Are you kidding? As soon as he sees this, it will be back to the dealer for a wash, detail and...oh yeah...where's my lit up star?
And I thought you guys knew me better! I could have ordered it, but if you don't drive at night, what good is it?
They also have illuminated door sills with the Mercedes name and star. A total waste of money - to be sure - for either or both options. Even if I drove more at night, I would not get those options!
The GC's have gotten bigger, so maybe there's now room to put it somewhere other than behind the axle. I just looked up some pictures of the Jeep Liberty, a smaller Jeep. It still has the tank behind the rear axle. One of the better arguments supporting the manufacturer is that these Jeeps met the crash standards set 'by the government' when they were produced.
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How about if the door sills lit up with your name?
Nah, it would reduce the trade value of the car - something that is important to me as often as I trade!
What they did do this year, as standard equipment, it to offer 3 different interior ambient lighting choices which are selected in the settings menu. They have rose, pale yellow and polar pastel blue. I chose "polar" which is cool pastel blue against my light gray interior. Nice feature. The ambient lighting is provided through LED lighting just below the wood and leather trims throughout the car.
Pontiac hood ornament
Yes, I remember those. My dad's '54 Pontiac Star Chief (or was it Chieftan) had the amber-lit ornament. Very cool looking - but on the Mercedes, what about a "Polar blue" lit 3-pointed star. Now that would be awesome!
There were fewer people killed from Pinto exploding gas tanks than from Jeeps, but they still recalled the Pinto. Although the number of occurances are small, for a tank to explode and kill, 1 per million for GC and .9 per million for Liberty, it is about double (.5 per million) for other vehicles.
At one time they put the gas tank under the rear seat, but, manufacturers thought that could burn people in a fire. Then they moved them as far away as possible at the back. Then the thinking changed to in front of the rear wheels to make more of a buffer zone.
I think it is cheaper to have the tank at the back...filler cap is more direct, not as hard to get other hardware like exhaust pipes around it.
Chrysler doesn't want to fix their Jeeps, it is very costly.
A person could find a hood ornament from an old Pontiac where the Indian head lit up at night!
The first car we had that I can remember was a '62 Pontiac Star Chief.. I still remember how the high beam indicator in the instrument panel was in the shape of an Indian head...
Chrysler doesn't want to fix their Jeeps, it is very costly.
Many years ago I had the unfortunate experience of dropping the gas tank (R&R) in a couple of automobiles. 1967 Plymouth Barracuda, and a 1983 Ford pickup, if memory serves. It was NOT easy, and this was in the days before pressurized fuel systems (evaporative control, I believe it's called.)
And trying to fit the tank in a different location, and re-route the fuel lines, and make sure it passes the sealed low pressure test ... Not something I would want to do. The cost is almost certain to be more than the value of the vehicle on some of those older models. Yes, reading the article you linked to shows that they covered that point, even suggesting that a "buy back" might be the only option.
even suggesting that a "buy back" might be the only option
They said a buy back coupon was offered before. That might be the way to go to get the safety people off of Chryslers back. A $1500 to $2000 buy back...could vary depending on year and mileage etc. could be much better than trying to fix or move a gas tank. That way, you don't lose a customer and you move some metal.
Chryco may have to raise the MSRP of Jeeps for awhile so they don't lose money, but, it might just work. Some people won't be able to afford a new Jeep, I guess they will just have to take their chances.
Was there a Pontiac tribe? I thought there was a Chief Pontiac.
I suppose now that hood ornament would be offensive to some...too bad.
That 1962 would have been a sweet ride.
I once had a 1964 Catalina 2 dr HT with a 421 engine. It had a three speed stick on the column! It had been special ordered. It was RELLY fast but it took forever to shift it.
I paid 400.00 in the early 70's from a co-worker and it's one of those cars I really wish I had today!
Was there a Pontiac tribe? I thought there was a Chief Pontiac.
You are correct - Chief Pontiac was who they named the Pontiac line for. In the 50's, they produced the Chieftan and the Star Chief. The Star Chief was the one with the glowing amber Pontiac hood ornament. I asked my dad and he remembered that it was a two-tone blue (navy blue and light blue) with rear wheel skirts and hydromatic transmission. It also had power steering which was relatively new at that time (1954). He said it had those "full" whitewall tires and he said he paid $2200 for it - brand new - and the dealer (Feingold Pontiac in Far Rockaway New York) threw in bumper guards when he bought the car.
