I spotted an (insert obscure car name here) classic car today!

uplanderguy · June 16

I believe that car is as-advertised. We’re talking about mid-sixties.

That entire auction was widely publicized and there were a lot of various ‘new’ Chevy cars and trucks with miles like this.

kyfdx · June 16

I don't remember an AWD version of the Gen II wagon.

They did have that weird looking Tercel wagon, which I think came in AWD.

uplanderguy · June 16

Saw an older (‘00’s?) Accord today in town with a broken ball joint. When I see that, it’s invariably a Honda. Although, lots of poor college kids here driving beaters.

andre1969 · June 16

I thought the '87-91 Camry wagon looked nice, but the '92-96 was awkward. I always wondered if they carried over the rear doors for '92-96, just modifying them a bit as needed. I think the main thing that makes me think that, is that the sedan has a spacer window to allow the opening window to roll down further, while the wagon just has one large window, like the '87-91 did.

I think that looks a bit odd, but also the rear, the way the beltline kicks up at the thick D-pillar. The car looks kind of tail heavy. I think the '92 restyle added about 9-10 inches to the overall length, but wheelbase went up by less than a half inch, so the car had more overhang than in the past. I think the sedan handles it pretty well, but with the wagon it's more noticeable.

ab348 · June 16

explorerx4 said:
The front fender color doesn't match door and rear quarter and it also doesn't fit very well.

IIRC most of these models were stored either outdoors or very poorly and so despite being “new” cars they looked far from new. This one looks to have had some repairs on that fender.

roadburner · June 16

I saw to HHR SS "trucks" this weekend. I guess there was some market for them.

xwesx · June 16

I believe that AWD was an option on the second gen only. Before/after that, it was limited only to the Tercel "wagon" (trapezoidal prism?) and Corolla wagon.

And, yeah, the third generation's wagon was truly one of the worst (visual) efforts by any maker.

fintail · June 16

It's not pretty but I like the 92-96 Camry wagon, it's so weird - and dual rear wipers!

Saw an oddity in traffic today - 58 Buick 2 door HT, apparent restomod. Immaculate looking cosmetics. On old style wire wheels like on a period Mopar, but the rear end was sitting too high, like a 60s hot rod. Or maybe some kind of air suspension issue? I expected it to make noise when passing by, but it was almost silent.

uplanderguy · June 16

IIRC most of these models were stored either outdoors or very poorly and so despite being “new” cars they looked far from new. This one looks to have had some repairs on that fender.

You'd think with repairs to that fender, they would've handled that rub mark right on the feature line.

I remember some of the cars stored inside were covered with decades of grime, but after a good wash, looked much-better. I'm sure the car has been detailed and touched up.

I'm sure there's the usual FB 'experts' on the original listing going, "yeah, that's 100,010 miles", LOL.

gsemike · June 17

I spotted tjos Cougar not too long ago. Thought it was interesting with the Cobra grill but so far my research indicates that it was owner added.

The dialogue in there was interesting. I remember looking at one a long time ago as a late model used car and I didnt like it becuase it felt like an old car to me, opposite of modern. Maybe because the one I drive was bench seat 6 cyl, but it felt like a 70s car to me, not in a good way. That was maybe partially because I never like the Ford ergonomics at that time.

uplanderguy · June 17

Off-topic, but has anyone seen the new flick, “The Life Of Chuck”, based on a Stephen King “novella”? I have mixed feelings about it but it drew me in immediately. In a modern-day traffic scene, “Christine” is present.

gsemike · June 17

uplanderguy said:
Off-topic, but has anyone seen the new flick, “The Life Of Chuck”, based on a Stephen King “novella”? I have mixed feelings about but it drew me in immediately. In a modern-day traffic scene, “Christine” is present.

Never heard of it. Is it on streaming?

uplanderguy · June 17

No, just opened in theaters June 13. We were the only people in the theater on a Sunday afternoon. It was Twilight Zone-y.

fintail · June 18

Saw this on the commute home, seldom-seen on the road:

Also saw a 60 Pontiac 2 door post, 70s style custom with a very sparkly metalflake paint job and mag wheels.

stickguy · June 18

Very nice AMX. I like those.

uplanderguy · June 19

I like those first AMX's a lot, too.

The interiors disappoint I think, in typical AMC fashion for me.

But the exterior, spot-on IMHO.

The only other AMC's I like a lot are the '74 and later Matador coupes. I know they're weird, but they were pretty different.

andre1969 · June 19

That's a really well-framed shot, Fintail! Almost looks like something you could blow up, and hang on the wall!

fintail · June 19

andre1969 said:
That's a really well-framed shot, Fintail! Almost looks like something you could blow up, and hang on the wall!

Hey thanks. It is cropped of course - camera angle is very wide, and a full sized pic made the AMX look very small. This is more pleasing to the eye (and I had to include the hood star, as my car is one of the last USDM E-class to have one).

explorerx4 · June 19

This had some huge rear tires.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hirzAMSTNUA

stickguy · June 20

bopping around the \Boston area yesterday, a 1970ish Ford F100, and a mid-80s big Olds (the "downsized" generation) sedan.

fintail · June 20

Spots in real estate listings.

