Using antique cars for their intended purpose

[Mpgp1999]

I have 1926 and I am using it as my only source for transportation to backup any recommendations I know old Cars run better when driven daily

[sambarn]

yes.

[TerryB]

What model / brand is it?

[Restorer32]

They also wear out faster when driven daily.

[padgett]

Conditions, roads, and traffic around here are a lot different than in 1926. It is amazing we are still using the same fuels.

 

For my lifestyle I would not have a car that did not have A/C (and this includes my 'vert which is now in the back garage for the 100 days of summer).

 

Can add HFP and Bluetooth and a lot better headlights and brakes. Have also be using seatbelts since the early '60s. Also everything from the last century has more modern wheels and tires.

 

That said in most cases the stock parts are in big baggies and would go with if sold. I consider the cars to be drivers and not heirlooms.

 

Others may feel differently and is their right but was there in the muscle car era and knew many of the legends (and that GTO really meant "Get Those Orders").

[Layden B]

Be sure that your insurance allows that and that you do not have special license plates that restrict usage.

[vermontboy]

I see no reason not to use them as long as you stay away from road where you will impede traffic. They are simple and if you can do the maintenance yourself much cheaper than a newer car - look at all of the cars still running in Cuba with all kinds of patchwork repairs.

I get a kick out of people complaining about the cost of parts for old cars - particularly parts that must be more or less custom made. If you don't have a new car repairs can be quite a shock ..... (2) oem air conditioning hoses for my 2002 Grand Marquis would set me back over $400 just for the parts. The automatic temperature control module for the Grand Marquis/ Lincoln is a few pieces of plastic and a circuit board lists at over $700 retail. Used rebuilds are in the $125 range but generally don't last long .....

So drive it and enjoy it .....using an old car properly is not abuse, it is what it was designed to do. Whatever breaks can be fixed.

 

Just my two cents

[keiser31]

When my 1931 DB coupe is running well I drive it daily. I have standard auto insurance. You simply have to try to avoid other drivers who do not pay attention.

Edited May 28, 2015 by keiser31 (see edit history)

[Guest AlCapone]

Be sure that your insurance allows that and that you do not have special license plates that restrict usage.

Very valid advice !

Wayne

[Dave@Moon]

Be sure that your insurance allows that and that you do not have special license plates that restrict usage.

That's more than valid.  I personally know someone who is now homeless partially because they didn't do this when using an MGB as transportation.  VERY few insurance companies will cover an antique fully (real collision and comprehensive coverage) when driven daily.

[60FlatTop]

Double check to be sure you have safety glass. It's not so much for you, but a passenger would be at risk of being sliced up.

Bernie

[TG57Roadmaster]

 "VERY few insurance companies will cover an antique fully (real collision and comprehensive coverage) when driven daily."

 

Dave, I've had regular insurance (State Farm) on the '57 Buick for some years now, so I can have the option of driving it without antique policy restrictions. Agreed value, comp, collision. Maybe it's a state-by-state thing?

 

TG

[Dave@Moon]

 "VERY few insurance companies will cover an antique fully (real collision and comprehensive coverage) when driven daily."

 

Dave, I've had regular insurance (State Farm) on the '57 Buick for some years now, so I can have the option of driving it without antique policy restrictions. Agreed value, comp, collision. Maybe it's a state-by-state thing?

 

TG

It must be, or maybe an agent-by-agent thing, because my friend had State Farm and they refused (according to him, although he possibly meant they prohibitively overpriced) coverage beyond liability and mandatory minimum medical.

[Terry Bond]

As mentioned by others, licensing and insurance are big potential issues.  State safety inspections may be another thing to consider if applicable for your state.  Quite often states exempt properly licensed antique cars from their inspections, but it's generally based on a limited-use factor.  If all is good-to-go on those fronts I'd say enjoy it, just be careful.  Your doing a great service letting others see and enjoy as it was meant to be, just be careful out there.

Happy vintage motoring-

Terry

[R.White]

Hi MPGP.  I wonder how many people on here realise you have been using your '26 Dodge Brothers on a daily basis for quite a long time and you are a young guy too!

 

Here in England there are probably more drivers of vintage cars than you might think.  Fortunately, we have no insurance problems and  I am free to use my car (same as yours) whenever I want although bad weather deters me more these days.

 

 My advise is to keep your car greased regularly and use the right oil in the engine.  Also, be careful to check the oil and water levels daily and tires last longer if they are correctly inflated.  As I am sure you are aware, two wheel brakes are marginal compared to a modern car and cross ply tyres have much less grip than radials so you take it easy and think ahead.  Driving at night can be a worry; not so much because you can't see well enough with the 6 volt headlamps but because modern cars behind you have such bright lights, they cause your car to produce it's own shadow.