Amazing how dad could remember those details yet can't remember what we talked about this morning.
The 1954 Pontiacs were the very last of the GM cars to use a flathead six or eight cylinder engine. These were very rugged but limited in power. Those old four speed Hydramatics would loosen your fillings when they shifted but they were rock solid.
The lighted hood ornaments were an option on any model Pontiac.
Power steering was a very rare option in 1954.
In those days a Pontiac was one step up from a Chevrolet.
In those days a Pontiac was one step up from a Chevrolet.
They were a step up from a Chevy for as long as I can remember. Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, then Cadillac - each a step up from the former make.
Yes, power steering was a rare option - but those big Pontiac's sure needed the assist. Dad told me it was the first car he ever had that came with the Poer Steering option.
Dad told me his very favorite car was his 1956 Buick Roadmaster Convertible. It was white with red leather interior, power windows, power steering, power brakes, Dynaflow transmission and a Fireball Eight. Truly a Sherman Tank of a car. He remembers it vividly, as do I.
The 1956 Buick Roadmaster--Wow, what a car. I wonder what one of these babies cost brand new?
Dad told me he thought he paid $2900 for it with a trade. It was solid white with a black convertible top w/red leather and red carpeting. We drove as a family to Miami Beach from New York City back in 1957 for a 3 week vacation. And those were the days before I-95 was constructed.
I remember stopping in Lumberton North Carolina one night and in Savanna Georgia one night. I think we were limited to Routes 1 and 301 for most of the trip. US 1 took us through most of the east coast of Florida. It was a 3 day trip back then, but it was worth it - those were the days when Miami was the Riviera of the world - no crime, nightclubs, gorgeous beaches along A1A, and the most exquisite hotels along the ocean on Collins Avenue.
Miami is now like any other city in the country, with rare exceptions along its coastline. Key Biscayne is still an exclusive island just off the coast of Miami.
Oh, for the good old days when you could walk along Lincoln Road or Ocean Drive or Collins Avenue without the anxiety of being robbed at gunpoint or beaten up. Things sure have changed down there as they have here in northern Broward County. Boca Raton is still a nice place to live as are Delray Beach, Jupiter and further up the rad coast and west coast.
Very nice *Driver and very nostalgic. I had posted this sometime ago and thought some might enjoy this video.
The ultimate example of durability is the pre-1960s American cars that are still on the road in Havana Cuba. These are real classics and would fetch big dollars on the American market. When it comes to style these classics put to shame some of the expensive iron on the road today. That said, I like everything about them but the hood ornaments are standouts and are so cool. It's a shame modern cars today abandoned hood ornaments. Enjoy the video and comment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDhiL4tjJaA
Dad told me he thought he paid $2900 for it with a trade....I remember stopping in Lumberton North Carolina one night and in Savanna Georgia one night.
Mike, your dad has a great long-term memory. According to the book, (The Value of a Dollar:Prices and Incomes in the United States, 1860 -2009, 4th. edition, by Scott Derks), a Buick Century 2-door hardtop retailed for $2,490 - $3,420. It does not show a price for the Roadmaster but other popular models were: Chrysler Imperial Newport, (1955) 2-door hardtop, $3,752- $4,072 Desoto Fireflite, (1956) 2-door hardtop, $2,727 - $3,615 Pontiac Bonneville (1957), $5,782
By comparison, a hotel room went for $4.00 per night, a 4-bedroom house in the Chicago area, $19,500, a Zenith TV, $550, a Smith-Corona electric typewriter, $209.35, public school teachers salary, $3,827 per year; and a 1956 dollar was worth $3.26 in 2008.
What really stands out in that list of prices is the Zenith TV for 550.00! That was a lot of money in those days especially compared to today.
That was a tube type black and white that weighed a ton and it was made in the good old USA. When they broke you called a mobile TV repairman and you hoped like hell he could fix it on the spot instead of having to take it in.
That 1956 Buick was a beautiful car. The 1957's were according to the guys who worked on them, the worst cars Buick ever produced.
