I need to buy a new vehicle for Jane for next summer timeline, and I really don't know what's out there, but I do know I WON'T even consider GM or Foriegn. Period. It needs to smallish, with a bit of pep as well as good fuel economy. Needs to have adequate but not huge luggage carrying capacity, and a back seat, tho not a huge back seat area. No SUVs. Automatic preferred but manual is not out of the question. It has to be next summer because I can't swing a cash purchase till after May, and I refuse to go into debt with a car loan.
The 2nd vehicle is for me. It has a less restrictive set of options, except it can be no newer than 1959. This will be a toy for me to go to local classic car events, something I can piddle with, and of course, it doesn't have to be running but I don't want one that has been sitting in a pasture for 20 years. Basically, I'm looking for suggestions on a classic that I can somehwat restore, mod to my heart's content as long as it doesn't get way out of hand, and has plenty of aftermarket (is that the right term?) support for. I'm leaning toward an early model Ford flathead, but will consider all US made cars of that era. No Packards--I hated working on them when I was a teen--even tho I did like that straight 8. I don't need a bunch of craigslist links, just your personal thoughts on what might be doable for someone of my age and mechanical ability. (I've worked on loads of 50s era vehicles in my youth)
No--I'm not getting out of Fieros.
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11:02 AM
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MidEngineManiac Member
Posts: 29566 From: Some unacceptable view Registered: Feb 2007
Although some are later than a 59---ya cant go wrong with a Studebaker as a classic....I can still remember as a kid playing in the old abandoned factory where they were built, I can remember crawling under the hood of a Lark with dad when I still had training wheels on my bycicle. I used to have a ROOM full of manuals and spare parts for them, but donated most of that to a local preservation society a coulpe-10 years ago....think I still got a 6-volt timing light kicking around somewhere...
Yes, the Stude truck is sure an option--Studebakers are pretty rare around here but my brother already has a 53 Champion he's been working on. Blkrams mentioned he knew where a couple of Stude trks were in his neck of the woods, but he may have just been hinting to get a paid haul for himself--He's a capitalist fer sure!
(If anyone runs accross a left front wheel and hub for a 52-53 Champion--let me know.)
Old Chevy dropped on a newer s10 frame with a sbc EFI setup. The modern chassis makes a better ride and better handling.
Thanks but no thanks. That, is not the sense of a classic I would want. Having ridden in a TON of 50s vehicles, the original ride is fine for my needs.
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12:13 PM
MidEngineManiac Member
Posts: 29566 From: Some unacceptable view Registered: Feb 2007
Hey, if I had my choice of 1950's rides....I would take the Avro Arrow, and I would want Lisa as my rear seat....Air Canada stew....she never could learn to fly, tried at ultralights, tried at gliders, managed yo put a Cessna 140 on its nose by pegging the brakes and couldnt pass the test for a private.....but DAAAYYMMNNNN she looked good in a skirt and heels, and her in the Canso was...well, Never mind
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01:01 PM
blackrams Member
Posts: 31841 From: Hattiesburg, MS, USA Registered: Feb 2003
Around the farm, is what my Silverado is for till the wheels fall off of it, which is why I have to get Jane something new, so I can get my damn truck back!!
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01:16 PM
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htexans1 Member
Posts: 9110 From: Clear Lake City/Houston TX Registered: Sep 2001
Are you looking new or used for Jane's vehicle? If you want new or only a few years old, I'd recommend a Ford Fusion or Focus if you want something smaller.
I know you said no GM, but does that include pre-bailout GM, such as Pontiacs? I mention this because the 2008-2009 G6 prices dropped like a rock after Pontiac was shuttered. Personally, I don't want to buy a "Government Motors" car, but I would consider pre-bailout cars. Since Pontiac was shuttered during the deal, I would consider any of them free game.
For your car, how about a '56 Desoto Fireflight Sportsman? http://www.cars-on-line.com/45140.html Ok, it would definitely need a paint job. I can't see you in a pink car.
[This message has been edited by Formula88 (edited 08-20-2011).]
Are you looking new or used for Jane's vehicle? If you want new or only a few years old, I'd recommend a Ford Fusion or Focus if you want something smaller.
