Daily driving an A-body
And you think new junk don't break? too new to get at a parts store.:thebirdm: new junk.
my $.2
Amen. Our 2002 T&C 3.8L stranded us on the hwy when the power steering pump pulley broke (plastic). The single serpentine belt drives everything. All the auto parts sell the pump, but not the pulley. The repair shop had to drive 50 mi to a dealer to get the $50 pulley. I now keep one in the back ($14, ebay).
Old cars can be very reliable if you maintain them, especially if you keep a few critical spare parts and tools. I always throw the old V-belts in the trunk, keep points to backup my electronic ignition and a carb to backup my Holley fuel injection. My two 1965 automatics can even be push started.
Parts are so cheap and available, I have spares for most repairs in garage (starter, water pump, even a tranny). Amazing how many people don't travel with a gallon of water or even check the radiator before a long trip. Helpless people pay big bucks.
Re safety, the real danger is crazy drivers - aggressive, erratic, belligerant, or inattentive, take your pick. All the air bags and anti-lock brakes in the world won't protect you from the idiot weaving lane to lane with no turn signals, trying to squeeze by on the right, or looking at their lap while texting. Most drivers of classic cars are very careful, because they don't want to spend years searching for a body panel or fixing the paint job they spent months on.
