Pre-computer autos and trucks

[bigsnowdog]

The increased complexity of cars and trucks brings a lot of utility and value, but at times I long for the old days and the old ways. I consider buying something that is pre-computer, and pre-fuel injection, to use as a fairly frequent driver. I used to be able to make absolutely any repair required on a vehicle. The move to computers and complex electronics has taken that away from me, as I lack the diagnostic equipment.

If used a lot, fuel consumption would be an issue. Something with a big V8 would be fun, but getting 10-12 mpg in town would not. I recall, years ago, having a 1962 Ford Fairlane that got 22 mpg at 70 mph, and a '60 Dodge Dart with a slant six that got 20 mpg at 70 mph.

Any opinions on what would be fun, available, and still have reasonably good parts availability?

[Andrew]

Do you own a computer? Then you have access to diagnostic equipment.

I get great use from a product called VAG-COM (well, Uwe changed it to "VCDS" or somesuch, but we still call it VAG-COM). With a USB connection on my laptop, I can connect to every measuring block on the car, and adjust a significant number of them, without turning a wrench. It's a very effective maintenance and repair tool. And there are similar consumer tools for all "computerized" vehicles.

[FXRocket]

I would rather have EFI and a computer than eleventy billion vacuum lines under the hood, remember the 80's.


With that said, older imports from the late 70's-early 80's were about as simple as a KLR. I would like to have a CVCC.

[kraftwerk]

I have a 97 Mercedes SL500. Built like a panzerwagen, pretty simple, everything still available and a blast to drive. Incredibly cheap to buy nowadays.

Passed MOT last week, zero advisories.

[DRZ_James]

I like computers and OBDII ports. Something goes wrong or seems off, and I swing by Autozone (insert whatever autoparts store) and borrow a OBDII scan tool. A minute later, depending on the model, the scanner either tells me on screen what the problem is, or gives me some cryptic error code which I then google on my iphone. A few minutes after that and I'm walking out of the store with whatever fix-it part I needed and am either putting in on in the parking lot or driving home to go grab a beer and install it.

[bigsnowdog]

Originally Posted by DRZ_James

I like computers and OBDII ports. Something goes wrong or seems off, and I swing by Autozone (insert whatever autoparts store) and borrow a OBDII scan tool. A minute later, depending on the model, the scanner either tells me on screen what the problem is, or gives me some cryptic error code which I then google on my iphone. A few minutes after that and I'm walking out of the store with whatever fix-it part I needed and am either putting in on in the parking lot or driving home to go grab a beer and install it.

Not always. Codes are not always set. Case in point, a truck I have with a diesel fuel injection problem that is not setting any codes.

[P B G]

Not that old cars were without demons, and its hard to find parts for them on the road these days.

You cannot be certain that you'll be able to find the correct ignition parts, and mechanical fuel pumps etc. while on the road.

Anyhow, biggest fault with modern vehicles is that when main electronic components themselves break out of warranty the car is basically done. You might find the right part at a junk yard, but soon those parts are gone and everything is integrated.

You could probably replace all gauges, make everything mechanical. Or just junk them.

I rather like the vacuum lines when they work properly.

[SnowMule]

Originally Posted by DRZ_James

I like computers and OBDII ports. Something goes wrong or seems off, and I swing by Autozone (insert whatever autoparts store) and borrow a OBDII scan tool. A minute later, depending on the model, the scanner either tells me on screen what the problem is, or gives me some cryptic error code which I then google on my iphone. A few minutes after that and I'm walking out of the store with whatever fix-it part I needed and am either putting in on in the parking lot or driving home to go grab a beer and install it.

+1. Picked up an OBDII-Bluetooth interface a while ago.

Software on my Palm allows me to read sensors, software on computer lets me read and change a lot more.

Software's pretty damn easy to work with.

[Nailhead]

'77 & later VW water cooled: good fuel economy, simple Bosch CIS injection, relatively fun to drive. Might be tough to find one, though.

[Dukeryder]

Originally Posted by bigsnowdog

...as I lack the diagnostic equipment...

\
OBD II Car Scanner from actron is like $120 at Sears/AutoZone works on cars made since 1996. Small investment for the shadetree mech if you ask me

I've gotten good use out of mine. IMHO diagnosing a new car is easier than old stuff. Try Diagnosing CIS F.I. on an old German car. ROYAL PITA! And the pre-Electonic Ignition points/condesor stuff fuck that! Now it gets to a point of over complication of electronics in some cars like new BMWs but I'm talking about basic cars here Accords, Malibus, Trucks etc...

Originally Posted by bigsnowdog

Are they inclined to rust more, or less, than other vehicles? Are the cars expensive from that era? I have heard the parts are expensive, is that right? Are many of them manual transmissions?

Yes, Yes/No, YES, No

The W123 Body and W126 cars are SOLID and even the W201; but they can and do rust some more so than others. Manuals can be found in the small diesel powered W123 and W201 (and the 16V W201). A clean well maintained car with a Service History isn't gonna be cheap but it's worth the extra $$$$. Parts are EXPENSIVE NOT because it's a MB but because of the weak dollar and some other circumstances that occured back in 2002/03 the prices for aftermarket parts for ALL German cars went up drastically. This really pisses off the VW guys as these guys are even cheaper than KLR riders.

[bigsnowdog]

Originally Posted by Dukeryder

\
OBD II Car Scanner from actron is like $120 at Sears/AutoZone works on cars made since 1996. Small investment for the shadetree mech if you ask me

I've gotten good use out of mine. IMHO diagnosing a new car is easier than old stuff. Try Diagnosing CIS F.I. on an old German car. ROYAL PITA! And the pre-Electonic Ignition points/condesor stuff fuck that! Now it gets to a point of over complication of electronics in some cars like new BMWs but I'm talking about basic cars here Accords, Malibus, Trucks etc...

In the case of my current problem with the diesel fuel injection system on my Cummins powered truck, it sets no codes.

[Dukeryder]

Originally Posted by bigsnowdog

In the case of my current problem with the diesel fuel injection system on my Cummins powered truck, it sets no codes.

It could be that Injector pump or some other part in the system is failing but not completely failed. That stupid pump is a COSTLY part too. I've know of a couple repair jobs running well over $1,000. I'm no Diesel repair expert though. Those Cummins are a costly bitch both upfront and if they need repairs but they last forever.