How Well Are Your Cars Sorted?

[TAKerry]

As typical another thread started going sideways (and I contributed, LOL) so I figured to start this one. As the title states, how well are your cars really sorted. AJ made a comment about a fellow that had an old car that was dialed in to perfection and how nice it was to drive. Compared to most people being complacent with the condition of theirs, figuring, 'oh well, its an old car its suppose to be that way'.

 

As a side note it was brought up, is it better to have 1 or 2 cars that are close to perfect (at least in a mechanical/driving sense) or a dozen that are so so?

 

My 77 trans am is a good looker. It runs really well, will start anytime I want it to. I participate in the DPC and drive it to events. Def not a trailer car. However there are a few nit picks that irritate me when I do drive. It was one of those things that once I got it on the road I figured I could live with the little stuff. I do have a list of to do, to and try to make it as perfect as possible. 

The speedo does not work- I have the parts, laziness is my excuse.

The tach does not work-see above!

Pass door needs the hinges rebuilt and the glass catches-pretty simple adjustment actually

Multiple squeaks and rattles-???

AC not hooked up-putting that money into my other restor at this time

Radio not hooked up-what was the note about laziness?

 

Along the lines of multiple vehicles, I have a half dozen antique motorcycles that have not been run for years. At one time they were all well sorted running machines. Any one of them would fire off on the third kick at the most. Now they need some major work to get them going at this point. So IMO its not worth having multiples unless you have a regular rotating maintenance schedule.

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Great topic Kerry.  Here is a quick status on ours:

 

89 MB 560 SL: was the only collector car for a stretch and I had both time and money to take care of 90% of it's needs at the time.  I went through the list the experts suggested and I have no concerns with typical trouble spots on these cars; timing chain, guides, steering box, etc. Replaced virtually every AC component.  That said, it does have a slight oil leak at pass bank where head meets the block which is very common and steering wheel vibrates slightly on bumps.  Vac central locks and wiper washer does not work.  On Steering, the wheel needs a thin bushing that was left off last time it was off so that is my main concern now.  Always something but I feel it is mechanically pretty solid.

 

Model A: again 90% there.  Front end, all brakes w cast drums, steering box, clutch, all engine accesories, shift tower etc. Engine itself untouched but powerful and smooth.  Needs a wiring harness and the rear shocks, while working are older.  We aren't talking cosmetics but that is biggest need here. As Model As go this car runs, handles and stops better than many if not most.

 

Packard: we are still getting to know each other.  Prior owner #1 did pro engine rebuild around 2005, last prior owner did brake work, cooling system, clutch, tires and more.  My biggest concern is solving for vapor lock and I am adding a carb heat shield and electric fuel pump this year.  This is big as that seems to be the gremlin that can strand this car as it sits now.

 

So none are 100% which would be easier to accomplish for sure with one less but I don't want one less... 😁  

Edited December 15, 2023 by Steve_Mack_CT (see edit history)

[John Bloom]

16 minutes ago, Steve_Mack_CT said:

 

 

So none are 100% which would be easier to accomplish for sure with one less but I don't want one less... 😁  

My kinda guy.

[auburnseeker]

The Hudson Big Boy I sold in June I must have sorted pretty well.  It did run drive and stop well hot or cold, never overheated.  The guy I sold it to,  took it to Florida (trailered on that questionable trailer) But called me the other day and left a nice message on my machine that he had been enjoying the hell out of it driving it all over Florida in the summer and the only problem he ran into was the Generator finally started acting up.  So I guess I must have had that sorted pretty well.

 

Just started the to do list on the A roadster pickup and the auburn Speedster.  Have the 33 Plymouth alot of the way there with the new tires.  Still have to figure out the fuel gauge issue (most likely sending unit) and put the new rear seal on the tranny. Otherwise she runs well hot or cold and starts the same.   I'm hoping the tires solve the random vibration I ran into.  I figured it couldn't hurt as the old ones were Sears Allstates.

[Df824]

I have an 86 Buick LeSabre. There is a minor oil leak that probably should get some attention. The curcuit board that controls the intermittent wipers and washer is broken and needs to be replaced. The power mirror on the driver side sometimes sticks. 
 

that’s about it. It’s pretty minor as things go 

[TAKerry]

27 minutes ago, auburnseeker said:

The Hudson Big Boy I sold in June I must have sorted pretty well.  It did run drive and stop well hot or cold, never overheated.  The guy I sold it to,  took it to Florida (trailered on that questionable trailer) But called me the other day and left a nice message on my machine that he had been enjoying the hell out of it driving it all over Florida in the summer and the only problem he ran into was the Generator finally started acting up.  So I guess I must have had that sorted pretty well.

