I hate to say it but I have to agree with hyperV6. "Not dead but dying". There may be a culture out there but we,  the older crowd, are not there with them. I wonder if the autos made today, will eventually be a classic? Seems like to me everything is disposable in regards to automobiles....at least until I go to Crusin the Coast! Yall come in 2021!!!!! ... View more

Hey Yall, been awhile since I last posted due to the weather here on the gulf coast. Hurricane Zeta tore us a new one a few months ago and took out our electronics. Just recently we had another storm come in from the gulf and the lightning took it all out again. ( yea we're rural)  Hang in there Sam. You will find your footing. From what I've read in the previous posts, I can tell you're gettin' lots of good advice. Well you asked for it so now take it and move on. These guys here are sincere and knowledgeable. I see nothing but positive comments for you on this post. EXPECT to be the lower notch on the totem pole that you are carving out for yourself. Learn to get along, pay attention, keep your opinion to yourself and understand that you will be the Newbie, but also don't sell yourself short. Like Guitar says...Everyone crawls before they walk. Everyone who walks and falls down learns to dust themselves off and start all over again. Oh.. and Dubs experience with the self warming grease scam..... When I went into construction I was sent to the tool trailer for a beam stretcher....not the red one but the blue one! The joke was on me. If you act like you know everything you will be shamed. Take it on the chin and move on. Don't burn any bridges (Mc Donalds etc,,,,) You never know when you might have to pass over them again. In closing, read Sajeev's post again! Hang in there yall!! ... View more

Don't know if it was period correct, but for my 58 MGA to perform and last through my thrashing was to go with a Pierce intake and Weber down draft carb. Best thing I ever did for that car. I kept the old SU carbs as spares for the old Harleys I had back in the day, but they proved to be as unreliable on them as they were on MG.  ... View more

Castrol or STP , dino type, in all I own. Nothin special...just my preference. Works for me. Stay with the manufacturers recommended weight and frequency. Old car or new just stay on schedule. Hang in there. Sajeev is spot on! ... View more

Expect to be treated as an intern/newbie. Expect to learn. Pick up on all the information you can get from the guys, gals there. From your past posts you are into the Corvair. This might be your chance to really learn about your passion. Put in the work, pay attention, and by all means respect the Boss. The boss usually don't care to much about your knowledge of the subject or your opinion, but cares more about your dedication to learn and show your talents, skills and respect. The gift of gab won't get you very far but the gift of listening and learning will go a long way. ( the old adage...seek first to understand and then to be understood.) A shop rat?? In some way we all are. Hang in there, good luck and congratulations on the new gig. ... View more

I hear ya man. The repair/shop manuals aint all they are cracked up to be but they are a necessity. Thank the Lord you weren't on the upper deck of the parking GARAGE! Again your MK IV is a jewel. Hang in there.   ... View more

Thanks JK. It's on my hit list. I'll try to find the title and start on em as soon as possible. I believe that design is the what captures the audience. It's what draws you in for a closer look. ... View more

Very fine article and timely as well. I just finished a book by William Knoedelseder. "FINS" Harley Earl, the Rise of General Motors, and the Glory Days of Detroit. Well worth the time.  ... View more

Never restored/rebuilt garage doors, but have replaced roll up shop doors. You did a fantastic job and the results show. Your MK IV is a sight to behold and I'm sure your proud of it as well. Not to sound condescending, but if I may suggest....Your next project might be to repair the shift indicator! I have done that task before along with parking brakes etc... especially if I'm gettin outa the car with the engine running. (been there, done that. Hang in there Sajeev. ... View more

Good article and good timing. The weather here in south Alabama allows me to use our classics weekly, but the information in this article is appropriate for all seasons. I must confess. I'm guilty of using "chomping". (See above south Alabama reference). ... View more

Since your post I researched her ( GREAT CARRER) but for the life of me I can not remember her. Tragic none the less. We also lost Jessi Combs. Another female motor head.  ... View more

The 63-1/2 and 64's are my all time favorite Galaxies. ( in the 500 XL trim). I think styling more than anything else. I've never owned one but my 63 Falcon Sprint reminded me of a miniature Galaxie... style-wise. I shoulda kept that car. After 64 the lines were not as muscular but tended to go to the square/ boxy style. My 64 Falcon Futura is like that but I think it carries it better than the Galaxie. Of course in 1966 all that changed for the Falcon. Mustang was the **bleep** of the walk for Ford by then. It took em awhile (until 1970-1/2) but they eventually killed off the Falcon for fear their beloved mustang sales would suffer.    ... View more

