Fair warning, this is long. Get comfortable, get a drink, hit the bathroom first...
ANOTHER failure of the heater control valve (#4), I thought it was just ANOTHER loose tower clamp. Michael came over to tighten it and saw that it had failed. Its Friday, tomorrow is Saturday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Eve is critical to me. The ultimate cruising with "my parents" looking at lights, going to Midnight Mass and a hug from The Ark. Michael left. I was devastated. I posted my heartbreak and issue on my Facebook page, "Christmas is cancelled" etc. The Ark's first crew chief Scott Spencer read it.
Scott texted me later Friday night with a pic "is this what you need?" It was the valve. Yes! He has one at the shop (same town as me), he'll be over Saturday morning with tools and fix it. He was here at 10am and replaced the part,its no longer leaking, I have heat and CHRISTMAS EVE HAS BEEN SAVED! He wouldn't take any money or even money for the part, "if I can help a friend save their Christmas, I do it". Scott, can I at least give you gas money? "Laurie, I own 2 gas stations remember?" I found out later he didn't have the part in stock, he read my post on Facebook when he was in Wareham Christmas shopping. He got on his phone and found it at O'Reilys in Brockton. He drove to Brockton and bought the part. Brockton. Are you familiar with some of the cities around here? Brockton is one of the "3 gun cities. The gun that gets you in, the gun you need while you're there, and the gun that gets you out." Scott is always well prepared as are all of my friends. Epic friend is Scott. He's my mechanic for the daily driver SUV, he just did a big engine job and tranny fix.
The Ark and I leave here around 1030pm Saturday/Christmas Eve to gawk at house lights, it was wonderful, then I noticed I'm running low on fuel, on Christmas Eve, on Cape Cod. I went to the truck stop at Exit 6, they're open! Half a tank of fuel added, yes! The Ark gave me trouble starting, its happened a couple of times before, and its 'hot started' a couple of times. Michael said he'd look at that WHEN the car goes in for the winter work, ie if he's not worried I'm not worried. Ark started up and away we went. More lights, awesome. Then to Midnight Mass in Hyannis, next town over from me. I didn't like how I parked the car in the lot, so I jumped back in to move it.
And its dead. It will not start. Same 'sound' as at the gas station. It's 11:45pm, Jesus you'll have to wait until next year, I need to get us home.
First SOS went to Hagerty roadside assistance. 30 minutes later some guy from up Cape called me, what's wrong, all he does is jump, it could be my starter or alt, of course it could. THAT'S WHY I CALLED FOR A TOW. Its a half hour to get a person back on the phone with Hagerty, its 12:45am. And now its getting cold. Now I'm hedging my bets and calling AAA too. NEITHER can get a tow truck now, but "they're working on it". I'm screaming at these people CALL BUCKLERS FOR GOD'S SAKE, TELL THEM ITS LAURIE KRAYNICK! Nothing. Now its 1:15am, I called Bucklers myself, the owner answered, I know him. "Laurie, they called, I blew them off. I blow them and AAA off anyway. Besides I don't have a driver now." (They have the contract for Barnstable PD, I know he has his 'in case of emergency break glass' drivers, they took trucks home with them, I'm not the Barnstable PD, I get that.) Laurie, leave the car there, get home, call someone, call the PD, they'll drive you home.
Its 1:30 am, and hour and 45 minutes from my first call, its really getting cold, I'm in a bad section of town and now they're turning off the lights in the church, they're leaving. Decision time, time to pull the EJECT handle and abandon The Ark.
I got out and ran to where I saw people locking up the back doors... "Hey folks, sorry to bother you, I tried to go to midnight Mass, my car died in the lot, there are no tow trucks coming tonight, I can't get anyone I know on the phone for a ride home, I'll give any of you the $20 I was going to donate tonight for a ride home, I just live in West Yarmouth. And I really have to pee." A guy opened the back door, "bathrooms are straight ahead, I'll drive you home, your car will be fine here." Sweet. Nice kid, young, 21, one of the singers. He said he asked the Holy Ghost if he should offer me a ride, HG said 'yes'. We had a nice chat on the way, he was glad I wasn't a 'nut case' like the last guy he gave a ride home to.... As I'm sitting on my Sig P938. The Ark is locked, I took the registration and insurance papers. I'll deal with Hagerty again when I wake up and feel like it. I hope The Ark will be OK, otherwise its insured and there's a paper trail proving Hagerty couldn't get a tow truck there.
Woke up this morning (Christmas Day) and after enough coffee to be able to talk I'm like screw Hagerty, I've got to get this car out of there. Michael already texted and said when I get a truck take it to shop, OK. I called Bucklers again, again the owner answered, "honey please get my car, please, I'll pay you". I'll call you back in 5 Laurie, and he did, truck will be there in 30, meet him there, where's it going? To Michael, no problem. Laurie this is the story, I didn't have a driver last night, I didn't. We don't do AAA or Hagerty (and he named a couple of other roadside assistance companies) any more, no one does, they don't pay us enough, we lose money. Its cheaper to keep the trucks home and the drivers in bed. That's why no one called you back last night, its why I said to leave the car and get yourself home."
The Ark was fine when I got back to the church thank God. Got him on the truck and delivered to Hyannis Vintage Auto, and the driver said the owner gave me a special rate for what happened, and he sure did. Grateful.
If I told you Hagerty called me at 10pm tonight, 22 hours after I called them first, to "see if I still needed a tow", would you believe me?
I. Simply. Lost. It.
"Sweetheart, I'm 63, ex-cop, ex-military with war time experience, I'm in good health, my mind is running on all cylinders, and I'm armed and its purported I'm hell in a gunfight. I could ride that situation last night to the very end because I could, I abandoned the car when it came right down to it or me. A huge percentage of your Hagerty clients are elderly, with significant health and cognitive issues. That cold will be dangerous to them, they won't leave their car because it means too much to them, and they're in physical danger on that side of town. A situation like that could have ended as a disaster for them AND ALL BECAUSE YOU AND AAA DON'T PAY THE TOWING COMPANIES ENOUGH. THEY BLOW OFF YOUR CALLS, AAA'S CALLS, BECAUSE ITS CHEAPER FOR THEM TO STAY HOME THAN TO LOSE MONEY ON A TOW. ITS WHY 'IF' YOU FIND A TOW COMPANY THEY'RE 3-6 HOURS AWAY IN ANOTHER STATE AND THEY'RE SO BAD AT WHAT THEY DO WHAT LITTLE YOU PAY THEM THEY'RE GRATEFUL FOR. YOU HAVE *GOT* TO PAY THE COMPANIES MORE. RAISE MY RATES TO COVER IT, I DON'T CARE. YOU'RE GOING TO GET SOMEONE DEAD. THEY TRUST YOU, THEY'RE DEPENDING ON YOU. YOU HAVE GOT TO CHANGE YOUR BUSINESS MODEL, YOU'RE GOING TO GET A CLIENT KILLED."
"Ms Kraynick I've made thorough notes and will pass this on to my superiors. Can I do anything else for you?"
Reimburse me for the tow. "No problem Ms Kraynick"...
nitey nite
That sucks. Good point on a client someday getting killed. Clay/Lexi
I still remember the day I had to unload a semi-trailer full of defective steel-belted radial tires that then had to be palletized to go back to the factory about 20 miles away in Detroit. It was one of the rare 100-degree days we had in Detroit in 1977. No gloves were provided, and I had steel strand scratches all over my arms. I was sure glad it was just a summer job. I also had trouble controlling my brother's '76 Regal on a Houston freeway as the steel belts were apparently shifting. I pulled onto the shoulder for a second time and was staring at the passenger front tire from several feet away when it blew up! I've always been wary of steel-belted radials, but they figured out the issues within a few years and that was the end of the fiberglass-belted radials.
