About MoparMan

MoparMan

"And in this corner, weighing in at a hefty 5,700+ pounds, the Polestar!" Wow! That's a heavy car for its size! Maybe that's why it's a six figure car, it's priced by the pound!! 🙂

MoparMan

If only I'd known...a few years ago, I divested myself of ALL my stored copies of C&D, Motor Trends, Hot Rod, CarCraft/etc. that I'd saved for the past 40 years! I thought that no one would want them! By the way, Serengeti Drivers are the ONLY sunglasses that I still wear today! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎14-03-2022

I've learned that having the right tool for the job will save one a LOT of grief, even if you only have to use it once. Also, the part that you *thought* could be removed without damaging an adjoining fragile component will INVARIABLY lead to an "OOPS!" requiring an additional repair!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎16-02-2022

The manual in this one would cause me to buy it, and then work on changing expectations of it. Manual transmissions have caused me to buy cars that i wouldn't ordinarily look at (4 and a 5 speed Escort station wagon! and a two door hatchback Escort!) I was able to sell both at a profit after working my magic, driving (& enjoying) them for a number of years! A guy showed up at a local Coffee & Chrome in slightly earlier model than this one, decked out in what appeared to be retro Cragars, and boy did it get the looks!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎14-02-2022

Hadn't seen either of those commercials, but, boy! did they resonate with me! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎07-02-2022

Hmmmm; The Buick GSX, the Olds 4-4-2, 70 Camaro "Ducktail", Challenger T/A, Chrysler 300H...decision, decisions!!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎31-01-2022

I concur w/Sajeev; "Bullitt" was great, "Gone In 60 Seconds" (Original) was an orgy of automotive mayhem & destruction, then came "The Seven Ups", but nothing surprised me more than the chase scenes in the narrow European streets of "Ronin"! I would also nominate one movie chase that flies under the radar: "To Live And Die in L.A." For a different take, the motorcycle chase scenes in (IIRC) Jackie Chan's "Who Am I" were refreshingly different as well! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎29-01-2022

I never cease to be amazed at how these allegedly "qualified" persons can so often be so insistent in telling you what you need, in spite of the evidence presented to them pointing out their error! Sometimes all they seem to know is what's in their computer; I once had a parts clerk try to tell me that my car (a '70 Mopar) was front wheel drive, "because that's how the computer listed it!"

MoparMan · ‎27-01-2022

I had a friend who once said to me "When we were in school, I didn't know you knew how to work on cars", my reply: I didn't, not until I got one and realized that I needed to learn some things in order not to a. not get ripped off, and b. manage the money that I didn't have for repairs! My Dad's sage advice: "having the right tool for the job is invaluable, even if you only use it once!" Self taught on the driveway, I've changed engines, R&R'd transmissions (back in the young, strong & dumb days using a floor jack, chest and arms, LOL!). Alternators, water pumps, belts, shocks, no problem; I even ventured into doing some bodywork, and painted my car with good results! Even then, although I did brakes once, I preferred to leave brakes and exhaust work to Midas! I still change my oil and rotate tires, but as I become more and more "seasoned" I don't plan on doing any of the heavier lifting anymore!! Having the desire to learn is the first step, NO ONE was born knowing how to do anything, EVERYONE started from zero!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎17-01-2022

Really enjoyed this series of articles. Now I understand from a technical point of view why I always disliked certain features on cars, because of how they appeared to me. There was always a feeling of something being not quite right. I too, simply DESPISE black/dark colored wheels! Looking forward to the next informational series! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎07-01-2022

Sajeev: Another "junkyard crawler" here who really enjoyed your article! I still remember the absolute joy I felt some years ago at obtaining a Rallye instrument cluster for a '74 Challenger for $15!! Unfortunately, yards near big metro areas have become "automotive parts recycling centers" with cars entered into a database/rotation schedule/etc. There was a "Pick-A-Part" that actually made an effort to keep some older cars (50's-90's) apart from the rotation, but, alas, it was sold and has become a Copart! I recently drove 2 hours to a small yard that was heaven, no entry fee, just walk around and look for as long as you like! Sadly, a lot of DIY'ers will never get to have that type of experience!! I now have to scan eBay/forums/etc. to look for 70's - '90's parts, when if found, often come at a premium cost. Oh, well, time marches on and waits for no one! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎06-01-2022

WHY do all the newest designs have to be so freakin' UGH-LY?? I realize that it's a subjective thing, but once again, it appears that there is 6' from the top of the hood to the bottom of the bumper! Oh, and it also appears that one will not be able to reach easily into the truck bed from the side, due to the jacked up height!

MoparMan · ‎03-01-2022

Not so much a resolution, but rather a realistic assessment or goal; to wit: To purge my garage of ALL 30+ years of collected Mopar parts that I'm never/not going to use!

