Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

abacomike · September 2017

oldfarmer50 said:

Michaell said:

iluvmysephia1 said:
Michaell - is Denver cold yet?
Define cold - it's been in the 50's the last few days. Cloudy and rainy.

But, up at the Continental Divide, there has been snow falling.

Just the beginning of fall. 60's most of this week, back into the 70's by the weekend.
90 yesterday and today here. Take that Mike!

It's 92 or 93 every single day - along with high humidity. I'm just used to it now. If the temps dropped into the 60's, I'd be freezing!

graphicguy · September 2017

oldfarmer50 said:

graphicguy said:
OF....Boy do I like those pics of the car show. Some I recognize, some I don’t (my membership might be revoked for not having the minimum required knowledge moving forward).

Shifty......I had heard on one of the Auctions TV programs (Meacum?) that the “old” Chrysler 300s continuously bring more money than they had sold for previously. PRetty amazing stat.
One of them was bid at $15k and another drew$57k. Not sure if they met reserve and actually sold. The auction catalog listed high and low value estimates and most didn't garner low end. I think a lot of horse trading goes on after the auction. I even saw one of the trucks on CL this morning so I know that didn't sell.

There was even some comedy when an early 60s T bird with areally nice paint job started bleeding coolant all over the stage in a cloud. Bet that seller was miffed at the timing.

Speaking of Mecam, I think they were running this thing because I saw one of the audience fluffers from TV running around screaming out bids.

Here's some more candy.

And one for Fintail

Well....hello Mr GT350. I could fall in love several times based on the pics you’re posting!

explorerx4 · September 2017

I was there baking in the stands at the NH race.
Kept applying sunscreen, so didn't get burned, but I'm sore from sitting on the metal bleaches even though I bought a cushion to sit on.
Left the house at 7:30 AM, got home around 11 PM, but doable in a day.

ab348 · September 2017

oldfarmer50 said:

Usually I never want summer to end but our last crop of the season is an ornamental kale that needs low 30s at night to color up. Too hot.

Best and highest use of kale. Just as long as you don't have to eat it.

jmonroe · September 2017

0patience said:

jmonroe said:

Maybe so but the sidewall bulge on the left front tire ain't so nice.

Then again, it might be a pastie that isn't glued down right.

jmonroe
Naw, he clipped the curb coming into the car show.
Odd that is the only thing people notice.

If you hung out in here more often, you'd know that I notice EVERYTHING.

jmonroe

berri · September 2017

Kind of an unusual color on that MB

jmonroe · September 2017

Michaell said:

iluvmysephia1 said:
Michaell - is Denver cold yet?
Define cold - it's been in the 50's the last few days. Cloudy and rainy.

But, up at the Continental Divide, there has been snow falling.

Just the beginning of fall. 60's most of this week, back into the 70's by the weekend.

I see you guys out that way are getting an early start for winter.

Supposed to be close to 90 here in the Burgh today and mid 80's till the weekend. Don't worry it won't last too long but it is nice while it lasts.

The down side is that I have to cut my grass in this heat. :@

jmonroe

pensfan83 · September 2017

jmonroe said:
I see you guys out that way are getting an early start for winter.

Supposed to be close to 90 here in the Burgh today and mid 80's till the weekend. Don't worry it won't last too long but it is nice while it lasts.

The down side is that I have to cut my grass in this heat. :@

jmonroe

It was brutal cutting the grass yesterday

I thought we were done with the A/C and was getting ready to winterize it but had to fire it back up when temps pushed back up to the 80's.

isellhondas · September 2017

driver100 said:

cdnpinhead said:
I'm not much in to "older" cars, but ever since I put bumper stickers (remember those) on at Aquarena in San Marcos, TX, back in the early '60s (all we did all day was wander around the parking lot looking at cars -- I think I was 11 at the time), I came to love the look of the '60 Impala, either red with a white stripe or white with a red stripe. Ever since, I've seen all kinds of cars from that era, but never those beloved Impalas. What's up with that? Did the low-riders buy them all up or what?
Drool over this one.....

