I invite you to read my previous comments. I OWN one.
Secondly - and as also very clearly communicated in another response - I DID NOT make any negative comments about my Mercury. I am simply stating facts. Yes - I love my Mercury. But no - I don't for one second think it's safer or better built than today's cars. I hope that makes this point also crystal clear.
As far as the comments about my Brother's Avalon making it to 300k, well NONE of the sensors, or any of the other emission controls like the EGR valve, TPS sensor, knock sensor, MAS airflow sensor, or anything else for that matter had any issues either. In the 20+ years I've owned cars, I have had exactly one piece of emission equipment fail - the TPS, or throttle position senor - fail on my Tacoma. The part was $40 and took me exactly 5 minutes to replace. If other cars have more frequent issues with these components, then it could be that the brand they are installed on aren't very good to start with.
Lastly - I will always maintain that CAFE standards didn't "destroy" muscle cars. You want to know what did? High gas prices. Also - if you've ever driven behind a classic car with no emission equipment, the things stink. As in there is raw, untreated exhaust coming out of those tail pipes. Those old cars (mine included) put out a HUGE amount of pollutants and particulates compared to today's cars. I'm sorry, but there isn't any sort of valid argument to be had that those old cars were somehow even close to being considered clean.
In conclusion, we can keep right on going along with this debate all we want. One thing is clear - we do not agree with each other and I am not going to change my mind, just the same as I'm sure none of those who disagree with me will either. So if that's the case, then we can agree that we disagree and we can stop now. Otherwise we can keep going around and round and round and round. Sound good?
18th Dec 2012, 17:16
Of course the Avalon will do about 300,000 miles without issues, it's one of Toyota's best cars. And yeah, the CAFE standards were not passed to protect us people at all. Sorry buddy, no such thing as a government that truly cares...
19th Dec 2012, 13:24
It's hard to read your comments at times. I am one of the ones that owned 60s and 70s muscle cars and classics in the 60's, 70s and beyond. Maybe you were not born yet to know what the period was. In those days, the least concern ever was about gas prices. Gas prices were not the issue; it was intense pressure from the insurance companies. Hit us square in the pocket and it was a killer for many. Also, we had a very unique situation that hit in 73-74 getting gas, and had odd and even days to buy fuel. It was the gas shortage, not the gas. People started trading in. I remember paying 36 cents a gallon, typically more than 32 cents, as I ran Super Shell or Sunoco 260, and added cans of 104 octane boost at times. You could fill at the airport as well for higher octane.
I live in a state with pretty strict emissions; maybe not as strict as California. I see many new cars fail, and yes they can stink with mods.
Your 1955, you say you love it, but never shared what it is that you love about it? You seem to inadvertently down it with discussions of crashes, no air bags, seat belts and odors. So what is it and why do you like it?
There are great new cars that address all of your concerns like the Mustangs, Challengers, or build a 55 with a new drivetrain, and add electronic ignition, fuel injection, disc brakes etc.
Most that own vintage or classics drive less than 2500 miles a year. How much emissions are you concerned with? Many of us have classic insurance and the exposure to danger is extremely limited vs your daily driver. And if you are so concerned about emissions, look at the tractor trailers and many large diesels exempt due to weight. Even today, owners of classics are not dwelling so hard on gas; it's the joy of taking them out. Many do not check the MPG at all. If you are so hung up on it, change the rear end ratio and put in a Tremec transmissions.
If your old car smells, maybe it hasn't been tuned up well, or had the oil changed regularly and is sludged. Then you will be smelling fumes.
19th Dec 2012, 16:23
High gas prices destroyed the muscle car?
Wrong again, there was no way to maintain the performance of a muscle car with all the CAFE standards and emission laws getting tighter and tighter.
If gas mileage was the reason, then why were there tons of full-sized cars with enormous V8's still being produced for a very long time after 1972; the year the muscle car died.
19th Dec 2012, 17:33
Yeah... CAFE standards WERE passed for our benefit. Like I said before - if anyone wants to stand up and loudly proclaim that such things like fuel economy and emission standards are a bunch of baloney, and we would all be better off breathing untreated lead fumes, then please be my guest. If that's the case, then I will give myself permission to stand up and claim that the earth is flat.
This conversation is increasingly becoming more and more humorous.
You stinkin' kids! GET OFF MY LAWN!
16th Dec 2012, 13:08
I bought a very nice loaded 70 Chevelle SS 4 speed built in Van Nuys California. I had it shipped to the East Coast. It passed inspection here with flying colors. We have 2 emission tests on 69 and newer models. Mine is well tuned and is mint. It certainly only disappeared from the West Coast, but is alive and well in a heated garage. If you think muscle cars have disappeared, you'd better look again.
I have friends that have Florida cars, and one has a nice 67 Big Block 4 speed Chevelle shipped from Missouri.
The East Coast is hard on new and older cars, due to the weather.
I love my cars more so the older ones. I use to drive some to work up until the 80s, but there's too much value to do so today.
I can find more pros to comment on than crash tests, fumes, and so focused on the newfangled comments.
I just bought a 70 Bridgehampton Blue Corvette, another hot collectible, as chrome bumper cars 68-72 are escalating in value. And I like money, not losing it! 70 is my favorite year. It's a lot more fun enjoying vintage and the classics than the continual import domestic modern day debate!