Quote from: J. Skelly on December 26, 2023, 11:31:24 AMI still remember the day I had to unload a semi-trailer full of defective steel-belted radial tires that then had to be palletized to go back to the factory about 20 miles away in Detroit. It was one of the rare 100-degree days we had in Detroit in 1977. No gloves were provided, and I had steel strand scratches all over my arms. I was sure glad it was just a summer job. I also had trouble controlling my brother's '76 Regal on a Houston freeway as the steel belts were apparently shifting. I pulled onto the shoulder for a second time and was staring at the passenger front tire from several feet away when it blew up! I've always been wary of steel-belted radials, but they figured out the issues within a few years and that was the end of the fiberglass-belted radials.
Great story. How is it related to the original post?
Laurie
I am beginning to think you have a curse! I have never seen someone with so much bad luck.
Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on December 26, 2023, 11:59:35 AMGreat story. How is it related to the original post?
I meant to post it under the bias vs. radial tire post that you commented on. You sure have cursed 'luck' with the heater control valve!
Laurie,
Sure glad to know you're well, and you were able to find someone to take you home. We're surrounded by regional and transnational corporations that write off complaints and care very little save for the bottom line. I think most of us are in full agreement that supporting local businesses that truly care about the well being of the few local customers they service is a good and decent way to make a living. Regarding the Ark, those heater valves are under pressure and swings in temperature. I also suspect that the original ones from 53 years ago were far more substantial, as I owned high mileage cars of that period, and never had one fail...if there's any good news in your case, it's that the failure did not create a situation where the vacuum controls on your dash drink in hot coolant... regarding the electrical/starter issue, it might be any damn electrical breakdown that occurs on occasion, thus hard to diagnose. Again, based on my experience with high mileage Cadillacs of that period, it could be that the wire under the cable insulation from the battery is oxidized and turning to white powder, it could be a bad ignition switch, that after all these years of service is breaking down, it could be an oxidized B+ lug on the alternator... it could be a weak remanufactured starter. I've encountered all of these challenges... and they often occur only during times of ''stress'' i.e. moving the car when it's hot and the starter and ignition need every damn volt they can get from the battery. Hope this helps, James
Laurie, so glad you are safe and got The Ark back to her pit crew. IMHO it is time to put The Ark into winter storage at Area 51 and leave her there until May at which point you get her ready to drive to Gettysburg. June will be here before you know it. Again glad some one at the Parrish helped you out. Best and Happy New Year, well almost.
Quote from: gkhashem on December 26, 2023, 12:02:35 PMLaurie
I am beginning to think you have a curse! I have never seen someone with so much bad luck.
Important to remember I beat on this car like a rented mule, if there's a weakness, we'll find it.
Quote from: J. Skelly on December 26, 2023, 01:11:44 PMI meant to post it under the bias vs. radial tire post that you commented on. You sure have cursed 'luck' with the heater control valve!
EVERYONE around me on the technical side says the same thing, only 1 company is making replacements and they're all junk China manufacture. NOS you're dealing with 53 year old rubber internally. Scott said to put an extra (I ordered 3) in the trunk with clamps and the correct size socket. It will happen again.
Quote from: 2011DTS on December 26, 2023, 04:44:27 PMLaurie, so glad you are safe and got The Ark back to her pit crew. IMHO it is time to put The Ark into winter storage at Area 51 and leave her there until May at which point you get her ready to drive to Gettysburg. June will be here before you know it. Again glad some one at the Parrish helped you out. Best and Happy New Year, well almost.
Lynn The Ark rolls until it snows, it will go out in the first snow before they salt or plow, then into storage at Area 51. *HE* is a driver, and if I can't trust it now, I can't trust it to Gettysburg. Very happy for the help from all around, Michael just texted and said the car was fixed, one day, YES! I'll get it at back at some point. Best to you my friend as well.
Quote from: James Landi on December 26, 2023, 01:55:08 PMLaurie,
Sure glad to know you're well, and you were able to find someone to take you home. We're surrounded by regional and transnational corporations that write off complaints and care very little save for the bottom line. I think most of us are in full agreement that supporting local businesses that truly care about the well being of the few local customers they service is a good and decent way to make a living. Regarding the Ark, those heater valves are under pressure and swings in temperature. I also suspect that the original ones from 53 years ago were far more substantial, as I owned high mileage cars of that period, and never had one fail...if there's any good news in your case, it's that the failure did not create a situation where the vacuum controls on your dash drink in hot coolant... regarding the electrical/starter issue, it might be any damn electrical breakdown that occurs on occasion, thus hard to diagnose. Again, based on my experience with high mileage Cadillacs of that period, it could be that the wire under the cable insulation from the battery is oxidized and turning to white powder, it could be a bad ignition switch, that after all these years of service is breaking down, it could be an oxidized B+ lug on the alternator... it could be a weak remanufactured starter. I've encountered all of these challenges... and they often occur only during times of ''stress'' i.e. moving the car when it's hot and the starter and ignition need every damn volt they can get from the battery. Hope this helps, James
James I pay people, a lot of money, to figure this $hit out. Let them fix it and tell me later.
Quote from: James Landi on December 26, 2023, 01:55:08 PMLaurie,
Sure glad to know you're well, and you were able to find someone to take you home. We're surrounded by regional and transnational corporations that write off complaints and care very little save for the bottom line. I think most of us are in full agreement that supporting local businesses that truly care about the well being of the few local customers they service is a good and decent way to make a living. Regarding the Ark, those heater valves are under pressure and swings in temperature. I also suspect that the original ones from 53 years ago were far more substantial, as I owned high mileage cars of that period, and never had one fail...if there's any good news in your case, it's that the failure did not create a situation where the vacuum controls on your dash drink in hot coolant... regarding the electrical/starter issue, it might be any damn electrical breakdown that occurs on occasion, thus hard to diagnose. Again, based on my experience with high mileage Cadillacs of that period, it could be that the wire under the cable insulation from the battery is oxidized and turning to white powder, it could be a bad ignition switch, that after all these years of service is breaking down, it could be an oxidized B+ lug on the alternator... it could be a weak remanufactured starter. I've encountered all of these challenges... and they often occur only during times of ''stress'' i.e. moving the car when it's hot and the starter and ignition need every damn volt they can get from the battery. Hope this helps, James
My '71 Eldorado went through 5-6 starters in its lifetime. On one occasion after intermittent starting issues, I pulled off all of the wires from the starter, inspected each one individually and found oxidation on one side of the ring terminal, cleaned it up and was good to go for a while.
Quote from: J. Skelly on December 26, 2023, 11:31:24 AMI still remember the day I had to unload a semi-trailer full of defective steel-belted radial tires that then had to be palletized to go back to the factory about 20 miles away in Detroit. It was one of the rare 100-degree days we had in Detroit in 1977. No gloves were provided, and I had steel strand scratches all over my arms. I was sure glad it was just a summer job. I also had trouble controlling my brother's '76 Regal on a Houston freeway as the steel belts were apparently shifting. I pulled onto the shoulder for a second time and was staring at the passenger front tire from several feet away when it blew up! I've always been wary of steel-belted radials, but they figured out the issues within a few years and that was the end of the fiberglass-belted radials.
Firestone 500s?
Michael texted me today, The Ark is fixed and ready to come home. Yes, in one day.
