The Myth Of Classic Cars

[Gvac]

Everyone loves looking at the autos of days gone by and talks about how "great" cars were back in the day. If a '57 Chevy, a '58 T-Bird, or a late '60's/early '70's muscle car like a Camaro, Mustang, or Road Runner rolls by everyone turns their head and oohs and aaahs.

Let me let you in on a little secret.

THEY'RE PIECES OF SHIT.

These rust heaps with their antiquated suspension systems ride like a dune buggy. You sit on vinyl seats that solder themselves to your thighs in the summer and freeze your ass in the winter. You look at a dashboard that looks like a 2nd grader designed it, and you have no safety features like air bags, electronic stability control, traction control, or anti-lock brakes.

What do you get for the "pleasure" of riding in one of these environmentally unfriendly antiques? About 8 miles per gallon.

Given the choice of one of these "classics" or a brand new Kia, I'll take the latter.

I hope Obama passes legislation that mandates that these rolling death traps be towed to the salvage yard immediately and be put under the crusher before they do any more damage.

[Hottub]

You never saw my '63 Coupe.

[midwestjeff]

Can we add all Harley Davidsons to this shit-heap legislation?

[Don Stugots]

You never saw my '63 Coupe.

no one has since you made it up.

I would love a dune buggy.

[Don Stugots]

Can we add all Harley Davidsons to this shit-heap legislation?

up until maybe 10 years ago HDs were shit but they have come back strong.

[midwestjeff]

up until maybe 10 years ago HDs were shit but they have come back strong.

too little, too late.

[Gvac]

Can we add all Harley Davidsons to this shit-heap legislation?

Amen.

"Yeah, it's a piece of shit that breaks down constantly, always leaks oil, and rides like shit, but it's AMERICAN! I don't ride no rice burner!"

Yuck.

[Don Stugots]

Amen.

"Yeah, it's a piece of shit that breaks down constantly, always leaks oil, and rides like shit, but it's AMERICAN! I don't ride no rice burner!"

Yuck.

for the longest time my dad used to ride Honda Gold Wings because the HDs were shit.

[MisterSmith]

IMO, it is a lot more about the design than anything. Of course I have some specific favorites. Top of the list is the Shelby 427 Cobra from the 1960's:

http://images.kitcarmag.com/featuredvehicles/0709kc_01_z+shell_valley_427_sc_cobra_replica+fron t_right_view.jpg


Look at that thing! It is beautiful. And the sound is amazing - a guttural rumble of unbridled power.

I will fully admit that modern cars are far more fuel efficient, safe, and comfortable, but in most cases that is at the expense of aesthetics.

Although I wouldn't drive a classic or muscle car on a daily basis, I can certainly understand and respect the allure.

[joethebartender]

I hope Obama passes legislation that mandates that these rolling death traps be towed to the salvage yard immediately and be put under the crusher before they do any more damage.

I thought you were a Bondo salesman. What are you going to do without all of that rust?:huh:

[Gvac]

I thought you were a Bondo salesman. What are you going to do without all of that rust?:huh:

Ha! We stopped carrying the patch and repair panels for those heaps YEARS ago. Not too many guys doing restoration work these days.

We can blow out 10,000 Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Toyota Corolla, and Toyota Camry parts before moving one piece for a "classic."

It's just not cost effective to carry that stuff.

[MisterSmith]

I thought you were a Bondo salesman. What are you going to do without all of that rust?:huh:

No, I think you misheard. Gvac thinks he's Bono and is trying to save us all from ourselves. :smoke:

[Gvac]

No, I think you misheard. Gvac thinks he's Bono and is trying to save us all from ourselves. :smoke:

Did you book that flight to Africa for me?

I have to go cure starvation and AIDS.

[marky2bucks]

As a car nut I am a big fan of the styling of 60s cars. Yes the suspensions suck, the engines were not built for fuel economy (there was no need), the safety sucked (wasn't a big concern) and the interiors aren't as accomodating as today's cars. Keep in mind, these cars are 40 years old so give them a little slack

Even with the age, these cars are beautiful and detroit has tried hard to recreate the style, i.e. mustang, challenger, camaro, charger but are still struggling to create something new. Lately, the big three have concentrated more on the little stuff: safety, interior, economy, comfort as opposed to the art and styling that these things embody. These cars are fucking art.

http://www.justinssite.com/images/65_Mustang.jpg

http://www.limit4000.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/shelby_cobra_427_1967.jpg

http://www.xaraxone.com/FeaturedArt/oct05/assets/images/59-Corvette.jpg

Compare that to a ford focus

[MisterSmith]

Did you book that flight to Africa for me?

