Driving golden era cars in the modern era

[Big Man]

Drove my '72 Ford (not exactly golden era) today and of course on this cold, damp day, the carburetor was not liking the idea of an easy start. Everybody these days immediately thinks the car is problematic. It's just annoying that people don't understand the subtle nuances of having to pump the gas, and feather it once the car's running, and that sometimes they still kill out. I get tired of explaining how the car just needs to warm up.

Explaining about choking a car gets the same blank stare as talking about using a slide rule.

[AtomicEraTom]

Yup. I was in the Pick 'n Save parking lot with the Squire today, and it was idling too low. Boy, do people think your car is a junker, if you pop the hood and start adjusting your idle with a screwdriver.

Explaining about choking a car gets the same blank stare as talking about using a slide rule.

[Stanley Doble]

Drove my '72 Ford (not exactly golden era) today and of course on this cold, damp day, the carburetor was not liking the idea of an easy start. Everybody these days immediately thinks the car is problematic. It's just annoying that people don't understand the subtle nuances of having to pump the gas, and feather it once the car's running, and that sometimes they still kill out. I get tired of explaining how the car just needs to warm up.

If your car is in top shape with all original equipment intact and working it will start and run as well as a new fuel injection car. I have tuned up old cars like yours. In addition to the usual plugs, plug wires etc. there are often worn or missing parts like the heat stove on the exhaust, the hot air hose, thermostat valves on the air breather, choke pull off, and automatic choke. A rebuilt carb can work wonders too. Of course this all assumes the basic engine is in good shape with good compression in all cylinders. No special secrets, just put everything back the way the factory had it and you can have that motor eating out of your hand in a few hours. It does not have to cost a lot either, usually 2 or 3 small parts costing $10 or $15 each is all it takes.

[AtomicEraTom]

Carburetor is rebuilt, the radiator was replaced, as well as the wheel cylinders, brake lines, brake pads, all hoses, lines, plugs, wires, and just about anything shy of a rebuild. The car had sat all winter and had been on the road less than 24 hours. Anything sits, it needs the bugs worked out again. Any car guy with an ounce of knowledge can tell you that.

I was heading up to the car show after I left the grocery store, and never made it. A guy bought the car from me before I made it out of town.

They'll never start exactly like a fuel-injected car. Even in the manuals, heck as late as my '87 Caprice, I can say for sure, it says you have to pump the gas when you go to start the car. A fuel-injected car's owner's manual will tell you the exact opposite.

If your car is in top shape with all original equipment intact and working it will start and run as well as a new fuel injection car. I have tuned up old cars like yours. In addition to the usual plugs, plug wires etc. there are often worn or missing parts like the heat stove on the exhaust, the hot air hose, thermostat valves on the air breather, choke pull off, and automatic choke. A rebuilt carb can work wonders too. Of course this all assumes the basic engine is in good shape with good compression in all cylinders. No special secrets, just put everything back the way the factory had it and you can have that motor eating out of your hand in a few hours. It does not have to cost a lot either, usually 2 or 3 small parts costing $10 or $15 each is all it takes.

[Stanley Doble]

You take me too literally. I know you have to set the choke, and that the starting routine is different for a carburetted car. What I mean is the engine will start instantly, idle down smoothly and pull away without bucking or hesitation just like a real car.