Another late night / early morning for me yall. Kinda wish I hadn't checked my mail. Lots of good comments and some not so good. I for one am impressed that Sam has reached out for advice and conversation. I'm also one that will not get into a pissin contest on who's car or opinion is better. Lets treat one another with respect. Everyone didn't get the chance to lay in the dirt with their old man at night, holding the flashlight, chasing after tools, nut n bolts just tryin to get the car running before morning so he could get back to work the next morning. That's how I began and the funny thing about it is I fell in love with it. Not only did I get to stay up past bed time but I learned so much. This aint the only forum I visit but agree with Sam it's at the top of my list.  ... View more

From what I understand and have witnessed is that there is a shortage of skilled labor these days. What I consider craft labor. If we don't grow up with it or around it, it's like a foreign language. Some of the best mechanics, welders, pipefitters etc. can outsmart an average engineer anyday. Don't get me wrong. I know some engineers who know how to get it on in the shop. They know the tools and have the skill to use em. Hang in there yall. ... View more

My bad Guitar. I guess I jumped to conclusions about the gig with the PD. Sortta like the dude did about you being in the office working on the re-model. I understand the pressure the law officers are under, especially now with the political climate as stormy as it is and the way officers are frowned upon in certain communities. I couldn't do it. In regards to the Public defenders, I suppose somebody has to do it. Like DUB6 said, with a degree in law they could prolly rake in a bunch more in private practice or going with a firm. Must be a calling to do some some good for folk who can't afford a private Lawyer. Or possibly an appointment by the local courts. Hang in there yall!!!   ... View more

Hey Guitar, Thanks for the vote of confidence. I worked for Southern Company / Alabama Power Co. for 39 years. The last 16 of which I was a technical writer. Power Plant Operating and Maintenance procedures. All things I was experienced in. But to just sit and type my thoughts and feelings leaves allot to be desired. I see where you had a gig with a local Public defender. I got pulled over a couple months ago for an expired tag. When I put on a mask in the presence of the officer he had me remove it. Said he had to smell my breath. Is an expired tag probable cause for this? I seldom drink so there wasn't a problem with that but it got next to me pretty bad. I mean I'm glad he spotted the tag (now I'm pissed at the DMV for not sending a renewal notice). I guess the social distancing and mask thing doesn't apply during a traffic stop. ... View more

I wish I could put things in words like you guys. The truth is I'm just an old red neck that believes safety first, safety last, if you aint safe you'll kill your a--! My wife and I both drive trucks as our dailies. She drives a 2014 Ram 1500 (half ton) 4x4 extended cab with the 5.7L Hemi V8. I drive a 2015 Ford 4x4 crew cab F250 (3/4ton) XLT Super Duty with the 6.2L V8. We pull cattle and hay trailers and to tell you the truth, we can't tell any difference between the two. Hang in there guys. ... View more

I've always wanted one in either configuration. If I had to choose I'd go with the fenders and boards. I suppose the practical side of me would prevail. I thought my old FLH shovel head would be cool with a bobbed rear fender and delete front fender. It was way cool but I changed back to full fenders after the first rain/sludge/mud/gravel hit me in the face. So yea, I'd go with fenders because if I had one I'd want to drive it all the time regardless of the weather. I would however chop the top.  ... View more

Shop rags and Go-Jo hand cleaner, this was a must. My wife got Pi--ed off cleaning my greasy hand print above the pi--er. I also keep plenty multi colored electrical tape, shrink wrap, fuses, convoluted tubing.  ... View more

Can't anybody just drive any more?? I wonder. Is your car trying to out maneuver you when you're trying to use your experience and skills.....does the cars computer (artificial Intel) take over? Sajeev makes a good point that collapsible steering columns, crush structures and air bags and other safety features are good.  But on the other hand...... I'm concerned that the cars built in safety devices will defeat an experienced drivers ability, and give new drivers a false sense of security. I believe that built in safety features are good, but also take my ability to get out of a jam.   ... View more

I've got two of them just like that. Great for rodents, snakes and such but can do a job on your paint and upholstery. ... View more

The Galaxie brings back fond memories. ... View more

I agree with guitar. Our daily drivers both have the t&s feature but we are hesitant to use it. If the driver is attentive and knows how to drive in those conditions the t&s system can complicate things.  I prefer manual operation over automatic operation anytime.  guess it's ok  ... View more

