About MoparMan

MoparMan

Now, THIS was a Cadillac! When it knew what it was, and made no concessions or (as current Cadillacs) went off chasing after/trying to be what it is not *COUGH-BMW-COUGH*!

MoparMan

Although I care nothing for NASCAR, I do, however appreciate the color coordination of your "Dale" tag. It does give the car a friendly vibe! Enjoyed reading about how we react to inanimate objects and your problem resolution! 🙂

MoparMan

Rob: I feel your pain, and although it hurts me to say it, sooner or later the realization will settle in that your just have TOO MANY cars! I was afflicted in like manner with a collection of vintage Mopars, and after finally accepting the fact that I had more calendar pages behind me than in front, I started to downsize. The '66 Sport Fury was the first to go, followed by the 340 Challenger that I rescued from a junkyard and SWORE that I would keep forever! After having it parked 10+ years awaiting a restoration, I realized that it had to go. Currently I'm down to 6 vehicles, two of which reside in the garage, one under the shed beside the garage, two under the carport, and one that sits out in the elements. And yet, I keep perusing old car sites, looking for that next special one, LOL!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎20-05-2021

Listening to "Smooth Operator" (thanks for the link!) while reading this review was the epitome of a calming afternoon book club meeting. Just the facts, ma'am, nothing to get overly excited about, with a few tidbits of interesting info, but not necessarily need to know. Great write up! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎17-05-2021

I ordered a rechromed front bumper for a '70 Charger and specifically indicated that it must have the attachment points for the front bumper guards. Of course, the wrong one was sent. Contacted the company, and using the polite/honey approach, not only did they acknowledge the mistake, they arranged for the return at no cost to me, and sent the right part! I've also had an experience with an online seller who sent the wrong part, and even though all of my order info was correct, demanded that I take pictures of the part and email them back before they would correct their screw up! Needless to say, I never utilized them again. 🙂

MoparMan · ‎15-05-2021

"That's one short ride in a van....." LOL! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎03-05-2021

Installed new one piece alloy wheels. The wheel center of the alloys was much thicker than the OEM steel wheel, and I was mistakenly advised to utilize "shank" type lug nuts. At the alignment shop, was told that I had used the wrong lug nuts, and that they had tried to make sure that they were tightened to spec, so as to not work their way loose. Unknowingly in their efforts, they broke the shank of one the lug nuts. Upon trying to take that wheel off, I discovered that it WOULD NOT COME FREE! LST...TWO WEEKS later, I finally succeeded in removing the broken shank, which wouldn't release the wheel! I drilled, and hammered, pulled and tugged, and drilled some more! Finally, I was able to remove the wheel. I don't hold any ill will towards the shop, as they honestly tried to alert me to a potential problem. Fortunately, the proper lug nut covers up what little minor evidence of the drilling that was visible!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎24-04-2021

(IMO) The "Bandit" styling cues on this one just don't work for me, as the proportions are all wrong. Too stubby looking; if I was going to have one, I'd rather it to be an original one. 🙂

MoparMan · ‎21-04-2021

This past fall, I completed a total front end rebuild, and power front disc brake conversion on my '70 Charger. The brakes are working perfectly, except for an occasional "thunk" upon first application, of which I've yet to track down the cause. Driving down the road, however, I've noticed that the formerly somewhat loose steering feel is now quite responsive, almost to the point of being twitchy. I guess I'll just have to readjust and get used to this new feeling, LOL!! I've already put more miles on it in the past couple of months though, than I did in ALL of last year! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎16-04-2021

"It's not how old you are, it's how you feel"...the greatest lie and/or self deception ever! I don't 'feel' that much older, but my mind LIES to me! My mind says "You CAN do it!", but my body says "Be a FOOL if you want to!" LOL!!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎14-04-2021

It's amazing how truly modern this recycled car looks. Compared to the "squinty eyed, aggressive, bottom feeder, gaping maw " styling currently in fashion, this looks (IMO) minimally elegant. That interior looks as though it was lifted from some high dollar vehicle! It's a shame that it is just a design exercise, but hopefully, Hyundai will transfer the better elements of it to their current production cars! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎13-04-2021

Those hose clamps are a work of art, I can only image the $$$ cost of them! I once bought a set of wheels and took them immediately from the junkyard to have them mounted. The friend who was doing the mounting was astounded that I hadn't cleaned and refurbished them, but I wanted them on the car ASAP. Cleaning/etc. would commence immediately once I arrived home, LOL!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎13-04-2021

