<VV> Stupid Old Carz 2

[Padgett]

>  I would have to think about losing an arm versus work under a new car's 
> dashboard, but it would be a consideration. I'll fix the Corvair, but 
> there's plenty of things I'll pay to have done on something newer.

Two things I pay for : a/c and automatic transmissions. Could fix myself 
(and have) but prefer to leave those to a specialist. Anything else I can 
do at home.

>  Anthing with a computer is twice as hard to troubleshoot (5X if you need 
> and don't have special tools) and 20X times more expensive if the 
> compyter goes out.

Not with the right tools. Four of our cars are computer cars (Reatta has 
its own LAN & CRT) and while tuning requires a PC (obviously everyone here 
has one) and Prom Burner, the capability is much more flexible than with a 
poorly controlled leak (carburetor) and random guess at ignition (distributer).

I usually pay between $30 and $40 for a computer and the same for a 
complete ignition system (have spares of each). Since all of my cars are 
pre-OBD II, an OTC 2000 scan tool can be had for under $50 with cables and 
cartridges. For intermittents, connecting a laptop allows for capture of 
multiple frames that can run until it "happens" and then can be studied at 
your leisure.

Not saying digital cars are not different, just no more difficult with the 
right tools (and I have an advantage in concentrating on 3800 engines). 
Have seen some computer specialists get baffled at old time problems like 
sticky Bendix in a starter.

I have bought new cars before but then tend to keep for 20 years ("family 
car" is a 1990 Bonneville SE purchased in 1990 with a GM discount) or more 
so really skew the demographics. Is one of the advantages of living in a 
place where things do not rust. That one was my wife's choice and better in 
the long run than the turbo Grand Prix I suggested.)

Rarely buy cars for that reason (last bought a car in 1998) but 
occasionally want something to fill a role that is vacant & have decided 
that vacancy today is best filled by a LM convertible.

So computer cars are no more difficult to work on than non,  just 
different. Technology has advanced but the role I want to fill does not 
require max mpg or ability to run 70+ on an Interstate for hours on end. 
Corvair is just right for that.

Padgett