MoparMan · ‎31-12-2021

Josh: Really enjoyed reading your "quandary " about what to do with your Jeepster! Being former military/aviation, I also enjoyed reading the aviation analogies as well. Some of your revelations caused me to burst out laughing, and in fact, I've decided to pull up and read all of your previous entries. Thanks for the interesting/enjoyable reads and your service! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎22-12-2021

I argued for YEARS that the car destroyed in the crash was a 67 Camaro; you don't even have to freeze the movie to see that the rear wheel wasn't a Rallye wheel. It's satisfying to finally be vindicated! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎30-11-2021

Actually, a white '67 Camaro was substituted for the Challenger in Vanishing Point!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎29-11-2021

Pontiac G-6 coupe & Sunbird coupe

MoparMan · ‎13-11-2021

Yeah, I remember discovering the joys of using a transmission jack when trying to hoist a 727 Torqueflite into position just didn't work like it used too, LOL!!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎13-11-2021

LOL! I actually HAD to look this one up, to see if it was for real; and it is! Apparently, though, they are made in the U.K. since 1856, and probably shipping to USA would be costly! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎02-11-2021

I really feel sorry for those of you who have to put your "babies" away for the winter months!! I understand the reasons, but it's still a shame! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎02-11-2021

Rob: There are any number of cars, makes/models/years that cause me to drool uncontrollably over them! At this stage in life, knowing that I'll never own the majority of them allows my dreams to be unsullied by the reality of owning/driving them. I generally don't care for cars older than I am, but the lines of the '49 Cadillac just suck me in; conversely, like you, I'm also a pushover for the BMW 8 series, (the interior doesn't faze me). In my eyes, there are very very few dashboards that can top the sixty's Chrysler "Space Age" pods, or the Pontiac's gorgeous displays! I guess that why we're drawn to sites like this and how we know "our people"!!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎27-10-2021

I rescued a '73 Challenger 340 Rallye from a junkyard, got it running and started restoring it. I swore I'd never sell it, and commenced to acquiring NOS/OEM parts for it. Then the transmission developed a serious leak, which caused me to stop driving it. The everyday process of living intervened, job changes, etc. After languishing for 10 years or so, the restoration never continued and I realized that I had more calendar pages behind me, than in front...so I sold it on eBay. My only (semi) regret is that I didn't hold onto to it a few more years as the prices have risen to INSANE levels, LOL!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎16-10-2021

The majority of these commercials I NEVER saw; excepting the Honda/Like A Rock/Farmer & Toys. Thank goodness I only had to suffer through the "Smaht Pahk" once ( and to think a Southern accent is considered negatively)!! As another poster mentioned, the iconic Volkswagen commercial should have been included. Now, get off of my lawn!! LOL!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎12-10-2021

Bravo! On your successful remediation of your feculent ¨mousetastrophy¨! Keeping one´s focus on the end result often times provides the needed drive to achieve the desired result, which according to your description, passes the sniff test with flying colors!

MoparMan · ‎08-10-2021

Unfortunately, in spite of all this interesting disclosure information, the "Exploding Pinto" myth will continue to be retold over & over, ad nauseum. Sort of the like the "Scalding McDonald's Coffee" tale!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎27-09-2021

Additional dealer add-ons/markups are the main reason that I purchased my last two new cars via a credit union sales rep. No ridiculous, hours long "negotiating", just the msrp less the discount negotiated by the credit union service. No add-ons/paying for "paint protection, glass etching, scotchguard, pin striping," etc. ; just a new vehicle as delivered from the manufacturer. If I WAS going to negotiate w/ a dealer, it would be to remove all of the add-ons, or I'd simply walk! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎22-09-2021

Swerving to miss an errant driver caused me to enter the "Rollover Club". My Charger ended up sitting on the wheels w/ the driver's side of the top crushed below the steering wheel. I woke up in the hospital w/ no memory of what had happened. A concussion, a few cuts, and some chipped teeth were the extent of my injuries. Fortuitously, my seatbelt kept me from being ejected, as I ALWAYS wear them!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎20-09-2021

Thanks for the beautiful picture! I never had the opportunity to see one of these at night!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎17-09-2021

The first thing I noticed was the alphabetical progression of the the buyer/seller's initials: "R.R. and R.S", and same first name, LOL. I guess I'm a sick puppy; and the car is OUTSTANDING! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎16-09-2021

It's always amazing to see the bright ideas that withered on the vine or never yet came to fruition! It would seem that ALL of the Big Three automakers at some time teased the public with concept car visions that never made it to production, or worse yet, emerged so watered down from the concept that they were practically unrecognizable. Then too, these efforts were sometimes nickeled and dimed to death, so much so that they were doomed to failure. Sometimes an enterprising DIYer would take their disappointment and create for themselves what the OEM's did not!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎15-09-2021

I had the opportunity to visit the Lane Museum a few years ago; as the cars on display rotate, it seems as though I should make a return trip. It was fascinating, to say the least! This was an interesting presentation which I really enjoyed!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎02-09-2021

Well, it would appear that the "drought" of comments has ended! This should be be a VERY entertaining adventure! I (somewhat) envy James and look forward to really about the exploits! Good luck on the "ressurrection" and the journey!! 🙂

MoparMan · ‎19-06-2021

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 · ‎19-06-2021

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 · ‎02-06-2021

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! 🙂