Am I the only one who just despises fender skirts and continental kits? Take a beautiful car and hokey it up! WHY?

oldfarmer50 · September 2017

isellhondas said:

driver100 said:

cdnpinhead said:
I'm not much in to "older" cars, but ever since I put bumper stickers (remember those) on at Aquarena in San Marcos, TX, back in the early '60s (all we did all day was wander around the parking lot looking at cars -- I think I was 11 at the time), I came to love the look of the '60 Impala, either red with a white stripe or white with a red stripe. Ever since, I've seen all kinds of cars from that era, but never those beloved Impalas. What's up with that? Did the low-riders buy them all up or what?
Drool over this one.....

Am I the only one who just despises fender skirts and continental kits? Take a beautiful car and hokey it up! WHY?

No you are not. I hate fender skirts and only like continental kits on Continentals. Some of those 70s cars did look nice with vinyl roofs but nothing after that era.

fintail · September 2017

That caught my eye too - skirts and continental kit, no thanks. If I had that car, those would be the first to go, unless I had proof they were on the car from new.

I assume the gold MB W108 is a 280SE 3.5/4.5. With that color and on bundts, a late run car maybe 1971-72. 12.5K isn't cheap, but really nice ones can bring that.

Going to hit around 80 in Seattle on Thursday, good chance that will be the last 80 degree reading until next summer. 70 will be hard to get within a couple weeks.

berri · September 2017

Besides, continental kits were more of a 50's thing, pretty much past by the time 1960 rolled out.

driver100 · September 2017

isellhondas said:

driver100 said:

cdnpinhead said:
I'm not much in to "older" cars, but ever since I put bumper stickers (remember those) on at Aquarena in San Marcos, TX, back in the early '60s (all we did all day was wander around the parking lot looking at cars -- I think I was 11 at the time), I came to love the look of the '60 Impala, either red with a white stripe or white with a red stripe. Ever since, I've seen all kinds of cars from that era, but never those beloved Impalas. What's up with that? Did the low-riders buy them all up or what?
Drool over this one.....

Am I the only one who just despises fender skirts and continental kits? Take a beautiful car and hokey it up! WHY?

The same car without fender skirts and continental kit, and i think you are right isell, it does look better without.

I wonder if it would look better with black tires? Just a guess, but, I think thin whitewalls would look good....but, they weren't around yet.

driver100 · September 2017

The 60 Impala is nice, but my favorite from that era is the 61.

The slightly thinner whitewalls look better too.

Mr_Shiftright · September 2017

abacomike said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Yes, Grant was often slandered as a drunkard but there is very little evidence of it. Great story, though, and a great general, too.

Wasn’t Grant a “haberdasher”? I think I read somewhere that he worked as a clothier in his father’s dry goods business. As far as his drinking, he was not a tea totaler - this is well documented. But I do not know how heavily he drank - but he did love his bourbon.

As a president, he was distracted by controversy and scandals. But no one ever questioned his loyalty and nationalism and his dedication to the preservation of the “Union”!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, lots of cronyism in his administration. No, he wasn't a teetotaler. I think the drunkard slander came from his political enemies, of whom he had quite a few. He almost died broke, but Mark Twain helped him to publish his memoirs, which were a huge best seller around the world.

cdnpinhead · September 2017

isellhondas said:
Am I the only one who just despises fender skirts and continental kits? Take a beautiful car and hokey it up! WHY?

No, you most assuredly are not. I noticed the continental kit immediately, but it took awhile to notice the skirts. Neither are original, as I recall. It's a simply beautiful car (IMNHO) that is hard to find. Apparently it's even harder to find without the geegaws.

My folks had a '53 Pontiac (straight 8) that came with fender skirts, so that's fine. Why anyone would add them to a car that never had them veers into the bizarre modification discussion that was had recently regarding excessive negative camber, among other things.

In today's world, everything is acceptable, but not to me. I'm what they call. . . judgmental, or in the current vernacular, judgy.

Damn straight.

oldfarmer50 · September 2017

berri said:
Besides, continental kits were more of a 50's thing, pretty much past by the time 1960 rolled out.

Bid $33.25k but no fender skirts. 1956. Wait, are those fender skirts too?

explorerx4 · September 2017

I think the '60 Impala looks good with the fender skirts, although they do hide the wheel covers.
The continental kit, I can do without.
Overall, I'm with Driver 100, I like the '61 better.
One thing I'll give the '60 is that is has the starfighter look down.

tbirdmarco · September 2017

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YMTKIRuvSyA

driver100 · September 2017

Here is a question for the mechanically minded.