 

Just started the to do list on the A roadster pickup and the auburn Speedster.  Have the 33 Plymouth alot of the way there with the new tires.  Still have to figure out the fuel gauge issue (most likely sending unit) and put the new rear seal on the tranny. Otherwise she runs well hot or cold and starts the same.   I'm hoping the tires solve the random vibration I ran into.  I figured it couldn't hurt as the old ones were Sears Allstates.

I think thats pretty decent the guy got back with you. I remember the pics you put up and the concern if they were even going to make it out of town, let alone back to FLA!

[Mark Shaw]

All my cars start out well sorted in the spring.  However, one or two tend to develop issues during summer touring. 

That's why I have a heated shop to service and repair them as needed during the winter.

[CarNucopia]

I'm in the camp of "more cars" is better. Because of this, I have one on most points of the "Sorted, Not-Sorted" continuum. I have no illusions about their roadworthyness and use them accordingly. The biggest problem is finding someone to get them sorted. As we've discussed in other threads, taking an old car to a "specialist" is a crap shoot. Many seem to specialize in false expertise and money acquisition. 

 

My Buick was owned by my dad when I was growing up. In the 70's, he could take it to nearly any local mechanic to keep it maintained. It never became unsorted because of continual professional attention. He sold the car in the 80's and I got it back around 2000. By this point, there was nobody local to solve what were previously simple issues. Service stations now service the need for a snack. Small issues pile up over time and become big ones.

[60FlatTop]

My wife is from Geneva, New York, about 90 miles from our house. A few years ago we were driving home from a summer visit on Rt 20 with the windows open enjoying the rolling hills on the two lane road. My wife said "You know, we just get in this car and go anywhere we want. That's pretty special."

 

If she recognizes it and comments I guess it must be noticeably good.

 

But I was driving a 35 year old one when I met her.

Now I have a 65 year old one. She just takes it for granted.

[60FlatTop]

Sometimes I go to cruise nights and there is a walk-in guy who looks like this.

 

He looks my car over closely and tells me he has a car like mine. He is not driving it because it is not finished. When he gets it done it will be lots nicer than mine.

 

Maybe you have seen him.

[Matt Harwood]

Having a sorted car is a big point of pride that--at least to me--goes well beyond merely owning an old car that lay people find amazing simply by its existence. One of the best moments of my old car life was on a CCCA tour and we woke up to a fairly frosty spring morning. A lot of the cars were struggling to start. I walked to my '41 Buick, turned the key, and it was running in less than 5 seconds. The guy trying to start the Packard next to me said, "Hey, that's not fair!"

 

And I was particularly proud when my mechanic, Roman, who has worked for us for years, asked, "Why do your cars always start but these other cars are so fussy?" That was inadvertently the biggest complement he could have paid me.

 

Then there were the multiple times that I won $20 off of guys with late-model whatevers when I bet them my 1929 Cadillac would start faster than their fuel-injected modern Corvette/Mustang/Challenger. Half a turn, that's all it needed.

 

My father was never able to trust his old cars and as a result, we never drove anywhere beyond walking distance. Even as a little kid, I knew that sucked and being stranded by the side of the road resulted in some of the worst moments of my childhood. Probably because of this, I don't care about trophies or awards or impressing people with shiny stuff. It cost me thousands of dollars, thousands of hours, and possibly my sanity, but my stuff just works.

 

 

Edited December 15, 2023 by Matt Harwood (see edit history)

[Shootey]

13 minutes ago, Matt Harwood said:

Having a sorted car is a big point of pride that--at least to me--goes well beyond merely owning an old car that lay people find amazing simply by its existence. One of the best moments of my old car life was on a CCCA tour and we woke up to a fairly frosty spring morning. A lot of the cars were struggling to start. I walked to my '41 Buick, turned the key, and it was running in less than 5 seconds. The guy trying to start the Packard next to me said, "Hey, that's not fair!"

 

And I was particularly proud when my mechanic, Roman, who has worked for us for years, asked, "Why do your cars always start but these other cars are so fussy?" That was inadvertently the biggest complement he could have paid me.

 

Then there were the multiple times that I won $20 off of guys with late-model whatevers when I bet them my 1929 Cadillac would start faster than their fuel-injected modern Corvette/Mustang/Challenger. Half a turn, that's all it needed.