I cracked up reading Rob1's comment on patience. Patience takes time and the older I get the less time I have to learn it. At least now I know that I'm not alone.  ... View more

well here I sit..all alone with a broken heart...I took three bennies.....and my semi truck won't start. Commander Cody! ... View more

Coming back to the house I decided to turn off the tunes. Just listening to the  289 exhaust thru the Tri-Y's and flow masters was enough for me. Music to my ears! Might go back to the Cherry Bombs one day. ... View more

Just posted a note about the song on another topic (best song lyric?) I saw him perform it live at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis in 05. Great song and artist. ... View more

Yea man. It get's me going even when I aint in the car. Kathy Matea's version of 455 Rocket does it for me also. "who's junk pile piece of sh---------velle is this"  her phrasing not mine. I personally like chevys. Hang in there. She's got a video out there somewhere. ... View more

I enjoyed the TR6 while it lasted. Like everything else I had when I was younger I trashed it! I'm 6' and about 180 back then and it was a nice fit. I was thinking about a post that was getting some attention (favorite song lyric). I went for a burn today and it just so happened the song that started on my play list got me thinking bout you and your Guitar 74 moniker along with the Cougar. Check this out when you get time. "Mercury Blues" Steve Miller version. He was also at the Chip in Sturgis back in 05 and we saw him perform it live. I think it was a '49 he was singing about but seemed to fit you. Hang in there. ... View more

Golden Earring............."Been drivin all night my hands wet on the wheel". "There's a voice in my head that drives my heel." The whole song and all the lyrics are great. "the road has got me hypnotized and I'm speedin into a new sun rise" Every note and lyric. Heck, I'm about to go for a burn and listen again!! ... View more

I'm sittin here past midnight trying to unwind. Got my 64 Falcon out today for a burn and was to stoked to sleep so I decided to check up on some of yall. Thought I would check up on Sam Adams and his topic  (Why racing games matter) revealed itself. Flipping through the latest Hemmings Motor News Mag ( April issue page 48 ) there is an article on this topic. Although it is dated, it made me think that we have all crawled before we could walk. It's an old board game. I think I should go to bed now..........................! ... View more

One more yall.... "Let it roll..... on down the highway" Bachman Turner Overdrive!!!!!!! ... View more

Take one.....18 wheels spinnin, the race is on and I'm winnin, 18 wheels keep on spinnin round that frisco bay. (Commander Codys Version) Take two..... Jammin gears has got to be a fever, cause men become addicted to the grind.. ( the one and only Hagard) Yea I know these are trucker lyrics, but it gets my blood pumpin'     ... View more

You got it goin' on man! I think I'll hold off on my spare motor for now. What I'm runnin' still has plenty of HP, no smoke, perfect oil pressure etc... It's just knowing I didn't build it that keeps me wondering just how good it really is and the fact that my engine and engine bay need to be detailed. I've also scored a decent C4 xmission that I want to swap for the current Ford-O-Matic. This is what I hope turns into a kick a-- SBF. As you can tell i'm no subject matter expert when it comes to computer ops. Hang in there. Can't wait to see the end result. ... View more

Hey Guitar....TOUCHE! I'm laughing out loud as I type this response. I saw the pic of your Cougar and it's Bitchin'. My sister was gifted one by her future husband. She didn't know what she had but I did!! I loved that car. I had a TR6 at the time and we would swap out often. Sad to say but Sis, bro in law, TR6, and the cougar are gone now.  ... View more

I hear ya Sam. The 260 was a perfect fit for the 63 sprint. I had mine bored 30 over and the crank turned 10 under, So the cubic inches were a bit larger than advertised. Still all in all it was a great car and motor. Remember though that the vintage cars would and still can go good, but they don't crash good. what ever you decide on, stay safe.  ... View more

