About acooper529

acooper529 · ‎16-06-2021

Wake me up when it's over. I really do miss the harnesses packed with what? All white wires to the PCM or FI controllers. So much fun!

acooper529 · ‎09-06-2021

The early 3.8 odd fire was "funny" with it's "boogedy, boogedy? idle. Traded an airplane 1/4 share (that I was stuck with) for a 1929 Model A Hot Rod with one of these. It was an older build. Also worked on many of the later 3800 Gen1, Gen2 and even the Bonneville Superchargered ones. These things ran so good that is one my top 5 favorite GM motors. Also had several with the loud knocking at idle, which turned out to be ONLY a broken ($300.00) damper/harmonic balancer assemble. A quick back and forth on the front alternator nut would confirm the problem.

acooper529 · ‎07-06-2021

Very cool, iconic and all that. Having worked on these back in the day, all I wonder is how you would keep it from rolling over on anything but fairly level terrain and at slow speeds? The pictures sort of implies that they were intending to go 4-wheeling with it? And of course the bus and beetle already had awesome traction (say like out in the Jersey Pinelands) with just standard RWD, right?. The beetle would even "float" across most big "rain induced" puddles on the sand roads... usually.

acooper529 · ‎07-06-2021

Older Z cars that are not rusted out completely? Does that really exist? That is the only thing that would make them rare IMHO.

acooper529 · ‎02-06-2021

Maybe it's just me, but IMHO this is just stupid. It has nothing at all to do with the average car enthusiast, who would seem to be the target audience for Hagerty. Did they buy it with Bitcoin?

acooper529 · ‎26-05-2021

Are there some timeframe or other limitation to leaving comments that we don't know about? Is there a comment/ reply 101 to read somewhere on the site?

acooper529 · ‎17-03-2021

The one thing I never see is projected battery life and cost to replace/ rebuild/ whatever. Seems that those factors should be brought into the conversation and stated as an agreed upon formula. One possible example; Audi says the retail vehicle price is $109,000 US dollars and the BL&RRC ratio is projected to be 10.17 which could mean 10 years and $17,000. dollars.

acooper529 · ‎16-03-2021

Punk says.... from the side it looks like a van. Made me laugh. The shift linkage/ set-up/ cables or whatever just need to be reversed putting R to the lower left and 1 to the upper left. It really does seem too obvious... like getting the brake and clutch backward. At least the steering wheel is in the "proper" location (for the left side of the pond)..

acooper529 · ‎10-03-2021

Stole my thought exactly. VW bus EV could be cool for local or city use.

acooper529 · ‎01-03-2021

"rebuilt everything from the ground up" must mean they threw the stock suspension in a scrap metal recycle dumpster. This was a very nice looking body right from the beginning (but on a marginal Ford "Falcon-derivative" suspension). I think a customer of mine had new one in deep metallic blue with a Big Block? Maybe a detuned 427? Somebody will know that answer. Way, way too heavy for that stock suspension.

acooper529 · ‎01-03-2021

A slightly older, say 1980's, Harley Big Twin would do the trick at 1340 cc's (80 C.I.D.). They run great and you could possibly rustle up one fairly cheap? They made a **bleep**load of them. Just need a decent, reliable cooling fan system worked out. Customize the existing primary chain drive system?

acooper529 · ‎01-03-2021

Lots of cars like Cadillacs and Buicks did have cornering lights. They actually DID work!

acooper529 · ‎01-03-2021

Same as Harley Davidson's big bikes for over 30 years. The Street glide and the Road glide (by several different names). One fairing & headlight(s) are fixed to the frame and the other fairing moves with the front fork and wheel. Owned at least one of each. Absolutely NO difference in road visibility while driving at night, period.

acooper529 · ‎16-02-2021

Sorry, but the headlights are... Not right?...an unfinished design?...goofy? and just don't belong on such an otherwise refined automobile. Flush covered concealed pop-ups would have done it.

acooper529 · ‎15-02-2021

Would imagine that there are many chain/ drive systems involved as that was such a common technology of the time. Was anyone else thinking that the 6 wheeler was an early version of the Military Duce-and-a-half?

acooper529 · ‎09-02-2021

That thing should fly with the "real" Northstar, but it would still have all of the engine oil leak and electrical problems of all '90s GM high end cars.