I've owned several Civic coupes, and loved everyone of them. I never a owned a CRX, although I was first excited about the CR-Z only to be disappointed. Try as I might, I just CANNOT stomach the front/rear looks of the 2020 Si! Since I only like coupes, sadly, Honda has lost me. 😞

MoparMan · ‎12-04-2021

Sajeev: You and I must must possess the "obsessive" gene, LOL! Although I've not shaved my floor mats (I prefer the rubber or vintage clear vinyl ones). I DID, however, meticulously work at restoring the original ones that came in my Honda, to the point of using liquid shoe polish to restore the color ( it was a color match made in heaven). Painstakingly restoring the black lettering /accents on chrome trim pieces, using a Q-tip to clean out recessed dash areas....yes, I'm obsessive, LOL!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎08-04-2021

It's amazing how ageing alters a viewpoint. When I was younger, I somewhat sneered at older guys whom I thought were trying to appear youthful by 'jogging' and driving what have become known as classic cars. I was a runner, no jogging for me! But now, with more calendar pages behind me than in front, I find that it's not as easy to just jog; let alone run, and I'm driving my 50 year old classic car. I have become what I once looked askance at, LOL!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎05-04-2021

I replaced my original 16' foot cheapo 'lo spec' wooden door that came with my garage package when I built it. The windows were situated too low for me to look out of without stooping and it was sagging and worn, so I replaced it with a newer wooden one complete w/ sunburst panels for the top panel windows. The installer "twisted' my arm to make me accept a motorized opener (for which I traded him the old door). After about a decade it needed attention, so I replaced rollers, hardware, tightened nuts, etc, and had it coated w/ ceramic paint (along with the garage.) I also installed a new DIY Chamberlain door opener, that had issues new from the box, but that's a story for another day! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎01-04-2021

Stellantis renames itself "Ramco"! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎30-03-2021

(IMO) A sad thing is that those of us that feel a soul 'connection' to our cars, and are rewarded whenever we drive, are leaving the planet. A lot of the younger ones coming up perceive vehicles as appliances or at best, a means to an end. They won't bemoan the loss of the vehicular experiences that we hold dearly, because they will have never experienced them! If, by chance, they should somehow become infected with this "anti-societal" vibe, scratching the itch will undoubtedly be insanely illegal and expensive (taxation and fuel costs). The future doesn't look so bright, and I can't find my shades! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎25-03-2021

I have a friend that is trying to resolve similar issues with a Sniper EFI system installed on a '66 Sport Fury! I've somewhat jokingly told him to file all the information for future reference, as he will be the "Expert" assisting me when I install the EFI system on my Charger, LOL!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎25-03-2021

It's AMAZING how LONG a distance can be when you have to walk it after a breakdown; as opposed to driving along it, ASK me how I know this, LOL!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎25-03-2021

WOW! Kudos on a well done restoration! This is what the majority of families round around in back then, not 4 speed, 409, 2 door 'fire breathing' coupes, and it's great to see this four door shine! The twin antennae and fender skirts are such a perfect period touch as well. 🙂

MoparMan · ‎25-03-2021

WOW! It was a really different time in the automotive world back then. I can't imagine any current car manufacturer collaborating with the military on such a venture. It's also heartwarming to see such a beautiful restoration carried out to honor the servicemen who would have seen this car back in the day./ No doubt, many placed orders for Mustangs as a result! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎24-03-2021

Really enjoyed this article! I had/still have my '69 A-100 Sportsman window van. I bought it w/ a 225 slant six, but the intention was always to convert it to a V-8. Initially, I put a 318 in it, but I later fulfilled my dream and replaced it with a 340 c.i. engine. I also added a transmission cooler and a custom three row radiator. Needless to say, it was quite the 'sleeper', surprising many who thought it was /6 powered, LOL! I made some long trips in it, but none to the extent of this one! I 'd like to get it restored and back on the road. 🙂

MoparMan · ‎23-03-2021

A MOST interesting and enjoyable article! I'm amazed that the Lane Museum allowed such an engineering test, although NO ONE starts one by saying "Gee, I think I'll have an accident today!" Everything was conducted cautiously, and then the Tatra revealed its dark side. I must say, Sam, that your comment "nearly liquefied my socks." caused me to nearly liquefy my keyboard with coffee, LOL!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎19-03-2021