 

My father was never able to trust his old cars and as a result, we never drove anywhere beyond walking distance. Even as a little kid, I knew that sucked and being stranded by the side of the road resulted in some of the worst moments of my childhood. As a result, I don't care about trophies or awards or impressing people with shiny stuff. It cost me thousands of dollars, thousands of hours, and possibly my sanity, but my stuff just works.

Do you have electric fuel pumps on your Buicks?

[edinmass]

Currently I have 17 pre war cars sorted and driving at 100 percent. Most are the big boy exotics. Fortunately I am paid to keep 14 of them that way. And it’s a full time job. Last month we did 700 miles in four days with two Duesenbergs. Never opened the hood or serviced them while in Oklahoma. We did do 60 hours on each car before the tour. And 60 hours on each car after the tour. That’s how the J’s run.  Most of the time is spent on the brakes……2/3’s of it.  

[Matt Harwood]

10 minutes ago, Shootey said:

Do you have electric fuel pumps on your Buicks?

 

All my old cars have auxiliary electric fuel pumps. It's a no-brainer.

[human-potato_hybrid]

Let me put it this way, I'd rather have one that I could trust to drive 1000 miles than ten that I could only trust to drive 10 miles. I'm not trying to start a museum.

[West Peterson]

My goal, like others here, is to have every car in the garage sorted. 

 

I've sold three cars in the past year. For me, it was important that each one was mostly sorted before I offered them for sale. For the 1910 Model T, I even went as far as having the engine/transmission completely rebuilt. For the 1940 Zephyr, transmission rebuilt AND rebuilt coil with new plates installed in distributor.  And the 1942 Ford truck, completely tuned as well. In addition to ease of mind, it kind of eliminates any negotiation. I get my asking price.

 

For Matt... I'd bet my Zephyr could have beat your Buick in elapsed time to start: It was running before I could remove my finger from the start button, and I pushed it as if I were pushing a door bell. Probably shouldn't have sold that car, but I just didn't need it.

[Dr B]

4 hours ago, Steve_Mack_CT said:

So none are 100% which would be easier to accomplish for sure with one less but I don't want one less... 😁  

I rank 100% sorted with "perfect". Rarely if ever attained. Knowing Ed, I believe he may be one of a few who can achieve that level of (full-time continuous) work. In addition, like 'youth' 100% sorted is a fleeting thing. Sorting is a neverending process. There is ALWAY something to do, be it fix, adjust, replace, repair. The act of sorting puts one in touch with the "rhythms" of the car and helps predict and anticipate issues early when they are small and easily rectified before they strand you on the side of the road. All my cars are "sorted" to the extent they have never stranded me, they run well, and have given me and my family many many hours of enjoyment. However, I have a neverending "to-do" list (of mostly small items) for each one of them.

 

Robert

Edited December 15, 2023 by Dr B (see edit history)

[Dr B]

15 minutes ago, West Peterson said:

I've sold three cars in the past year. For me, it was important that each one was mostly sorted before I offered them for sale.

The sign of a true gentleman and someone who appreciates cars! I would venture to guess that the overwhelming majority of folks on this thread specifically and on this forum in general are of the same thought about passing along a reasonably well working car (when possible) to the next owner/caretaker. 

 

Robert

[John Byrd]

I can get in the 63 Mini, the 55 Studebaker, or the 67 Tiger and drive away anytime  we want, but all 3 need "something". Keeps me on my toes and always have something to do that way, lol. Even our new car needs washed and waxed, lol. 

[metalbender]

i like my cars to have everything working as it should, be it the cigar lighter in the rolls or the boot light in the jag.

my cars are not anywhere perfect, but i am not afraid to drive any of them any distance at a monents notice. 

 

[Gearheadengineer]

Hmmm. My answer is “it depends.” Mostly it depends on a given point in time. I drive my collector cars thousands of miles per year. Stuff wears out or breaks. I fix it.  Repeat. No different than my newer “winter” car. Or my bicycles.
 

There’s always multiple improvements I want to make. So I guess they are never fully sorted.
 

My ‘64 Lincoln will get a lot of love this winter. Although I wouldn’t be afraid to get in and drive it at the moment (and I’m tempted because it’s 52F outside right now), it has some needs. Mostly mechanical, some cosmetic. Some I have admittedly lived with for too long, like the neutral safety switch and the slow right rear window. Others are more recent. I will be driving it again in the spring, even if I don’t knock every item off my ToDo list.
 

