LizzieMaine
Bartender
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I think I went thru three engines over the time I owned my '69 -- each one cost me about $150 installed. Ah, happy days.
My Bug was the same. I would call the part stores and price Brazilian parts, then call a mechanic I new, and he would use German parts for not much more!I think I went thru three engines over the time I owned my '69 -- each one cost me about $150 installed. Ah, happy days.
Man, these cars are dang cool. I'd love to buy one, maybe one day when I have money enough - they are so much nicer and prettier than today's modern cars.
Dunno if you know about Citroën 2cv, but those are also cars I love, although a bit more recent. My sister used to own one, before selling it away.
On May 31, Dragone Classic Motorcars will hold its second annual auction, featuring 65 cars (compared with last year’s 47) at its showroom in Westport, Conn. There’s plenty to savor, including a magnificent supercharged 1937 Cord 812 SC Sportsman and a 1938 Mercedes Benz 320 N Speciale Kombination Roadster bought by a American serviceman from a Berlin used-car lot in 1946, then left for decades in an Orange, Conn., barn.
I saw a french car in the States, it was at an Art Deco exhibition. Can't remember the manufacturer, but I wouldn't mind betting that there are those on here who can point me in the right direction. Here it is.
Drove my '72 Ford (not exactly golden era) today and of course on this cold, damp day, the carburetor was not liking the idea of an easy start. Everybody these days immediately thinks the car is problematic. It's just annoying that people don't understand the subtle nuances of having to pump the gas, and feather it once the car's running, and that sometimes they still kill out. I get tired of explaining how the car just needs to warm up.
Explaining about choking a car gets the same blank stare as talking about using a slide rule.
Drove my '72 Ford (not exactly golden era) today and of course on this cold, damp day, the carburetor was not liking the idea of an easy start. Everybody these days immediately thinks the car is problematic. It's just annoying that people don't understand the subtle nuances of having to pump the gas, and feather it once the car's running, and that sometimes they still kill out. I get tired of explaining how the car just needs to warm up.
If your car is in top shape with all original equipment intact and working it will start and run as well as a new fuel injection car. I have tuned up old cars like yours. In addition to the usual plugs, plug wires etc. there are often worn or missing parts like the heat stove on the exhaust, the hot air hose, thermostat valves on the air breather, choke pull off, and automatic choke. A rebuilt carb can work wonders too. Of course this all assumes the basic engine is in good shape with good compression in all cylinders. No special secrets, just put everything back the way the factory had it and you can have that motor eating out of your hand in a few hours. It does not have to cost a lot either, usually 2 or 3 small parts costing $10 or $15 each is all it takes.
You take me too literally. I know you have to set the choke, and that the starting routine is different for a carburetted car. What I mean is the engine will start instantly, idle down smoothly and pull away without bucking or hesitation just like a real car.
... Also, not all of us have the financial means to have our vehicles in like-new condition. For us, the constant tinkering is part of the lifestyle, sorta like the 'built, not bought' people, but with less money.