Although the cIosest I ever came to one of these was the one a distant cousin owned; the '69 Torino has always been a favorite of mine. In art class, I could reproduce one at will, (along w/ a '69 Mustang, LOL!) Yours is a beautiful car and something to really treasure. My personal preference, though ran to having the stripe on the side, the hood scoop, and Magnum wheels! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎19-03-2021

@Numberscruncher: Since "my kids are already squabbling over who gets it next", may I offer a suggestion? Will it to the on that UNASKED spends the most time helping you maintain it, and hopefully it won't divide the siblings after you're gone. 🙂

MoparMan · ‎15-03-2021

Aside from the cool lack of a 'B' pillar, to me, this simply looks like a customized Camaro. Only sharp eyed enthusiasts would notice the "Olds"? emblem. Since the latest Camaro is MORE of a pill box than the last one, it simply doesn't work for me. Sorry, interesting alternate concept, but it just doesn't say "Cutlass Supreme"! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎11-03-2021

Hmmm, substitute "obsessive" since a**l got blocked 🙂

MoparMan · ‎11-03-2021

Since I am somewhat **bleep** abotu keeping my cars clean, I looked forward to the results of this comparo, as I have contemplated clay barring. The results aren't that surprising, as there is always some resistance to "new! and improved!" Sometimes technology advances and provides a superior result and sometimes "new and improved" just simply isn't! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎09-03-2021

Rob: I have mild regret on a sale. I sold a '73 340 Challenger Rallye a few years ago. I had sworn after I rescued it from a junkyard that I was going to restore it, and would NEVER sell it. I collected restoration parts and drove it for a few years; when the transmission developed a massive leaking problem, I parked it. Approximately 10 years later, with the restoration having not commenced, and the realization that time was against me, I started to downsize my collection. I sold the Challenger on eBay to a very appreciative buyer. Looking now, at how the selling price for that car has doubled, I should have held onto it for a few more years.....*SIGH*! Oh, well!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎09-03-2021

Sam: Only a real 'Trooper' would delve so deeply and meticulously into a project such as this! Here's to the success of your project!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎06-03-2021

I remember being mesmerized by "Duel", thrilled by the wild chase in "The French Connection", and absorbed by "Vanishing Point!" I celebrated the Valiant's toughness displayed in egging the Peterbilt on to its destruction. I always wondered how the owner of the LeMans would get recompensed for their car being destroyed by "Popeye", and for years I argued (rightly) that a 67 Camaro was substituted for Kowlaski's Challenger ramming into the bulldozers! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎05-03-2021

Hmmm...I'd like the Wood & Pickett front end on the Zagato Mini Gatto, or maybe on the Broadspeed Mini GT/GTS. I'm a sucker for the fastback, but the rear end is kind of awkward. Since I'm 6'4" I'd probably have issues fitting into ANY of them, LOL!!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎03-03-2021

Today, a1960 BMW Isetta 600 sold on BAT for $72,000! (IMO)If that isn't wacky, then I don't know what is, LOL!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎03-03-2021

There is ALWAYS the law of unintended consequences! People nowadays are very quick to adopt new technologies without realizing the ramifications of that tech. For example, the vast majority does not realize (or care) that Alexa or Siri listens to them 24/7/365 in order to fulfill their requests. When Onstar debuted, I noted that if they were able to unlock your car when you locked them inside while in "WayOutThere, USA", then they would also be able to track you! I wonder if the possibility exists that records could be subpoenaed in a divorce case to prove infidelity?; cellphones checked for usage prior to a fatality causing accident; camera systems can be hacked; so can "smart home" systems... Just some thoughts... I'm neither for or against electric cars. I have already purchased what will probably be my last new car. However, I also realize, that someday in the future, a little electric runabout might be just what I'd need due to my age related limited driving. The only constant is change!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎26-02-2021

Just like the "two fingers of VSQ brandy", your story has fired a thirst that requires more "fingers, LOL"! I really enjoyed reading it!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎24-02-2021

The Aerostar (IMO) had good looks, at least the short wheel base model did. When Ford extended the length by hanging the additional inches behind the rear wheel, it made for a really awkward look. Today, they aren't nearly as plentiful as Chevy Astros. 🙂

MoparMan · ‎22-02-2021

Alternate reality or not, that is just so WRONG! It looks much worse than the late 70's versions, which some find to be quite awkward! I'll keep this reality, Thank you!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎20-02-2021

