I will tell you all what I am dearly enjoying the most from every comment in this thread. And not caring that it has now gone WAAAAAAY left field of the original theme. It is simply that you ALL have very intelligent, well thought out points of views that not only make you think things through from every angle, but, are extremely enjoyable to read. I have found myself checking my email several times a day HOPING that there was a new reply! Lol!
I am with Caradiodoc, for the most part, here. Technology has it's place in this world, of that there is no denying. Without it, we wouldn't be having this conversation at all. I am of a firm belief that we do NOT need it in EVERY aspect of our daily routines.
My GTO can be stolen. There is no doubt. But I tell you this. I do not care WHAT car you drive. Or can name, for that matter, that can't be stolen. Period. My anti-theft/theft deterrent device? My garage and 2 110 pound full blooded Blue-Nose Pit Bulls that can walk freely between the backyard, to the side of the house, and into the garage at their leisure. No. I don't take them with me every time I take it out. But I walk my dogs more often than I drive my '65.
It's not about being afraid it might be stolen. I am more afraid of some ***hole hitting it, or some hater keying it, or some young kid in his brand-new rice rocket parking too close and dinging my doors! Do you have any idea how nearly impossible it is to replace ANYthing on a '65 GTO convertible? Break a window? You've got to be freakin KIDDING me! I may as well learn how to make glass from sand and try to mold one myself! If you can find just the body and frame in one piece, no seats, motor, mirrors or glass, rusting away in some old farmers back 40, you can expect to pay $25k.
By the way. I live in California. 10 degrees? I get a cold if the temperature drops below 60!
A can of ether, a set of jumper cables and a small canvas bag with a decent set of ASE wrenches, sockets, pliers, electrical tape. And if you REALLY want to stereotype. Some baling wire and duct tape! These are the only tools that should be required to fix ANY roadside emergency that you might possibly encounter. All company here excluded, I HATE the fact that I have to Google for hours to try and fix a simple problem on today's cars. Chilton's used to put out a fine repair manual, 20 years ago. Now Haynes and Chilton are just writing down gibberish in crayon and fighting over who's drawings look coolest in the cafeteria in front of all their buddies. They never give you info on how to fix a 'problem', but, the close up pictures of the varying shades of white to tan to brown to black on the end of your spark plug is always in full color and according to them, is supposed to tell you exactly what is wrong with your car and in which cylinder. No actual help on how to FIX the problem that is making my AC Delco's that dirty rust color!
It has gotten to the point that you cannot even give your car a tune up. I haven't used my timing light on anything BUT my GTO in, what? 20 years? Adjust the idle, you say? HAH! Computer controlled, oxygen regulated, temperature sensitive and altitude handicapped.
I will tell you exactly why cars like my Goat have gone extinct.
First. The majority of American men under 30 do NOT know how to do the simplest of mechanical work.
Second. Cars today were not DESIGNED, nor are they EXPECTED to last 20 years like they were in the 60's and 70's. And in some cases. The early 80's.
Last. Almost all cars on the American highway are NOT built here in America. They are produced over seas in vast plants by people who are just happy that they have ANY type of job. Cheap labor, no federal guidelines. No tax laws. No pollution mandates. And really far away from any prying eyes.
Sure. Sony makes a damn fine stereo. Hitachi makes a good microwave and clock radio. Mitsubishi makes. Well almost everything. But these are the same guys who are innovating our technological comforts in the same car you drive your kids to school in.
So. Yeah. I would rather have a 1979 AMC Pacer, a 1971 Gran Torino, a 1973 GMC Sprint (El Camino in all but name) anything. Except a Pinto. GOD what a mistake THAT was. Over any of the newer cars today. I want a car that I can WORK on myself without having to spend $1000.00 to have something minor fixed by a Wyotech graduate! I don't care HOW many 'Good Hands' certificates he has on the garage wall!
Luckily. There are at least sites like this that help keep the dream alive! Long Live GoJo and a reason for the wife to yell."Take those filthy boots off and don't you DARE sit on my COUCH in those clothes!"
Tuesday, June 21st, 2011 AT 10:19 AM
