Michaelson
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,840
- Location
- Tennessee
It's one thing to collect and emulate the era, but to actually experience what was a daily event is truly something. This morning I got up to a 6 above zero temperature. I walked out to my 1950 Plymouth, and the fun began. The slow grunt of the original 6v system was unnerving, but it coughed, then started. It vibrated for a while as the cold 30W motor oil was pushed to to the top of the engine, the choke pulled to mid setting to allow enough gas to keep the ice cold carb fed. I waited inside the cab, watching my breath freeze on the inside of the flat windshield glass, and remembered WHY the Pendleton 100% wool jacket I was wearing was originally called a 'car coat', as it goes just below my waist, keeping my backside warm on a rock hard, ice cold bench seat, but without bunching around my knees for ease of movement to push in clutch and brake. The jacket was a gift from my brother-in-law over a year ago, and had seen little to no wear to date. It will now enjoy daily wear as long as we have cold weather like this, as Pendleton has made this type of jacket for car wear since the 1920s with no change in the design. I now know (and remember) why, as it's a design made specifically for this type situation.
The engine finally smooths out, though the temperature gauge shows just a bit of movement, and I put the car in reverse and back out of my yard. It's a bit sluggish, but it moves out with purpose. I reach down and twist the defroster knob and the 'outside air' knob that turns on the heater fan at the front of the car, where the heater is located on these old MOPAR's. I had forgotten that the door that closes off the duct from the heater to the cab firewall has a thermostat that will only open when it 'feels' enough heat being generated by the heater. Of course, on a day like today, that never really happens, so the only real heat I feel is coming from the defroster. It's not unbearable, but it's sure not warm. After driving for about 2 or 3 miles, the temperature gauge is almost to normal setting, and my oil pressure is finally showing normal range (it was high due to the cold oil earlier. A real test of the oil pump as to it's health), and I find myself enjoying this chilly but fine drive.
I arrive at work in good order, and can remember similar experiences from a long distant past when I was growing up in the late 50's and early 60's when my DAD was driving these old monsters, and remember why we were so bundled up when for out winter drives. It's not unlike a sleigh ride.....you just don't get the wind in your face!
I'm sure I've joggled a few members memories of rides like this in THEIR past. It's a truly satisfying experience to drive these old cars, even in 6 degree above zero weather (as long as they're running! )
Regards. Michaelson
The engine finally smooths out, though the temperature gauge shows just a bit of movement, and I put the car in reverse and back out of my yard. It's a bit sluggish, but it moves out with purpose. I reach down and twist the defroster knob and the 'outside air' knob that turns on the heater fan at the front of the car, where the heater is located on these old MOPAR's. I had forgotten that the door that closes off the duct from the heater to the cab firewall has a thermostat that will only open when it 'feels' enough heat being generated by the heater. Of course, on a day like today, that never really happens, so the only real heat I feel is coming from the defroster. It's not unbearable, but it's sure not warm. After driving for about 2 or 3 miles, the temperature gauge is almost to normal setting, and my oil pressure is finally showing normal range (it was high due to the cold oil earlier. A real test of the oil pump as to it's health), and I find myself enjoying this chilly but fine drive.
I arrive at work in good order, and can remember similar experiences from a long distant past when I was growing up in the late 50's and early 60's when my DAD was driving these old monsters, and remember why we were so bundled up when for out winter drives. It's not unlike a sleigh ride.....you just don't get the wind in your face!
I'm sure I've joggled a few members memories of rides like this in THEIR past. It's a truly satisfying experience to drive these old cars, even in 6 degree above zero weather (as long as they're running!
)Regards. Michaelson
