Driving & Insanity - Can You Relate?

     There is a definition (a loose one anyways - it’s not in the dictionary) of insanity; doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results. Each week, I sit down at my laptop and think, “I’ll just bang out the blog in one shot”. Why I think this, I have no idea - because I know, somewhere in the back of my mind, this is not going to happen… ever. Case in point (again) this week.

     I was reviewing what was written last week as well as some emails. The “you have no idea what you’re talking about” emails were practically non-existent. There were numerous ones containing kudos as well as some great topics to discuss in future blurbs. I’m a strong believer that hate-mail does not exist; simply because it’s either written by people who never leave their name, comes from a somewhat bogus (read:

extremely generic) and not their personal or work email or just goes to the spam folder anyhow because of the junk it contains. So - if you’ve written an email that fits on of these categories & I haven’t replied, it’s your own fault. Tough shit.

     One email I received from Carl out in California thought the section on automotive electronics I can’t stand was rather humorous. He also stated that more cars than not are equipped with those options where he lives and warned me about the perils of driving in his state if I were ever to visit. In his opinion, he feels that many people simply do not know how to drive - never mind the distractions of cell phones, GPS, or whatnot. That got me to thinking about several other comments I’ve heard over the years from family, friends, and other emails. While most were related to city driving - be it Atlanta, the DC area, Boston, or LA - the bottom line was, no matter where you are, people do not drive as well as they used to.

     Those memories reconnected me to a story I read about a group of car enthusiasts who embarked on a trek (a mission in my book) of traveling through India via antique and performance car. While this may not seem like a big deal to most, travel experts will flat out tell anyone not to drive in that country if you are visiting. There are too many people, the roads are “useable” in the city (and horrible in the country), and modern amenities such as traffic lights, marked lanes, speed limits, and road signs are just suggestions and often ignored. Author Rob Kinnan, who not only survived the journey, as did his vintage Shelby Mustang, was noted as saying that driving was actually exhilarating… once you adjust to the initial shock and start going with the flow of things;“Passing a slow moving truck requires a decision making process. There’s more to just “driving” on a highway in India. This is because the marked lanes and the general direction of traffic are merely suggestions. The highways do not have barriers or median strips, and breakdown lanes are few. Half the time, traffic flows in both directions using two lanes apiece. However, at any given moment, as many as all four lanes are used for one direction of driving and vise-versa. It all depends on what is happening at that point in time. You move into an open lane to pass the truck, only to find that another vehicle is coming at you… in your lane… at 50 mph.”

     Rob went on to write that it took him about 30 minutes to get used to this phenomenon, but then was actually able to get into a comfortable groove. He also stated that while cars & trucks are nowhere near as numerous as they are here in the states, you have to mind other things such as rickshaws, mopeds (with as many as 3 people on them) and cows. Apparently the cows are everywhere.

     If you’re a visual person, go onto You Tube and type in “India traffic jam”. While the short film has been sped up a little, it gives you a rough idea of what Mr. Kinnan is referring to. The interesting thing is, is while there are millions of people, and just as many near misses, there are extremely few incidents of actual contact. Why? Because it seems the drivers in India know their limits and boundaries. There are also no distractions - the drivers are focused on one thing - driving! Kinnan noted that if people in his home state of California were subject to the same driving conditions as in the cities of India, about 85% of them would be involved in an accident within 5 minutes. He also commented it may be a decent way to alleviate the traffic gridlock out there as well.

     I can relate somewhat to what the author is referring to; when I drive my antique hot rod I actually become more aware of my surroundings. While the only creature comfort in the Mustang is a radio / CD player, it’s only on half the time. I find myself listening to the motor, the roar of the exhaust, glancing at the

gauges, and checking my surroundings. Even though the deck is equipped with a jack for my MP3 player, I leave that at home. Most of the time I have one hand on the steering wheel, the other on the 5 speed shifter. There isn’t much time to be fiddling with other things, ‘cause the last time I checked, I didn’t have three arms and hands.

     My intention is never to preach (at least directly). I’m never one to say what someone should do or not do. Everyone has a 16 pound computer in their head… it’s called a brain. We just need to use it. Vehicles are wonderful things. Modern performance and technology have come a long way. Let’s not take it for granted.

     Until next time - peace out,
     Dave

Does Liking Warmer Weather Prove I'm An Old Geezer? Or Just Old School? Does It Matter?

     Thanks for the comments, emails, and even Tony with his rant (see - I told you I would include it in my next blog post; you owe me $100 bucks). I was going to write about something else when something totally beyond my control swayed me away from that topic to the one you’re gleaning over now; the weather.