He said it was a 'charging issue', I'll learn more when I go get him. I'm guessing alternator.
The one that was in there was a 4.5 year old NAPA 55a, I think the car wants a 68a if my specs
are correct.
Quote from: Carfreak on December 26, 2023, 08:15:09 PMFirestone 500s?
Hi Sue,
The semi-trailer load was Uniroyal and their plant at the foot of the Belle Isle bridge closed in 1981.
My brother's car had Firestone 500s and one blew up on him earlier in the week. I was taking his car to body shops for estimates since I was there on vacation and he was working during the day. The one that blew up on him dented the driver's side front fender and the steel strands beat paint off of the fender and hood.
Same"no one " wants to respond to a contract tow because of the low fees.I just pay out of my pocket what the difference is. Locally I know 2 tow companies, not an issue, getting a good response time. But, away from home base, trouble. Here in upstate N.Y., same crap.
I might have a lot of issues with the car, remember this was not a frame off restoration. "DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT" is to keep shaking it up, make parts fail if they want to. The good news is I have a pro shop the next town over who treats me like I'm worth something. Now look who's home, it was the alternator. Christmas is now officially *OVER*. After breaking down Christmas Eve at midnight Mass, the car was hauled in Monday (Christmas Day) to the WORLD FAMOUS Hyannis Vintage Auto and ready to go home on Tuesday, the usual 10-Star Service. Thank you so much Gary, Happy New Year.
Laurie,
The fact is that the most expensive ''frame off'' would not guarantee any of the ''re-man'' components we must tolerate for want of fully reliable originals. I ran my '83 Eldorado 315k miles, and I lost count on the number of alternators I replaced in that car. A couple of times, I was stuck installing them ''roadside.'' You might consider slipping an inexpensive alternator monitor into your cigarette lighter... most have three lights-- red, no charge, yellow (careful: you have a deteriorating situation and a limited number of starts before the battery is too weak to start the car), and green-- just fine. In the meantime, perhaps we'll miss winter in the not yet frozen north... Happy day, James
Yes, good advice from James. It is always nice to see what key components are actually doing under your hood, ("idiot" lights do not count). I have posted this before, but perhaps is timely again. You could buy an onboard volt meter that just plugs into your cigarette lighter. An LED display lets you know what your voltage is. When you park at a car show, just unplug it and tuck it away in your glove box. Attached is a picture of the one I use and it works great. When I tested it against my $400 dollar Fluke brand, a top of the line unit used by mechanics, the cheap $20 dollar plug was dead on. Gives one some peace of mind and you can see how well your charging system works at all driving conditions. My only complaint is that most if not all of these insist on cluttering their display screen with an ambient temperature reading for the cabin. Like, who needs that? Pictured below is a VST 3 in 1 Plug in Volt meter, round dial style, (they also come with a squarish or rectangular dial). I thought the round ones looked better in old cars. As they light up you can easily read them day or night. You can find them on Amazon. Clay/Lexi
"Driving like it was stolen" doesn't seem to be a winning formula. I knew another old Cadillac owner who used to preach the same thing who predictably blew the engine and the car hasn't been on the road since. Not difficult to understand the near-fanatical devotion to radials when an owner insists on treating it like a 19 year old behind the wheel of a Subaru WRX.
The more you beat a car, the more it will beat you, or more specifically, your wallet. The older the car, the higher the economic carnage. If the enjoyment is worth the price, have at it.
Again, Eric is dead on. The increased "economic carnage" is quite predictable as proven via economic forecast tables. The cost of maintaining machinery and equipment goes up with increased/heavy use. Additional captital is needed to keep things operational. When dealing with vintage machinery, one's peril & repair costs are increased. The vintage machine shop that rebuilt my 365 V8 in 2018, advised me to "drive it like you stole it", BUT...to drive it also like the "Little old lady from Pasedena". "All over the map" (speed wise), they added. Most importantly, these were break in guidelines and NOT those to follow ad infinitum, (with respect to driving it like you stole it). Further, they added to never start the vehicle in the winter, (Canadian winter). As Eric pointed out, if your wallet can withstand the impact and you are content with such, then proceeed. As he further stated these cars "will beat you" financially. Clay/Lexi
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on December 28, 2023, 02:56:22 PM"Driving like it was stolen" doesn't seem to be a winning formula. I knew another old Cadillac owner who used to preach the same thing who predictably blew the engine and the car hasn't been on the road since. Not difficult to understand the near-fanatical devotion to radials when an owner insists on treating it like a 19 year old behind the wheel of a Subaru WRX.
The more you beat a car, the more it will beat you, or more specifically, your wallet. The older the car, the higher the economic carnage. If the enjoyment is worth the price, have at it.
Actually it IS a 'winning formula'. All the major issues I've had, happened at home/my hometown/next town over. Versus 600 miles from home, so there's that. If you DRIVE your car, its in your best interest, and that of those around you, to be rolling on radials. Knowingly sacrificing safety in weather, breaking, simply 'driving' on a back road or highway, not to mention ride control and road noise, is silly in my opinion. Safety should be everything but to each their own. These big old cars can be a challenge as it is, why give away points when you can increase safety that wasn't available 'back then'? Then again, people like me, with our backgrounds, think differently. 19 year old with a Subaru? LOL! When I was 19 I was screaming around in a 3 year old Sedan De Ville d'elegance, LMAO!
Quote from: Lexi on December 28, 2023, 03:33:39 PMAgain, Eric is dead on. The increased "economic carnage" is quite predictable as proven via economic forecast tables. The cost of maintaining machinery and equipment goes up with increased/heavy use. Additional captital is needed to keep things operational. When dealing with vintage machinery, one's peril & repair costs are increased. The vintage machine shop that rebuilt my 365 V8 in 2018, advised me to "drive it like you stole it", BUT...to drive it also like the "Little old lady from Pasedena". "All over the map" (speed wise), they added. Most importantly, these were break in guidelines and NOT those to follow ad infinitum, (with respect to driving it like you stole it). Further, they added to never start the vehicle in the winter, (Canadian winter). As Eric pointed out, if your wallet can withstand the impact and you are content with such, then proceeed. As he further stated these cars "will beat you" financially. Clay/Lexi
When The Ark's engine was rebuilt during the Summer Of The Flu when they cancelled all of the car shows due to the inherent dangers of fresh air and sunshine, Reid's Automotive did it. The old man gave me a very specific engine break in protocol starting the first day the car was home. Distance-to this speed-don't let it down shift-for this amount of time/mileage-let the engine come back to 20mph without braking etc, wash rinse repeat multiple stated times until the final exercise was completed. Then change the oil. Change it again in 500 miles, then rock on using THIS filter and THIS oil. "Jimmy, how fast will this car go now?" (with an extra 75hp and 150ftlbs torque recorded at dyno) 'darlin you run out of nerve before you run out of engine...' Yeah he was right, 92 (speedometer and WAZE) and the pedal was barely 3/4 down. If I couldn't afford this car I'd buy Eric's Subaru. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
" Safety should be everything but to each their own. These big old cars can be a challenge as it is, why give away points when you can increase safety that wasn't available 'back then"
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I'm with you on that. I smile widely as they mark off the points for safety updates!
Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on December 28, 2023, 10:45:31 PMActually it IS a 'winning formula'. All the major issues I've had, happened at home/my hometown/next town over. Versus 600 miles from home, so there's that. If you DRIVE your car, its in your best interest, and that of those around you, to be rolling on radials. Knowingly sacrificing safety in weather, breaking, simply 'driving' on a back road or highway, not to mention ride control and road noise, is silly in my opinion. Safety should be everything but to each their own. These big old cars can be a challenge as it is, why give away points when you can increase safety that wasn't available 'back then'? Then again, people like me, with our backgrounds, think differently. 19 year old with a Subaru? LOL! When I was 19 I was screaming around in a 3 year old Sedan De Ville d'elegance, LMAO!
