It's hard to believe that I've been driving this old thing every day for over a year now. When I first started this little adventure, I figured it would be a real test of my dedication to old cars. I imagined constant mechanical problems, long battle... <BR><BR>To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.
How is putting yourself in debt the "responsible" thing to do???? You made the right choice..... The "stress" from city driving an old car is easily outweighed by the thumbs up from others and the affect that an old car has on the senses.....
That's just a great looking car... I wouldn't take it to the salvage yard to load up parts, but I'd drive it daily!!! Nice job Ryan!
I'm sure jealous... wish I had time to get something going that I could drive daily as my "modern" daily car is on its last leg... thanks for the inspiration Zach
I've been at it for over a year as well. I think you got the '39 soon after I got the F1 home and on the road. (last November) If you remember I had a lot of electrical issues last winter. I finally got that stuff worked out and everything has been fine. I'll be taking notes on the iPod install. Planning to do some pretty serious highway miles this coming year so I'll need music.
.......Your a lucky man......get to ride a cool car all year round....I've got a 39 coupe thats on the road about 8 months......Damm snow and salt keeps inside in the winter in Wisconsin......Glad that motor overhaul is working out for you......really enjoyed your last adventure road trip.....Big Bad John
I love your rush hour traffic. I'm like you. I get nervous as shit when I get caught in traffic. There is nothing like cruising down the road in an old car.
Nice read, Ryan. Re: the glass, nothing worse than dreading/delaying a job unnecessarily... the voice of experience here D)... shout if you need a hand.
Great story, have enjoyed the posts about the rebuild. The video and song at the end was the icing on the cake. Wonderful, just wonderful.
goddam, brought a tear to my eyes! i used to look over my dad's shoulder when he was driving his 41 ford. I always watched the guages, see if it was going 70 or what. Had mud roads then, I can stilll hear that flathead V8 singin' as the old man cused, my mom prayed, that we would make it home without getting stuck. So much for religion.
An old saying... "The difference between adversity and adventure is attitude". I drove (and owned) only old cars for over thirty years. I also had the good fortune to live in rural or small towns most of my life. Americans are so connected to their cars that the type of car actually affects our attitude more than we know. Today's cars isolate us from all natural sounds and atmosphere. Bikers understand that. And if you're open to it, driving a nice old car seems to heighten your senses while slowing down your pace. Just let all those leased Beemers sail on by in cell phone bliss. Of course we're talkin' about a well sorted, reasonably maintained old car like that '39. A POS of any year is still a POS and hurts the mind!
Dave Ramsey would be proud of you! Payments are gay. And you need a radio..........gotta listen to Sean Rima on the Big Talker!
I wish we still lived in the same town. Gas would cost me around $200 a week to drive that thing daily... and, it doesn't have a back seat. I take my kids to school in the morning. I'm so taking you up on that. Steve Earle
That's an enjoyable read. As even my wife's daily is old by most peoples standards I full and well understand the enjoyment of driving the older car or truck on a daily basis.
Man that video gave me goose bumps. Love the vibe - driving an old car in a light rain watching stuff go by on a cool old road listening to a great song. Makes me want to drive, draw, write or put on some music right now. Nice job.
Was that Ryan Adam singing along to your ride? What album? Anyways, That's what I'm building my '35 for and you're leading the way with a torch my friend. I want a car that I can get in and feel comfortable driving to work, blockbuster, mexican food into the mountains etc ya know? Awesome!
Awesome story and great video! My dream is to have nothing but old vehicles for my wife and me. Once my '54 is on the road and the kinks are worked out, I'll be selling my newer truck... can't wait.
That awesome Ryan. I drove my '56 Chevy wagon to school everyday to high school for 3 years. ('00-'02) Rain or shine it was on the road. Nothing makes me happier than driving an older car. My wife doesn't get it, but you hit the nail on the head when you said it's calming and makes you happy. That's what it's all about.
If I had a job......... If I drove to work........ If I had to drop the kids at school........ That would be the best way to do it