 

 I have thought about fitting a lap belt because if the worse should happen I fear being crushed against the steering wheel - it was the biggest cause of death in old cars.  To help other road users, I have fitted flashing indicators and I have two rear stop/tail lights.  An electric windshield wiper is a big improvement over the original vacuum unit.

 

Keep on driving your Dodge.

 

Ray.

[alsancle]

I would think that perhaps in Europe it might be easier with an older (aka slower) prewar car to use it everyday.   The problem with the U.S. is everything is spread out so we need to travel 75mph on the highways to get anywhere.  There are not many prewar cars comfortable at that speed and the traffic issues mixed in making the braking a potential problem.   However, I salute you if you are in fact accomplishing this.  In the U.S soon we will not be allowed to drive any car without a helmet and bubble suit on. 

Edited May 29, 2015 by alsancle (see edit history)

[Terry Bond]

R.White-do you have any problems with the MOT inspections?  I recall that when we lived in Scotland we still had to get the inspection on our 1935 Morris eight. We drove it for several months as regular transport while waiting for delivery of a new car we special ordered.   At some point they added a requirement to install windscreen washers, so a lot of people began drilling holes and modifying their cars until someone discovered there was an exception for vehicles with "swing-out" windscreens.  It was meant to exempt tractors and some trucks but since the Morris had a swing-out windshield, we didn't modify the car and it was ok for the inspection.  As I recall we could pay our annual road tax for just a quarter of the year, when we would be using the car for vintage events.  There was no special exemption for historic vehicles and no special licensing available. 

Whats the latest situation there?

Terry

[R.White]

Hi Terry,

 

The situation has changed in the U.K.  We now have an M.O.T. exemption for pre 1960 vehicles and tax (license fee) exemption pre 1974.

 

The individual owner has always been responsible for proper maintenance of their vehicle however, the M.O.T. inspection is still available to anyone with an older vehicle and a pass certificate is at least evidence that the car has been inspected should you get pulled over by the Police.  Exemptions re emissions, brake lights etc. are in place although there is evidence that younger testers are not being trained to deal with much older cars.

 

I remember when the windscreen washer requirement came in because I had to fit it to my 1956 Austin A30.  Actually, I fitted a new screen at the same time because the washers prevented scratching as much as making winter driving easier..eg. salt spray from other vehicles. One of the best things I did.  

 

Ray.

[mrcvs]

I like the idea of driving a vintage car everyday, and, although mine are not the type one would want to drive everyday (1917 Maxwell and 1930 Ford) because they cannot go on highways, I have tossed around the idea that if my primary vehicle ever goes, getting something that can be driven on the highway, as my regular car (1940's or 1950's vintage).  My job provides me with a vehicle for my job, which is for my job ONLY, and my other car only racks up 2 or 3,000 miles annually, so I could easily do this.  The only deterrent I see is that everyone is in such a d*mn hurry!  For my job, I drive a lot, and keep to the speed limit, mostly, because I am paid the same amount, whether I get there at 35, 45, or 55 miles an hour OR at 90 miles an hour, plus speeding tickets, etc., although incurred on the job, would be at my expense.  Get flipped off all day, people on my rear, passing in a no passing zone, and this is with official plates on my vehicle!  One would think folks would be wary of such plates, but not at all!

[cahartley]

I have 5 old cars in central Wisconsin and when weather permits I drive whichever one suits me that day....... 

Living in a village of 500 with only one state highway passing through town and having nearly endless side roads makes driving a lot of fun.

On occasion I wind along back roads and head to Stevens Point (17 miles away, metro population about 35,000) but try to not to be a hindrance to other lunatic traffic.

I nearly always get thumbs-ups.......

If I ever got "the" finger I didn't see it........ LOL

Edited May 30, 2015 by cahartley (see edit history)

[Mpgp1999]

Well its mainly stock two lap belts little clip on mirrors putting on turn signals (its starting to get cold here in ny) and working on my vacuum wiper hopefully i can find some sort of heat source other than drillling in my block.

[Mpgp1999]

also 5 windows need to be replaces 

19in by 62cm exactly 

[R.White]

It's still quite reasonable weather here in the U.K. so I am a bit miffed that my Dodge Brothers touring car is off the road with engine trouble.  

 

I note you have fitted a lap belt.  That's very wise; I should do the same because it's better to be safe than sorry.

 

 My turn indicators have proved helpful.  Where I live, the road does a tight hairpin left hander and with the Dodge having such a big turning circle, I need to move over towards the middle of the road to get round in one go.  What was happening was that drivers behind me, being unfamiliar with hand signals, would come up on my inside as I was about to turn left.  Now I have flashing amber signals, they don't do that.

