The Daily Driver - An Update

[Ryan]

A few months ago, I told the story of my daily driven '39 Sedan. It was a story of risk really... See, I'm about as sharp as a marble in the shop. Driving an old car, keeping up with the maintenance, and just generally avoiding the pitfalls of my o...

To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.

[hotrod mike]

The best part is you have another hot rod to drive. You also have the opportunity to learn how to do something you've never done before. Seems like it's not all bad. Good luck man, hope it's nothing serious.

[Von Dago]

Soldier on, brother. I know what you mean.
Still one of the coolest daily drivers I've ever seen.
Hey... that rhymed. lol
But I know how down time can be with an old daily. In a way I think it just adds to the soul factor.
Hope your repairs go smoothly.

[HOTRODPRIMER]

tick,tick,tick,,,,rev it up TICK,TICK,TICK,,been there and it's not that intimidating once you are guided throught it with someone that knows what to do. HRP

[Kevin Lee]

Having been there this would be worst case scenario... but it also covers the adjustment part.

Flathead Tech - Installing a cam and adjusting tappets

[Tman]

I too am looking forward to driving my A or hell even getting the54 back on the road as I lost the waterpump on my daily Ranger this weekend. I HATE working on late models.

[49ratfink]

is this a picture of your commute route??

[cactus1]

After you learn, maybe you can show me how to adjust them on my y-block. It's ticky like a sewing machine. Fourtunately it's not my daily (I'm not that cool.)

Good luck,
Mike

[Deadbird]

Hey at least you have a bitchin' backup car.

[PRDDETROIT]

Great story. My 63 Riv is my daily driver. I just put over 5000 miles on her last week. L.A. to Detroit and back home to L.A.
For a number of years now i had to drive just a car. No excitement, No roar, No personality. Life was boring for a long time (as far as driving)
Then I got the Riviera... The biggest thing now is watching out for bad California drivers. They are the WORST in the world.

Good luck and Happy motoring

[Steve Hedke]

Valve adjustment is easy if it has adjustable lifters: very much like an overhead with solid tappets.

If it's stock, that gets trickier. I'd be looking for something else, maybe a cam lobe going flat, or a galled lifter. Something that would shorten the stroke on that one lifter.

[Steve Hedke]

PRDDETROIT is right. We've driven our roaster all over the US, and LA/SF are the worst. Everyone is in one hell of a hurry. You start to notice when you get about 50 miles out of town. And the roads are crap as well: no money to fix them. Hell for hot rods.

[dave lewis]

Hey Boss, not trying to rain on your parade...BUT...
If you have been driving this thing everyday without any unusual lifter noise ( always some with mech. tappets ) and then you suddenly get a loud tick...
I would bet something broke.
I would recommend a very close examination, under strong lights, of every component in the valve train..valve tips, springs,retainers,keepers, etc,etc.....
Good luck.
Dave

[Bad Bob]

I've been driving the '38 Pick-up daily,since getting it. LOVE IT! The only thing I miss about the 93 Chevy Pick-up is the air conditioning,especially last week when it was over 100deg! Nothing beats the looks you get driving an old car though. I think as the older generation passes on,there are more and more people who have never seen an old car and have no idea what it is or what year. The statement "we had one of those when I was a kid' is heard less and less!

[Hexadox]

I can really relate to this, I'm going through the same thing right now. My '61 laurentian is my daily and it is now ticking away. I've never done this before either and as much as I try I'm not a very competent mechanic, lol. Basically before I dive into anything I do a ton of research and can often be seen scratching my head while reading over all the manuals and reference materials I can get my hands on. I'll be tackling this one tomorrow night or wednesday night.

[general gow]

my 54 isnt my daily, but it certainly could be after it got me 6000 miles in 18 days. with nary a trouble, excepting the vapor lock in western nebraska. it is a good feeling to pilot an old car where others fear to tread.

and something i have learned from some good friends here: nothing is too tough to do once you know how to do it. it's all just an education. and there is always a solution.

[Francisco Plumbero]

Here's the way I see it, you may not like this but it's the truth. You have one of if not the best site in existence regarding Hot Rodding and another on the flat head Ford. You seem to nick and ding yourself and say I'm not and I have not before. Well that's not really acceptable, in order to be this guy that you want to be you have to step into the abyss just like the rest of us. If you want to be the guy who drives a 71 year old car to work daily you have to be the guy who is unafraid to deal with the consequences. This is the best part of it that you are into now, now you have a problem that you need to fix, anyone can drive an old car to work every day and enjoy not a problem in the world, the fun is when you have the excitement of the unknown, the challenge of a great puzzle or a mystery, now you are a hot rodder. Jump into the pool the waters fine and all your friends are here.

[porknbeaner]

Originally Posted by Ryan

A few months ago, I told the story of my daily driven '39 Sedan. It was a story of risk really... See, I'm about as sharp as a marble in the shop. Driving an old car, keeping up with the maintenance, ...

To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.

I think I recall a time that we all kind of got together and you were running a little late, something to do with Mr Lee as I recall. I don't remember all the particulars but it seems that you had to change a clutch before you came by. Now that's pretty damned inept.

Get in there and let it make ya dirty buddy. You'll do just fine.

[flatheadalb]

I drive my 1960 TRIUMPH Everyday and i just blew out the clutch...Every old thing I've seen made a weird sound or leaked something..Old Cars are like old people. You should have no problem working on the flathead.

Albie

[Van Dutch]

C'mon, it's not like it's rocket surgery.

Nice tease to get us back after Labor day. Pictures and a blow by blow Ryan-esque commentary, please.