None of my cars go out under adverse weather conditions so that's irrelevant in my case, which likely holds true for the majority of classic car owners. There are any number of people who would argue that
anything built before x model year is inherently "unsafe" regardless of what the tires are. As Clay pointed out, where does it start and where does it end? Therefore, the safety argument becomes a massive gray area of which nobody is the final arbiter.
As
Car & Driver once pointed out, "the safest car is the car that is safely driven"- and that takes into account the limitations of the vehicle itself, as outfitted. There are driving maneuvers I could safely execute all day in a modern DTS or even a '77 DeVille that I wouldn't think of attempting with a '59 Cadillac.
At any rate, the biggest argument against aggressively driving an older car isn't so much for reasons of "safety", but to keep stress on elderly driveline components at a minimum which will contribute significantly to long life and trouble free operation which translates directly into dollars and cents. In that sense, not only is an older car an object of enjoyment, but as a bank account on wheels into which you make deposits and withdrawls. So driven, an older driveline can last indefinitely. And if self-preservation is an instinct you possess, you will do everything in your power to keep the "withdrawls" to a minimum. In that vein, I drive my older cars in a way that the type of tires it's riding on is the least of my concerns.
hope you are sorted by the pa trip
i am surprised by how many breakdowns you have had,in all the 70 cadillacs i have had,and still have they have never left me stranded
whenever i drive one now,it gets no special treatment,good set of tires,and correct fuel its up to any legal speed +20 over
now that they are 50+ i do look them over before and after,kind of like a pre flight walk around
happy new year to all
All cars are not created equal. My vintage Caddy is not even equipped with seat belts let alone air bags or a modern designed crush zone. Some members are driving cars with only mechanical brakes and plate glass windows. With resepct to Laurie; if you always drive the car "like you stole it" as you stated, you can expect increased operational costs. That Law of Business Management with respect to asset investment protection cannot be violated without future costs. And what are the safety consequences of driving any vehicle "like you stole it"? That in itself implies reckless driving behaviour. How is that safe?
Your car will never be as good as when it left the factory. Issues such as metal fatigue take their toll which can have serious repercusions. That combined with questionable period engineering can lead to failure of a part. See my June 2022 Self Starter article that details such an incident that I experienced with my Cadillac. This was a classic example of under engineering as well as metal fatigue at work. Even new cars are routinely subject to recalls when faulty engineering is discovered. It is not reasonable to expect vintage cars to perform as new.
As both Eric and I explained, the safety argument becomes muddy and even spurious especially with respect to tires on vehicles that are driven under the conditions we described. If you are using your classic car as a daily driver and/or "driving it like you stole it", whatever that means, I would not be critical of those who install radial tires. But this does not universally apply as noted in posts in this thread. Radial tires are not required for all and should not be considered a substitute for safe driving.
Clay/Lexi
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on December 29, 2023, 08:22:57 AMNone of my cars go out under adverse weather conditions so that's irrelevant in my case, which likely holds true for the majority of classic car owners. There are any number of people who would argue that anything built before x model year is inherently "unsafe" regardless of what the tires are. As Clay pointed out, where does it start and where does it end? Therefore, the safety argument becomes a massive gray area of which nobody is the final arbiter.
As Car & Driver once pointed out, "the safest car is the car that is safely driven"- and that takes into account the limitations of the vehicle itself, as outfitted. There are driving maneuvers I could safely execute all day in a modern DTS or even a '77 DeVille that I wouldn't think of attempting with a '59 Cadillac.
At any rate, the biggest argument against aggressively driving an older car isn't so much for reasons of "safety", but to keep stress on elderly driveline components at a minimum which will contribute significantly to long life and trouble free operation which translates directly into dollars and cents. In that sense, not only is an older car an object of enjoyment, but as a bank account on wheels into which you make deposits and withdrawls. So driven, an older driveline can last indefinitely. And if self-preservation is an instinct you possess, you will do everything in your power to keep the "withdrawls" to a minimum. In that vein, I drive my older cars in a way that the type of tires it's riding on is the least of my concerns.
Engine rebuilt - transmission rebuilt - drive shaft restored - rear end done = drive line done.
When they took the engine apart Jimmy said it had 200K on it, that's a lot of miles on that
frame.
As far as 'driving safely', you should Google me. Not only was I a student at SSDD taking and passing
ALL of their courses at the Thompson Speedway, I went back as an instructor, with Sig Sauer, when they upped
the anti/counter terrorism courses to include lethal force. And all of the courses I took and taught, were with
rear wheel drive sedans/limos. I had similar training at 'North Mountain Pines'...
That's the beauty of "social media". Sometimes you have NO IDEA of whom you're talking to. ;)
"Drive it like you stole it" is just an expression. I am sure that you don't really drive your Baby like a stolen car and beat it into the ground and hit things.
Quote from: wrefakis on December 29, 2023, 10:36:41 AMhope you are sorted by the pa trip
i am surprised by how many breakdowns you have had,in all the 70 cadillacs i have had,and still have they have never left me stranded
whenever i drive one now,it gets no special treatment,good set of tires,and correct fuel its up to any legal speed +20 over
now that they are 50+ i do look them over before and after,kind of like a pre flight walk around
happy new year to all
Why are you surprised? There's 200k on that frame. The car is 54 years old, for the last 6 years its had actual mechanics with a devoted owner. It had an unknown number of owners for 48 years prior and who knows what for "mechanics". Current devoted owner DRIVES IT out of town, out of state, at speed, in all conditions, so I know where the weaknesses are to be corrected or they show up eventually. This car is a DRIVER, its not a statue to be dusted or a trailer queen to be exhibited. It does what it was designed for. Driving.
Quote from: badpoints on December 29, 2023, 12:40:31 PM"Drive it like you stole it" is just an expression. I am sure that you don't really drive your Baby like a stolen car and beat it into the ground and hit things.
I don't hit things... except bugs on the windshield.
Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on December 29, 2023, 12:34:33 PMEngine rebuilt - transmission rebuilt - drive shaft restored - rear end done = drive line done.
When they took the engine apart Jimmy said it had 200K on it, that's a lot of miles on that
frame.
As far as 'driving safely', you should Google me. Not only was I a student at SSDD taking and passing
ALL of their courses at the Thompson Speedway, I went back as an instructor, with Sig Sauer, when they upped
the anti/counter terrorism courses to include lethal force. And all of the courses I took and taught, were with
rear wheel drive sedans/limos. I had similar training at 'North Mountain Pines'...
That's the beauty of "social media". Sometimes you have NO IDEA of whom you're talking to. ;)
All the driving credentials in the world and $2.22 buys a cup of coffee. I am talking about net cost of ownership- which can be positive or negative (a/k/a getting paid to own) depending on how one plays his/her cards which includes how the car is treated. In the six years you've been here, you have spent more money with more breakdowns on a single car than I have on four or five cars combined, over the course of twenty years or more.
When the time comes that it must be sold (as they all are sooner or later), how many chips left on the table is what will count as much as the fun had along the way, if not more.
Quote from: badpoints on December 29, 2023, 12:40:31 PM"Drive it like you stole it" is just an expression. I am sure that you don't really drive your Baby like a stolen car and beat it into the ground and hit things.