 

I have fitted rather loud "beepers" to my turn indicators and although they are useful in reminding me to cancel them (as I don't have automatic cancelling) the noise tends to be a bit too loud for my liking so perhaps reducing the volume somehow is another job to add to the list.

 

One thing I must do is add rear view mirrors to either side of the screen.  I do have a centrally mounted mirror but it is difficult to see through the small rear window with the top up.

 

I would hate to be the cause of an accident. So far 44 years no claims...I want to keep as safe as I can

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

By the way...   any news about the 1903 GROUT?.

 

As a non running unrestored steamer I wonder what's it worth? 

 

Ray.

Edited September 24, 2015 by R.White (see edit history)

[erichill]

This may be different but I have ful coverage insurance on my 1948 Harley with progressive. Was involved in an accident and had no issues with the insurance company repairing the bike.

[cutlasguy]

   I'd like to know why I can't get agreed value insurance for my daily driver! It's an 89 Caprice Classic in mint condition. I have collision but if anything were to happen,they would open their little book of used car values and give me a hundred, if that! I just can't see why if I'm willing to pay the same premium as if it were new, why can't I get it covered for repair or replacement! Several years ago, the Vinyl Landau roof was damaged in a hailstorm. The cost to replace it was $750.00 The agent gave me $200.00 and called it "Betterment" That wasn't "Betterment". It was "Worsement"

[JACK M]

Because they are daily drivers.

The insurance companies want to know that your dailys are insured before they will sell you collectable or special interest insurance I had to send tehm my daily drivers policy number when I first went to Haggerty..

[Guest johnjackson]

I've had many classics as daily drivers, 1950 Chevrolet fleetline, 64 Ford F-350, 2 72 ford f100's, and currently working on getting my Buick to that point. Beyond insurance issues maybe I can keep those on the road a lot easier and cheaper. I always get the same sometimes better mileage than most. Love and drive it like you built it.

[padgett]

All of my cars can be daily drivers though the Judge is a bit thirsty, rest get over 20 mpg just bombing around. Though where  I live, within a mile in any direction you are in a 45 and 70 (Interstate or Turnpike) is an everyday occurance. (When I visit friends down souf, it is crank up to left lane turnpike speed, set the cruise and lean back for two or three hours. Few appreciate just how big Florida is. Going west the border is in a different time zone.

[Guest]

Fifty six years following basic "Defensive Driving" never had a problem. A road like I5  is better than back roads in Washington State.  Too many stop lights, much easier to stay on the highway with the big trucks.  My Pontiac will drive all day at 55mph with no difficulties.

[60FlatTop]

When I taught my son and daughter to drive the first thing I asked was if they knew what the right of way meant. They both said "Yes". I replied "I just revoked yours."

 

It works fine. Years later, I know a professional driver who has a lot of trouble with other people who don't know who has the right of way; and has the wrecked cars and trucks to prove it.

 

Newsflash- if you have the green light stop for the car speeding toward the red side of the light. It's not a legal thing. It's a Darwin thing....... well, if you are still reproducing it is, anyway.

Bernie...

[Matt Harwood]

When weather permits, I make an old car my daily driver. For most of the past week, I've been driving a 1962 Cadillac convertible. The week before it was a '35 Ford, and earlier this year, I was driving a '39 Cadillac 60 Special every day. My wife's daily driver in the summer is a 1966 Mustang convertible. They were reliable back then, they can be reliable today if they're properly maintained.

 

Now, granted, my drive is 10 minutes on surface streets, not a highway commute, but I still need a car that will start quickly and easily and get me to work without headaches, and the cars I've been driving can do it. No reason why they shouldn't. Heck, I've had situations when my modern car was broken and the only way I had to get to work and/or the auto parts store was the '29 Cadillac, which I knew would start the minute I hit the button. I even drove it to work in the winter once when my modern car had a dead battery.

 

Driving an old car shouldn't be viewed as an amazing feat--that pre-conception is why hot rods and resto-mods are so prevalent today. You don't need a small block Chevy to be reliable...

Edited September 26, 2015 by Matt Harwood (see edit history)

[John_S_in_Penna]

Matt says above, "Driving an old car shouldn't be viewed as an amazing feat--that pre-conception is why hot rods and resto-mods are so prevalent today. You don't need a small block Chevy to be reliable."

Well said! I noticed that many of the initial responses

were all about warnings and cautions, but someone driving

his old car regularly probably knows more about its abilities

and limitations than most of the rest of us. Congratulations

to the everyday driver!

Edited September 27, 2015 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[padgett]

In counterpoint I have come to appreciate things like handsfree phones and ABS particularly living in a place where there is a significant population skilled in driving on the wrong side of the road and where a nice day can turn into a frog strangler while in a shop. Also the music I store on my cell phone is superior to anything OTA (and sounds much better than satellite especially when over 300 CDs fits on something the size of a fingernail).