I have to go cure starvation and AIDS.

Flight? I figured you could just walk there...

https://www.portraitsofjesus.com/poj.nsf/htmlmedia/Jesus_on_the_Water_LARGE_40K.jpg/$file/Jesus_on_the_Water_LARGE_40K.jpg

:laugh:

[cougarjake13]

never got into the whole car fanatic thing



sports has always been my fav

[Hottub]

no one has since you made it up.

.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1654/cadupma3.jpg

http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/8025/cad1hl7.jpg

http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/7696/cad3nd4.jpg

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/2394/kevbday3007jg5.jpg

[Don Stugots]

photoshop mike does some great work.

[Gvac]

Let's see a shot of the interior.

[beachbum]

Daily driver?No.Beautiful piece of art to be driven on the weekends?Yes.

I was always a car guy.My personal favorite was my '66 GTO convertible.I sold it many years ago and have regretted it ever since.If I had my choice right now I would buy a '68 Firebird 400 convertible.I'm keeping my eyes open but the economy has me in a holding pattern for now.Anyone who does appreciate the classics should check this guy out.http://www.classiccorvettes.com.His shop is in my little town and they do some of the best muscle car restoration you will ever see.Everything is either restored 100% original or as close as possible.

[Hottub]

Let's see a shot of the interior.

I'm looking now. All leather and chrome. Pretty sweet.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/2196/cad10bf8.jpg

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/3222/lqcadpix005ol7.jpg

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/7890/cadcropnh7.jpg

[TheMojoPin]

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1654/cadupma3.jpg

http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/8025/cad1hl7.jpg

http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/7696/cad3nd4.jpg

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/2394/kevbday3007jg5.jpg

That car looks awful and the kids are probably even awfuler.

[celery]

I don't give a shit about cars. But I'd sort of like a 72 Ford Gran Torino after seeing that movie.

Funny that I can't find a pic of the car anywhere.

[instrument]

Question, would you rather be the driver of a classic caddie or the kia if both were to collide head on?

[hedges]

Mine looked like this except it was dark blue

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s60/bmc-squid/diecast/65fastb_8873.jpg

[Gvac]

Question, would you rather be the driver of a classic caddie or the kia if both were to collide head on?

Kia.

In the Caddy the steering wheel would be driven into your chest and you'd be killed immediately. With the improved technology of today's vehicles, the Kia would crumple like an accordion, your airbags would deploy, and you'd most likely walk away relatively unscathed.

[Don Stugots]

Kia.

In the Caddy the steering wheel would be driven into your chest and you'd be killed immediately. With the improved technology of today's vehicles, the Kia would crumple like an accordion, your airbags would deploy, and you'd most likely walk away relatively unscathed.

the caddy would not even get a scratch on it from a Kia.

[Gvac]

the caddy would not even get a scratch on it from a Kia.

Wanna bet?

Check out the Kia Amanti. (http://www.kia.com/#/amanti/explore/)

Then do a search on front end collisions of classic cars. The old "built like a tank" philosophy isn't the best way of thinking. There weren't crumple zones; the entire front end wound up in the cabin.

It's kind of like the willow vs. the oak tree in the face of a hurricane. Guess which one will survive?

[PerryWinkle]

Can we add all Harley Davidsons to this shit-heap legislation?

easy there!

[Don Stugots]

Wanna bet?

Check out the Kia Amanti. (http://www.kia.com/#/amanti/explore/)

Then do a search on front end collisions of classic cars. The old "built like a tank" philosophy isn't the best way of thinking. There weren't crumple zones; the entire front end wound up in the cabin.

It's kind of like the willow vs. the oak tree in the face of a hurricane. Guess which one will survive?


sure, if i go to the kia website but what would the classic car website say?

[Hottub]

I could fit a Kia in the trunk. The Caddy was as long as an Expedition.

[Gvac]

sure, if i go to the kia website but what would the classic car website say?

I'm talking about going to a government safety site. Or an independent researcher.

Trust me.

Put a crash test dummy in one of the old time lead sleds and it'll be crushed beyond recognition. Designing vehicles with crumple zones was one of the greatest advancements in automotive engineering in the past few decades.

The safer way turned out not to be bigger and heavier, but more pliable.

If someone was going to hit you in the head with a sledge hammer, would you rather be made of stone or elastic?

[TheMojoPin]

sure, if i go to the kia website but what would the classic car website say?