I get it, but I can only judge by what I read. Presumeably Laurie doesn't drive the car like "
The Little old Lady from Pasedena" either. It is really up to Laurie to define her driving habits as the phrase she used carries what may be an incorrect connotation. Eric and I were quite clear on how our cars are driven and under what cirumstances they are used. I believe in Laurie's case radials were already available for Cadillac in 1970, with her car probably having had them installed when new. So more of a reason for her to use them as her vehicle's front end was engineered for their installation, as opposed to some earlier vehicles. Clay/Lexi
The first brochure in which radials were listed as optional equipment is 1973. It's possible they could have become a mid year option in 1972 but it's extremely doubtful that any Cadillac left the factory with radials in 1971 or earlier.
Update: According to Greg Powers, radials first became available on the Fleetwood Brougham and Eldorado in 1972.
Quote from: Greg Powers on October 05, 2016, 04:14:35 PMAccording to the Authenticity Manual Class 25 - 1971 - 1976 Cadillac (excluding Eldorado and Seville) Standard tires for 1971- 1974 were fiberglass-belted bias ply blackwall tires. Most however chose the dual banded whitewall tire option. In early 1972 steel-belted radials became a factory option on the Brougham and Eldorado. These radials had a rather narrow single whitewall. Radials were a popular option for 1972 - 1974 with the single narrow whitewall. Steel-belted whitewall radials are standard equipment for 1975 and 1976. There was a shortage in 1976 of available tires from Cadillac suppliers and after May 17, 1976 through the remainder of the year models were shipped with no spare. ( The valve stem, wheel and jack were supplied) When enough tires became available, the spares were shipped to dealers and retrofitted.
Interesting. We need more stuff like this on the Forum. I wasn't sure how far back radials went with Cadillac. Nice work Eric/Greg. Clay/Lexi
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on December 29, 2023, 01:25:56 PMAll the driving credentials in the world and $2.22 buys a cup of coffee. I am talking about net cost of ownership- which can be positive or negative (a/k/a getting paid to own) depending on how one plays his/her cards which includes how the car is treated. In the six years you've been here, you have spent more money with more breakdowns on a single car than I have on four or five cars combined, over the course of twenty years or more.
When the time comes that it must be sold (as they all are sooner or later), how many chips left on the table is what will count as much as the fun had along the way, if not more.
Eric, have you nothing better to do than count my money? You'll be sitting there for a while son. I *DRIVE* my
car, you dust yours, there's a difference. And if you were actually paying attention to my posts, you'd KNOW the
car has been willed to Michael's 3 year old son, The Ark doesn't get sold, it goes on, FOREVER with the Amsters.
Quote from: Lexi on December 29, 2023, 03:15:40 PMI get it, but I can only judge by what I read. Presumeably Laurie doesn't drive the car like "The Little old Lady from Pasedena" either. It is really up to Laurie to define her driving habits as the phrase she used carries what may be an incorrect connotation. Eric and I were quite clear on how our cars are driven and under what cirumstances they are used. I believe in Laurie's case radials were already available for Cadillac in 1970, with her car probably having had them installed when new. So more of a reason for her to use them as her vehicle's front end was engineered for their installation, as opposed to some earlier vehicles. Clay/Lexi
Nope, bias plys. Remember I took The Ark's original spare out, a bias ply, and had it replaced with a new
Diamond Back so all 5 matched. The stench of the inside of that tire and 54 year old air was incredible.
And it still held perfect pressure. That tire was washed and is in my attic now, I'll do something with it.
Laurie, not sure why this thread seems to be a bit heated.
Most of the suggestions here are trying to be helpful to you since you seem to be always spending money on the car. I have currently 8 cars and have had up to 11 at one time. Most of my costs have occurred upon purchase trying to get an inactive car active. Also fixing items that time has taken its toll on.
While the cost of maintenance and upkeep gets costly, you seemed to be a magnet for issues. Maybe the issue is you and your driving. You post your issues and people are making some suggestions.
Instead the topic has veered off into safety and other areas.
So now I will state my opinion. A Cadillac is supposed to make a statement by arriving. The look, the elegance, just making the appearance. It's presence just makes all around stop and admire it. A Cadillac is not a race car, a car that lays rubber, or makes jack rabbit starts, in its day it was luxury. Luxury is not loud, overt, or obnoxious. A Cadillac is supposed to be a class act and play the part. No other embellishment is needed other than its presence.
The other issue is age. So to relate it to a human. I at my age do not move as recklessly as I did 40 years ago. I no longer play basketball, throw a baseball overhand, or run 5Ks or run up and down a flight of stairs. While I could maybe still for a short time I would be asking for trouble or injury.
So when you drive "like you stole it" you are putting undue stress on an old machine that cannot end up well eventually.
So the morale of the story is drive it as you like but don't whine about the consequences.
Quote from: gkhashem on December 30, 2023, 09:53:20 AMMost of the suggestions here are trying to be helpful to you since you seem to be always spending money on the car...So when you drive "like you stole it" you are putting undue stress on an old machine that cannot end up well eventually.
Like the other posters, just trying to be helpful. I do worry about the Ark as I have also wondered about why there have been so many repairs. As Laurie herself said to you earlier in this post George, that it is (quote) "
Important to remember I beat on this car like a rented mule, if there's a weakness, we'll find it.". Perhaps indicative of too much "beating"? I twice owned a 1969 Cadillac. Would have driven very similar to Laurie's '70. Those cars drive so different from my '50s Cad. No comparison. You can be lulled into a false sense of security with them, but now they are still old cars. Clay/Lexi
Quote from: Lexi on December 30, 2023, 10:24:55 AMAs Laurie herself said to you earlier in this post George, that it is (quote) "Important to remember I beat on this car like a rented mule, if there's a weakness, we'll find it.". Perhaps indicative of too much "beating"?
Exactly. And spoken as if it's something not only to be proud of, but derides anyone who disagrees with her practices through personal attacks and insults. What she refuses to accept is that her way is not the "right" way for everybody.
To each his own as to how they enjoy the hobby
I have a 70 fleetwood,and all I hear is "you have to drive it,etc"
I enjoy owning and preserving it,and i do drive it a few times a year
Thats my enjoyment
I F#$%&*# Detest getting skinned by mechanics
I also need nor seek affirmation as to my cars originailty ,or anything else
as far as $ apparetly you can spend 4X $ what i paid for mine on repairs, and still end up stranded
does not sound like fun
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on December 30, 2023, 11:04:46 AMExactly. And spoken as if it's something not only to be proud of, but derides anyone who disagrees with her practices through personal attacks and insults. What she refuses to accept is that her way is not the "right" way for everybody.
Eric show me on the doll where I hurt you... I didn't ask for anyone's opinion on this thread. Yet, here we are.
Quote from: wrefakis on December 30, 2023, 11:15:25 AMTo each his own as to how they enjoy the hobby
I have a 70 fleetwood,and all I hear is "you have to drive it,etc"
I enjoy owning and preserving it,and i do drive it a few times a year
Thats my enjoyment
I F#$%&*# Detest getting skinned by mechanics
I also need nor seek affirmation as to my cars originailty ,or anything else
as far as $ apparetly you can spend 4X $ what i paid for mine on repairs, and still end up stranded
does not sound like fun
People have the right to own statues or drivers, personal choice. If you choose to have a DRIVER, you have to
DRIVE it.
I never sought "affirmation", I simply proved it, there's a difference.
I wouldn't worry about how other people spend their money, money is not the same issue with everyone.
Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on December 30, 2023, 12:32:54 PMI didn't ask for anyone's opinion on this thread. Yet, here we are.