Group Riding and Safety - cypresscreekscrc508 (google.com) Hey yall. Hope this will help so pass it along to all you think may need it. Especially in regards to HAND SIGNALS. I copied this link from another chapter, but they're  all the same. We are in the south Alabama chapter. In 2005 we left Mobile Alabama for the infamous Buffalo Chip in Sturgis, in celebration of my 50th birthday and our 25 wedding anniversary. What started out as a trip for my wife and I (she rides her own) morphed into 9 bikes and 14 folks altogether. I guess we should have kept our mouths shut but it is what it is. Also brought along one extended cab truck with trailer for the bike chaser with a designated driver. We had a few set backs but all in all it was a great trip. We did not have any head set electronic communications other than cell phones which we kept in our pocket and depended on hand signals. I was the leader on this trip and we all would meet up from time to time prior to the trip and go over the HAND SIGNALS and test each others knowledge.  I understand Guitars frustration. "Safety first...safety last...if you ain't safe...you could kill your a--". I know how Rob1 feels also. The weather during Toby Keiths performance at the Chip was of epic and maybe biblical proportions. I'm from hurricane country but this storm was the worst I've ever seen. It totally destroyed our camp. Tents, bedding etc.....But hey....Toby did not quit and we didn't either and stayed until the last note. Riding in formation, when done properly is a sight to behold. Knowing your signals and formation is crucial. Would I do that trip over again? Hell No! Since then we've learned to keep our mouths shut. ... View more

I'm prejudiced.  I'm hooked on the 63 thru 65 Falcon Futura hardtops and convertibles. The Chevy Corvair Corsa is a work of art and I would be proud to own one. An uncle of mine had a Corvair Monza that would scald the dog. Great American sports car. The Leno car you mention is probably the 63 Ford Falcon Futura Sprint. I had one and kick myself for ever selling it. A collector in Florida bought it and still has it in his collection. But to answer your question I'd go with the Falcon. Ford killed them off slowly when they introduced the Mustang which was nothing more than a glorified Falcon. Set em up right and they eat mustangs lunch. I think Leno might have mentioned it was one of his favorites in his collection. Now you've got me wishing I had an extra 20K!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've got some pics of my falcons out here somewhere. All Images for jonZ - The Hagerty Community ... View more

Hey Nitro, We feel your pain. I have lost both my parents and sibling. My parents both expired in nursing homes. We were working at the time and could not take them in. My wife, sons and grands are all good to go. My father in law is 90 now and currently in Hospital (cardiac and circulation issues.) We are retired and able to keep him home unless he needs serious attention. Well enough of that! I will try to post some pics of my next engine project. I miss spoke when I said it was a 260 that was original to the car but not with the car. My car was delivered from ford with a 260 but I bought it with the current 289. After reading your post I went out to the shop for pics and got the numbers off the engine. It turns out to be another 289! I should have looked it over better when I bought it. Oh well. Such is life and this insane hobby we have. Hang in there Pard.  ... View more

Hey Guitar, I think Dulcich is still the mopar guru. Well there is Worman and Zolper but what do I know? I'm a Ford Falcon nut. I am also a purist but also believe in freedom to modify your ride as you see fit. I would rather see a flat head in a 40 ford business mans coupe than the common 350 SBC. But to each his own. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I also believe that function and safety should come before form. If it's for a museum piece then originality should count. But for me I'm all about modification. Personally I try to  keep my cars in period / era correct mods. After all, I'm that period/era. Tach clamped on the column etc... I sold my 63 Sprint a few years back and the tach was mounted on the dash, but the Futura didn't offer it. Under dash oil psi, temp, battery amps just makes since. Drive train , suspension, brakes, electronic ignition are much better. That's me. My wife is totally against any mods to her 63 Futura Convertible. I think in another post you agree with her to keep in original. Love the story about the Twister n Duster stand off. I've met those same sorts at meets, shows etc.. So called Falcon/Mustang experts that don't even have a car. I just nod, smile and laugh my a-- off while burnin' out in front of them in their latest **bleep** mobile. Hang in there yall and keep the shiny side up! ... View more

Thumb out?? Thumbs up from me. I was planning on the same thing this winter but the slab, 24x24, and add on to my shop turned into a hay barn. It was supposed to be the motor - Xmission room but dry hay for the cattle took first place. We have also had a car show in December, January, and two so far in March here in south Alabama that has kept us busy. Also hurricane ZETA tore us new ....well you know....where your thumb reference almost mentioned. I'll attach pics on the motor project as soon as possible. Small Block Ford 260 ci that is original to my 64 Falcon Futura hard top. I'm running a 289 ci now. I wanted to rebuild this motor over the winter but it didn't work out. It'll prolly go the machine shop in the next week or so for a good hot acid bath and maybe a bore if necessary. Again, Kudos on your work and your Mom is on our prayer list. As I type this note the weather here is humid and 78 deg. ... View more