That 1956 Buick was a beautiful car. The 1957's were according to the guys who worked on them, the worst cars Buick ever produced.
I was watching Mecum Auto Auctions on Velocity TV a year of so ago and saw a '56 White Roadmaster Convertible with white seats and black top go for $125,000 with 27,000 original miles on it. It had been restored, of course. You are right - the '56 Buick's were gorgeous cars and the '57's were awful looking.
Sems to me that for decades the cost of your basic, nice tv was $400 - $500.
As far back as 56, yeah that bought a big console B&N tv. By 1961 or so that would get you a maybe 23" color set which morphed into a 25" set for a long time. In maybe 1999 we bought a 32" Toshiba for about that. Really it didn't end until the death of the cathode ray tube.
Heck, today you can get stripped 42" HDTV for not much more than that now.
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I know anymore you can't give away a cathode ray television even though it may be in perfect working order. I tried selling one at a garage sale recently. It was an almost never used 32 inch Toshiba with a NEVER used VCR built in.
Tried selling it for 20.00. Dropped the price to 10.00 and still no takers.
Modified a garage shelf where I have my Man Cave. Now, I can watch all of the old VCR tapes I was never able to throw away! Perfect picture!
Heck, today you can get stripped 42" HDTV for not much more than that now.
About 3 years ago, I bought a Toshiba 30" HDTV with built in DVD player (you slide DVD's into the left side) for $299.99 + tax from Brandsmart. It has the 1080 HD Color Stream. I use it in my den, which is a small 12' x 11' room with an entertainment center that the TV fits into perfectly. Can't put anything bigger in the room because of the modular 3-piece entertainment center and break front.
Color is sper sharp as is the picture. My dad has a tube set in his bedroom and refuses to get a new HDTV - he says he can't see much anyway so why throw out good money on something he can't appreciate. He has a point. But when his tube goes, which is inevitable (it's 15 years old now), he'll be forced to get something new. But he said if his TV goes on the bum, as he puts it, he'll call a TV repairman. I tried to tell him that they don't make TV's with tubes any more, but he doesn't believe me. Not worth arguing with him. He'll find out sooner or later and then he'll forget he said he didn't believe me.
When I was a kid there happened to be two side by side small businesses.
One shop repaired typewriters and the other shop was a radio and TV repair shop.
Think they might still be in business? :sick:
I remember bringing my Smith Corona portable (manual) typewriter there once. The guy cleaned it and adjusted everything and installed a new ribbon all for 15.00.
But he said if his TV goes on the bum, as he puts it, he'll call a TV repairman.
If his TV goes just surprise him with a new flat screen, it just isn't worth getting an old TV fixed, if you can even find someone who will try to fix it. Many TV repair shops are out of business....why pay $150 to have an old TV fixed when you can buy a new one that will last for 20 years for a little bit more.
I have absolutely no intention of assisting him in repairing his TV when it finally goes. I took him to BrandsMart a few months back and had the salesperson show him a TUBE TV. He was told then that there are no more of them - everything is flat screen now. But he denies that stating it's because BrandsMart wants to sell flat screens, not tube TV's. I also took him to SONY and HHGREGG, but he insists the opposite of what they say.
You have to understand what I'm dealing with! So rather than fighting with him, I will wait for his TV dies, and then let him discover for himself that they are not manufactured any longer.
Remember what I went through to get him to buy a recliner? Now, I can't get him out of it.
I am 97% of his life - he depends on me for doctors, banking, shopping, cooking, cleaning, bandaging his cuts and bruises (which is frequent because his skin is so thin). To name a few.
So, if he outlives his TV, he'll get a new one - but not before.
You may have to buy an extra VCR player somewhere isell, when that one goes you may not find another one around.
Isel, if you ever need a VCR, let me know. My dad bought a new one 5 years ago (he insisted because he knew how to play and record his favorite shows) but never took it out of the box. I found the very last new one at BrandsMart (were they happy to get rid of that) because he didn't trust DVD's. So I was lucky enough to find one that also had a DVD player, but he's never used the darn thing. Has a remote and everything.
So let me know, isel, it is probably going to become an antique soon. Maybe The Antiques Roadshow would be interested in a few years
Isel, if you ever need a VCR, let me know. My dad bought a new one 5 years ago (he insisted because he knew how to play and record his favorite shows)
Wow, someone less tech savy than me! I love new devices once I know how to operate them, like GPS, USB ports in the car, my MP3 player.