I mentioned my SIL bought my 2004 BMW X3 in 2008. The car has held up well but it needed an $8000 repair done to it. My SIL, who I don't get along with as you know said he "knows a guy" who could probably fix it for a few $100s.

I was skeptical, but, the "guy" did get it working....but, it only has 2 wheel drive now. His youngest is going to use the car for university....no highway driving...probably not a lot of driving in the snow too I imagine.

The question is, will the car behave properly as a 4WD car when it is operating as 2WD, and should this car be safety approved?

Michaell · September 2017

driver100 said:
Here is a question for the mechanically minded.

I mentioned my SIL bought my 2004 BMW X3 in 2008. The car has held up well but it needed an $8000 repair done to it. My SIL, who I don't get along with as you know said he "knows a guy" who could probably fix it for a few $100s.

I was skeptical, but, the "guy" did get it working....but, it only has 2 wheel drive now. His youngest is going to use the car for university....no highway driving...probably not a lot of driving in the snow too I imagine.

The question is, will the car behave properly as a 4WD car when it is operating as 2WD, and should this car be safety approved?

I'm gonna ask a dumb question - is it now RWD or FWD, if there are only 2 drive wheels?

I'm not mechanically minded by any stretch, but I'm instantly wary of any "repair" that alters the drivetrain in such a substantial manner. And, I'm also guessing that the "fix" is permanent - no going back to 4WD.

What was the initial problem that required an $8000 repair?

Penny wise and pound foolish, me thinks.

explorerx4 · September 2017

@driver100,
Don't you have a requirement to put snow tires on in the winter?
I could be mistaken about that.
If so, it should be ok, although not the same.
I guessing they disconnected the transfer case.

isellhondas · September 2017

I'm almost positive that skirts and continental kits weren't factory installed but were either dealer installed or aftermarket. none of us would have EVER added these on our cars!

I'm happy I'm not alone with my feelings on these!

driver100 · September 2017

Michaell said:

driver100 said:
Here is a question for the mechanically minded.

I mentioned my SIL bought my 2004 BMW X3 in 2008. The car has held up well but it needed an $8000 repair done to it. My SIL, who I don't get along with as you know said he "knows a guy" who could probably fix it for a few $100s.

I was skeptical, but, the "guy" did get it working....but, it only has 2 wheel drive now. His youngest is going to use the car for university....no highway driving...probably not a lot of driving in the snow too I imagine.

The question is, will the car behave properly as a 4WD car when it is operating as 2WD, and should this car be safety approved?
I'm gonna ask a dumb question - is it now RWD or FWD, if there are only 2 drive wheels?

I'm not mechanically minded by any stretch, but I'm instantly wary of any "repair" that alters the drivetrain in such a substantial manner. And, I'm also guessing that the "fix" is permanent - no going back to 4WD.

What was the initial problem that required an $8000 repair?

Penny wise and pound foolish, me thinks.

Sorry Michaell and Explorer, I don't really talk to SIL too much so info comes from my daughter via my wife.
There isn't a requirement to have snow tires in Ontario....though they talk about it a lot. Many areas, like where we live near Toronto, they aren't really necessary, especially if you have AWD. That is good 99.9% of the time.

I have the same concerns Michaell, though I am not knowledgeable about mechanical issues. Just the fact the AWD system allows the front wheels a percentage of power at times makes me wonder how safe it is. Also, AWD is a bit tricky I would think because it has to allow wheels to turn at different revolutions.

I would never allow my own kids to drive a car that has been altered this way, it just sounds so wrong. :@

driver100 · September 2017

isellhondas said:
I'm almost positive that skirts and continental kits weren't factory installed but were either dealer installed or aftermarket. none of us would have EVER added these on our cars!

I'm happy I'm not alone with my feelings on these!

Most fads don't look good once the fad is over...but, people like them at the time. Fads include tail fins, whitewalls, skirts, vinyl roof, tu-tone and 3-tone paint jobs, vinyl cladding etc.

I liked the way the cut outs on the bumpers were made for the tailights on the 59 Ford, with a continental kit.

But the CK looks kind of big and ugly and unnecessary today.