That blue is truly beautiful! Ford certainly got a lot of use out of that auto shifter design! It's shown up in everything from Mustangs to Pintos! It seems that a car of this magnificence deserves a not so dinky shifter!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎17-02-2021

It is ALWAYS interesting to discover these "hidden" nuggets of history! It's a shame that the Great Depression spelled the end of the company!...what if....? 🙂

MoparMan · ‎17-02-2021

Sajeev: The new paint is gorgeous! I learned the HARD way about costs with home renovations; when I was advised by an older and wiser friend "not to total up receipts"! That said, every time I look at the finished product, that deep glow of satisfaction is there. As far as my car project, I'd been saving and acquiring parts since I'd bought the car. A few years ago, the estimate for a cosmetic restoration made me take pause. Now, the cost is higher! Since having completed some mechanical upgrades (with delays from/during) 20COVID20, my thoughts have shifted back to plunging ahead with the restoration. Pray for me, LOL!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎15-02-2021

I haven't lost any wheels, but I did nearly break off a stud, trying to loosen a lug nut before I learned that early Mopars had left and right hand threaded nuts, LOL!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎15-02-2021

I still had an original Mallory Unilite conversion kit from my first '70 Charger, but being unsure as to whether it was still functioning, I went with a Pertronix kit for my current car. It fits inside the distributor and doesn't change the looks of anything. As an aside, I've been driving Mopars for 40 years, and in that time, I have had exactly ONE ballast resistor to die! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎10-02-2021

I love driving my 5 speed Honda Fit Sport. It's so satisfying to carve your way through traffic, sometimes frustrating the higher horsepowered competition! Nothing beats winding through the gears, taking an on/offramp at speeds different from the posted signage. All this FUN while achieving 36 mpg around town!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎08-02-2021

A few years ago, I sold a 340 Challenger, one that (I Was NEVER going to sell!) I'd bought parts for a planned full restoration. I'd stopped driving it due to a transmission leak, and approximately 10-12 years later, it still wasn't any closer to that restoration. Coming to grips with the reality of passing time, I realized that I needed to downsize, and put it up for sale. It was purchased by a real fan of the car. But now, (looking at how prices have risen) I often think, if I'd just held onto to it for a couple more years!! *SIGH* The choices we have to make!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎02-02-2021

I am a diehard Mopar fan, but as the horsepower outputs kept increasing, I had to stop and ask myself "For what?" With the increasingly crowded roads, there is NO place that one can safely exercise all those horses. The power levels/availability, combined with the lack of driver skills can only lead to disastrous accidents (e.g. the new owner that wrecked his Challenger less than a mile from the dealership after delivery!) Some will say "take them to the track" but, really, where's the fun in that? We all know that a big part of the "thrill" of street racing/hooning is the knowledge that we're doing something naughty/illegal. Of course, there have been/will be accidents in "Ludicrous" mode Tesla's and future electric supercars, but for all of the previous reasons, (IMO) the need for seriously overpowered vehicles is winding down. I'm not against EV's, but my "need for speed" could be well satisfied with a 392 Hemi! Maybe I'll get to experience EV power before my skills deteriorate w/ age, but I still feel it will be a comparatively soulless trip! YMMV!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎01-02-2021

I have been perusing a Facebook Marketplace ad that has one of these for sale. Unfortunately, it would seem that ads placed on FM are notorious for a lack of response (among other failures as well)! I queried the poster as to his location, and have YET to receive a reply!! I also saw a posting on another website, where the 'B' pillar (on a car as pictured) had been photochopped out; the result was a STUNNING hardtop! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎01-02-2021

I love stories about cars that have had all sorts of "professional" diagnoses to no avail, but a determined, step by step DIY'er resolves the problems, AND fixes the car! And kudoes for COMPLETELY descriptive ads! Nothing turns me off more from a possible project than a lack of information/photos. GL with the Lotus project!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎01-02-2021

2035, fourteen years from now. An awful lot lot of things WILL change between now and then. I feel that these are "tailored for the moment" statements that the successors to those making these statements won't have any obligation to keeping them. Whatever happened to the "skateboard" platforms that GM said was going to be a "revolution", and in production by 2010?!?

MoparMan · ‎30-01-2021

That 69 Rambler seems just so simple and slick! The rarer 'B' paint scheme fits the car's lines so well, and are not as "loud" as the 'A' paint scheme. I really like it!! 🙂