A few extra parts and a basic tool kit. If I can't fix it with that I might as well call a tow truck. I should carry a scissor jack because if I had a flat tire the last thing I would do is use the bumper jack. Rechromed bumpers cost too much.
It seems that the older I get, the more concern and worry I have about a lot of things. Many you cannot do anything about, others mostly insignificant.
Drive it with care and preparation for what you can.
Yote
The Dart and the GTO at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee Fla at the end of the Power Tour.Part of the problem is that our classics are not the same cookie cutter shapes as most modern cars are, so they stand out and naturally draw attention. Unfortunately, far too many drivers today do not have the skills and abilities since the standards are far lower than what most of us needed to prove when we were first licensed. Now add to that the fact that so many people have let their own abilities and skills deteriorate, toss in a couple of distractions and far more vehicles on the road can make it nerve wracking.
To me it's completely normal to be a little anxious about the first few trips in a new ride. There's always the chance that something can go wrong mechanically and leave you in a bad spot, but if you have done most or all of the work yourself it should be something you can correct. Breakdowns can be embarrassing, but in reality no one passing by knows what's wrong, and any vehicle is subject to breaking down.
As for the risk of some clown running into it, well that can happen no matter what you do or what you're driving, so enjoy the rewards of all your hard work and put some miles on it.
When I went on the Hot Rod Power Tour in 2005 with my 1970 Dart, a friend of mine also came along with his 1966 GTO, 421 tri power 4 speed car. My Dart made the 5000 plus mile trip without any issues, but the GTO experienced a few things, nothing catastrophic and no tow truck was required, just some good troubleshooting, a few basic hand tools and some patience. It was and still is the most enjoyable vacation I've ever had, I would love to do it again.
Yup. That's my "Moth to the flame" effect. Same reason drunks wale into cops on the side of the road with their lights flashing. One would think to steer away from your eye target? But I guess it's opposite. You steer towards what you are looking at. Racers have known that all along.The LAST REALLY NICE Mopar I had was about 1998 there bouts. Bud found it for me and said I had to have it. '71 Cuda 340 4 speed triple black and a real 40,000 mi car. One repaint that was perfect. I would drive it town town (Mo.) down the 2 lane blacktop about 8 mi. Little traffic ever, but ever time I would meet a car coming it always get kept getting closer to the center lane and would being over in My lane! Damn it!
People see a car coming like that Cuda and they know it ain't the usual jelly bean car and they stare and its just easy to come toward the center line! Now days I have some decent cars but none really worth that much!!! I ensure them they Hagerty for a few $$$ and drive them and give a c***!
If you think about it, there's really no need. If you drive it, sooner or later something will happen. That's just how it is. Even if it's just normal wear and tear. So have fun with it. Don't let it get the best of you.
I took a motorcycle safety course a few years back. That made such a noticeable difference in my defensive driving habits. On a bike, you're lucky if you get a second chance.