He-Man Car Talk Thread

[bigvalboy]

http://automuseumonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_3088.jpg

 

http://www.strangevehicles.com/images/content/126956.jpg

 

http://www.madle.org/lesabre2.jpg

 

 

I think we just have to ask ourselves..."Where the Hell did we go wrong"

(Ok...no emails please from all you Prius lovers)

 

http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-global/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/750x422/quality/95/http://www.blogcdn.com/slideshows/images/slides/370/766/5/S3707665/slug/l/01-2016-toyota-prius-fd-1.jpg

[escortrod]

http://automuseumonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_3088.jpg

 

http://www.strangevehicles.com/images/content/126956.jpg

 

http://www.madle.org/lesabre2.jpg

 

 

 

I think we just have to ask ourselves..."Where the Hell did we go wrong"

(Ok...no emails please from all you Prius lovers)

 

http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-global/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/750x422/quality/95/http://www.blogcdn.com/slideshows/images/slides/370/766/5/S3707665/slug/l/01-2016-toyota-prius-fd-1.jpg

Fuel efficiency and safety became important considerations.

 

Despite how pretty the Bel Air is, I think I'd rather drive a dull, modern car.

 

[+ Gar1eth]

P.S. Now THAT is a rear end...

 

http://www.strangevehicles.com/images/content/126956.jpg

 

http://www.madle.org/lesabre2.jpg

 

...1950 Buick LeSabre.

 

My father used to say he would rather push a Buick than drive anything else.

 

Those gorgeous designs courtesy the great Harley Earl.

 

Great big fins and painted steel. Man, it looked just like the batmobile-with my old man behind the wheel...

 

 

Gman

[escortrod]

In defence of modern cars, here are some beautiful modern rears.

http://www.autotribute.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Silver-Mercedes-AMG-GT-back-side.jpg http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/file/fit/730x700/media/5072879/Mercedes~CLS~Shooting~Brake~(3).jpg http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/58b7af41e46c159a0b8b4642-2400/677842panameraturbosportturismo2017porscheag.jpg

[bigvalboy]

Fuel efficiency and safety became important considerations. Despite how pretty the Bel Air is, I think I'd rather drive a dull, modern car.

 

Modern doesn't have to be dull....

 

http://68.media.tumblr.com/b54c029e529ea6d116f55f3cd1231598/tumblr_o34wxpgjsx1ru6h18o2_400.gif

[Mocha]

I can add a little bonne bouche to the whole topic: I no longer drive, at all. Lesson learned from that blissful sojourn in Manahatto.

 

For short errands (up to 15-mile range!) I now use the very un-American mode of walking.

 

For longer, I take the city's excellent bus service, or Uber.

 

The uplift mental & emotional from eliminating the irritations of navigating streets & crazy other drivers has been vast. On foot, at every intersection now I witness insane drivers nearly killing themselves and others, and literally at least one big fender-bender every day. Often worse.

 

No thank you!

 

I agree. The whole driving experience and lifestyle can be soured due to the realities of the dangers of cars, as my other thread in this section describes.

 

I took drivers Ed as a full credit course in HS and 2 defensive driving classes in addition to the other tests needed. I learned before I started driving, how people can become mangled up, chopped up and burnt up just from enjoying the luxuries of a car. But, I like cars and wouldn't trade it for a false peace of mind. I'd rather be in a car getting hit, than not in a car getting hit.

 

That said....sounds like the O.P. got it all figured out. But, as a mechanic myself who does most all my own engine bay work on my Nissan (4th gen./Infiniti), Sears and Firestone are going to quote you the highest prices. You pay for the advertising and ability to sit a clean air conditioned waiting room. Ditto with the dealer. Sears is good for batteries, Firestone for tires....but with engine work you're going to be spending a lot.

 

I personally don't like car repair shops at all regardless of if they are cheap or expensive. That's why I always learn to work on any car I get. However I know the newer cars these days are a bit more intricate, and also not everyone has the time, expertise or patience to work on their own car. So they are forced to take it to a mechanic.