 

[Paul Dobbin]

2 hours ago, West Peterson said:

 

 

For Matt... I'd bet my Zephyr could have beat your Buick in elapsed time to start: It was running before I could remove my finger from the start button, and I pushed it as if I were pushing a door bell. Probably shouldn't have sold that car, but I just didn't need it.

    Yesterday, I needed to move my unrestored 35 Ford Pickup to add a new sign to my garage's General Store.   I have nit driven or started it 

    since May 2023.   It was running before I got my foot off the starter button.  

[Bhigdog]

6 hours ago, 60FlatTop said:

Sometimes I go to cruise nights and there is a walk-in guy who looks like this.

 

He looks my car over closely and tells me he has a car like mine. He is not driving it because it is not finished. When he gets it done it will be lots nicer than mine.

 

Maybe you have seen him.

He might be the same guy that looks at my red 57 Buick and spends 5 minutes telling me how those old cars rode like a dream and his father had one exactly like mine................... only it was a black Ford..........Bob

Edited December 15, 2023 by Bhigdog (see edit history)

[alsancle]

I have a punch list for each of my cars that is extensive.   Some of the stuff is minor (gas gauge reads 1/2 when it is empty) and some of the stuff is more major (need a new clutch).   I guess until the list goes to zero on one of the cars I will have to say none of my cars are fully sorted.

 

I have been in ultra reliable tour cars that still had issues.   Broken odometer,  broken gas gauge, etc.

[Matt Harwood]

5 minutes ago, alsancle said:

I have a punch list for each of my cars that is extensive.   Some of the stuff is minor (gas gauge reads 1/2 when it is empty) and some of the stuff is more major (need a new clutch).   I guess until the list goes to zero on one of the cars I will have to say none of my cars are fully sorted.

 

I have been in ultra reliable tour cars that still had issues.   Broken odometer,  broken gas gauge, etc.

 

I think that's OK. My definition of sorted means that the car runs and drives like it should. The radio doesn't work or the gas gauge is wonky? Meh. 

[Avanti Bill]

Of my 8 cars all are totally reliable to a point.  All could go on a major trip without issue but you may not be able to listen to the radio or the clock may not work.  If I can't get a car sorted to go whenever I want to go i send it off to a new owner.

[alsancle]

40 minutes ago, Matt Harwood said:

 

I think that's OK. My definition of sorted means that the car runs and drives like it should. The radio doesn't work or the gas gauge is wonky? Meh. 

The problem is that what I think of as “sorted“ has drastically gone up over the last 20 years.

[TexRiv_63]

For the past 25 years I have had at least two hobby cars in addition to DD's. All of the hobby cars had lengthy "To-Do" lists with items of varying complexity but with the exception of my early pre-war cars they were all driveable most of the time. Some of the list items affecting driveability stayed at the top but when I would knock one off another would rise to the top. With the recent sale of my 66 Monaco wagon I am now down to just one hobby car, my '60 Buick LeSabre. Knocking on wood and speaking very softly so the car won't hear, my list for this one has NO driveability issues on it's list unless you count a lack of air conditioning in the summer. It starts easily all year round, runs and drives very well (I will never say "perfectly") I really enjoy having a car this worry-free, just wish I could stop waiting for a shoe to drop somewhere...

[Scott Bonesteel]

Keeping with the true meaning of the word 'sorted', all of my old cars are 'sorted', i.e., their multiple problems/quirks are 'organized' into piles to be dealt with as time permits.  None of them will ever be 100%, but such is life with machinery.

[Bryan G]

I'd have no qualms driving my '49 New Yorker almost anywhere. I feel comfortable with knowing how everything works, and what it would take to at least limp it home. I've probably driven it 4 hours or more in the last week. Sorted? I replaced the generator temporarily with a 6v+ground alternator while I was having the old unit rebuilt. The generator and a NOS regulator have been sitting here for over a year, waiting for me to install. The alternator just works to well. An elbow that fits atop the water pump cracked when I was installing it. The repro replacements I bought were terrible, so I patched the crack with JB Weld. and slathered Flex Paste on the outside. It's ugly; might seep a pint of coolant per year. It has several small oil leaks. I suspect the rear main may be the worst, but haven't dared to investigate. I just keep adding oil. I like to tinker on old radios and have pulled this one about 8 times. Still not working right. The fuel gauge needle jumps a bit, and the speedometer reads high. The inside turn signal indicator stopped working when I switched to an electronic flasher. The clock light is intermittent. The leather is in poor shape. The heat riser is stuck. 