I know you said no GM, but does that include pre-bailout GM, such as Pontiacs? I mention this because the 2008-2009 G6 prices dropped like a rock after Pontiac was shuttered. Personally, I don't want to buy a "Government Motors" car, but I would consider pre-bailout cars. Since Pontiac was shuttered during the deal, I would consider any of them free game.
For your car, how about a '56 Desoto Fireflight Sportsman? http://www.cars-on-line.com/45140.html Ok, it would definitely need a paint job. I can't see you in a pink car.
I 2nd on the Ford Fusion. It's got good pep, SYNC if you want that option they also make a hybrid version. Very easy car to drive and handle and very comfortable to ride with quite interior. It has great trunk space and its bigger than a focus but not too big.
Are you looking new or used for Jane's vehicle? If you want new or only a few years old, I'd recommend a Ford Fusion or Focus if you want something smaller.
Fusion would suit me, but it's up to her. She is forever complaining about the amt of gs the Silverado burns so fuel economy will be a big factor for her (and me). She can look at the pre-bailout Pontiacs, but it would have to be a rock solid bargain for me to change my "no-GM" stance, and I mean something spectatcularly great. Not sure I could bring myself to do it. I already have a pre-bailout GM product and curse it and them and myself everytime I see it sitting in my driveway. (08 Chevy truck) But yes, a slighly used other brand vehicle will fit the bill.
quote
I know you said no GM, but does that include pre-bailout GM, such as Pontiacs? I mention this because the 2008-2009 G6 prices dropped like a rock after Pontiac was shuttered. Personally, I don't want to buy a "Government Motors" car, but I would consider pre-bailout cars. Since Pontiac was shuttered during the deal, I would consider any of them free game.
For your car, how about a '56 Desoto Fireflight Sportsman? http://www.cars-on-line.com/45140.html Ok, it would definitely need a paint job. I can't see you in a pink car.
Nice looking DeSoto--except the paint, and I had forgotten about those--but it's more than i really want to spend.
I'd say a focus for Jane, small Chrysler's suck, so I think the focus or possibly fusion is your best bet. It's probably not an issue for you, but I've seen a lot of rust on fusions around here.
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03:47 PM
Gokart Mozart Member
Posts: 12143 From: Metro Detroit Registered: Mar 2003
I'd love to come down to Texas to look for an old vehicle. They're just worn out instead of rusted out. Replace the easy stuff and it's good as gold. (yea, right...) There's lots of sites out there to find classic Texas vehicles, and I know you said no craigslist ads I found this one http://www.oldride.com/clas...assifieds-texas.html
What about a Wrangler? The '97s and later are very civilized, especially with a hardtop and rollup side windows. They'll almost turn in their own length, and they can be parked anywhere.
Tammy had a '98 and loved it. She only sold it because she needed something bigger to carry the dogs around.
The only real troubles we ever had with it were with the cooling system, and the exhaust manifold. The radiator cracked and had to be replaced. (Very cheap repair.) The exhaust manifolds are made of steel tubing and, much like the Fiero, they like to crack. Still, an easy replacement on a straight 6. (The 4 cylinder is a version of the Duke. FWIW.) The cooling system collected a bunch of sludge and had to be flushed out a couple of times, but the cracked radiator may be partly to blame. (I believe they use red coolant, similar to GM. Don't know if it's the same as Dexcool or not. IF you believe all of the Dexcool horror stories.) The straight six isn't that good on gas, since the Wrangler has the aerodynamics of a barn, but it's got to be better than the Silverado. (God knows it was better than mine.)
[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 08-20-2011).]
Originally posted by maryjane: I need to buy a new vehicle for Jane for next summer timeline, and I really don't know what's out there, but I do know I WON'T even consider GM or Foriegn. Period. It needs to smallish, with a bit of pep as well as good fuel economy. Needs to have adequate but not huge luggage carrying capacity, and a back seat, tho not a huge back seat area. No SUVs. Automatic preferred but manual is not out of the question. It has to be next summer because I can't swing a cash purchase till after May, and I refuse to go into debt with a car loan.
