Ways that driving a classic is different

76BBSub · July 19, 2001

I notice some interesting habits that I've developed since I made my '76 Sub my daily driver...thought I'd reflect on some of them....

-You notice EVERY little noise, or lack thereof. If the truck is too loud, too quiet, whatever, you are immediately aware of it, and begin brainstorming possible causes and solutions.

-Anytime you see water, grease, or oil under or near your truck you have find out where it came from. In my case it is usually from the last vehicle that was parked in my spot or condensation from the AC, but at it's age I have to keep an eye out for this stuff.

-Every trip is an adventure...even going to work. Just getting there on time and in one piece is an achievement. By the time I get to work I feel I've already accomplished more than some people accomplish all day...and I haven't even driven to lunch yet!

-Newer car drivers fear you. They have no idea that my 25 year old truck is in nearly perfect mechanical condition, better than new in some ways. They probably have no idea that a vehicle that old could even be safe, so I get a little extra "breathing room" when driving near most of them.

What other little habits, idiosyncrosies, etc do you guys develop as a result of owning or driving your classics?

Jeff

gmcjoe · July 19, 2001

I usually sweat a little driving the 67 on my 50 mile round trip to work, seems not having A/C for these Michigan summers can do that to you!

Even though my 67 isn't exactly show quality, it still gets the looks and nods that make you feel good. I like driving the old buddy to work once in a while.

patrick · July 19, 2001

i know what you mean there, jeff.. the other day i was behind a later model car and started smelling a burning rubber smell, got stronger every block, i didnt figure it was from the newer car in front, and started fretting, was going to pull over, then that car turned off, and the smell went away

gmcblu · July 20, 2001

My left arm rests nicely on the door sill that is tucked under my armpit. (It's a good feeling.)

I can see the leading edge of my hood from the driver's seat.

Vent windows.

You can hear it when your pocket change hits the metal floorboard.

76BBSub · July 20, 2001

I know what you mean about the arm resting on the door...there is a slightly worn spot on the aluminum trim on my Suburban only where the driver (me or the previous owner) would rest his arm, it just fits there.

Ah yes, and the smells...the other day I was smelling a burnt oil smell, started freaking out, but like Patrick it was some "new" car in front of me.

How about being able to jumpstart someone's car without frying our whole electrical system?

SAE fasteners instead of metric?

The list goes on!

Jeff

Nice to hear that the '67 gets to ride to work every now and then.

patrick · July 20, 2001

ah yes... vent windows...and flow through vents.

and being able to stick anything magnetic almost anywhere in the cab... not having the key chain hit your knee while driving....having a heater that starts warming you up pretty fast even at 20 below...

all that storage room between the seat and the gas tank

gmcblu · July 27, 2001

Ah, yes: magnets in the cab! And they won't mess up your onboard computer!

oleblue · July 28, 2001

Attention!

If you want that,you can have alot more fun with a old one.I am not a Chevy guy but have a 1970 Ford F250 4x4 that i have been building for a year and a half.It gets a bunch more stares than i like in a way.I get paronoid that someone might try to steal it!

I have had it one the road a couple of times though not finsihed and could tell it would be a good way to meet girls if i was single!!

Also,I like the fact that you can do anything to them.

Old trucks are the best to me.

...blue

76BBSub · August 21, 2001

Thought of another one this morning...you can turn the radio on/off or adjust the volume without having the ignition on or on accessory...these new trucks have the knobs that only operate when the ignition is on, so if the radio's on when you turn the truck off you can't turn it off until you turn the key on again...

A small thing, I know, but what the heck...

Jeff

gmcblu · August 21, 2001

Hehe It's a small thing until you get in and fire it up after someone else was blaring the radio.

Torque Junkie · August 25, 2001

Quote: from patrick on 9:53 am on July 20, 2001
and being able to stick anything magnetic almost anywhere in the cab...

Relating to this:

Being able to find an electrical ground almost ANYWHERE in the truck! My brother's '89 S-10 Blazer's interior is like 98% plastic, so finding a good solid ground is nearly impossible, and my 'maro aint much better. The pickup is FULL of great, easy-to-access grounding spots that are also out of direct view.

Another thing that I like: Being able to climb completely under the hood to work on it - and me being 5'8"/130lbs I can get around quite nicely under there.

-Mike

(Edited by Torque Junkie at 1:57 am on Aug. 25, 2001)

Jpshostr · August 26, 2001

Even though no one in my family has a older truck, I still have lots of fun with them. Friend of mine has an old Dodge, what a perfect truck for beating around in. Since it has been a farm truck all its life it has its little quirks that we have gotten used to. Gotta turn the key three times before it starts, pound the passenger door in a certain spot to open it, etc. It sure doesn't look like much, but the two of us sure have fun with the thing.