Who the fuck knows? They still use telegraphs.

[PerryWinkle]

If someone was going to hit you in the head with a sledge hammer, would you rather be made of stone or elastic?


Who's adding the poll to this thread?

[TheMojoPin]

I'm talking about going to a government safety site. Or an independent researcher.

Trust me.

Put a crash test dummy in one of the old time lead sleds and it'll be crushed beyond recognition. Designing vehicles with crumple zones was one of the greatest advancements in automotive engineering in the past few decades.

The safer way turned out not to be bigger and heavier, but more pliable.

If someone was going to hit you in the head with a sledge hammer, would you rather be made of stone or elastic?

Gvac is really...

http://www.feministezine.com/feminist/modern/images/Ralph-Nader.jpg

[Gvac]

I could fit a Kia in the trunk. The Caddy was as long as an Expedition.

The Caddy is probably a good 2 feet longer than the Kia. Unfortunately, most of that is the length of the hood, so you have to be halfway thru an intersection before you can see if anyone is coming.

I guarantee today's cars have a much more comfortable cabin, particularly the back seat.

And you don't feel like you're driving a boat when you look out over the bow.

[Don Stugots]

I'm talking about going to a government safety site. Or an independent researcher.

Trust me.

Put a crash test dummy in one of the old time lead sleds and it'll be crushed beyond recognition. Designing vehicles with crumple zones was one of the greatest advancements in automotive engineering in the past few decades.

The safer way turned out not to be bigger and heavier, but more pliable.

If someone was going to hit you in the head with a sledge hammer, would you rather be made of stone or elastic?

did you see the results of the head on collision of the old caddy and the kia? i didnt see it on that site.

Who the fuck knows? They still use telegraphs.

this made me laugh.

[beachbum]

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn250/edisaacs/pow0836b1.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn250/edisaacs/90439003_11.jpg



Seriously?You can't appreciate this?

[Hottub]

The Caddy is probably a good 2 feet longer than the Kia. Unfortunately, most of that is the length of the hood, so you have to be halfway thru an intersection before you can see if anyone is coming.

I guarantee today's cars have a much more comfortable cabin, particularly the back seat.

And you don't feel like you're driving a boat when you look out over the bow.

2 feet?:lol:
Since you have never experienced the cruising heaven of one of these machines, I do not think you are at liberty to argue the drivability.

[PerryWinkle]

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn250/edisaacs/pow0836b1.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn250/edisaacs/90439003_11.jpg



Seriously?You can't appreciate this?

Exactly.


Who can't appreciated the set of red lines tires?

[Gvac]

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn250/edisaacs/pow0836b1.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn250/edisaacs/90439003_11.jpg



Seriously?You can't appreciate this?

It's OK, but I'd take a modern Mitsubishi Spyder over that any day.


http://www.autospectator.com/cars/files/images/2008-Mitsubishi-Eclipse-Spyder-GT-02.jpg

[santino]

i have a 71 amc javelin that i bought when i was a teenager. i've been working on it a little at a time for the last ten years. working on it is a lot of fun. it's nice to have a project, a little something to do in your spare time. it's rewarding to have something to show for it too.

[Gvac]

2 feet?:lol:
Since you have never experienced the cruising heaven of one of these machines, I do not think you are at liberty to argue the drivability.

What's the length of your Caddy?

A 1963 Coupe is listed as 223 inches.

The Kia is 197 inches.

You've got it by 26 inches...or 2 feet, 2 inches.

And like I said, all the length is in the hood, housing that thirsty 8 cylinder mobile pollution plant you call an engine.

[robot artist]

I've thought for years that Detriot is missing a real opportunity - take those great classic car designs, and update everything underneath, keeping just the outer shell and cab interiors.

Yes, you'll give up some of the aerodynamic improvements made over the years, but you could incorporate every other advance in technology - engine, brakes, etc.

Classic cars with modern technology, competitively priced with the current market - the best of both worlds.

[sailor]

it's nostalgia for nostalgia's sake.

[Hottub]

Caddy (http://www.100megsfree4.com/cadillac/cad1960/cad63d.htm)

Kia (http://www.kia.com/#/rio/specs/)

[Gvac]

Exactly.

[beachbum]

The Spyder is a hot car.So is the Mazda Rx8.The new Maxima is by far the sexiest affordable 4 door sedan on the road and for a two door you should look at the Altima.

[ichi_gami]

Wanna bet?