 

What a rolling wreck! People keep stopping me, wanting to take pictures of my car. They aren't laughing. Lots of patina. Not afraid of dirt roads or a little rain. Always starts. Sorted enough for me. Will have to invest in tires soon...

[Dr B]

On 12/15/2023 at 7:19 PM, Matt Harwood said:

definition of sorted means that the car runs and drives like it should. The radio doesn't work or the gas gauge is wonky? Meh. 

Completely agree with Matt's definition. I take pride in the fact that NONE of the clocks in my cars work. I do not plan on ever trying to get them to work. They are all set to 1:20 and that is where they will stay! (Yea, most of my gas gauges are wonky).

 

Again, perfection is not the goal of sorted in my mind. Few if any (more likely none) of these cars were perfect from the factory. However, they did work and didn't break down on a regular basis. The goal of sorted is reliability. 

 

Robert

[edinmass]

The definition of sorted varies from on person to another. For me, it’s fairly simple. EVERYTHING works as delivered. The car drives as new. AND…….I don’t carry any tools. In our shop, after a drive we say “round trip”. At the end of a trouble free tour we say to anybody who will listen……..800 trouble free miles, ran like a top, no issues or problems. Then we load it back in the trailer and spend the next week at home fixing all the shit that went wrong with it that we were able to hide from everyone! Overall, I just don’t like the cars crapping out in front of friends and hobby members. We were at a huge show, and I knew the motor wouldn’t last another two minutes and it would cook over the ramp to get the trophy. Solution to the problem? Pretend you didn’t hear you were getting an award and scamper off the field before the thing shits the bed. Been there, done that! We just don’t admit it! 

Edited December 17, 2023 by edinmass (see edit history)

[Lee H]

10 minutes ago, edinmass said:

The car drives as new. AND…….I don’t carry any tools

I consider my cars well-sorted, but that is just tempting the breakdown gods.

[64pontiac]

As long as one of the cars starts, stops, drives, doesn't use more oil than fuel and nothing falls off going down the road I'm happy.

 

But I also laugh when I'm stuck broken down at the side of the road.

 

If any car you have is 100% perfect, then you need another that isn't.

[Ed Luddy]

Oh boy what a subject! So far this year I decided to sell my old cars because I'm just not wanting to work on them or spend the money finishing them off to reach 98%. I never have 100% cars. Even the 2 I bought new had problems, but that's another story.

 The closest one was a relatively new (1975) Corvette convertible that was darn near perfect until I started driving it after a long storage term. But a friend kept bugging me about buying it. Even the clock worked. But a leaky caliper (a regular Vette problem) on the way to put it in storage was it for me. I stopped by my friend's place and told it was his if he wanted it. Never seen anyone write a cheque so fast!  After that it was easy to sell the ongoing problem child 1976 Trans Am and 1966 Marlin.

[Brass is Best]

You know your car is sorted when you can hop in with no spares, no tools, no phone and you are not the least bit concerned. When you know, it is going to bring you home your work is done. 

Edited December 17, 2023 by Brass is Best (see edit history)

[yachtflame]

Of my small collection, My 1930 LaSalle sedan is the most reliable. One of the members here tuned my carb and distributer so well that I have no worries about getting in it and going anywhere, anytime. I used it more this summer then in the past 10 years! 
 That’s not saying it’s sorted properly. I keep removing things to sell to people when they need a part quicker then I can make one for them, so it’s never 100%. But it starts, stops and makes my face sore from all the smiling!

  Thank you Ed!!!!!!!

[60FlatTop]

I learned the secret early. Most of my cars have been Buicks. Our daily drivers are some variation of Chevy truck.

 

It has worked out well. I bought a new Silverado in 2005. In 2020 I went out shopping and came home with another 2005 Chevy truck, just with lower miles and better shape.

 

We have a gas station at the main intersection. Last week they were putting in new underground piping. Other than that I can just put the key in and go.

[Dr B]

5 hours ago, edinmass said:

EVERYTHING works as delivered.

Even the gas gauge?! 😜

[Dr B]

5 hours ago, edinmass said:

I don’t carry any tools

The only "tools" I now carry in the car are a credit card and my cell phone. Haven't needed my "tools" in over a decade.

 

Robert