I even watched French Open Tennis on HD because of you guys hounding me on...and it made a huge difference, you can actually see the ball. Sharipova looks even better too!
I don't know why VCRs disappeared so quickly. How do people record shows if they don't have a hard-drive cable box?
That used to be a nice sales tag line but apparently the IRS did not get that memo.
This is not a political statement, it is just my attempt to bring a little levity to this forum. Now back to cars; especially the revised 2014 Chevy Malibu. In 2008 when Chevy introduced the new Malibu they promoted it as the alternative to the bland anonymous midsize sedan. And that effort was wonderful. A reasonably priced car (starting under $20K) with an appealing exterior and interior design.
Don't know what happened but the 2013 Malibu redesign was a disappointment. So to compete in that segment Chevy rushed through a do-over for 2014. From the few pics I have seen it does not look any better than the previous iteration. In the meantime, Chevy dealers are having a fire sale to move those 2013s to make room for the 2014s.
I am no marketing guru but I believe the problem with the Malibu is the Cruze. There is not enough product differentiation between the two. And furthermore, the Cruze's interior is so nice and hip that it cannot help but cannibalize the Malibu's sales.
Just returned from vacation (Bermuda). Logged in to see that video from Cuba....reminded me of Bermuda somewhat, except Bermuda is much cleaner.
I know it's a political hot potato in Miami, but I think it's high time we, as an entire country, normalize relations with Cuba. It might hurt some feelings in southern FL, but it would be good for the rest of the country as well as for Cuba.
Gas in Bermuda is about $8/gal. They said it comes from the U.S. Again, one of those situations where the economy of oil makes zero sense (as does the current fuel run up I've seen recently, here). I'm still interested what the DOJ finds once their investigation of the oil industry is complete (and the one being conducted by the U.K. gov't).
That said, lots of scooters and small cars. Peugot seems to be the most stylish, where I saw a lot of little two seater hardtop/convertibles....Honda Fits, Hyundais, Toyotas, Ford Fiestas, Chevy Sonics were in abundance, too. I think I only saw ONE BMW....no Benzs, no Audis, no Lexi nor any Nissan/Infinitis.
Personally, I rented a scooter and had a blast buzzing around Hamilton, Bermuda on it.....some of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen are there.
I know it's a political hot potato in Miami, but I think it's high time we, as an entire country, normalize relations with Cuba. It might hurt some feelings in southern FL, but it would be good for the rest of the country as well as for Cuba.
The US should have normalized relations with Cuba decades ago. Nothing would have hastened the fall of communism in Cuba than Nikes, McDonald's and Coca Cola.....
The US should have normalized relations with Cuba decades ago. Nothing would have hastened the fall of communism in Cuba than Nikes, McDonald's and Coca Cola.....
Canadians go to Cuba all the time...lots of flights and resorts. I believe Americans can go if they come through Canada....I don't know what happens when Cuba is stamped on their passport.
It is a very cheap holiday, gives Canadians a break from the winter. You can go to a nice resort for a week for $700 to $800, good hotel and air fare. It is a bit rough, not great food, might not have lots of hot water, not a whole lot to see unless you want to go out on a boat, scuba dive, motorbike or bike around. Depends on the kind of vacation one is looking for....it is warm and a chance to get away.
And, in addition, you have Hulu and Netflix Streaming and many, many other sources.
The only thing I find is....we have a cable box with DVR capability for the main TV.
But, occassionally I may want to watch something on another TV, like say in the bedroom. I don't record much there, but, I might be watching something I really want to see the rest of it. I don't want a DVR unit for that TV because I only want to record off it about 5 times a year. I can use a DVD/VCR unit so I can record and that is fine....seems a little crude compared to the DVR unit, but it works. So, it seems there is still a use for VCRs, they just don't seem to make or sell them any more.
Just like Canadians, Mexicans can go to Cuba. Tons of flights. Mexico has great beaches so there's less appeal to go there as opposed to Canadians during winter.