Michaell · September 2017

driver100 said:

Michaell said:

driver100 said:
Here is a question for the mechanically minded.

I mentioned my SIL bought my 2004 BMW X3 in 2008. The car has held up well but it needed an $8000 repair done to it. My SIL, who I don't get along with as you know said he "knows a guy" who could probably fix it for a few $100s.

I was skeptical, but, the "guy" did get it working....but, it only has 2 wheel drive now. His youngest is going to use the car for university....no highway driving...probably not a lot of driving in the snow too I imagine.

The question is, will the car behave properly as a 4WD car when it is operating as 2WD, and should this car be safety approved?
I'm gonna ask a dumb question - is it now RWD or FWD, if there are only 2 drive wheels?

I'm not mechanically minded by any stretch, but I'm instantly wary of any "repair" that alters the drivetrain in such a substantial manner. And, I'm also guessing that the "fix" is permanent - no going back to 4WD.

What was the initial problem that required an $8000 repair?

Penny wise and pound foolish, me thinks.
Sorry Michaell and Explorer, I don't really talk to SIL too much so info comes from my daughter via my wife.
There isn't a requirement to have snow tires in Ontario....though they talk about it a lot. Many areas, like where we live near Toronto, they aren't really necessary, especially if you have AWD. That is good 99.9% of the time.

I have the same concerns Michaell, though I am not knowledgeable about mechanical issues. Just the fact the AWD system allows the front wheels a percentage of power at times makes me wonder how safe it is. Also, AWD is a bit tricky I would think because it has to allow wheels to turn at different revolutions.

I would never allow my own kids to drive a car that has been altered this way, it just sounds so wrong. :@

And this is a vehicle that your grandchild will be driving?

oldfarmer50 · September 2017

Michaell said:

driver100 said:

Michaell said:

driver100 said:
Here is a question for the mechanically minded.

I mentioned my SIL bought my 2004 BMW X3 in 2008. The car has held up well but it needed an $8000 repair done to it. My SIL, who I don't get along with as you know said he "knows a guy" who could probably fix it for a few $100s.

I was skeptical, but, the "guy" did get it working....but, it only has 2 wheel drive now. His youngest is going to use the car for university....no highway driving...probably not a lot of driving in the snow too I imagine.

The question is, will the car behave properly as a 4WD car when it is operating as 2WD, and should this car be safety approved?
I'm gonna ask a dumb question - is it now RWD or FWD, if there are only 2 drive wheels?

I'm not mechanically minded by any stretch, but I'm instantly wary of any "repair" that alters the drivetrain in such a substantial manner. And, I'm also guessing that the "fix" is permanent - no going back to 4WD.

What was the initial problem that required an $8000 repair?

Penny wise and pound foolish, me thinks.
Sorry Michaell and Explorer, I don't really talk to SIL too much so info comes from my daughter via my wife.
There isn't a requirement to have snow tires in Ontario....though they talk about it a lot. Many areas, like where we live near Toronto, they aren't really necessary, especially if you have AWD. That is good 99.9% of the time.

I have the same concerns Michaell, though I am not knowledgeable about mechanical issues. Just the fact the AWD system allows the front wheels a percentage of power at times makes me wonder how safe it is. Also, AWD is a bit tricky I would think because it has to allow wheels to turn at different revolutions.

I would never allow my own kids to drive a car that has been altered this way, it just sounds so wrong. :@

And this is a vehicle that your grandchild will be driving?

Might be time for grandpa to make a suprise birthday gift,

At first I thought if FWD remained it would be ok but thinking how complex some of those German systems can be and the involvement of the many computers and sensors might make for some dangerous steering/handling responses.

Something to be said about hoopties is that they don't suffer as much from system failures.

venture · September 2017

driver100 said:

isellhondas said:
I'm almost positive that skirts and continental kits weren't factory installed but were either dealer installed or aftermarket. none of us would have EVER added these on our cars!

I'm happy I'm not alone with my feelings on these!
Most fads don't look good once the fad is over...but, people like them at the time. Fads include tail fins, whitewalls, skirts, vinyl roof, tu-tone and 3-tone paint jobs, vinyl cladding etc.

I liked the way the cut outs on the bumpers were made for the tailights on the 59 Ford, with a continental kit.

