About JBaguley

JBaguley

I can agree with you entirely on turbocharging, where real world performance demonstrates how the engine and turbo mapping are manipulated to generate lovely test results misrepresenting real world driving. But I have a different view on hybrids; I commute to work in a 2012 Prius with 95k miles on it (don't wretch, my "other car" is a '67 Camaro). Nominally 25 miles each way, about 1/3 freeway and 2/3 surface streets with speed limits in the 40-45 mph range, and where traffic allows (Houston), I drive 5 over. My commuting averages over 60 mpg. This is real world performance, week in, week out, and with a Toyota I have nada concerns about reliability. Okay, not much there to impress the neighbors, but I care not about that. And besides, there's that Camaro.....

JBaguley

I can heartily endorse the Triumph Spitfire as a winning choice. I picked up a '72 Mark IV Spit last September that was fundamentally sound for a fair price, but also needed a fair share of attention to get it back into good running condition. The parts (front brake calipers, fuel tank, side mirrors, convertible top, carb rebuild bits, seat belts) were all readily available and reasonably priced, with nothing beyond what my basic home mechanical skills could handle. The end result is a remarkably fun little car, light and agile, a real smile generator. Definitely not a high speed cruiser with just 1295 cc on tap and gearing that keeps you in the range of 4000 rpm at modern freeway speeds (overdrive models are available). But for weekend flings about town, this cheery 1750 lb Brit is a joy to drive.

JBaguley · ‎11-04-2022

The Benz is kind of kitschy cool, particularly the pillarless hardtop in side view, reminiscent of original Camaros, Challengers and the like. The triple-headlamps in the Pontiac are unique certainly, I don't recall seeing them back in the day. But the Pontiac style still reminds me of the cars my grandfather drove. I miss him, but not his cars.

JBaguley · ‎06-04-2022

Monday morning commute southbound down "The deadliest stretch of road in North America" I45 in Houston was slowed by eight massive pick-'em-up trucks neatly compressed into a space suitable for only seven. It was kind of cool because they were all in such a nice straight line. It was also a good demonstration of the extended stopping distances needed for these behemoths, and the physics involved if such is not available.

JBaguley · ‎08-03-2022

I'd like to see some photos with all the dazzle lights turned off.

JBaguley · ‎25-02-2022

Holy hideous-terous, Batman !

JBaguley · ‎09-02-2022

A Dodge Dart / Plymouth Duster attracting yellow bikini-clad blonde babes at the beach? What planet does that happen on?? Back here on Earth, my father bought a '73 Duster in cop car gold for $2,300 brand new. This car was definitely NOT a chick magnet !!!

JBaguley · ‎03-02-2022

While riding my bicycle a couple years ago, I came across a ripped open bag of around 100 black gloves that had fallen onto the road and been run over a couple times. I don't know where they originated, the specific material, or the thickness. But they are currently my favorites.

JBaguley · ‎30-01-2022

Not a handsome car at all. Regardless of how it performed, the big money crowd is not known for buying ugly.

JBaguley · ‎25-01-2022

I loved winter driving in my 73 Dodge Challenger despite the toll it took on the body and frame. Grand Rapids got tons of lake effect snow each year (as does Traverse City), making slow speed corner turn drifting a frequent event. The Challenger turned well and stopped fine, but with so little weight on the rear wheels, getting started was always an iffy proposition, especially uphill. Alas, seven years of Michigan salt followed by 10 more years of Houston humidity basically dissolved all the metal parts, returning the car to the soil from which it came.

JBaguley · ‎06-01-2022

With all the numbers bantered about (range, charging time, charger type, battery size, hp, torque, towing capacity, towing range, trim levels, pricing) and their complex interrelationships, I wonder if anyone will actually know what they are getting when they get it? I get this image of buyers trying to guess which of the three walnut shells the pea is sitting under.

JBaguley · ‎03-01-2022

Great list, thanks for sharing. A couple related items: - Fire Extinguishers; not exactly a PPE (personal protective equipment) item, but having one handy for any task and in particular those involving fuel systems can prove to be the difference between an inconvenience and a disaster. - Hearing Protection; keep those ear plugs handy if you drive a convertible or drive with windows down. Freeways and other roads with high traffic loads can be deafening. I keep a couple sets of ear plugs in each of the little British roadsters. Happy New Year 2022 to all.

JBaguley · ‎04-11-2021

I recognize the practicality, and somewhat understand the simplicity and reliability that drive the motivation to electrify vintage iron. But I think there can never be the passion inspired by a true classic powered by the roar and purr of long-dead dinosaurs. Vintage Detroit muscle with an artificial heart, high spirited LBC's tamed by silent motors. No, nothing here to inspire or excite.

JBaguley · ‎26-10-2021

Seriously well done, gentlemen, well done indeed. Thanks for sharing the moments.