In this provocative article MSN Money wrote: “...Why can't we buy cars directly from the manufacturer? The dealership model made a lot of sense decades ago, when automakers didn't want to make big investments in real estate, showrooms and distribution. But the Internet has made dealerships less relevant -- consumers can do all of their own research on price, availability and discounts. As a result, interacting with the dealership is for many the worst part about buying a new car.” http://money.msn.com/now/post.aspx?post=360f2b7a-54a1-4bb3-93b5-efbf531a0073
What do you guys think? I believe auto makers should have a choice to sell directly to the final consumer or through dealerships. For example, a person can buy a computer directly from Dell or from Best Buy; so why isn’t the same true for auto manufacturers?
Comments
Are you kidding? As soon as he sees this, it will be back to the dealer for a wash, detail and...oh yeah...where's my lit up star?
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Are you kidding? As soon as he sees this, it will be back to the dealer for a wash, detail and...oh yeah...where's my lit up star?
And I thought you guys knew me better! I could have ordered it, but if you don't drive at night, what good is it?
They also have illuminated door sills with the Mercedes name and star. A total waste of money - to be sure - for either or both options. Even if I drove more at night, I would not get those options!
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I just looked up some pictures of the Jeep Liberty, a smaller Jeep. It still has the tank behind the rear axle.
One of the better arguments supporting the manufacturer is that these Jeeps met the crash standards set 'by the government' when they were produced.
Anyone remember those? They lit up amber and were so cool.
Now, one of THOSE would look just great on a new Mercedes!
Nah, it would reduce the trade value of the car - something that is important to me as often as I trade!
What they did do this year, as standard equipment, it to offer 3 different interior ambient lighting choices which are selected in the settings menu. They have rose, pale yellow and polar pastel blue. I chose "polar" which is cool pastel blue against my light gray interior. Nice feature. The ambient lighting is provided through LED lighting just below the wood and leather trims throughout the car.
Pontiac hood ornament
Yes, I remember those. My dad's '54 Pontiac Star Chief (or was it Chieftan) had the amber-lit ornament. Very cool looking - but on the Mercedes, what about a
"Polar blue" lit 3-pointed star. Now that would be awesome!
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Yes, I remember those, goes to show even new ideas are really just old ideas redesigned.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
This article covers all the facts very well.
USA Today - Jeep gas tanks
There were fewer people killed from Pinto exploding gas tanks than from Jeeps, but they still recalled the Pinto. Although the number of occurances are small, for a tank to explode and kill, 1 per million for GC and .9 per million for Liberty, it is about double (.5 per million) for other vehicles.
At one time they put the gas tank under the rear seat, but, manufacturers thought that could burn people in a fire. Then they moved them as far away as possible at the back. Then the thinking changed to in front of the rear wheels to make more of a buffer zone.
I think it is cheaper to have the tank at the back...filler cap is more direct, not as hard to get other hardware like exhaust pipes around it.
Chrysler doesn't want to fix their Jeeps, it is very costly.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The first car we had that I can remember was a '62 Pontiac Star Chief.. I still remember how the high beam indicator in the instrument panel was in the shape of an Indian head...
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But, is that being politically correct?
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Many years ago I had the unfortunate experience of dropping the gas tank (R&R) in a couple of automobiles. 1967 Plymouth Barracuda, and a 1983 Ford pickup, if memory serves. It was NOT easy, and this was in the days before pressurized fuel systems (evaporative control, I believe it's called.)
And trying to fit the tank in a different location, and re-route the fuel lines, and make sure it passes the sealed low pressure test ... Not something I would want to do. The cost is almost certain to be more than the value of the vehicle on some of those older models. Yes, reading the article you linked to shows that they covered that point, even suggesting that a "buy back" might be the only option.
They said a buy back coupon was offered before. That might be the way to go to get the safety people off of Chryslers back. A $1500 to $2000 buy back...could vary depending on year and mileage etc. could be much better than trying to fix or move a gas tank. That way, you don't lose a customer and you move some metal.
Chryco may have to raise the MSRP of Jeeps for awhile so they don't lose money, but, it might just work. Some people won't be able to afford a new Jeep, I guess they will just have to take their chances.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
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I suppose now that hood ornament would be offensive to some...too bad.
That 1962 would have been a sweet ride.