acooper529 · ‎06-02-2021

I like the idea of a "ready to go" platform, including full suspension and all necessary accessory harnesses with lots of available adapters for most popular uses... BUT... I also believe that the cost will kill the enthusiasm for most common applications. Of course, some of the mostly publicly funded US research labs can jump right in line! I have started a 75 year savings plan to get one of those 750k (plus donor car) Corvette EV conversions built! I will be around 143 years old when I finally pick it up! Can't wait!

acooper529 · ‎02-02-2021

These guys came along and innovated when low performance was the standard in nearly all cars that were made. Cars, and especially trucks, were a lot like farm equipment.... they got the job done. As much as I love these iconic brands, they are no longer relevant (in large numbers anyway). Like it or not, technology has totally smoked these iconic Companies and will leave them (literally) on the side of the road forever. But I still love the decals from Edelbrock, Hooker headers and dozens more. Let's see who can come up with the best list of Performance Icon Stickers!

acooper529 · ‎31-01-2021

Just reminded me how cool the GTO really was back then. I remember someone having a stock gold GTO with the chain-link fence grill. ....also a reminder to remember this. Who really care what other trolls think about anything? I Built/ slash perfectly restored an older Bronco2 for my older daughter and later an all stock "89 Z-24 (V-6) Cavalier for the younger one. They loved them both. But, how about those vent windows! I forgot how totally cool and practical they were!

acooper529 · ‎29-01-2021

I like all of them for different reasons except of course the Dodge. Nothing special about that except the persistent myth of the Hemi under the hood.

acooper529 · ‎26-01-2021

I have worked with the old and broken for years. It's generally o.k. to fix anything if you are in the business, but as a consumer? NO. The problems never end with old and/ or broken A/C. I don't know where Rob gets the time to work on these "fine automobiles", but he is slowly becoming my favorite junk yard dog! Oh...did I also mention that there is lots of aggravation and little or no profit in this type of work?

acooper529 · ‎26-01-2021

The Saturn was in many ways just the combination/ morphing of the GM & Saab small cars. Anyone familiar with Saab cars could see the similarities. The suspensions were identical in many ways and resulted in that very tight, comfortable Scandinavian car ride and handling. Much of the (excellent) Saab designed components still exists in the current GM small car line up. Here is what killed Saturn at the repair shop level. 1, The motors wore out and smoked and were 2-3 times more expensive to rebuild than average. 2. Many of the interior parts/ switches/ etc were straight out of Saab and very expensive. 3.Many normal service & repair parts were big $$$ and hard to get after just a few years. We had a local Cadillac dealer that had bought out a huge quantity of Saturn inventory. It was a little known thing but allowed us to service these cars way beyond the normal parts availability.

acooper529 · ‎25-01-2021

Wow! you dumped my post? That was a huge waste of time writing that I guess.

acooper529 · ‎19-01-2021

This is too easy for me. There is no question that the '58 Impala in the center of the first picture would be my pick. That looks like a somewhat rare stock color and I don't remember the exact name. Not a fan of convertibles at all, but I actually tried to buy one of these at a show in Atlantic City many years ago. The '58 front end and grill is the biggest and best "smile" Chevy ever put on a car... IMHO. The potential for rust issues (maybe covered up?) finally won out in the decision to pass. Wasn't it Hagerty who did the article on the Lady with the two white 1958's? If so, you should reprint that one, even in a short version. That's the good stuff we all need to see and read.

acooper529 · ‎06-01-2021

The only one that is even relevant to my past experience would be the #3. No explanation needed.

acooper529 · ‎31-12-2020

Looks a lot like my 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora (close to 4000 lbs) with some superficial body work. The front end and grill design are really suspect? Look like they were "added on" at some point? Also looks like the engine sits to the starboard side of the engine bay? That, for me, is a deal breaker right up front. This is a car with no apparent market research done or any possible connection to an original Packard. Biggest question is simply... WHY?

acooper529 · ‎31-12-2020

Seeing those close up pictures reminded me of installing studs in new snow tires as an option in the late 60's-early 70's. The pneumatic gun looked like a small air drill on an air line. It would destroy your hands from the pressure required to hold it down to fire the studs into the pre-made holes in the tire. The snow tires were sold w/o studs and could be "upgraded" to studs at an additional cost.

acooper529 · ‎29-12-2020

MoparMan and geozinger read my mind. Nothing else to add.

acooper529 · ‎04-12-2020

I was reading along with interest on the early Harleys, relative values, etc.... and then you switched to 3 other bikes with no more in common than having 2 wheels? I thought that an errant keystroke had taken me to another story entirely.