     A warm early spring day to be specific. Here in northern New England, it’s a cool thing when all the snow is gone (at least where I live) by the end of March. Even better, when the sun comes out and the temperature gets into the upper 50’s for the first time in months. Better still, on that same day, people start firing up their

old rides (motorcycles & choppers included) and give them a good airing out.

     That one action by several others got me to thinking. Each person I talked to that day, was in a fantastic mood - from enjoying the weather to wooding the throttle (given the chance). It also made me realize the other side of the coin. Your everyday ride. Each morning when you walk out to it, it’s there. If you don’t take a moment to at least like it and appreciate it - the color, the vibe, etc., regardless of year, make and model - then chances are you have the wrong car. I’m going to go a little old school here again for a moment, but if you can unlock the doors without a key fob - even better. And yes, I hate Smart Keys.

     When you put the key in the ignition and start the motor, what does it do for you? Sorry, but pressing a  “start” button (except for the Dodge Ram 1500 SRT-10 truck) doesn’t count. Can you actually groove on

that sound before hitting the tunes or MP3 player? If you drive a Prius, I’ve probably already lost you. You can’t hear the damn thing anyway regardless of what it’s doing.

     As the weather continues its journey towards summer, I know I’ll see many more antiques, street rods, bikes, and hot rods. It’s a natural draw to the street and the outdoors. A chance to get out of the house, away from work or chores, maybe even a chance to enjoy some quality time with your kids or loved one. Hey - how ‘bout both? If you own uber-modern performance iron, don’t let that stop you. Join the fray.

     There is also a common thread that all of us who drive and enjoy performance anything - be it an old AMC to a macked out twin turbo Volvo - we have to be aware of some of the things that are out of whack with our current surroundings. It’s might happen to you and I know it’s me - but seeing some of the modes of transportation on this warm day triggered some thoughts. First, I saw a guy on a beautiful Harley chopper. He stuck has arm out to signal he was making a right handed turn to go into a gas station. This was on a busy street and I’m sure there were a few who had no clue what he was doing. When was the last time you saw someone using hand signals?

     It also occurred to me that I may be of the last generation to be taught about hand signals, driving a standard, and actually maintaining a car in a class type setting through a school. I took my Drivers Ed classes using a 1977 Plymouth Volare. I took my drivers test in a ‘76 Ford Granada. This was before the days of 29 LED bulbs that make up the back lighting system on a vehicle and the sensor in the dash that tells you which one is out. My Granada was a 2 door hardtop with a hood that was at least 6 feet long and had blind spots out the whazoo. I passed on the first try by the by.

 

     In a sense, we have to go out of our way to understand the automotive days gone by and fully appreciate our gearhead past to be in the present. We’ve heard this phrase before; “We seem to be losing a sense of our history.” Yes - I believe that is true. Even in the automotive corner. Preserve what we have & what you have as an individual. In my humble opinion, we’ve lost too much already.

     Until next time - peace out,
     Dave

Finding Balance, Acceptance & Respect - No, This Is Not The Karate Kid...

     I think I hit a slight nerve with my last blog post in regards to (very loosely translated), “technology is great, but there’s still something cool about the concept of easy to work on old school stuff”. I received a few replies ranging from, “don’t shun technology too quickly; it serves many positive purposes”, to “why do you insist on giving modern technology the middle finger?”

     I don’t feel for one minute that I’m “giving technology the middle finger”. While my current hot rod has EFI and a few other modern attributes, any drive-by-wire systems, sensors out the whazoo, or an on-board laptop computer are nowhere in sight. That also does not mean I’m of the opinion the latest technology does not belong on a hot rod. As far as I’m concerned, it’s your ride - do what you want to do to it. I’ve seen Hilborn injected Chrysler Hemi motors in late 20’s rat rod Fords to Corvettes from the 50’s put on a custom Alston chassis. Hell, I’ve seen Duramax diesels in mid 60’s Chevy’s for crying out loud (see pic).

     All I’m saying is, in my experience as well as in my head, I like to strike a balance between technology and old school. Technology can bring our hot rods to new levels - some of which were unheard of just 10 years ago. It also can bring more safety to your world, if that’s your bag. But for me, old school is a warm fuzzy that will never leave me. It’s not just the equipment, but also the memories that go along with it. I’m going to date myself here, but I can remember when people in my old neighborhood just outside of New York City could cruise all night in their hot rods on $4.00 worth of premium. Every car, and I mean, EVERY car could be worked on and modified easily by it’s owner. Those days are gone - period. So while technology can be cool, it comes with a price. And many times, that price is simplicity.