I once had a 1964 Catalina 2 dr HT with a 421 engine. It had a three speed stick on the column! It had been special ordered. It was RELLY fast but it took forever to shift it.
I paid 400.00 in the early 70's from a co-worker and it's one of those cars I really wish I had today!
You are correct - Chief Pontiac was who they named the Pontiac line for. In the 50's, they produced the Chieftan and the Star Chief. The Star Chief was the one with the glowing amber Pontiac hood ornament. I asked my dad and he remembered that it was a two-tone blue (navy blue and light blue) with rear wheel skirts and hydromatic transmission. It also had power steering which was relatively new at that time (1954). He said it had those "full" whitewall tires and he said he paid $2200 for it - brand new - and the dealer (Feingold Pontiac in Far Rockaway New York) threw in bumper guards when he bought the car.
Amazing how dad could remember those details yet can't remember what we talked about this morning.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
The lighted hood ornaments were an option on any model Pontiac.
Power steering was a very rare option in 1954.
In those days a Pontiac was one step up from a Chevrolet.
They were a step up from a Chevy for as long as I can remember. Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, then Cadillac - each a step up from the former make.
Yes, power steering was a rare option - but those big Pontiac's sure needed the assist. Dad told me it was the first car he ever had that came with the Poer Steering option.
Dad told me his very favorite car was his 1956 Buick Roadmaster Convertible. It was white with red leather interior, power windows, power steering, power brakes, Dynaflow transmission and a Fireball Eight. Truly a Sherman Tank of a car. He remembers it vividly, as do I.
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*Driver100, how do you insert pictures?
Like this.....
That was one nice car in it's day.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Dad told me he thought he paid $2900 for it with a trade. It was solid white with a black convertible top w/red leather and red carpeting. We drove as a family to Miami Beach from New York City back in 1957 for a 3 week vacation. And those were the days before I-95 was constructed.
I remember stopping in Lumberton North Carolina one night and in Savanna Georgia one night. I think we were limited to Routes 1 and 301 for most of the trip. US 1 took us through most of the east coast of Florida. It was a 3 day trip back then, but it was worth it - those were the days when Miami was the Riviera of the world - no crime, nightclubs, gorgeous beaches along A1A, and the most exquisite hotels along the ocean on Collins Avenue.
Miami is now like any other city in the country, with rare exceptions along its coastline. Key Biscayne is still an exclusive island just off the coast of Miami.
Oh, for the good old days when you could walk along Lincoln Road or Ocean Drive or Collins Avenue without the anxiety of being robbed at gunpoint or beaten up. Things sure have changed down there as they have here in northern Broward County. Boca Raton is still a nice place to live as are Delray Beach, Jupiter and further up the rad coast and west coast.
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2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The ultimate example of durability is the pre-1960s American cars that are still on the road in Havana Cuba. These are real classics and would fetch big dollars on the American market.
When it comes to style these classics put to shame some of the expensive iron on the road today. That said, I like everything about them but the hood ornaments are standouts and are so cool. It's a shame modern cars today abandoned hood ornaments.
Enjoy the video and comment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDhiL4tjJaA
Mike, your dad has a great long-term memory. According to the book, (The Value of a Dollar:Prices and Incomes in the United States, 1860 -2009, 4th. edition, by Scott Derks), a Buick Century 2-door hardtop retailed for $2,490 - $3,420. It does not show a price for the Roadmaster but other popular models were:
Chrysler Imperial Newport, (1955) 2-door hardtop, $3,752- $4,072
Desoto Fireflite, (1956) 2-door hardtop, $2,727 - $3,615
Pontiac Bonneville (1957), $5,782
By comparison, a hotel room went for $4.00 per night, a 4-bedroom house in the Chicago area, $19,500, a Zenith TV, $550, a Smith-Corona electric typewriter, $209.35, public school teachers salary, $3,827 per year; and a 1956 dollar was worth $3.26 in 2008.
That was a tube type black and white that weighed a ton and it was made in the good old USA. When they broke you called a mobile TV repairman and you hoped like hell he could fix it on the spot instead of having to take it in.
That 1956 Buick was a beautiful car. The 1957's were according to the guys who worked on them, the worst cars Buick ever produced.