But the CK looks kind of big and ugly and unnecessary today.

It looked big, ugly and unnecessary then too.

fintail · September 2017

I can somewhat excuse skirts and continental kit on 55-57 T-Bird, I suspect a lot of them were so equipped when new.

That 59 Skyliner needs to lose those lake pipes stat.

qbrozen · September 2017

driver100 said:

Here is a question for the mechanically minded. I mentioned my SIL bought my 2004 BMW X3 in 2008. The car has held up well but it needed an $8000 repair done to it. My SIL, who I don't get along with as you know said he "knows a guy" who could probably fix it for a few $100s. I was skeptical, but, the "guy" did get it working....but, it only has 2 wheel drive now. His youngest is going to use the car for university....no highway driving...probably not a lot of driving in the snow too I imagine. The question is, will the car behave properly as a 4WD car when it is operating as 2WD, and should this car be safety approved?

I don't know for sure about the x3, but removing a driveshaft rather than make the proper repair is not all that uncommon. A pretty popular "fix" on many a Volvo out there.

driver100 · September 2017

Michaell said:

driver100 said:

Michaell said:

driver100 said:
Here is a question for the mechanically minded.

I mentioned my SIL bought my 2004 BMW X3 in 2008. The car has held up well but it needed an $8000 repair done to it. My SIL, who I don't get along with as you know said he "knows a guy" who could probably fix it for a few $100s.

I was skeptical, but, the "guy" did get it working....but, it only has 2 wheel drive now. His youngest is going to use the car for university....no highway driving...probably not a lot of driving in the snow too I imagine.

The question is, will the car behave properly as a 4WD car when it is operating as 2WD, and should this car be safety approved?
I'm gonna ask a dumb question - is it now RWD or FWD, if there are only 2 drive wheels?

I'm not mechanically minded by any stretch, but I'm instantly wary of any "repair" that alters the drivetrain in such a substantial manner. And, I'm also guessing that the "fix" is permanent - no going back to 4WD.

What was the initial problem that required an $8000 repair?

Penny wise and pound foolish, me thinks.
Sorry Michaell and Explorer, I don't really talk to SIL too much so info comes from my daughter via my wife.
There isn't a requirement to have snow tires in Ontario....though they talk about it a lot. Many areas, like where we live near Toronto, they aren't really necessary, especially if you have AWD. That is good 99.9% of the time.

I have the same concerns Michaell, though I am not knowledgeable about mechanical issues. Just the fact the AWD system allows the front wheels a percentage of power at times makes me wonder how safe it is. Also, AWD is a bit tricky I would think because it has to allow wheels to turn at different revolutions.

I would never allow my own kids to drive a car that has been altered this way, it just sounds so wrong. :@

And this is a vehicle that your grandchild will be driving?

That is why I need some real proof....it isn't enough to say this sounds kind of crazy. I wrote to the mechanic who has a column in our local newspaper...no reply yet. He helped with my Audi/clutch problem.

driver100 · September 2017

oldfarmer50 said:

Michaell said:

driver100 said:

Michaell said:

driver100 said:
Here is a question for the mechanically minded.

I mentioned my SIL bought my 2004 BMW X3 in 2008. The car has held up well but it needed an $8000 repair done to it. My SIL, who I don't get along with as you know said he "knows a guy" who could probably fix it for a few $100s.

I was skeptical, but, the "guy" did get it working....but, it only has 2 wheel drive now. His youngest is going to use the car for university....no highway driving...probably not a lot of driving in the snow too I imagine.

The question is, will the car behave properly as a 4WD car when it is operating as 2WD, and should this car be safety approved?
I'm gonna ask a dumb question - is it now RWD or FWD, if there are only 2 drive wheels?

I'm not mechanically minded by any stretch, but I'm instantly wary of any "repair" that alters the drivetrain in such a substantial manner. And, I'm also guessing that the "fix" is permanent - no going back to 4WD.

What was the initial problem that required an $8000 repair?

Penny wise and pound foolish, me thinks.
Sorry Michaell and Explorer, I don't really talk to SIL too much so info comes from my daughter via my wife.
There isn't a requirement to have snow tires in Ontario....though they talk about it a lot. Many areas, like where we live near Toronto, they aren't really necessary, especially if you have AWD. That is good 99.9% of the time.