acooper529 · ‎02-12-2020

#1 Z/28 #2 Corvette crossed flags (all versions) #3 Road Runner emblem/ decal (beep-beep)

acooper529 · ‎27-11-2020

A very young and "perceived to be hip" teacher in our High School had one of the original P1800 Volvos in the late 60's/ early 70's. Probably had some weed seeds in glove box or on the carpet? Although I am generally a USA/GM car and truck person, that is one car that I would consider finding to bring back to "driver" status (now that I have the time and some money). Brings me back just seeing this resto/remake/whatever car.

acooper529 · ‎27-11-2020

Grand National. Which of the others do you think will even be remembered in the future?

acooper529 · ‎25-11-2020

What we need is an article covering "what wheel alignment really is for the laymen and car enthusiast". The front (or rear) suspension geometry is already built into the vehicle. Alignment just confirms that and allows fine adjustment for best wear (or following parts replacement). I could find the time write up a short, easy to understand overview of wheel alignment if Hagerty or others are interested. (50 years +/- in the business)

acooper529 · ‎25-11-2020

A driver that looks like a limited edition collector car? what is the problem? As an example, there are a slew of "not quite authentic" Pontiacs out there that look great. They tend to be mostly "GTO" and "Trans Am" lookalikes. How about a "fake" AC Cobra with a 427 or similar rolling through the downtown and shaking the windows? As long as you are not representing the car as the real deal, then it's all good. I personally know of a hotrod "reseller" who created many fake GTO's that started life as a common Le Mans. We should all call out those bandits, and I do when asked. A few "classic car dealers" are just money grubbing lowlifes. Identify and avoid them!

acooper529 · ‎23-11-2020

As I have said before; Rob Siegel's writing is strangely interesting, but always too long. The real question is... who would waste this much time screwing around with old tires? Check the date codes and then put them all in the dumpster. I have mounted thousands of tires over the years, and the inner bead area is "the most common location" for bent wheels (not withstanding curb contact damage). Who does not know this? I can't tell is Rob is just being cheap, or eccentric, or both? Maybe it's just his style of writing? Bottom line; I personally hope this does not encourage anyone to follow this lead and to install or drive with old, dangerous tires on the public highways.

acooper529 · ‎23-11-2020

Unusual... but very cool article. As an old school mechanic (with a little junk yard dog cross breeding), I love to look at connectors, hardware and fasteners. I know it may sound crazy but I see them as potential GOLD. Talk about rose colored glasses! This reminds me that I really need a junk yard TOUR soon. Somehow, a warm winter day in the northeastern US, some bright sunshine and a little light snow on things is a beautiful picture. And yes, these junkyard cars WILL bite you! Critters can scare the crap out of you too. Just go slowly, be very careful, and everything will be fine.

acooper529 · ‎11-11-2020

Have used Stabil for many years. I usually mix up a 5 gallon can in the fall (now for eastern USA) and run all of my lawn and garden equipment on it. Also, have always treated my boat fuel with it. One of the biggest problems in marine fuel is clearly (what the marina guys call) corn in the gas tank. I have had the water separation and "silt" that looks like fine brown in a 1986 Carver yacht that sat in the slip and was rarely used (much) for several years. What a nightmare! Two 100 gallon tanks and 2 Q-jets on GM 350's. It is hard to overstate the damage done due to fuel contamination/ degradation related to "corn in the tank". And that extreme case was WITH Stabil in the fuel for years. My biggest caution would be to follow the directions as far as fuel treatment. This is a case where I think "more is better" can possibly be a problem. Any chemical engineers out there to help prove or debunk this concern?

acooper529 · ‎29-10-2020

In the mechanics book of "How to make my life Easier", rule #1 is to mark everything. After 50 years in that world, I still use rule #1 almost every day. Blue painters tape and a black sharpie are still my personal favorites.

acooper529 · ‎29-10-2020

This is exactly what I have been pointing out for many months. Amidst all the hand wringing that we all see online, here is some "VERY COOL" without the BIG $$$ talk! Thanks Hagerty for keeping it real for the everyday car and truck enthusiasts out there. Is there anything like this (museum) on or near the East Coast of our Great Country? Would also love to see that Power Wagon frame mod up close. Any pictures out there?