JBaguley · ‎12-10-2021

The second paragraph included the word "affordable" as part of the original equation for success. Alas, that has clearly faded as a priority in the current model, with the opportunity to drive one out of the showroom for under $100,000, or even near that amount, long past. Once upon a time I longed for a Boxster, but no more. I purchased a bullet proof MX-5 instead, held onto the additional $70k plus immeasurable maintenance and insurance savings, and used a bit of that to dabble in vintage Triumph sports cars. Perhaps the neighbors would have been more impressed with the Porsche nameplate in the driveway? I, for one, care not.

JBaguley · ‎07-10-2021

Great to see Kas Kastner's name here. Prior to his passing in April of this year, he was (and still is) revered in the Triumph sports cars community for his ability to wring incredible performance out of these little British cars, to a degree even the factory engineers found amazing. An annual vintage all-Triumph race carries his name, the Kastner Cup. Competitive results account for 50% of the Cup winning chance, 25% for presentation of the car, and 25% for attitude, interest and maintaining the spirit of vintage racing. The next race is mid-July 2022 in Pittsburgh - highly recommended.

JBaguley · ‎23-09-2021

It is, to put it gently, less than attractive.

JBaguley · ‎19-09-2021

I'm generally a positive guy, but I struggle when it comes to Fords in general and the Taurus in particular. We bought a new '89 Taurus wagon to bring our first daughter home from the hospital (as a new mom, the Lady declined to ride home in the rusted remains of our '73 Challenger, a wise woman). While nice at first, over the next 7 years and 70,000 miles the Taurus defined the very concept of "planned obsolescence". Virtually every major secondary system failed - suspension, brakes, fuel, ignition, charging, A/C, heater core, power steering, cooling. We actually scored a hat trick one day when backing out the driveway we lost a power steering hose, the radiator, and the ignition switch all at once. Many view the '72 Maverick as the low point in Ford corporate history, but I view the Taurus as the true nadir - the kind of vehicle that makes vintage British roadsters look like bastions of reliability in comparison.

JBaguley · ‎15-07-2021

Excellent guys, just excellent !! I've taught four millennial offspring (two daughters & two sons) the joy of driving a proper manual, and that has migrated to their spouses plus I'm trying to teach #1 grandbaby his first words, "Manual Transmission". This makes a good time to have another run at my lovely bride.

JBaguley · ‎11-07-2021

Triumph ran a number of clever ads in the late 70's for their TR7 / TR8 wedge designs including one with a TR7 set vertical on a Saturn rocket launch pad (TR7..6..5..4..3..2..1....), and several featuring triangular garages. While they were not universally loved, the 7 was the best selling TR of all time. I've certainly enjoyed mine for the past 40+ years.

JBaguley · ‎27-05-2021

These cars have aged well and I enjoy occasionally seeing one on the road. Personally, I'd steer clear of the two ultra-low mileage offers. You cannot drive such a car more than a few miles ever without destroying value, and I would not entertain a vintage car but to drive, smile and enjoy.

JBaguley · ‎20-05-2021

Great article, fascinating product, very impressive if it lives up to the promises. Personally, I don't believe the pricing projections - with the average conventional pick-up drive out pricing north of $50k, I can't see electric ones realistically priced under $40k. One small nit, it is not a throttle, nor is it a gas pedal. "Accelerator" is okay. Hit the electron pedal? Jam on the Juice?? Well, we still roll up windows.....

JBaguley · ‎01-04-2021

Ford Motor Company to market 4-door electric SUV as a Mustang.

JBaguley · ‎28-03-2021

Kyle - would love to see you wearing safety glasses when using pressurized air, spraying brake cleaner, using steel wool, and basically anything that remotely generates the opportunity to get something in your eyes. Also, instead of steel wool, bronze wool is also available and does not risk leaving any little bits that corrode. Of course, cleanliness is right next to Godliness when assembling brakes no matter what you use. Great video and thanks.

JBaguley · ‎02-01-2021

I remember when studded tires came out when I was a lad in Grand Rapids, Michigan, deep in the snow belt. They were great on the cars, including our Fury III wagon, through the endless days of snow and ice. But they absolutely destroyed the freeways. I96 had grooves worn right into the concrete, the studs were eventually banned and godzillions spent repaving the freeways.

JBaguley · ‎31-12-2020

Maybe someone in Green Bay, Wisconsin can buy the brand, then we can call it the Green Bay Packards !!

JBaguley · ‎27-10-2020

Is there a Reader's Digest condensed version of this article available?

JBaguley · ‎23-10-2020

If that were in my driveway, the HOA would pitch a fit.

JBaguley · ‎22-10-2020

No.