I have the same concerns Michaell, though I am not knowledgeable about mechanical issues. Just the fact the AWD system allows the front wheels a percentage of power at times makes me wonder how safe it is. Also, AWD is a bit tricky I would think because it has to allow wheels to turn at different revolutions.

I would never allow my own kids to drive a car that has been altered this way, it just sounds so wrong. :@

And this is a vehicle that your grandchild will be driving?
Might be time for grandpa to make a suprise birthday gift,

At first I thought if FWD remained it would be ok but thinking how complex some of those German systems can be and the involvement of the many computers and sensors might make for some dangerous steering/handling responses.

Something to be said about hoopties is that they don't suffer as much from system failures.

Good points OF. These cars are pretty sensitive at the best of times....let alone when 2 wheels are not hooked up. Once about 10 years ago the SIL wanted me to use the same X3 to pick up kids in a bad snow storm. I had my little 328 convertible, couldn't carry 2 kids and my wife plus hockey equipment. He told me the X3 had a full tank and was in excellent shape. When I started to drive gas gauge was on EMPTY and after I filled it up I saw the red light come on. I took it back and used our 4 door car and just barely got everything in the car. I told him I wouldn't drive a car that had the oil light on. He said he drove it like that all the time.....it didn't mean anything :@

driver100 · September 2017

fintail said:
I can somewhat excuse skirts and continental kit on 55-57 T-Bird, I suspect a lot of them were so equipped when new.

That 59 Skyliner needs to lose those lake pipes stat.

Agreed.....they look much better without lake pipes.

berri · September 2017

That 59 with the extended fender Continental kit reminds me of a funeral flower car except for the tutone paint. The flat top of the trunk on those hardtop convertible Skyliner's accentuates that look and the extended back fender finishes off for me.

driver100 · September 2017

qbrozen said:

driver100 said:

Here is a question for the mechanically minded.

I mentioned my SIL bought my 2004 BMW X3 in 2008. The car has held up well but it needed an $8000 repair done to it. My SIL, who I don't get along with as you know said he "knows a guy" who could probably fix it for a few $100s.

I was skeptical, but, the "guy" did get it working....but, it only has 2 wheel drive now. His youngest is going to use the car for university....no highway driving...probably not a lot of driving in the snow too I imagine.

The question is, will the car behave properly as a 4WD car when it is operating as 2WD, and should this car be safety approved?

I don't know for sure about the x3, but removing a driveshaft rather than make the proper repair is not all that uncommon. A pretty popular "fix" on many a Volvo out there.

That is why I haven't pressed the SIL yet. It seems to me that it could cause a problem....signals going out to wheels that aren't driving the car etc., but, I can't do or say anything until I actually have some kind of proof. Maybe it is fine, I don't know....sounds like it could be asking for trouble....messing around with the drive train and using it in a way that wasn't intended.

driver100 · September 2017

berri said:
That 59 with the extended fender Continental kit reminds me of a funeral flower car except for the tutone paint. The flat top of the trunk on those hardtop convertible Skyliner's accentuates that look and the extended back fender finishes off for me.

The extended and high trunk on the Skyliner was a bit weird anyway....add a continental kit and it is a bit much. At least if you had that trunk people knew you had a hardtop convertible.

berri · September 2017

You know what really amazes me, the 59 Ford was considered the conservative design compared to the 59 Chevy. But really, Plymouth was probably the low key one that year!

roadburner · September 2017

Michaell said:

driver100 said:
Here is a question for the mechanically minded.

I mentioned my SIL bought my 2004 BMW X3 in 2008. The car has held up well but it needed an $8000 repair done to it. My SIL, who I don't get along with as you know said he "knows a guy" who could probably fix it for a few $100s.

I was skeptical, but, the "guy" did get it working....but, it only has 2 wheel drive now. His youngest is going to use the car for university....no highway driving...probably not a lot of driving in the snow too I imagine.

The question is, will the car behave properly as a 4WD car when it is operating as 2WD, and should this car be safety approved?
I'm gonna ask a dumb question - is it now RWD or FWD, if there are only 2 drive wheels?