Are you referring to making a brand new model purchase in cash, or simply buying a late model car with cash? If it's the prior, I bought one of these recently that fits all your above requirements for Jane. I'm very satisfied with it so far. I've had it since late June and have put 2500 miles on it.
It has an adequate back seat and an acceptable amount of storage area (the top rear shelf lifts with the hatch, so you can store stuff in the normal part of the hatch, and then un-latch the top shelf and it'll add more storage space... has a lot more space than it appears it does). The four speed auto has a fair amount of pep for being a 1.6L I4. I've had highest fuel mileage of about 37 mpg (that's with the A/C full blast) and typically get around 34-ish combined city/hwy.
They're relatively cheap too. Base models can be had for $15-$16-ish very easy. By next year - since that's what you're shooting for - you'll probably be able to find 2011 models a bit cheaper, as Ford is planning new drivetrain options for 2012 and other goodies (I should have waited....).
The straight six isn't that good on gas, since the Wrangler has the aerodynamics of a barn, but it's got to be better than the Silverado. (God knows it was better than mine.)
You'd be wrong... a guy I work with has an '03 he bought new and he has never gotten better than 16-18mpg. His now has a lift kit (good quality stuff, too) and large tires (32") and gets about 14 average. A friend of mine had a Cherokee XJ and his results were similar. Now he has a '97 Wrangler with a 2.5 / 5 speed and street tires. No idea what he's getting now... will edit when he replies.
[Edit: he says he's getting around 12 with big mud tires now - was getting around 16 with street tires. He beats the crap out of it, though, and the FDR sucks on the highway]
[This message has been edited by skuzzbomer (edited 08-20-2011).]
I'd love to come down to Texas to look for an old vehicle. They're just worn out instead of rusted out. Replace the easy stuff and it's good as gold. (yea, right...) There's lots of sites out there to find classic Texas vehicles, and I know you said no craigslist ads I found this one http://www.oldride.com/clas...assifieds-texas.html
Don't know what your budget is but $10,000 isn't bad for a 50 Ford.
The reason i said no CL ads was because of the long timeframe involved, but since I broke that request myself it would be kinda hypocritical of me to ignore yours. I'll check the OldRide and old Ford out, and I have seen what I consider bargains on CL today. Also realize what I consider a classic and what everyone else considers one are 2 different things. Evidently, anything not being built anymore is a classic. (I already knew my 84 Fieros were eleigible for classic plates)
Raydar. We've had an older Jeep Cherokee, and tho i loved it and it was all but bulletproof up til 1/4 million miles, Jane never did like it, and she doesn't care for riding in a Jeep of any kind. She's really a city girl and wants to drive something more "secure". We;ll look at the most recent Jeep offerings tho, as I previously said, I have no idea what's out there. I haven't looked at anything since I looked at Solstices a few years back and would have bought one then if I hadn't heard Pontiac was going to be dumped to the wayside.
Yes, the Stude truck is sure an option--Studebakers are pretty rare around here but my brother already has a 53 Champion he's been working on. Blkrams mentioned he knew where a couple of Stude trks were in his neck of the woods, but he may have just been hinting to get a paid haul for himself--He's a capitalist fer sure!
(If anyone runs accross a left front wheel and hub for a 52-53 Champion--let me know.)
Well, thank you. Yes, I do believe in capitalism but unfortunately, those two 53 Studebaker pickups are not in my neck of the woods. They are however in KS, near Wichita. I doubt you'd want to pay me to drive to KS to pick them up and then to deliver them to your part of Texas. Never thought you'd be willing to do that but, since you brought it up, where there's a will, I will find a way.
As for the left front wheel and hub for a Champion, I'd ask J Stricker, he comes up with all kinds of things no one ever knew existed.
------------------ Ron
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10:18 PM
Raydar Member
Posts: 40712 From: Carrollton GA. Out in the... country. Registered: Oct 1999
Don, let me have a look around and see if I can find the phone number, but I know a guy who's uncle makes a living dealing with 20s-50s vehicles. he always has something that is about 75% finished (I.E., driveable) that he wants to sell...I'll shoot ya a pm in the next few days or so if I can find it. He deals with a lot of older Model A and Model T stuff if you would be interested in something like that, and last I looked he had a couple of early 50's Buicks for sale...