 

The other thing I've learned also: it's not always good to trust the same mechanic you've been going to for years. In my experience, they can sometimes start off good, but then once they've got you and your trust....they can be lax or add on extra parts that don't really need to be changed...just because you "trust" them.

 

When I lived in Denver, I had 2 mechanics for the big jobs, plus myself for maintenance stuff, Mechanics will rarely agree with each other and everyone's opinion will vary. One of the mechanics told me I needed $1,200 in work and he felt that my transmission was about to go out. That was over 30,000 miles ago. Those same parts are still on there and got me from Washington D.C. To San Francisco.

[+ Charlie]

P.S. Now THAT is a rear end...

 

http://www.strangevehicles.com/images/content/126956.jpg

 

http://www.madle.org/lesabre2.jpg

 

...1950 Buick LeSabre.

 

My father used to say he would rather push a Buick than drive anything else.

 

Those gorgeous designs courtesy the great Harley Earl.

Of course, that was a concept car that was never manufactured for sale. However, I did love those mid-50s Buicks. My mother's cousin's husband was a mail carrier who came into an unexpected inheritance, and bought himself a 1954 Roadmaster convertible, powder blue. To die for! He still had it when he died thirty years later.

[+ Gar1eth]

In defence of modern cars, here are some beautiful modern rears.

http://www.autotribute.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Silver-Mercedes-AMG-GT-back-side.jpg http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/file/fit/730x700/media/5072879/Mercedes~CLS~Shooting~Brake~(3).jpg http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/58b7af41e46c159a0b8b4642-2400/677842panameraturbosportturismo2017porscheag.jpg

@escortrod -don't forget my Nissan Versa:p

 

http://Dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/lda7hir9alke8i4/File%20Mar%2004%2C%2012%2014%2058%20PM.jpeg?dl=0

 

Gman

[escortrod]

@escortrod -don't forget my Nissan Versa:p

 

http://Dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/lda7hir9alke8i4/File%20Mar%2004%2C%2012%2014%2058%20PM.jpeg?dl=0

 

Gman

The lack of inclusion doesn't mean I forgot it.

 

Since I'm only spending a few years in the US, I want to get something that I can't buy in Europe, which is why I'm planning to have a Cadillac CTS. I happen to like it's rear a lot (though the rear 3/4 view isn't so great).

 

http://www.automotiveaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2016-cadillac-ctsv-rear-side.jpg

 

I wish, however, that they still made a wagon. That was a good looking car.

 

[bigvalboy]

Great big fins and painted steel. Man, it looked just like the batmobile-with my old man behind the wheel...

 

 

Gman

 

Brilliant...I needed that song today Gman. Thanks!

[+ purplekow]

As a follow-up-the mobile mechanic came by yesterday. He changed out the spark plugs. Now supposedly iridium plugs aren't supposed to be gapped. But he measured them, and said the gaps weren't all the same. So he did gap them to make them even. He also managed to change them without disconnecting whatever fluid line would cause you to lose antifreeze and without disconnecting whatever would cause you the throttle valve (or something like that) need to re-learn its position.

 

He also performed a complete compression test-which thank Divine Providence-came out fine. He had scared me during the diagnostic where he tested one cylinder, and the pressure was low. I was envisioning having to get the engine rebuilt or having to buy a new engine.

 

The motor still sounds a bit rough to me, but, unless I'm imagining things, or just not hearing things I don't want to hear, it seems a bit quieter on acceleration.

 

I appreciate all the lively discussion on this thread. Ahh if only @geminibear were frequenting these parts still. He probably would have enjoyed a he-man topic like this.

 

 

And to imagine some people think we are only interested in s-e-x...

 

Gman

Sex has not been the #1 topic here for quite some time.

[+ purplekow]

Great big fins and painted steel. Man, it looked just like the batmobile-with my old man behind the wheel...

 

 

Gman

I have not heard that song in ages. I used to really enjoy Marc Cohm whether he was Walking in Memphis or riding in a Silver Thunderbird.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=walking+in+MEmphis&*

 

I had no idea he was married to Elizabeth Vargas.