acooper529 · ‎27-10-2020

Still love to see the fighters of the 177th "scramble" out of ACY when we are in the area. Had some "close encounters" with the big boys in flying as a private pilot. Was once vectored 500ft above a C5 at 3500 by the tower at Dover AFB. Cruising at night around 1800 AGL, I had a C141 run directly under me, on the deck, in the NJ pines at night near MIV (probably in an MOA). Even saw a Super Hornet nearly standing still, on its own thrust, a few hundred yards off the beach in ACY. And then, while taking pictures of the rear end of an F117 at McDill in FLA, the nice man in camo with the automatic weapon explained that THAT area could not be photographed. O.K. with me. Somehow I loved (and miss) the awesome, in your face, reality and responsibility of flying. Any adrenaline junky can relate to that! As you might have guessed, I will absolutely be following Josh Arakes writings! Thank you Sir.

acooper529 · ‎23-10-2020

Imagine the time invested into those mods. To someone, this build had nothing to do with money. The owner(s) appear to have been driven by bringing a specific concept to life, and for that they deserve our thanks. Would really like to know the back story. With all of the worthless talk theses days, it's nice to see some real "old school" execution.

acooper529 · ‎23-10-2020

The story is the point here... it's everything! The car is just another piece of junk. The people who promote and perpetuate this "false rarity, one of a kind, special vehicle" crap are just money grubbing bottom feeders. Some cars are indeed special, rare, cutting edge, etc. But the focus on distilling everything automotive down to dollars misses the point completely. Just enjoy the story and scrap or part out the junk cars. You haven't MISSED OUT on anything. Hagerty's writer's and contributor's research and presentation of these cars is what gives you access to some very cool stories.

acooper529 · ‎14-10-2020

Funny how a picture brings back old sayings. At my auto repair shop, we had a name for the Buick Roadmaster (4-door or wagon). We called them the "Suburban with the low body". One look at the powertrain, frame and suspension on the lift and you'll see why. My personal favorite was a 1983 Buick LeSabre Wagon that I bought when it was almost new. It was painted a medium/ dark burgundy with dark woodgrain sides. It was actually beautiful, and if you ever see a picture of one, you just may agree. Any out there?

acooper529 · ‎12-10-2020

As car guy and an avid shooter, I believe that Cerakote is widely used on firearms parts. I am sure that someone out there knows a lot more about this than I do? I would like to hear some feedback for auto parts resto and DIY application? Is that even possible?

acooper529 · ‎09-10-2020

You are electing to totally ignore the (un)dependability aspect of some of these. Most are old and totally used up? And how does the TT even fit in? Has anyone ever worked on any of these "once decent when new" vehicles?

acooper529 · ‎07-10-2020

This is very interesting to me after spending nearly 50 years in the business. A. I expect the price will have to drop fairly quickly as the tech develops. B. A "controller" should be able to dial back the "horsepower" and extend useful range. C. Electric drivetrains are not "0" emissions unless they are charged by solar, etc. I imagine that the easiest vehicles to convert would be older pick-ups as far as battery install. What would be the average cost of batteries and hardware to power this thing? With a charger and cables it could be a serious addition to the $25-$35k number?

acooper529 · ‎07-10-2020

I think the best thing you can do is drive the car. Here in NJ, the only thing that stops me from driving my classic or my Harley Road King is SALT BRINE. It appears to have been invented to damage motor vehicles! (O.K.... It does work well as a pre-treat on roads). Clean, cover and drive when possible so that you can always be adding fresh fuel. Also check to make sure the "other" side of the car has not developed a low or flat tire. I have seen the curve plastic tire saddles, but wonder if I really want to move or jack the car to put them in place. Any experience out there with using them?

acooper529 · ‎01-10-2020

Looks like one of those die-cast metal toy cars with the doors that open? They go for something like $5 to $10 bucks, right? I think I have one at home in red and white? Sits over the fireplace , not in the garage with the real stuff!

acooper529 · ‎01-10-2020

I have to agree with the (somewhat sarcastic) remarks about the "stupid money play" we must put up with in every phase of our lives. I never have and will never look at anything on e-bay and refuse to live in that "gotcha" and "here's what you missed" money grubbing crap. I DO want to let the junk collectors and trash pickers have their space to play. Please enjoy what you have and what it means to you now. I really hate to see this mindset infiltrate the classic and collector car world. Every old piece of junk IS NOT valuable although it may be historically significant or interesting in a museum.

acooper529 · ‎29-09-2020

I have read many of these articles... looking for the "why", but never find it. I am strongly attached to the automotive world but am also from the land of "order".... so I maybe that explains it.