 

Not hard to add HFP and an Aux to any car with a radio but sound quality of my other cars is a whole bunch better than my '70.

 

Did I mention that all of my cars have AC and need it here ? But that has been available since the '50s (except for GM cars with interesting powertrains).

 

So can really understand the concept behind a restomod and if I ever find a Studillac...

[vermontboy]

I don't remember ever being uncomfortable in an old car on a nice day with the windshield open. That said, if it starts tp rain then AC is nice. And while certain modifications are necessary, you don't have to change the engine to add AC to most older vehicles (say late 20's and up).

[C Carl]

 

Did I mention that all of my cars have AC and need it here ? But that has been available since the '50s (except for GM cars with interesting powertrains).

 

So can really understand the concept behind a restomod and if I ever find a Studillac...

Padgett , I am curious. Is "Studillac" a hypothetical concept , or have you seen , or heard of one ? I am in Seattle , and a spectacularly well-done one exists around here. One of the greatest Cadillac hotrodders in these parts , Sonny Wisener , made a black '55 quite some time ago. 'Round these parts , it is referred to as "The Studillac". 514 cu. in. topped by 4 dual throat 45mm Webbers. Sonny originally built it w/o AC. Didnt get real hot around here back then , maybe 30? years ago. (Still doesn't , IMHO , but I am originally from the Midwest). One trip to Reno for Summer fun cured that omission !

So are you familiar with this/another one ? I have interesting pics of it in my iPad , but do not have a clue as to how to post pics. I know how to email pics , so could send to you if you are interested , or someone else who could post for general appreciation. I really must get to the Apple Store , and take notes on how to post pics. Mere verbal instruction from you more able and technologically proficient folk would be insufficient for me , I am afraid. Someone would have to physically show me , at best. But , yeah , I am curious as to whether you are familiar with Sonny's masterpiece. If you saw it in person , or in a mag , you would never forget it. A crowd pleaser wherever it goes ! Sonny is beloved in these parts for his mechanical abilities , his creations , and sense of humor/quick wit. Vanity plates on "The Studillac" read "MR STUDE". He says that if he were not happily married , he'd take the "E" off ! - Carl

[John_Maine]

In Maine, I have antique plates that cost $10 per year plus a $13.00 vehicle excise tax on my '72 Ford and it's a similar cost for my '71 Buick. I have agreed value car insurance through Condon & Skelly, $130 per year for both vehicles. In addition, I also have full comprehensive and liability coverage. Neither vehicle has to be state inspected (25 years and over are exempt with antique plates) but I have the garage do a faux inspection when I get the oil changed every spring. I don't know that there are any mileage restrictions but antique plates are to be used only for shows, exhibitions, parades and occasional use. I have put less than 100 miles on the Buick this year and only 300 on the LTD, so I don't think anyone would squawk at me about that. If I ran regular plates, then I would have to have regular inspections and plates would be $35 per year (excise tax would be the same) so I'm not saving a ton of money. I can also use year of manufacture plates if I want. What gets me is that there are people in town who have antique plates and run their vehicles year round. 

[padgett]

Back in the 50's a gentleman named Bill Frick was famous for dropping caddy engines into Fords but the real joy was a '54 Studebaker Starlight Coupe with a caddy. This was semi-production and many interesting people (e.g. Briggs C.) had one. I have a misty memory of one at his shop in West Palm Beach (was more interested in the axial flow supercharger at the time) when was becoming infested with Jags (can almost ignore an oil pressure guage...). 

 

Two cars I would make exception for are both from that period in my life: a Studillac and/or a Facel-Vega. Space would be found.

[R.White]

 when was becoming infested with Jags (can almost ignore an oil pressure guage...

 

One thing to watch out for with Jags of the period is the oil pressure light.  Less than scrupulous individuals - in an attempt to disguise the low oil pressure - will wire up the oil pressure light to the ignition light so it goes out when the engine is started.  I'm not saying all Brits are crafty bastards but we do have a reputation.....

Edited September 30, 2015 by R.White (see edit history)

[mercer09]

most antique insurance companies allow 2500 miles a year of useage................

 

generally the mileage is not checked at any point, so many of the warnings on this board are a bit over the top.

 

it is based on the honor system..................

[Ed Luddy]

I've decided to change the steering box in my 1966 Grande Parisienne to the faster Monte SS unit to go from the 16+ turns lock to lock down to 12+. Makes for a nicer drive in traffic. I call those big full size GM's the Del Shannon's. Also going to change to front disc brakes due to so many people who dart out of side streets and jaywalking texters!

I know this deviates from the originality of the car, but I do want to enjoy it more. The only other modification would possibly be going from the M20 4 speed standard to a later model ZF 6 speed for that low RPM highway driving and save a bit of wear and tear on the old original 396.