No you just voice yours and expect everyone to salute it. That's not the way it works.
Quote from: gkhashem on December 30, 2023, 09:53:20 AMLaurie, not sure why this thread seems to be a bit heated.
Most of the suggestions here are trying to be helpful to you since you seem to be always spending money on the car. I have currently 8 cars and have had up to 11 at one time. Most of my costs have occurred upon purchase trying to get an inactive car active. Also fixing items that time has taken its toll on.
While the cost of maintenance and upkeep gets costly, you seemed to be a magnet for issues. Maybe the issue is you and your driving. You post your issues and people are making some suggestions.
Instead the topic has veered off into safety and other areas.
So now I will state my opinion. A Cadillac is supposed to make a statement by arriving. The look, the elegance, just making the appearance. It's presence just makes all around stop and admire it. A Cadillac is not a race car, a car that lays rubber, or makes jack rabbit starts, in its day it was luxury. Luxury is not loud, overt, or obnoxious. A Cadillac is supposed to be a class act and play the part. No other embellishment is needed other than its presence.
The other issue is age. So to relate it to a human. I at my age do not move as recklessly as I did 40 years ago. I no longer play basketball, throw a baseball overhand, or run 5Ks or run up and down a flight of stairs. While I could maybe still for a short time I would be asking for trouble or injury.
So when you drive "like you stole it" you are putting undue stress on an old machine that cannot end up well eventually.
So the morale of the story is drive it as you like but don't whine about the consequences.
Where exactly did I "whine" in the OP or subsequent replies... show me where...
Others make it 'heated', I post a story and others are compelled to add their statue owning .02, maybe its
because I drive my car, everywhere. They dust theirs, to each their own.
"A Cadillac is supposed to make a statement by arriving." Exactly. And in order to 'arrive' it has to get there,
and it won't get there if it has mechanical issues you haven't flushed out yet. Its a car, its a machine. If you
want to DRIVE it you have to find out where its weaknesses are and correct them. The biggest problem now is after
market parts, they're junk and have to replaced after they're replaced in a few years. Like that alternator that
was 'only' 4.5 years old. And that's the beauty of military air craft mntx records. I know that power steering pump
is 'new', its 4 next year, the first time I hear a whine or a teaspoon drop in fluid level, its gone.
We only did a couple of torque tests/rear end hook ups (forward and reverse) AFTER the entire drive train was
restored. Back on the lift the next day to check for leaks/noise. Perfect. Onward. And yes it was kinda fun to see
and hear those rear Diamond Back Classics chirp during those tests, not recommended unless your entire drive train
is restored and being driven by an actual mechanic. The result is when put into gear and asked for power, the
response, is instant and quiet. Its amazing how smooth that tranny is now, you can barely feel it change gears. The new fluid they used plays a roll I'm sure along with the complete rebuild by a real TH400 guy. Which was all my idea, there were no transmission issues when I had all that work done. I didn't want to have any tranny issues. So...
Time to wake The Ark, MANY errands to run today. Weather is still perfect, no salt/no snow yet.
DRIVE YOUR CARS
If you can....
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on December 30, 2023, 12:55:16 PMNo you just voice yours and expect everyone to salute it. That's not the way it works.
This is how car forums 'work' Eric. People voice their opinions, readers are left to form
their own opinions. Those who still have a cognitive thought process are able to do that.
Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on December 30, 2023, 12:32:54 PMEric show me on the doll where I hurt you... I didn't ask for anyone's opinion on this thread. Yet, here we are.
.
Ok, then no reason to read your thread unless all you want is applause or go get'em gal.
You state an opinion, well you get replies. If all you want is applause, then I will let the sycophants reply and I can ignore your posts.
I will let the yes men take over from here.
No help wanted so no help given, good luck you will need it. Just a matter of time until the next catastrophe.
If everyone in the day drove them like they stole them no car would ever have lasted more than 5-6 years from new and there would be no car hobby since they would all be long junked.
So you should thank that original owner of your car, since that is the primary reason why it even still exists.
Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on December 30, 2023, 01:15:06 PMThis is how car forums 'work' Eric. People voice their opinions, readers are left to form
their own opinions. Those who still have a cognitive thought process are able to do that.
How it works is when you voice a debatable opinion on an open forum, you do so with the expectation of skepticism/disagreement. And when it does, combative and insulting retorts are uncalled for.
You last sentence above, "Those that hold a cognitive thought process..." is exactly the type of caustic remark I am referring to. Things like that and the patronizing tone of "show me on the doll where I hurt you..." are dismissive, condescending, uncalled for and bound to inflame. And if you can't see that, maybe it is
your cognitive skills that should be called into question.
I must interject, in my opinion Laurie is treating the 70 the best
possible way. Sure some ancient econobox driven hard may
not last too long. I drove 60s cars 40,000 miles a year, and
spent a lot on keeping them repaired. But by the late 70s all
my earlier problems had been engineered out. No more blown
transmissions, that TH400 is bulletproof. No more broken
suspension, good cooling systems, V8s that did not care
how you drive them, long as the oil and water were OK. Brakes
and a rear axle that will not quit.
All that stuff on Lauries car has been brought up to date, and is
serving well. Yes there might be a hose or valve or alternator
brush showing age, but NONE OF THOSE THINGS HAVE
ANYTHING TO DO WITH HOW THE CAR IS DRIVEN.
Keep driving, work out a few 50 year old weaknesses. I would
rather drive my car than look at it, so after 1.5 million miles some
non factory solutions have been worked out. Steel and plastic
are replaced with stainless steel or copper. Just about anything
that moves is on a maintenance schedule. No tower clamps here.
And you cannot have too many gauges, which can usually be done
a lot more neatly than a row under the dash. The 82 I am working
on today has this century, been to all 4 boundaries of the US and
around the Great Lakes thru Canada without breakdown. And at
the limit of performance the law allows, at least.
I suppose some were more reckless at a younger age, I never was.
Bruce Roe
After all this conversation,I needed a fix!
Went see my Fleetwood!
Yes the statue
Seats never sat in,(covered from new)
Mats never stepped on (covered since new)
100 % untouched original black finish
perfect silver on dash face,nos steering wheel,
no desire to smoke the tires
but i can promise you this you will never see one like it
and if i never criticize people who enjoy fixing and driving,and going to mechanics,
why throw mud my way because i enjoy my car ?
I think I finally get it
I never wanted an old car
I wanted the 70 Fleetwood from down the road brand new oct 69,and,it had the same bumper guards as mine
i wanted a NEW one
not a fixed up tired old car to drive around 50+ years later
we had no car,zero so all i could do was look and dream
by the time i could buy my own in 73,the care was garbage
so began the mint 70 collecting obsession,and the ones i have are damm close to mint
so take pity on me as i drive to gettysburgh in 2011 town car
Quote from: bcroe on December 30, 2023, 03:05:26 PMYes there might be a hose or valve or alternator
brush showing age, but NONE OF THOSE THINGS HAVE
ANYTHING TO DO WITH HOW THE CAR IS DRIVEN.
While entirely true, the reason for the blown engine can't be as easily dismissed.
remember that "tick becomes a knock" thread,maybe next time clean up the top of engine and check rockers prior to expensive rebuild
had many a 472/500/425 that had top end sound that could be miss represented as a knock
C'mon people, let's remember that whatever one posts is always going to receive comments, either praising or not-so praising.
Please remember, and respect, the opinions of fellow Members as each one has different opinions on what they are in the Cadillac and LaSalle Club for, and disrespecting Members for how they use what they own will result in some form of loss of privileges on the Forum.