     I’m going to move on to other subjects here in a second, but I will close this thought out with a list of modern technology gadgets that I will never embrace;

 - Talking equipment. I shouldn’t have to talk to anything in a car just to get it to work. Give me buttons. And I don’t want the damn thing talking back to me either.

 - Back up cameras. Really people? Enroll in a drivers ed program & learn how to drive again.

 - Self parking cars. Not to be confused with parking assist. This is the end of civilization as we know it. If your car only has parking assist, see my response to back up cameras.

 - Electric doors. Yes, these features have been on minivans for the past 10 years - I still hate them. They just scream lazy. They’re also slower than death, you can’t even manually close them quickly because the electronic functions are getting confused, and they’re noisier than hell. Oh, did I mention that wonderful beep…

      I thought for a brief moment that I was going to get off the topic of the balance between modern and old school, and I guess I have, but in a way this sorta ties in it. I received an email from a guy in Ohio who shared some cool thoughts with me. He didn’t take sides with the old verses new thing, but said regardless of your liking, there are some really awesome moments to be had when you’re able to work on your hot rod. While he was unsure where I stood on this, he said he loved getting a newly built engine to fire up for the first time - especially if it was one that he rebuilt. The sounds of power, the smell of the paint and headers, the feel of the throttle snapping. It’s like bringing a mechanical thing to life - very Gene Wilder in Young Frankenstein.

     On the same token, he also mentioned that even if things aren’t perfect (which they never are), trouble shooting can be awesome, especially when you figured out the exact cause of the problem. It can be a great moment. Fixing it? Well, sometimes not so cool…

     However, the other side of the coin is there’s always something you figure you can’t do yourself. The thing is, you can do it. When you overcome the can’t part, you’ll get a feeling of satisfaction that you cannot buy. Even if the process takes a while… or maybe a long while. Patience - you’ll get there.

     Lastly, I’m going to give a brief lesson in how to treat old cars to those of you who may be unaware of how to do so. I came across this thought process while looking at some old pictures of vehicles I used to own. Yes, I get it - I’m pathetic. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t stand up for them. Besides, if they could talk, they would probably tell you the same thing, only not so nicely;

 - Don’t slam the doors. I have no idea why people insist on doing this. Maybe it’s because prior to the mid 70’s, a majority of the cars were coupes or hardtops and the doors, by today’s standards, are dang heavy. That doesn’t mean you have to wind up like Tiger Woods to close them. That weight carries a lot of physical momentum. It will close just fine with a little kindness. Another myth is you have to hold the button while closing the door. That happened to a Plymouth Duster I used to own. When I was selling it, some idiot thought you had to do that. He kept ramming the door repeatedly (and harder each time) when it wouldn’t stay closed. I was lucky he didn’t break the latch stud.

 - Don’t slam the hood. Same concept. Cars didn’t have prop rods until the 80’s when manufacturers realized it could not only save weight for better fuel economy, but also cut costs. Old cars have hinges as well as latches and they get hinky after a while. And guess what? Hoods on old cars are really dang heavy. Be gentle, take your time, and use some finesse, especially if the vehicle is not yours. The car or truck will secretly thank you for not gacking the paint on a fender or creasing the pinch point of its hood because you didn’t close it right or did it too hard.

 - Don’t sit or lean on the car. This still surprises me to this day the instinct guys and gals seem to have to lean up against a car - the nicer the ride, the more likely someone will do it... and usually by people who don’t own a hot rod or muscle car... wearing 501 jeans with lots of rivets. I’m unsure if it’s some negative psychological status leveling type syndrome, but whatever the problem is, please stop doing it. 

     Until next time, peace out.
     Dave

Why Is This Stuff So Cool... Really?

     Wow! This blog is up for just a few days & I received an email from a guy named "Modern Steve" basically asking why on Earth would someone want to write about this "old" stuff. In his mind, vintage high performance vehicles from the mid-50's to the early 70's cannot hold a candle to the vehicles of today - even one's with 6 cylinder engines. The handle & brake better, are (in many cases) just as quick in acceleration, get better gas mileage and they're greener to boot! His email even got into a slight rant mode, where he just cannot understand why these cars are still so popular.

     Yo - Modern Steve; you need some type of coping management classes.Yes, technology is a wonderful thing, especially when it's applied to vintage Detroit iron. In fact, the current muscle car I drive has modern aluminum heads and intakes, computer controlled fuel system, modern camshaft profile, and a 5 speed manual transmission. The vehicle knocks down very low 12 second quarter mile times & can get up to 23 mpg.