I'm not mechanically minded by any stretch, but I'm instantly wary of any "repair" that alters the drivetrain in such a substantial manner. And, I'm also guessing that the "fix" is permanent - no going back to 4WD.

What was the initial problem that required an $8000 repair?

Penny wise and pound foolish, me thinks.

Probably the ATC400 transfer case- around $4,000 at an honest dealer- or one could easily find one of the shops that sell rebuilt units or rebuild kits. The brain-dead moron who converted the truck to 2WD shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a set of tools.

0patience · September 2017

@driver100
If you are in Canada, which I am assuming you are and you have required inspections, correct me if I'm wrong, but I thing Canada does, then it will fail if it is mechanically obvious that something was removed or bypassed.

The question is, what did they do to make it work in only 2wd?
If they removed a driveline, then why?

Trying to understand what they did and why, but I can't wrap my head around it.

tjc78 · September 2017

They probably took out the front CV joints/ axles and then welded something in the transfer case to divert the power back to the rear wheels. Hack job for sure.

driver100 · September 2017

berri said:
You know what really amazes me, the 59 Ford was considered the conservative design compared to the 59 Chevy. But really, Plymouth was probably the low key one that year!

The 59 Plymouth may be the most outrageous....with those fins. I had a 59 Plymouth and I loved the fins...made me think I was a fighter pilot.

driver100 · September 2017

0patience said:
@driver100
If you are in Canada, which I am assuming you are and you have required inspections, correct me if I'm wrong, but I thing Canada does, then it will fail if it is mechanically obvious that something was removed or bypassed.

The question is, what did they do to make it work in only 2wd?
If they removed a driveline, then why?

Trying to understand what they did and why, but I can't wrap my head around it.

There are safety inspections...but, it may not need one for up to 3 years I think, or if it is sold. They made it 2WD because to repair it the cost would have been $8000. The SIL knows some guy who said he could fix it for a few $100s.

I have no idea how they did it....but, that is the why.

driver100 · September 2017

roadburner said:

Michaell said:

driver100 said:
Here is a question for the mechanically minded.

I mentioned my SIL bought my 2004 BMW X3 in 2008. The car has held up well but it needed an $8000 repair done to it. My SIL, who I don't get along with as you know said he "knows a guy" who could probably fix it for a few $100s.

I was skeptical, but, the "guy" did get it working....but, it only has 2 wheel drive now. His youngest is going to use the car for university....no highway driving...probably not a lot of driving in the snow too I imagine.

The question is, will the car behave properly as a 4WD car when it is operating as 2WD, and should this car be safety approved?
I'm gonna ask a dumb question - is it now RWD or FWD, if there are only 2 drive wheels?

I'm not mechanically minded by any stretch, but I'm instantly wary of any "repair" that alters the drivetrain in such a substantial manner. And, I'm also guessing that the "fix" is permanent - no going back to 4WD.

What was the initial problem that required an $8000 repair?

Penny wise and pound foolish, me thinks.
Probably the ATC400 transfer case- around $4,000 at an honest dealer- or one could easily find one of the shops that sell rebuilt units or rebuild kits. The brain-dead moron who converted the truck to 2WD shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a set of tools.

Hey Roadburner.....find out from one of your racing buddies or dealership mechanics...if you are still there what they think of the idea, and if anything can go wrong.

imidazol97 · September 2017

driver100 said:
The 59 Plymouth may be the most outrageous....with those fins. I had a 59 Plymouth and I loved the fins...made me think I was a fighter pilot.

The continental junk on the two Fords pictured look awful. On most cars of the era, Thunderbird excepted, they did not look right. Styling is one of the factors: the extra wheel and the flat platform between it and the trunk are just stuck on. Everything is boxy.

On the other hand, look at the '59 Plymouth. The fins are excessive, as were many styling cues of 58 and 59, BUT notice how the rear bumper end view is an alliteration of the upward flare of the fins on the car as well as of the silver accent strip with its jet tail profile. This is in contrast to the junk added onto the two Fords from J C Whitney since they most likely did not have continental kits when new.

nyccarguy · September 2017

driver100 said:

roadburner said:

Michaell said:

driver100 said:
Here is a question for the mechanically minded.