Remember that when typing, and before pressing the Send Button.
Thanks, and have a happy 2024.
Bruce. >:D
PS. The saying, "Drive it like you stole it" if taken as written, these days would end up with the driver in Gaol, and the car being clamped, and or, written off by the Insurance Companies. It might be said in jest, but really not for print on this Forum.
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on December 30, 2023, 02:56:19 PMHow it works is when you voice a debatable opinion on an open forum, you do so with the expectation of skepticism/disagreement. And when it does, combative and insulting retorts are uncalled for.
You last sentence above, "Those that hold a cognitive thought process..." is exactly the type of caustic remark I am referring to. Things like that and the patronizing tone of "show me on the doll where I hurt you..." are dismissive, condescending, uncalled for and bound to inflame. And if you can't see that, maybe it is your cognitive skills that should be called into question.
Yes, but looking at the bright side, we are all still Cadillac fanatics, Laurie included. But I agree, the very nature of an open Forum is that there are bound to be varying opinions. If not expected or tolerated, why bother reading as George clearly asked? We should always be looking to put a positive spin on things. BTW Wrefakis I thought your post (#50) was hilarious. Still getting a good and much needed chuckle from it. Thank you (and your "Statue")! Clay/Lexi
Quote from: gkhashem on December 30, 2023, 02:29:58 PM.
Ok, then no reason to read your thread unless all you want is applause or go get'em gal.
You state an opinion, well you get replies. If all you want is applause, then I will let the sycophants reply and I can ignore your posts.
I will let the yes men take over from here.
No help wanted so no help given, good luck you will need it. Just a matter of time until the next catastrophe.
If everyone in the day drove them like they stole them no car would ever have lasted more than 5-6 years from new and there would be no car hobby since they would all be long junked.
So you should thank that original owner of your car, since that is the primary reason why it even still exists.
Original "OWNERS" babe. I'm the reason that car exists now. Trust me, if I'm looking for an answer or an opinion,
I'll post it as such. Scrolling/ignoring certain people's posts is always a winning formula, I do it here. I can make the time, there's a lot of people here who would be better off DRIVING their cars than driving their keyboards. That's just my humble opinion.
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on December 30, 2023, 02:56:19 PMHow it works is when you voice a debatable opinion on an open forum, you do so with the expectation of skepticism/disagreement. And when it does, combative and insulting retorts are uncalled for.
You last sentence above, "Those that hold a cognitive thought process..." is exactly the type of caustic remark I am referring to. Things like that and the patronizing tone of "show me on the doll where I hurt you..." are dismissive, condescending, uncalled for and bound to inflame. And if you can't see that, maybe it is your cognitive skills that should be called into question.
Eric, seriously, your incessant need to comment on all of my posts, your tone, is starting to get creepy. Find another
member, another car, to become infatuated with. Yes "cognitive thought process" is a thing, all people have to do
is refer to their recent medical records and drugs administered.... Some are heavily affected, some not so much.
Do yourself a favor and block me, just scroll by my posts, its best for you. Honestly.
Quote from: wrefakis on December 30, 2023, 03:09:35 PMAfter all this conversation,I needed a fix!
Went see my Fleetwood!
Yes the statue
Seats never sat in,(covered from new)
Mats never stepped on (covered since new)
100 % untouched original black finish
perfect silver on dash face,nos steering wheel,
no desire to smoke the tires
but i can promise you this you will never see one like it
and if i never criticize people who enjoy fixing and driving,and going to mechanics,
why throw mud my way because i enjoy my car ?
(Oh Pfizer, see what you've done?)
Um, yes you do criticize me for how I own my car, not that I care since I pay the bills and enjoy the view
through my windshield at landscapes slow and fast. I never threw mud, but those who don't drive their cars shouldn't
criticize people who do.
What happens to that perfect car when you die, we're all going to die, some sooner than others but I digress.
With parents who lived to their early 90's and with a clean biological system chances are high I have another
30 years. And when I'm taking my last breaths I "hope" my thoughts are the thousands and thousands of miles I drove
The Ark, the thousands of people who saw it and enjoyed it, the FUN I had with the car and KNOWING the car goes on
with the Amster family.
Imagine thinking "jeez I should have driven that car more, now what...."
To each their own peace.
Quote from: bcroe on December 30, 2023, 03:05:26 PMI must interject, in my opinion Laurie is treating the 70 the best
possible way. Sure some ancient econobox driven hard may
not last too long. I drove 60s cars 40,000 miles a year, and
spent a lot on keeping them repaired. But by the late 70s all
my earlier problems had been engineered out. No more blown
transmissions, that TH400 is bulletproof. No more broken
suspension, good cooling systems, V8s that did not care
how you drive them, long as the oil and water were OK. Brakes
and a rear axle that will not quit.
All that stuff on Lauries car has been brought up to date, and is
serving well. Yes there might be a hose or valve or alternator
brush showing age, but NONE OF THOSE THINGS HAVE
ANYTHING TO DO WITH HOW THE CAR IS DRIVEN.
Keep driving, work out a few 50 year old weaknesses. I would
rather drive my car than look at it, so after 1.5 million miles some
non factory solutions have been worked out. Steel and plastic
are replaced with stainless steel or copper. Just about anything
that moves is on a maintenance schedule. No tower clamps here.
And you cannot have too many gauges, which can usually be done
a lot more neatly than a row under the dash. The 82 I am working
on today has this century, been to all 4 boundaries of the US and
around the Great Lakes thru Canada without breakdown. And at
the limit of performance the law allows, at least.
I suppose some were more reckless at a younger age, I never was.
Bruce Roe
Oh c'mon Bruce, you're young, still plenty of time left to be reckless. ;)
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on December 30, 2023, 04:11:08 PMWhile entirely true, the reason for the blown engine can't be as easily dismissed.
The 'blown engine' with 200K on it that started to knock but was still completely drivable? That engine? With all of
the car shows being cancelled for the Faux Flu it was the perfect time to fix it.
Eric, you're border line stalking, knock it off.
Quote from: wrefakis on December 30, 2023, 04:18:12 PMremember that "tick becomes a knock" thread,maybe next time clean up the top of engine and check rockers prior to expensive rebuild
had many a 472/500/425 that had top end sound that could be miss represented as a knock
LOL! I have a person to count my money, that position is filled but thanks anyway. Could have easily had HVA pull the
top off, why bother? All the car shows were cancelled for the Faux Flu for the year, time wasn't an issue, neither was
money. Complete rebuild at the best engine shop in the NE was the correct decision. It is SO quiet. And so fast...
Quote from: The Tassie Devil(le) on December 30, 2023, 06:21:05 PMC'mon people, let's remember that whatever one posts is always going to receive comments, either praising or not-so praising.
Please remember, and respect, the opinions of fellow Members as each one has different opinions on what they are in the Cadillac and LaSalle Club for, and disrespecting Members for how they use what they own will result in some form of loss of privileges on the Forum.
Remember that when typing, and before pressing the Send Button.
Thanks, and have a happy 2024.
Bruce. >:D
PS. The saying, "Drive it like you stole it" if taken as written, these days would end up with the driver in Gaol, and the car being clamped, and or, written off by the Insurance Companies. It might be said in jest, but really not for print on this Forum.