[escortrod]

Since we were making fun of Chrysler earlier in this thread, I thought it was worth remembering that they made this thing in the '90s. I consider it brave, most probably thought it was stupid, but it certainly made a statement:

 

http://srv2.betterparts.org/images/plymouth-prowler-14.jpg

[bigvalboy]

Since we were making fun of Chrysler earlier in this thread, I thought it was worth remembering that they made this thing in the '90s. I consider it brave, most probably thought it was stupid, but it certainly made a statement:

http://srv2.betterparts.org/images/plymouth-prowler-14.jpg

 

Oh Lord...I'm sorry, but that thing was "sacrilege", an unmitigated disaster on every conceivable level, and an embarrassment to the marque, that despite a series of failures, still retains a rather rich and respectful place in automotive history. (My apologies for this rant to any forum member who bought one)

[+ pdxleo]

I was in Detroit for a job presentation two weeks ago, and spent an amazing afternoon at the Henry Ford museum complex- if you have any interest in historic machinery, autos, locomotives, etc. you must care out time there if in the area. Also, had an amazing evening at the Gold Coast club, but that's another story- thank you Scotty!

[BigK]

P.S. Now THAT is a rear end...

 

http://www.strangevehicles.com/images/content/126956.jpg

 

http://www.madle.org/lesabre2.jpg

 

...1950 Buick LeSabre.

 

My father used to say he would rather push a Buick than drive anything else.

 

Those gorgeous designs courtesy the great Harley Earl.

 

For those of us aficionados of rear ends.

[escortrod]

Oh Lord...I'm sorry, but that thing was "sacrilege", an unmitigated disaster on every conceivable level, and an embarrassment to the marque, that despite a series of failures, still retains a rather rich and respectful place in automotive history. (My apologies for this rant to any forum member who bought one)

I guess. For an 11 year old in Scotland who had barely heard of Plymouth it made for an excellent bedroom wall poster, alongside the F50, Countach and NSX. I doubt any other Plymouths kept such company.

[bigvalboy]

For an 11 year old in Scotland who had barely heard of Plymouth.

 

You're forgiven for your lapse in judgement.

[bigvalboy]

I had an amazing evening at the Gold Coast club, but that's another story- thank you Scotty!

 

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/Q29lj.gif

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Since we were making fun of Chrysler earlier in this thread, I thought it was worth remembering that they made this thing in the '90s. I consider it brave, most probably thought it was stupid, but it certainly made a statement:

 

http://srv2.betterparts.org/images/plymouth-prowler-14.jpg

 

 

And speaking of odd looking, Chevy has had several of their own turkeys, including this one:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_SSR

[+ Lance_Navarro]

This is all I know!

[bigvalboy]

And speaking of odd looking, Chevy has had several of their own turkeys, including this one:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_SSR

 

A turkey...yes, but unlike the Prowler, the later models were 'runners'. The newer Vette LS2 motor did manage lower ET's that were respectable considering, and in all fairness, it did launch hard, and made all the right noises. My friend bought one, but I could never bring myself to climb inside. It got some strange looks, people just didn't know what to make of it, myself included. It was a bit loud and garish, and in all honesty, it didn't fit my persona. As of this post, it still sits quietly under a car cover, waiting for a better day.

[escortrod]

And speaking of odd looking, Chevy has had several of their own turkeys, including this one:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_SSR

I love a sporty ute. I wish the Maloo was sold in the US. http://www.drive.com.au/new-car-reviews/2016-hsv-maloo-r8-lsa-road-test-review-20160125-gmdkia.html

[mike carey]

I love a sporty 'ute. I wish the Maloo was sold in the US.

Yes, Australian utes are an idea of their own, quite different to US pickups. With the emd of vehicle manufacturing here, we may lose that unique part of our automotive culture.

[escortrod]

Yes, Australian utes are an idea of their own, quite different to US pickups. With the emd of vehicle manufacturing here, we may lose that unique part of our automotive culture.

I should say that I 'like' the comment, but not the end of vehicle manufacturing in Australia. If nothing else it spawned some interesting models that GM could sell in small volumes elsewhere. Still, with Opel/Vauxhall being sold to PSA that wouldn't happen in Europe anymore anyway.