I mentioned my SIL bought my 2004 BMW X3 in 2008. The car has held up well but it needed an $8000 repair done to it. My SIL, who I don't get along with as you know said he "knows a guy" who could probably fix it for a few $100s.

I was skeptical, but, the "guy" did get it working....but, it only has 2 wheel drive now. His youngest is going to use the car for university....no highway driving...probably not a lot of driving in the snow too I imagine.

The question is, will the car behave properly as a 4WD car when it is operating as 2WD, and should this car be safety approved?
I'm gonna ask a dumb question - is it now RWD or FWD, if there are only 2 drive wheels?

I'm not mechanically minded by any stretch, but I'm instantly wary of any "repair" that alters the drivetrain in such a substantial manner. And, I'm also guessing that the "fix" is permanent - no going back to 4WD.

What was the initial problem that required an $8000 repair?

Penny wise and pound foolish, me thinks.
Probably the ATC400 transfer case- around $4,000 at an honest dealer- or one could easily find one of the shops that sell rebuilt units or rebuild kits. The brain-dead moron who converted the truck to 2WD shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a set of tools.
Hey Roadburner.....find out from one of your racing buddies or dealership mechanics...if you are still there what they think of the idea, and if anything can go wrong.

You can't possibly expect him to answer that with a straight face

driver100 · September 2017

I know...but, it seems we all know it sounds wrong......but why? And what can go wrong?

snakeweasel · September 2017

driver100 said:

@driver100 If you are in Canada, which I am assuming you are and you have required inspections, correct me if I'm wrong, but I thing Canada does, then it will fail if it is mechanically obvious that something was removed or bypassed. The question is, what did they do to make it work in only 2wd? If they removed a driveline, then why? Trying to understand what they did and why, but I can't wrap my head around it.
There are safety inspections...but, it may not need one for up to 3 years I think, or if it is sold. They made it 2WD because to repair it the cost would have been $8000. The SIL knows some guy who said he could fix it for a few $100s. I have no idea how they did it....but, that is the why.

Just my 2 cents here. What we have here is one of three things; 1.) Those that quoted $8K were ripping them off royally or 2.) they had some serious dirt on the guy who charged s few hundred or, and most likely 3.) they guy who charged a few hundred is a two bit hack who jury rigged the car and I wouldn't touch that car on a bet.

fintail · September 2017

I am pretty sure the red Fury pictured is a 58, a "Christine". 59 had more of an arc-shaped fin, and different side trim.

I like the forward look hardtops, great space age design, too bad about the rust. IMO, Ford was definitely influenced by those cars when designing the rare and pretty Starliner. That's another one that often sprouts fender skirt appendages. Please remove:

This is what it should look like:

Period promo shot:

GIS found an image of this one, I'd take this color:

The early 60s Ford tomato red works well for these too:

It might not be a secret that I like 60 Fords, as my dad had one in the 90s, and they are a unique design, caught in metamorphosis between the 50s and 60s. Maybe as I prefer cars to be stock/correct as a whole, I like these stock, too. No skirts, and they look best with correct wide whites.

Speaking of Fords and continental kits, I once saw a 63 Galaxie with one - please, stop.

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:
The 59 Plymouth may be the most outrageous....with those fins. I had a 59 Plymouth and I loved the fins...made me think I was a fighter pilot.

The continental junk on the two Fords pictured look awful. On most cars of the era, Thunderbird excepted, they did not look right. Styling is one of the factors: the extra wheel and the flat platform between it and the trunk are just stuck on. Everything is boxy.

On the other hand, look at the '59 Plymouth. The fins are excessive, as were many styling cues of 58 and 59, BUT notice how the rear bumper end view is an alliteration of the upward flare of the fins on the car as well as of the silver accent strip with its jet tail profile. This is in contrast to the junk added onto the two Fords from J C Whitney since they most likely did not have continental kits when new.

snakeweasel · September 2017

driver100 said:

I know...but, it seems we all know it sounds wrong......but why? And what can go wrong?

What could go wrong? Well complete and total drivetrain failure comes to mind. You might never get a good alignment if it's done wrong. Wheels falling off. I would be seriously questioning the intergrety of the axle that the drive train was removed from.

berri · September 2017

You guys are showing and discussing a picture of a 1958 Plymouth, not a 59. Maybe it is something Canadian instead of US?

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