I was watching Mecum Auto Auctions on Velocity TV a year of so ago and saw a '56 White Roadmaster Convertible with white seats and black top go for $125,000 with 27,000 original miles on it. It had been restored, of course. You are right - the '56 Buick's were gorgeous cars and the '57's were awful looking.
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As far back as 56, yeah that bought a big console B&N tv. By 1961 or so that would get you a maybe 23" color set which morphed into a 25" set for a long time. In maybe 1999 we bought a 32" Toshiba for about that. Really it didn't end until the death of the cathode ray tube.
Heck, today you can get stripped 42" HDTV for not much more than that now.
Tried selling it for 20.00. Dropped the price to 10.00 and still no takers.
Modified a garage shelf where I have my Man Cave. Now, I can watch all of the old VCR tapes I was never able to throw away! Perfect picture!
About 3 years ago, I bought a Toshiba 30" HDTV with built in DVD player (you slide DVD's into the left side) for $299.99 + tax from Brandsmart. It has the 1080 HD Color Stream. I use it in my den, which is a small 12' x 11' room with an entertainment center that the TV fits into perfectly. Can't put anything bigger in the room because of the modular 3-piece entertainment center and break front.
Color is sper sharp as is the picture. My dad has a tube set in his bedroom and refuses to get a new HDTV - he says he can't see much anyway so why throw out good money on something he can't appreciate. He has a point. But when his tube goes, which is inevitable (it's 15 years old now), he'll be forced to get something new. But he said if his TV goes on the bum, as he puts it, he'll call a TV repairman. I tried to tell him that they don't make TV's with tubes any more, but he doesn't believe me. Not worth arguing with him. He'll find out sooner or later and then he'll forget he said he didn't believe me.
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One shop repaired typewriters and the other shop was a radio and TV repair shop.
Think they might still be in business? :sick:
I remember bringing my Smith Corona portable (manual) typewriter there once. The guy cleaned it and adjusted everything and installed a new ribbon all for 15.00.
You may have to buy an extra VCR player somewhere isell, when that one goes you may not find another one around.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If his TV goes just surprise him with a new flat screen, it just isn't worth getting an old TV fixed, if you can even find someone who will try to fix it. Many TV repair shops are out of business....why pay $150 to have an old TV fixed when you can buy a new one that will last for 20 years for a little bit more.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I have absolutely no intention of assisting him in repairing his TV when it finally goes. I took him to BrandsMart a few months back and had the salesperson show him a TUBE TV. He was told then that there are no more of them - everything is flat screen now. But he denies that stating it's because BrandsMart wants to sell flat screens, not tube TV's. I also took him to SONY and HHGREGG, but he insists the opposite of what they say.
You have to understand what I'm dealing with! So rather than fighting with him, I will wait for his TV dies, and then let him discover for himself that they are not manufactured any longer.
Remember what I went through to get him to buy a recliner? Now, I can't get him out of it.
I am 97% of his life - he depends on me for doctors, banking, shopping, cooking, cleaning, bandaging his cuts and bruises (which is frequent because his skin is so thin). To name a few.
So, if he outlives his TV, he'll get a new one - but not before.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Isel, if you ever need a VCR, let me know. My dad bought a new one 5 years ago (he insisted because he knew how to play and record his favorite shows) but never took it out of the box. I found the very last new one at BrandsMart (were they happy to get rid of that) because he didn't trust DVD's. So I was lucky enough to find one that also had a DVD player, but he's never used the darn thing. Has a remote and everything.
So let me know, isel, it is probably going to become an antique soon. Maybe The Antiques Roadshow would be interested in a few years
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Wow, someone less tech savy than me! I love new devices once I know how to operate them, like GPS, USB ports in the car, my MP3 player.
I even watched French Open Tennis on HD because of you guys hounding me on...and it made a huge difference, you can actually see the ball. Sharipova looks even better too!
I don't know why VCRs disappeared so quickly. How do people record shows if they don't have a hard-drive cable box?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
This is not a political statement, it is just my attempt to bring a little levity to this forum. Now back to cars; especially the revised 2014 Chevy Malibu. In 2008 when Chevy introduced the new Malibu they promoted it as the alternative to the bland anonymous midsize sedan. And that effort was wonderful. A reasonably priced car (starting under $20K) with an appealing exterior and interior design.