This in a time capsule 1988 (that's a thing now, time flies) house:

In a 50s house:

And a mystery car - whatever it is, it looks gigantic and I see a wide whitewall peeking out in the back. Maybe a big Lincoln or Cadillac:

xwesx · June 20

I think that's spot on. Either 60's or 70's at the latest. I'm going to guess it is a Continental.

fintail · June 20

I was thinking maybe Continental Mark II with the wide white, but I haven't compared the proportions.

xwesx · June 20

Oh, yeah; I was thinking a III or IV, but now that I look a little closer, I don't think the rear roof line supports either of those as viable options. That settles it: You need to get a tour so you can steal a peek under that cover!

andre1969 · June 20

Well, the GM show in Carlisle is this weekend. I got the Catalina about as cleaned up as it's gonna get!

Oh, does anybody know, roughly, what the trunk of a 90-100 foot pine tree would weigh? We had a storm come through yesterday evening, and it gave me this treat...

I'm contemplating just cutting all the limbs off, and maybe cutting some of upper part of the trunk off, and then tying a heavy rope to it the rest, running it around another tree back in the woods, and tying it to my uncle's 4wd Colorado and see if that would pivot it back into the brush at the edge of the woods.

I asked Alexa, and she said roughly 4000-5500 lb. I thought it would be heavier. Anyway, in my mind, I'm thinking it *might* work, since I'm not actually dragging the full weight of it, but rather pivoting it. Or, is this a potential "Hold mah beer and watch THIS!" moment?

explorerx4 · June 20

@andre1969,
Be careful cutting off the limbs, some may be under tension.

xwesx · June 20

andre1969 said:
I'm contemplating just cutting all the limbs off, and maybe cutting some of upper part of the trunk off, and then tying a heavy rope to it the rest, running it around another tree back in the woods, and tying it to my uncle's 4wd Colorado and see if that would pivot it back into the brush at the edge of the woods.

I asked Alexa, and she said roughly 4000-5500 lb. I thought it would be heavier. Anyway, in my mind, I'm thinking it *might* work, since I'm not actually dragging the full weight of it, but rather pivoting it. Or, is this a potential "Hold mah beer and watch THIS!" moment?

I would definitely plan to cut it into roughly 8'-10' lengths (I usually just walk three paces between cuts) before trying to move the logs. Can't really tell how big that tree is at the base, but I'd try to estimate on the upper end, so maybe 200# per foot at the base, if it is something like 24" across.

Yeah, you might get away with a longer cut, but I'd definitely try to limit the weight to about 2000# per section that you're trying to move. Since the truck itself is not on the best surface for good friction, and the log will have a whole lot of friction if you're trying to drag it sideways, a pulley attached to a tree would half the weight to assist the truck.

Maybe take some smaller pieces (firewood sized) and fill the back of the truck in order to give the truck better traction. Also consider using a kinetic rope if you have access to it to help give some torque multiplication to start it moving. Very doable!

xwesx · June 20

The Catalina looks great!

And, on the tree again.... maybe just cut it up and put an ad out there that someone can have it for free in exchange for cleaning it up? That's good firewood, and people are always after firewood. At least... around here!

fintail · June 20

xwesx said:
Oh, yeah; I was thinking a III or IV, but now that I look a little closer, I don't think the rear roof line supports either of those as viable options. That settles it: You need to get a tour so you can steal a peek under that cover!

Too late, already sold, and quickly for a unique place. It looks old but it isn't, a modern structure in a craftsman chalet style that was popular here, mimicking a nearby historic house. It's all garage/shop on the lower floor, living quarters on the second floor - ideal car nut house of indeterminant square footage. On a larger than average sized lot for this area even though it is built kinda close to the house next door, and the realtor is a bit flowery about the location (it's a nice neighborhood, but "enclave" is a bit odd - maybe another dingaling using AI), sold for just over list at 680K - Spokane market continues to be healthy. Big Doc Brown's garage vibes here:

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2621-E-19th-Ave-Spokane-WA-99223/23530195_zpid/

I second the idea about putting up an ad for free wood - I know locally you'd get rid of it in no time.

xwesx · June 20

Dagnabit!

sda · June 21

Catalina looks great. I like the Rallye wheels and that you’ve kept nice looking whitewalls on it.

imidazol97 · June 21

fintail said:
Spots in real estate listings.

And a mystery car - whatever it is, it looks gigantic and I see a wide whitewall peeking out in the back. Maybe a big Lincoln or Cadillac:

Just saw one at the Lincoln Continental MidAmerica convention last evening. $56000 asking
and it can be in your garage under a cover.

fintail · June 21

imidazol97 said:

Just saw one at the Lincoln Continental MidAmerica convention last evening. $56000 asking
and it can be in your garage under a cover.