Check out the Kia Amanti. (http://www.kia.com/#/amanti/explore/)

Then do a search on front end collisions of classic cars. The old "built like a tank" philosophy isn't the best way of thinking. There weren't crumple zones; the entire front end wound up in the cabin.

It's kind of like the willow vs. the oak tree in the face of a hurricane. Guess which one will survive?

The oak tree. The willow's roots barely dip into the ground and in a hurricane you end up with a 70' tall tree on its side and a 30' wide hole in your yard. True story. (Hurricanes Gloria and Bob took out 5 willows at my old house).

16 years ago I had a '70 Chevelle that got hit head-on by a garbage truck in my lane and pushed into the stone side wall of a bridge... I walked away. 2 and a half years ago I was driving a '07 Saturn Vue Hybrid in which, if the seatback hadn't collapsed, I would have been decapitated in when it went under a truck that made a U-Turn in front of me. Still have aches and pains from the accident and subsequent surgeries.


I'll keep my '64 Lincoln convertible and '70 Boss 429 Mustang thanks.

[travisfromkansas]

Do you get discounts on the turnpikes with that since the front bumper is off the road by the time the rear is getting on it? I forgot how long those beasts are. My Ford is a big bitch too but damn I can't imagine how long it must take to wax that thing. Bet it's a blast to cruise in.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1654/cadupma3.jpg

http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/8025/cad1hl7.jpg

http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/7696/cad3nd4.jpg

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/2394/kevbday3007jg5.jpg

[travisfromkansas]

I've thought for years that Detriot is missing a real opportunity - take those great classic car designs, and update everything underneath, keeping just the outer shell and cab interiors.

Yes, you'll give up some of the aerodynamic improvements made over the years, but you could incorporate every other advance in technology - engine, brakes, etc.

Classic cars with modern technology, competitively priced with the current market - the best of both worlds.

The problem would probably be having enough demand for them to do them in the quantities that would make them feasibly priced. I like the throw back styling of the new Mustang, the Camaro, the Challenger, but they're just too pricey to get with any real performance. Most people can buy a classic and upgrade all of the systems to modern hardware for about the same price but its not all at once. I'd love to have a modern day Crown Victoria to strip and put the body of my 63 on.

[marky2bucks]

I've thought for years that Detriot is missing a real opportunity - take those great classic car designs, and update everything underneath, keeping just the outer shell and cab interiors.

Yes, you'll give up some of the aerodynamic improvements made over the years, but you could incorporate every other advance in technology - engine, brakes, etc.

Classic cars with modern technology, competitively priced with the current market - the best of both worlds.

Factory Five kind of does this..

http://www.factoryfive.com/index.html

They basically sell the shell and body. You add the guts of the car. You can get them built for around 30-40k. They are mostly bought by gearheads who race them. I know a lot of guys who race the cobras and they are no joke.

[underdog]

I had a 78 Monte Carlo that I bought for $100. I loved that car.

[ToiletCrusher]

Well I know someone who will never get a ride in my 67 Camaro. Well, it needs to be restored first and I would need to buy one too.

[STC-Dub]

I had a 69 Chevy even before I got my license and drove it for 15 years. I much prefer newer cars but there is something to be said for car so simple even I could fix it. I drove the thing for 2 years while having to start it by jumping the starter solenoid with a screw driver. Sure the millage sucked, the heater either was alway on or didn't work, but I could always get it to work if I needed to and it was big enough to live in.

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Yesterday I had to kill some time at Pep Boys. They had a display with classic car calendars. I picked up the Ford Mustang calendar. Funny, the 1974 Mustang didn't make it in there:

http://z.about.com/d/mustangs/1/0/r/0/-/-/1974FordMustang-c.jpg



My first car. What a POS!

[Jughead]

Kia???..of all the cars you could have used Kia???:tongue:

[Jughead]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2903166422_e9ec088d7b.jpg?v=0

[Bob Impact]

Love you Gvac but you're way off on this.

Behold my first car: 1983 Mercedes 300D Turbo Diesel.

I got around 30 MPG on diesel which is Well to Wheel way more efficient than a gasoline engine car, the car had optional air bags and ABS. Kia vs. that head on? Please. I had a Honda slam into that car, I helped her put her bumper into the back seat before I drove off without a scratch. Two months later I got hit again by an A4. They had to get a tow truck to pick those crumple zones off the road. Just because American cars are shit doesn't mean all old cars are.

[JohnGacysCrawlSpace]

I have a real love/hate relationship with my '66 Mustang coupe...when it works, I love it...when it doesn't work, I want to face-fuck Lee Iaccoca.