Hey Sam, NEVER GIVE UP! The comments to your post are spot on. There's nothing I can add. You will get to the destination if you really want to. Make up your mind that you will succeed. There will be trials and failures but when they happen use them as a learning tool. We all learn from our mistakes. CitationMan mentioned carting which is a good way to start. When my youngest son was 14 we got into lawn mower racing.  Yea, lawn mower racing. Hard to believe a mower can get up to 35-40 MPH ain't it. That was a learning curve for him and in our second and third year we went on the win the Mobile County Alabama (Dixie Outlaws) points championship in our class. It took him two years, but as he learned he was also winning. I think it was Richard Petty who said "If you're there at the end you have a chance to win." Oh yeah....God throws everyone a bone everyday! Hang in there Dude! ... View more

I agree. I've used them for years and no problems. However nothing is perfect and bad s--- does happen. I only have four to tend to, so It aint very much trouble to give em a charge every week or so and put the charger back on the shelf. Of course the best way to keep em charged is to take them out for a good run. Also a good way to test and check out your charging system.  ... View more

Good story. .......but brought back bad memories for me as I was always on the loosing end back in the late 70's during my teenage years. I never quit though, and tried to get my Maverick as tough as I could afford. I ended up trashing it and got a Pinto which lasted allot longer. As a side bar.........check out page 26 (From the Forums) in the latest Hagerty Mag. I'm at the bottom of the column. My wife thinks I'm a celebrity now!  ... View more

Went for a drive today and heard this one (yea on an oldies station) LET IT ROLL by LITTLE FEAT. Looks like this topic is about dead but at least our classic cars and songs are still kickin. ... View more

Seems to be a timeless topic. Much like the rats are timeless creatures. To date the coolest thing I've found was just recently. My wifes 63 falcon futura convertible left rear quarter window was sortta hanging up and wouldn't lower all the way down and had an annoying rattle down in the panel. Investigation revealed an old "Tootsie Toy". 1957 Jaguar Type D. I gave it a good cleaning and it's in our curio cabinet now. If anyone knows the history of them let me know. I think the are billed as Americas oldest toy company. ... View more

I'm with you on this. While waitin on parts may as well make something. Beats watching TV ... View more

I have one similar to yours. It's ancient but still gets the job done. The stick on labels that came with it long since weathered away, as did the clear fronts on the drawers. Other than that I use what ever I can get my hands on. Organization is very important but I'm not very good at it. Looks like I'll be headed to Harbor Freight! At my age I'll prolly forget where I put when I get home. ... View more

I've never told this story but I think the time may be right due to the way this topic seems to be going. Age Gap etc... Sometime around 04 - 05 I built a kit bike. CCI, Hard Core II, 110 Rev Tech . When it was finished I thought it was the cats as-.  So I brought it out to go show it off to my pardners at the local tavern. Comming off the interstate I was stuck at a traffic light under the overpass. I'm sittin there, under the bridge, listening to the roar and thump waitin for the light to change when an elderly guy, maybe in his 80's ( I was in my 50's) pulled up beside me on a Susuki Bergman 750 scooter.  Set of golf clubs bungeed on, double knit pants, loafers etc... me in my sleeve less tee shirt, do rag, leather vest and boots. We glanced over at each other, nodded, revved up the motors and we knew it was on! The light changed green and I never saw anything but a nine iron, a pitching wedge and his a-- about 40 yards ahead! Lets put this way.. we are all in this together regardless of our preferences. Motor heads are motor heads!! Before I took Geratol I couldn't spit over my chin, now I take Geratol and can spit all over my chin! Hang in there guys and happy motoring. ... View more

Back in the mid 80's to the mid 90's, my Dad and I would show the 58 MGA we restored. (he had bought it in 1960). We would bump into a younger couple from Florida who showed their AMX and Javelin (his and hers). As we talked it was apparent that we liked all types of autos but not all types of folk. We did realize that each generation IDENTIFIES with what they grew up with. What's the old adage? "To each his own", "Opinions are like a--holes; everybody's got one"  "One mans junk is another mans treasure", etc.  As a side bar, the MGA went on to receive the prestigious John Thornley Award. Dad is gone now and I recently sold the MGA to nice younger couple from guess where............yep! I encourage everyone to replace the controller/monitor with a wrench and instead of sitting in front of the TV, get under the hood or behind the wheel. Hand in there yall. ... View more