J.H.Boland

Another experience I had with bias and radial tires was with my '72 Chevy C20 pickup.When I purchased it, it had 950/16.5 nylon bias tires.The "early morning thump" seemed to never go away ! When towing with it on the freeway, a big chunk of the right front tread parted company with the tire.I limped in to the nearest town and found a tire store that had a set of 8.75/16.5 radials.We replaced them then and there. I couldn't believe I was driving the same truck! It went from lumber wagon to country Cadillac. Most radical difference I ever experienced. Jim (The fire truck now resides in a museum in Rotterdam,Holland).

The Coker Classics I installed last year ride and handle considerably better than the bias plies that came off.That being said,the bias tires could well have been about 35-40 years old ! So far,I'm very impressed with all aspects of the radials,including profile. Jim

I'm fortunate to live in the country on a paved road.I can drive for miles without having to bypass a city or town.The 1920's cars are limited these days to the rural roads,occasionally taking us to church or ice cream store in the village.For longer distances,they get a trailer ride.The '40 Packard can hold it's own in town or country,but we avoid the freeways.The '70's vehicles,of course,can go anywhere there's a road. Jim

I'll turn 70 this year and my daughter will tell you I'm one of those grumpy old coots . Last year I was elected (railroaded) president of our region of the Historical Automobile Society of Canada (HASC). It is a bit discouraging at our indoor meets to look out over a sea of grey and balding heads,but this year we have an enthusiastic pair of guys running activities and a number of interesting things are developing.We are going to try to reach out to the younger car people, not just to hopefully have someone to relieve us of our treasures when the time comes,but to help them appreciate the history and technological steps that the industry took from the early days.It can be hard for an old coot to show an interest in the '70's and up cars,especially ones of European and Japanese origin.Remember, in my generation, Japanese stuff was mostly found in CrackerJack boxes ! To you millenials,I ask that you try to be patient with us oldsters.Some of us are trying to embrace the new realities and show a friendly and interested face to the next generation(s). Jim

Further to Mark's post,this was sent to me by AACA forum members. Jim1925 Buick engine timing.doc

I had an East Indian gent come into the parts dept.asking for a hub cap for a Pontiac Goolie.I advised him there was no such thing.He took me out to his Goolie,a Pontiac 6000LE. I said "let me guess.Your brother drives a Pontiac Goose".He said "how did you know?". (Pontiac 6000SE).

It is a Zis.The Russians built them for high ranking Soviet officials,using 1942 Packard dies,I believe. Stalin had a four door convertible Zis 110 B for a parade car. I may stand corrected on details. Jim

I posted this photo with my tongue planted firmly in my cheek !

A well known American built Olds truck.

I agree,Gregg.My collection ranges from 1921 to 1992. I bought my '78 GMC Caballero new 40 years ago this summer and the '92 Park Avenue as a daily driver in 2000 and just never tired of them.I bought the 3 1920's cars because I love the styling and the history.I try to amass as much corporate and personal history on each car as I can find. When showing them,many people find this information fascinating. Talking enthusiastically to spectators at car shows about your vintage ride may rub off on them, hopefully and especially the young 'uns. Jim

I used open trailers for years, and there was a constant threat of damage to the old car's top flapping in the breeze,even lowered. I enjoy the security of my enclosed trailer, and have ordered a new one with an 82" high ramp door to accommodate my taller cars.You just need a tow vehicle that has lots of balls to pull it around.The '46 1 ton had the balls but not the speed.The '72 3/4 ton does the job OK.

I have encountered thieves and shysters in this hobby since I got involved with it in the '60's. There was always someone spray painting a rusty part and selling it as "rebuilt". If you put lipstick on a pig it's still a pig.The older I get,the more cynical I become,but I still love the old cars and many friends I have made over the years.No matter what your interests,there will always be someone trying to make a fast buck off you. Even just owning a computer can be trying.I've been awakened at all hours of the night by some scammer with limited knowledge of English trying to tell me that I have a problem with my computer and they will help me fix it. My civility has evaporated on such occasions, and hopefully they will learn to "let sleeping dogs lie". Jim

Pretty sure the truck is a Dodge,about a '38. Jim

My daughter is trying to bring up my grandson the way he should go ! "Where's the crank ?"

I had my '21 Chevy at a cruise night years ago,and a small crowd gathered when I started it up,hood open. A lanky dude with a long pony tail commented "wow man.The original Chevy small block"! He was right.

One of the biggest car shows on the continent will be occurring again on June 2 and 3 2018 at the Steve Plunkett Estate in London Ontario. Steve's collection of over 85 cars,including his Salon filled with classic 8 , 12 , and 16 cylinder Cadillacs is worth the visit on it's own, but add in over 3000 assorted show cars (mostly modifieds) and you have quite the event. www.fleetwoodcountrycruizein.com/2018.html

The '26 Chevy is likely a "Bennett Buggy". During the dust bowl days of the 1930's,many farmers took out the engines and used real horse power to pull their fuel starved cars.R.B.Bennett had the misfortune of being prime minister of Canada at the time,and was blamed for the country's economic woes.Similar vehicles in the U.S. were called "Hoover Carts". I had a 490 Chevy body and frame that came from Alberta that had been used this way. Jim

GM did have a few special El Camino type vehicles built over the years. This '76 Cadillac Mirage sport wagon is owned by Steve Plunkett, in London Ontario. According to his website,it is one of 105 built.

Maybe the new owner will give the original owner a decent burial !

Nice to see another "Vicky" ready for the road. The 1934 (35?) pickup looks great already. I had a '36 low cab years ago.Found it holding up a corn crib .Drove it the 20+ miles home with no brakes ,a windshield that you couldn't see out of because of air between the layers, a license plate that was the right color but the wrong year,and not much of the exhaust system left. Those were the days. Jim

My best guess would be in the $3500-$4000 range tops.The cost of body/paint work, chrome,and tires alone would likely bring your investment up to quite a bit more than a 100 point car is worth.Other than interior, where was the money spent ?

This Buick was built up from a big 4 door sedan and other left over parts.The owner has a lot of parts stored in Texas, as I recall, but lives here in Ontario. It does stand out at car shows !

Some years back,I winter stored a 1938 convertible coupe for a friend. When spring arrived I hated to see it go. I have to admit, it would be a toss up between a '38 Buick convertible coupe or a '40 Packard convertible coupe. Jim

You know you've been playing with old cars a long time when the car/truck/ute you bought new to bring home parts for your latest project is itself now a 40 year old collector car.It qualified for historic vehicle plates while I was still working at the place I bought it.I knew then that it was time to retire ! Photo shows my brand new '78 GMC Caballero.