JBaguley · ‎16-10-2020

Dad bought a '73 Duster brand new for $2700 as a second car in a growing family of budding baby boomers. Police car gold, cookie cutter hubcaps, am radio, 225 ci slant 6, 3-in-a-tree manual, no cigarette lighter since that was optional (a decision not appreciated by our Kent-smoking mother). Ventilation was via manually opened vent box doors in the footwells, no A/C for us. Vinyl bench seats - I think the only option on the car was the carpeting, such a splurge. But the Duster pulled it's weight and taught 5 kids how to drive a manual transmission without ever complaining - a solid machine from a simpler time.

JBaguley · ‎16-10-2020

My favorite will not make anyone else's list - a 1973, dark brown, white vinyl top, white interior with black carpet & dash, 318 V8 and a 3-speed automatic. My first car, bought it from a friend's brother in '76 and drove it into the 90's when it finally disintegrated from salt immersion in the early years followed by Gulf Coast humidity in the latter. It was a painfully lovely car, and that small V8 was still running strong at the end - the engine itself may still live on to this day, I would not be surprised.

JBaguley · ‎13-09-2020

I think this is a solid list. Anyone contemplating any vehicle, including these and particularly if you are on a budget (who's not !!), look very closely at 1) availability of parts, and 2) cost of service. Parts are very critical obviously, as vehicles age into their 30's, 40's and far beyond the design life bits need to be replaced and work-arounds are tricky. Depending on your ability with a wrench, cost of service could readily exceed purchase price over time, particularly for vehicles that were very high end to start with. Me personally, I'd include a couple LBC's (little British cars) on the list as they score well in both the above categories and many solid ones can be found within this price limit. Enjoy !

JBaguley · ‎11-08-2020

My parents (Dad was indeed an engineer) owned a series of engineer-spec Plymouth station wagons to ferry mom and the our gang of 5 kids from Grand Rapids, Michigan to places mostly west and south. The 1969ish vintage Fury III wagon had air conditioning but it would be wrong to think it worked anything like today's systems. At highway speeds, it got very cold but the fan was outmatched by the size of that vehicle. Front seat passengers wore sweaters, middle seats were pretty comfortable and for us in the "way back", well, we would have been better off with the windows open. In stop and go traffic, everyone sweated, it would not have provided you much relief in the NOLA summertime.

JBaguley · ‎11-08-2020

Looks very well considered; I needed to replace the engine mounts on a newly-acquired '62 Triumph TR4, and certainly the engine (2.1 litre 4 cylinder iron block & head) weighs far less than 800 lbs but still, lifting from under the oil pan looked like a plan for disaster. Instead I simply took an available foot-long section of 2 x 12 lumber, turned it on edge and slid it up in the space just to the front of the oil pan where it was snug up against the pan lip, hold-in bolts and the block itself. Then I was able to easily jack up the engine and replace the engine mounts. Sometimes not knowing how to weld is a blessing ??

JBaguley · ‎28-07-2020

A 1962 Triumph TR4 has no fewer than 23 grease zerks to enjoy.

JBaguley · ‎21-07-2020

Rob - you're a good Dad, certainly you saved your son a $1000 repair, wrote a sweet essay and taught me what a back probe pin is to boot. Well done and thanks !!

JBaguley · ‎17-07-2020

Thanks for the video's; Dad had a waterfall speedo in the (I think...) '68 Plymouth Fury III wagon, it was way cool even at the time. I've tried to explain this to my gang but never did a very good job. PS - one of my personal favorites is the simple white-on-black chrome ringed analog speedometers in '60's - 70's vintage Triumphs, set in a wood dash. This defines functional elegance.

JBaguley · ‎15-07-2020

I'm tickled someone remembers Mickey Lolich. I was 12 years old, living in Grand Rapids, MI and delivering 70 copies the Detroit Free Press before dawn every morning. Completely hooked on the Tigers then, I got to read the latest each morning before heading out to throw the papers. Mickey Lolich was simply incredible, Denny McLain's 31-6 record got the Tigers to the Series, but Mickey Lolich brought it home with the incredible 3 complete series wins. Heady stuff for a 12 year old kid in GR.

JBaguley · ‎06-07-2020

With a nod to Forrest Gump, stupid is as stupid does.

JBaguley · ‎04-07-2020

How about a clot of SUV's?

JBaguley · ‎29-06-2020

All very lovely; the problem with the low mileage sub-1000 mile garage queens (the Viper and the VW) is that you can't drive them without destroying value. If you cannot drive them, I don't see the point in having them, personally.

JBaguley · ‎10-06-2020

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don't behold it here at all.

JBaguley · ‎23-04-2020

Owner's choice, of course and diversity of views makes for a more interesting world. My personal view is if you want a modern vehicle, then buy a modern vehicle. I don't favor changing the very nature of vintage classics that makes them unique and interesting in the first place. And remember, if you do, you are forever altering a piece of irreplaceable automotive history, so consider carefully.

JBaguley · ‎20-04-2020

Too big and barge-like for my taste. Powerful, yes, but so is an ocean-going ore freighter.