Let them go Bruce, I'm not affected at all. The post was a simple story of joy on Christmas Eve and the many, many
people who care about me and the car trying to help us. People who are effected, people who are miserable want to
see everyone else miserable too, its OK. Its easy to read this post from the beginning and see the angst from others I
was compelled to respond to, its OK, let it ride. I have a BLAST with my car, daily, its the machine of a dream with a few
nightmares thrown in here and there to keep us honest. Its all good. Thinking about a new tradition, New Years Eve on
the beach with The Ark, moonlight, a few friends, some champagne when the clock strikes midnight....
Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on December 31, 2023, 01:01:44 AMOriginal "OWNERS" babe. I'm the reason that car exists now. Trust me, if I'm looking for an answer or an opinion,
I'll post it as such. Scrolling/ignoring certain people's posts is always a winning formula, I do it here. I can make the time, there's a lot of people here who would be better off DRIVING their cars than driving their keyboards. That's just my humble opinion.
I should know better, but ......
Ever hear the phrase spitting into the wind? Well, this is like spitting into a hurricane.
Laurie you missed the whole point. Sure your car exists because of you, but how did it make it to you before you. Yes, the world existed before here and now. It's here because it was not made into junk. Now maybe it was ready for the junk pile from prior owners and you brought it back. A very commendable effort!
Now all many are saying here is why beat it on it? You know just because you can do something should you do it?
But I concede that it's your right and your money, but the readers here can still disagree with you.
I am half in your camp and half out. I drive my cars but not a lot since a car is meant to be driven. However, I do enjoy admiring, looking, and working on them in my heated garage during the winter.
for a brief moment you nocked on the door of wisdom
"to each his own peace"
Quote from: gkhashem on December 31, 2023, 07:55:09 AMNow maybe it was ready for the junk pile from prior owners and you brought it back. A very commendable effort!
Now all many are saying here is why beat it on it? You know just because you can do something should you do it?
Finally, it only took 6 years but "finally"...
I've been here on the forum for 6 years, joined days after I bought The Ark.
I paid $2000 for this car. Does anyone remember the original condition of the car... The rot, fenders, the rear
pax door falling off, the trunk lid that could barely close, because of rot. THE ROOF as the car was trying to transform itself into a convertible. The rear panels... The condition of the stainless... The HVAC didn't work, at all. The radio, interior electrical doors/windows, cigarette lighters, nothing worked. And everything, EVERYTHING on the car repaired/restored with authenticity in mind. What I went through getting dry replacement body parts. The money spent with the shop doing metal work. And that nauseating 'home depot teal' color... The entire body saved and done 'correctly'.
The mantra from my Tribe here was a simple one: Do you want to drive the car, or are you happy with an occasional local burger run and having to trailer it a distance to a show if I wanted to show the car, either answer was the right answer. I chose, to have a DRIVER like many of their other customers who have cars from the 40's and 50's, who are daily drivers. In rain, in snow, driving considerable distances. This was the most expensive answer.
"You drive that car like you're in a 1 car funeral. The only way you're going to make it reliable is to shake it out, beat on it, drive it like you stole it, make the weak parts fail, its the only way you'll make it reliable if you want a driver."
Suspension, steering, brakes, body springs, the entire fuel system, when we found out the engine had 200K on it I
kept going and restored the entire drive train to go with a 'new' engine. I never would have found the underlying issues the car had, if I didn't beat on it. Because I wanted a reliable DRIVER. And there's a list of parts I want to replace simply because they haven't failed yet, the Tribe disagrees with this.
I saved this car. The method used is not for the faint of heart or weak of wallet if you want a driver. A complete frame off would have been 4x what I've spent so far, and I've got THOUSANDS of miles and smiles with the car to go with all of the receipts. Now, 6 years later we're down to hammering out the gremlins and dealing with crap replacement parts. And I wouldn't change a thing, knowing what I know now, I'd do it all again to save this car.
I took this car from a $2000 rotting $hitbox to Best Of Show at the New England Regional in 5 years, and I'm REALLY proud of that and all the people who made it happen, here's to my Tribe.
This car redefines the "touring division". It has 200K miles on the clock and is DRIVEN, daily. And I can see someone with a 20K mile car that never saw a snowflake, a drop of rain, no one ever in the back seat that "drives" once around the block twice a year throwing radials on their car trailering it to the Nationals and walking away the 'touring division'. LOL! And that's OK. I didn't do what I did with this car for a handful of judges. I did it for the car, for me, for my Dad.
GORGEOUS day on Cape Cod now, New Year's Eve! The only snowflakes we've seen all winter are wearing 2 face diapers as they drive their cars alone. The Ark will cruise tonight to get the Chinese food for us, and depending on the amount of alcohol consumed a cruise to the ocean beach for the midnight hour. Phhht, I know all the local cops, we'll be OK.
NO ONE in the Cadillac & LaSalle Club has more FUN with their car, than I do. NO ONE gets their car to 30+ shows annually (large and small) for years and flies that Cadillac flag, like I do. And I do it all for The Ark, and me.
Happy New Year
Quote from: wrefakis on December 31, 2023, 10:36:17 AMfor a brief moment you nocked on the door of wisdom
"to each his own peace"
I drove through the 'door of wisdom' with The Ark when I said "NO".
Car clubs that cater to a more elderly crowd saw breakage in the membership annually when it was normal times.
NOW, the breakage is catastrophic from what other clubs are telling me.
In 5 years, heck in 1 year, this year, who will be left to care, to carry on the CLC?
That person, is me. And the handful of others whom I personally know who will still be here.
The CLC's future is in good hands.
Happy New Year!
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on December 29, 2023, 01:25:56 PMWhen the time comes that it must be sold (as they all are sooner or later),
wait, what?
*sell* a car? That still runs?
What language speakest thou?
A couple of comments on towing/roadside:
1) The new daily driver is a '99 deville that I found with 70k on it. Chatting with Hagerty as I updated other things, and she described my driver's club as covering "any classic where you're present", I asked about my daily driver. She thought that it was a good question, wasn't sure, but suspected "no". (I ended up with AAA, as it isn't much more than Amica's rider).
2) I think it was just before covid (certainly December) that I was driving down 101 new Kettleman (sp?) in California, late at night, rain *pouring*. [*thump*] [plop/plop/plop*] Caltrans had *cut* troughs across traffic lanes, and the sharp edges destroyed a tire on my van. California Casualty had no contacts nearby, but told me to just send a receipt. And when I found someone, they didn't even blink at the $260. When he told me I had to pay cash, I explained that CC had *already* put the electronic transfer into his email! [unfortunately, they are now pulling out of everywhere but CA, thus Amica]
the solution!
I've figured out how to solve this dispute.
Once I get the new engine in my Miata, I'll drive to Massachusetts, steal the ark, through the Miata in the trunk, and drive it *because* I stole it.
;D
hey, did you put an overdrive on it? Because the gas to drive it here is probably as much as the miata engine . . .
Quote from: dochawk on January 02, 2024, 10:36:25 PMthe solution!
I've figured out how to solve this dispute.
Once I get the new engine in my Miata, I'll drive to Massachusetts, steal the ark, through the Miata in the trunk, and drive it *because* I stole it.
;D
hey, did you put an overdrive on it? Because the gas to drive it here is probably as much as the miata engine . . .
And you'd still have room in that 6 body trunk! LOL!
Now just *wait* a minute.
OK, you're not from Las Vegas, so I'll give you a pass this time.
You do *not* transport bodies in the trunk of a Fleetwood or Eldorado; that would be tacky.
You *always* use a Deville!
*some* people . . .
Our regional president used to have a '76 Deville, and he keeps a shovel and tarp in it for shows . . .
And now I recall an old Mad Magazine ad. I think it was for the "General Murders Puntiac", which specified how many bodies fit the trunk.