Beautiful cars and no doubt more financially sane to buy a finished one than to do it yourself, but I'm afraid that one is one or two digits out of my budget

Michaell · June 21

Found this picture posted on my hometowns FB page; apparently, this was the site of an old car dealership. I never knew it existed.

ab348 · June 22

Mr. Bobst wasn't the greatest at picking brands with prospects of long-term survival.

tjc78 · June 22

56K seems low for a Mark II. IMO a nearly perfectly styled vehicle.

andre1969 · June 22

So, coming back from the GM show last night, this happened...

Would this be considered a bad omen?

tjc78 · June 22

That picture is epic! Old girl still moves too!

andre1969 · June 22

tjc78 said:
That picture is epic! Old girl still moves too!

Thanks! I was on I-81 between Carlisle and Mechanicsburg, PA. I had to get the speedo needle out of the way for that shot, and figured it was safer to move it to the right, than to the left on the interstate

And, full disclosure, a friend of snapped the pic, not me...don't want y'all to think I was doing anything (too) stupid!

fintail · June 22

Today's spots - barnfind looking ~53 Ford Crestline sedan, ~60 Corvette parked at the house that usually has a 60-70s hot rod looking 55 Chevy in the driveway during the summer, and an immaculate Dodge Magnum (wagon) - most seem a little rough these days.

uplanderguy · June 23

Mark II, absolutely my favorite Continental.

uplanderguy · June 23

andre, question on your '67. I'm too lazy to look in a brochure.

Did Pontiac call those wheels "Rally II"? That's what I seem to remember. Were they available in '67? I'm fuzzy on that. I seem to remember thinking '68 on the big cars, but not sure.

Regardless, they look great on the car.

andre1969 · June 23

Uplander, yeah they're called "Rally II." I had been under the impression you couldn't get them until 1969 on a full-size car, but the '68 brochure shows a few full sized cars with them. Here's a rendering showing three different styles:

My Catalina originally had the slotted hubcaps, like what the bottom drawing shows. They were for a 14" wheel. I remember my old '69 Bonneville having hubcaps that looked like what the white Ventura 4-door hardtop is sporting. It can be hard to tell from an illustration where they sometimes distort things, but I wonder if those are 15" rims? If you got disc brakes, you needed 15" rims, as the 14" wouldn't clear the caliper, so I wonder if the bottom is what you got standard, and the middle is what you got standard, if you ordered disc brakes?

I looked through the '67 brochure, and they didn't show any illustrations of the full-sized cars sporting a Rally II. They were all either hubcaps, or those 8-lug wheels. The Rally II WAS offered in the smaller bolt pattern though, as an option for the Firebird and midsized cars.

uplanderguy · June 23

Thanks. My brain is full of minutiae like that. I didn't play sports, and didn't have a girlfriend, so absorbed brochure info, at least on cars I liked, like a sponge.

On a different subject, on FB someone posted a lime green '76 Vega Kammback that looked new in every respect. I still like the looks, and the reliability was WAY improved by that time. Someone posted under it, flatly, "Not a Kammback. Those were the panel trucks. This is a station wagon".

I replied, "Wrong. Kammback is the wagon. The panel was the 'Panel Express'. Easily verifiable by the brochures online".

His response: "Nope".

A few people 'liked' my comment.

I wished to reply to his "nope", "Dope", but I didn't.

Man, car stupidity on Facebook is rampant.

uplanderguy · June 23

RE.: Wheel covers based on disc versus drum brakes--good question. I know we covered here not too long ago, that disc brakes on GM big cars then (at least) required 15 inch wheels, but I'm not sure which wheel covers were which.

A big Pontiac wheel cover I always loved was the upscale '66 wheel cover with spinner. I know that would've been for drum brakes.

texases · June 23

Those brochure pics make the cars look like they're halfway to 'low rider' status.

ab348 · June 23

uplanderguy said:
Thanks. My brain is full of minutiae like that. I didn't play sports, and didn't have a girlfriend, so absorbed brochure info, at least on cars I liked, like a sponge.

On a different subject, on FB someone posted a lime green '76 Vega Kammback that looked new in every respect. I still like the looks, and the reliability was WAY improved by that time. Someone posted under it, flatly, "Not a Kammback. Those were the panel trucks. This is a station wagon".

I replied, "Wrong. Kammback is the wagon. The panel was the 'Panel Express'. Easily verifiable by the brochures online".

His response: "Nope".

A few people 'liked' my comment.

I wished to reply to his "nope", "Dope", but I didn't.

Man, car stupidity on Facebook is rampant.

I would be tempted to respond with something equally wrong like "I worked at Chevrolet Division from 1970 to 2005 and was in charge of producing brochures for our models until 1980. If I had to correct your information, that means you were wrong. Any questions?"

texases · June 23

I'd have posted this:

xwesx · June 23

And, include the comment... "Kammback or not, it's all Vega."

stickguy · June 23

I love the design of that. The Opel wagon (1900?) too that was a boxier version. If they made a modern version that size, with "sporty" underpinnings, I would be very interested. A bit roomier iteration of the BMW clown car!

I spotted an (insert obscure car name here) classic car today!

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