     While it's not the fastest car I've owned, nor the "nicest", it's probably the most reliable. I've personally owned over 20 muscle cars over the past 30 years. Some were brutally fast, but had horrible street manners, some were beautiful cruisers, but could get whipped by a modern potent 4-banger, and some were as ugly as a mud fence with what many believed to have no redeeming social value.

     But that's not the point - there's an old saying; "...if I have to explain it to you, you wouldn't understand." Looking back, in their showroom stock configuration, muscle cars from the 60's had powerful engines, not many options (in most cases), didn't have the best handling or braking (Detroit didn't have the knack of that yet), narrow tires, and in some cases, weren't even very comfortable.

     But, again, that's not the point. They represented more than just transportation to their owners. They were a statement about them to society. They also represented a time that almost every kid could afford one. Gas was less than 25 cents a gallon for high test and one could cruise around (and most likely street race at some point) on $3.00 worth of petrol. We will never see a time like that again - period.

     But even again, that's not the entire equation. Let's look beyond the muscle car and expand our vision to hot rods, rat rods, and more late model turbo cars. When referencing "late model", I'm not talking about cars that are less than 5 years old. In my opinion, technology has increased so much in vehicles over the past 7-8 years, it puts them in an entirely different category. Would I like a 2013 Boss Mustang or Challenger SRT-8? Sure I would. I just don't have the 40 - 50 large to park one in the driveway. The current muscle car I own - I have less than 5 grand in the entire ride... and that includes the purchase price. That's not just a monetary statement - that's a social statement.

     The bottom line here is, as it was then, people who owned machinery like that didn't care about what people thought. They march to the beat of a different drummer. I've talked to people who own hot rods, rat rods, and muscle cars - and drive them regularly - they don't care what people think. If you get a rock chip in the pearl paint, you touch it up. That's what "touch up" paint is for... imagine that. It's that spirit of freedom that can't be taken from you. It's settling into that sweet spot you have in the drivers seat, the windows (or the top) down on a warm summer evening, you hear the roar of the engine and exhaust, while you're watching the sun start its journey into dusk with that golden hue. You can't buy that... anywhere. At any price.

     It's also being able to work on your own machinery, with your own tools, in your own garage or driveway. It's doing what you want, when you can, and not having to worry about voiding the warranty. Or worrying about emissions testing. Or even beginning to ponder about what that Prius owner thinks. In the end... who cares?

     Until next time, peace out.
     Dave

Welcome To The Blog - No Labels, No Limits!

     The door is always open - and everyone is welcome! The "no labels, no limits" tag line pretty much sums up our mission statement here at the blog of Maximum Power. Our primary focus actually covers a fairly broad scale;
      - Vintage American high performance automobiles from 1955 to 1974,
      - Vintage drag racing (and street racing) from 1961 to 1975,
      - Briefly touching on the golden years of NASCAR from 1964 to 1971,
      - Muscle Car advertising from 1955 to 1980,
      - Hot rods, street rods, and rat rods throughout the decades,
      - High performance in general, both modern & vintage American.


     Wow - that's quite a bit when you think about it, but it does run one common thread. This blog is for people who really don't care about what other people think. It is not the mainstream of conventional thinking. Think about for a second; what comes to mind when you think about vintage muscle cars, especially when they were in their heyday back in the late 60's? Pure raw power and a certain social statement. The same holds true for the period advertising, and drag racing during during that same era, which fueled the whole muscle car and street racing scene.



     Second, look through any history book - NASCAR racing through the very early 70's was a much looser organization with nowhere near the rules they have today. And corporate sponsorship? What the hell was that? Automotive manufacturers was as far as it got. In fact, stock car racing back then, up until the late 60's was just that... racing around a track with cars that REALLY resembled cars that one could actually buy off the showroom floor - engine and all.

     Lastly, that also ties in with the last two entries on that bullet list - hot rods, street rods, and rat rods in general and the high performance aftermarket that still embraces the grass roots spirit that started in the late 1940's. Many of the cars and parts that you see today can literally boost the horsepower levels that are on par with the drag cars of yesteryear. 1,000 horsepower? No sweat - especially with turbos.



     We'll be adding more posts as time goes along. There will be plenty of vintage pics as well as outrageous modern stuff and everything in between. Bookmark us! Give us feedback! As we said, "...the door is always open". Come to think of it, we really don't even have a door; it kinda got disjointed when we fired up the vintage Dodge Coronet with the race Hemi that only had open headers and no real exhaust. We're surprised the windows didn't get blown out too. At least we have really cool neighbors...

     Until next time, peace out!
     Dave