Don't know what happened but the 2013 Malibu redesign was a disappointment. So to compete in that segment Chevy rushed through a do-over for 2014. From the few pics I have seen it does not look any better than the previous iteration. In the meantime, Chevy dealers are having a fire sale to move those 2013s to make room for the 2014s.
I am no marketing guru but I believe the problem with the Malibu is the Cruze. There is not enough product differentiation between the two. And furthermore, the Cruze's interior is so nice and hip that it cannot help but cannibalize the Malibu's sales.
I know it's a political hot potato in Miami, but I think it's high time we, as an entire country, normalize relations with Cuba. It might hurt some feelings in southern FL, but it would be good for the rest of the country as well as for Cuba.
Gas in Bermuda is about $8/gal. They said it comes from the U.S. Again, one of those situations where the economy of oil makes zero sense (as does the current fuel run up I've seen recently, here). I'm still interested what the DOJ finds once their investigation of the oil industry is complete (and the one being conducted by the U.K. gov't).
That said, lots of scooters and small cars. Peugot seems to be the most stylish, where I saw a lot of little two seater hardtop/convertibles....Honda Fits, Hyundais, Toyotas, Ford Fiestas, Chevy Sonics were in abundance, too. I think I only saw ONE BMW....no Benzs, no Audis, no Lexi nor any Nissan/Infinitis.
Personally, I rented a scooter and had a blast buzzing around Hamilton, Bermuda on it.....some of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen are there.
Cuba would be a great cruise ship destination!
The US should have normalized relations with Cuba decades ago. Nothing would have hastened the fall of communism in Cuba than Nikes, McDonald's and Coca Cola.....
Most people do have a DVR (digital video recorder), either from the cable company or DirecTV or Dish or ...
And, in addition, you have Hulu and Netflix Streaming and many, many other sources.
Couldn't agree more, robr2!
Canadians go to Cuba all the time...lots of flights and resorts. I believe Americans can go if they come through Canada....I don't know what happens when Cuba is stamped on their passport.
It is a very cheap holiday, gives Canadians a break from the winter. You can go to a nice resort for a week for $700 to $800, good hotel and air fare. It is a bit rough, not great food, might not have lots of hot water, not a whole lot to see unless you want to go out on a boat, scuba dive, motorbike or bike around. Depends on the kind of vacation one is looking for....it is warm and a chance to get away.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The only thing I find is....we have a cable box with DVR capability for the main TV.
But, occassionally I may want to watch something on another TV, like say in the bedroom. I don't record much there, but, I might be watching something I really want to see the rest of it. I don't want a DVR unit for that TV because I only want to record off it about 5 times a year. I can use a DVD/VCR unit so I can record and that is fine....seems a little crude compared to the DVR unit, but it works. So, it seems there is still a use for VCRs, they just don't seem to make or sell them any more.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
An influx of cruise ship dollars could go a long way in improving conditions there.
Still, the Castro regime would have to end first.
It seems every garage sale has one sitting around.
And, on Craigslist people sell huge collections of some pretty good VCR movies at fire sale prices.
Of course, this coming from a guy who tearfully FINALLY threw away his large box of 8 track tapes a couple of years ago!
Well I have one of those combo DVD/VCR unit. It works great. When I want to watch an old Robert De Niro movie I simply slip in my VCR tape, and voila.
Add me to the list who agree with rob.
Just like Canadians, Mexicans can go to Cuba. Tons of flights. Mexico has great beaches so there's less appeal to go there as opposed to Canadians during winter.
Threw away, THREW AWAY???
You could've made a pretty penny on ebay.
“...Why can't we buy cars directly from the manufacturer? The dealership model made a lot of sense decades ago, when automakers didn't want to make big investments in real estate, showrooms and distribution. But the Internet has made dealerships less relevant -- consumers can do all of their own research on price, availability and discounts. As a result, interacting with the dealership is for many the worst part about buying a new car.” http://money.msn.com/now/post.aspx?post=360f2b7a-54a1-4bb3-93b5-efbf531a0073
What do you guys think? I believe auto makers should have a choice to sell directly to the final consumer or through dealerships. For example, a person can buy a computer directly from Dell or from Best Buy; so why isn’t the same true for auto manufacturers?