Classics as Dailys; Opinions

**SSD-85** · 27-03-2012, 07:18 PM

Im sure this topic has been done to death already, but I cannot find a thread in my searches. So feel free to link it & close this one.

As the title suggests, what is everyones opinion on using a pre-1988 vehicle as a daily driver? Im using Australian Falcons as a basis to determine "classic", thus the pre-1988 (ie: pre-EA) comment.

Im well aware of the fact they are percevied as less comfortable, less economical, & well, less everything compared to modern cars. I guess im just curious as to how many of you feel its a worthwhile experience using one as a daily...

If we could keep this as non-argumentive as possible that would be nice....

Geez Louise · 27-03-2012, 07:25 PM

There was a thread on using your V8 as a daily but I couldn't find one on just classic cars.

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...t=daily+driver

Jim Goose · 27-03-2012, 07:26 PM

Youll have to define "classic" a bit more.... as they certainly arent the same..

XR to XW.... cant be compared at all to safety, ride and features of say the XE/ XF.

onfire · 27-03-2012, 07:28 PM

I think it's a great idea, especially if you're already driving a vehicle you'd hate to see hit or scratched.

Wouldn't mind a nice old Falcon ute, lowered with a set of modern wheels on it to clean it up as a daily if I had something like $75k plus GT parked in the garage.

**SSD-85** · 27-03-2012, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geez Louise

There was a thread on using your V8 as a daily but I couldn't find one on just classic cars.

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...t=daily+driver

Yes I remember posting in that one. Ive had experience with a V8 as a daily, and I loved it. But it was an AU, not exactly "classic" yet

Many thanks for your post though GL

**SSD-85** · 27-03-2012, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Goose

Youll have to define "classic" a bit more.... as they certainly arent the same..

XR to XW.... cant be compared at all to safety, ride and features of say the XE/ XF.

That could be said about comparing an XD to an FG though. I guess, I was trying to use the chassis a basis for definition. ie: EA126 was a whole new design, as opposed to previous. Which stemmed back to the XK.

It may not be the most "defining" method, but I had to start somewhere. And felt it was the least opinionated method. But thats what the threads all about, adding constructive opinion & knowledge

**SSD-85** · 27-03-2012, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onfire

I think it's a great idea, especially if you're already driving a vehicle you'd hate to see hit or scratched.

Wouldn't mind a nice old Falcon ute, lowered with a set of modern wheels on it to clean it up as a daily if I had something like $75k plus GT parked in the garage.

This was exactly the sort of thing I had in mind. While its not easy to find yourself a "classic" Ford for peanuts (thats roadworthy) these days, I dont think id mind it. For example, a rough-round-the-edges ZH 'lane on gas, or something along those lines.

But this threads purpose was not to help me make my mind up, Id just love hear about other peoples ideas

Franco Cozzo · 27-03-2012, 07:47 PM

Not really, not safe, no aircon/power steering, stereo with just a radio or a casette player which haven't been in use for years, use tons of fuel, slow.

Classic as a friday cruiser, no problem. Not as a daily though.

smciner1 · 27-03-2012, 07:47 PM

Not a problem, as long as you have made the Car reliable. You just need to keep in mind where you Park it, how far you travel to work (Fuel Economy depending on Running Gear) and creature comforts. You old Car may not have Air Conditioning and Vinyl Seats which are another thing to be aware of in hot weather. Security is another thing to keep in mind as they are not as secure as newer ones and are also attractive to thieves.

I had no problem driving my XB GT to work everyday for a few Months a few years ago. I wouldn't do it now as I live a lot further from work than I did then.

As long as you are prepared to accept the Cars short comings, you should have no problem.

**SSD-85** · 27-03-2012, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smciner1

As long as you are prepared to accept the Cars short comings, you should have no problem.

I think this really sums it up.

Darn, I was hoping for more lengthy conversation before an all-conquering point was brought up

Spammy · 27-03-2012, 07:54 PM

For a few weeks I tried to use a 69 Monaro as a daily in Sydney traffic - no fun at all.

No air, no demister, no power steering and 60's windscreen wipers make a daily 25km commute hell on earth.

Jim Goose · 27-03-2012, 07:59 PM

I drove my XB as a daily driver for about 5yrs.... (now its just a weekend cruiser if its lucky).

The biggest shortcoming was the brakes (or lack thereof), they are truely aweful (in the V8) when compared to a more modern Falcon like an AU and above.

2nd to this is the poor ventilation (and usually lack of aircon).
The XA/XB has just two vents which blow in ultra hot air and thats about it.
The heater only blows hot air to your feet or demists the windscreen.
The lack of a rear electric demister also means you cant see didly during those cold mornings as everything fogs up.

Then when it rains you hope your 35yr old wiper motor doesnt burn out!
(mine is so slow, even on its highest setting).

Lack of power steering (especially in the V8 models) at slow speeds builds up arm muscles....

If you can learn to deal with these issues... then go for it lol

Personally I wouldnt mind an XD/XE however as a daily driver.

billkara · 27-03-2012, 08:06 PM

HAHA spammy, i know how that feels. I drive a 1974 corolla ke30 to work and back (60km in total in Sydney). No powersteering with superlite wheels, windscreen wipers that are not fast enough in heavy rain, or too fast in light rain, no air, ****y little 3k engine... but i LOVE driving it. Here's a pic

Once my XT falcon is engineered, i will be driving that to work every now and then.

pottery beige · 27-03-2012, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Not really, not safe, no aircon/power steering, stereo with just a radio or a casette player which haven't been in use for years, use tons of fuel,slow.

Classic as a friday cruiser, no problem. Not as a daily though.

wtf is slow about an XA GT......

**SSD-85** · 27-03-2012, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pottery beige

wtf is slow about an XA GT......

Yeah, who needs fast wipers when you can get home in a hurry?

pottery beige · 27-03-2012, 08:18 PM

all this crapping on and putting them in the too hard basket for dailys is a load of bs...

please hand in your man cards at the door..

once upon a time these things were dailys.. in fact every bloody day cars.......

rag top · 27-03-2012, 08:19 PM

I drove a classic 18 months. Yes, it had vinyl seats, no A/C, no Power Steering, was a manual and a v8. Was it fun - hell yeah! Would I do it again; sure. Only had lap belts; safety wasn't a concern; Wasn't planning on having an accident anyway. Would it have more safety than a motorcycle? I guess so.

Why did I stop driving it daily? Simple, decided to do some repairs, and one thing led to another and a simple fix snowballed into 12 months off the road and then back on the road in time for summernats.

If you want a classic as a daily, be prepared to compromise on it's short comings and go for it.

rag top · 27-03-2012, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotty85

Yeah, who needs fast wipers when you can get home in a hurry?

haha - simple. Rain-X; great stuff and the faster you go, the better it works!!!

smciner1 · 27-03-2012, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Goose

I drove my XB as a daily driver for about 5yrs.... (now its just a weekend cruiser if its lucky).

The biggest shortcoming was the brakes (or lack thereof), they are truely aweful (in the V8) when compared to a more modern Falcon like an AU and above.

2nd to this is the poor ventilation (and usually lack of aircon).
The XA/XB has just two vents which blow in ultra hot air and thats about it.
The heater only blows hot air to your feet or demists the windscreen.
The lack of a rear electric demister also means you cant see didly during those cold mornings as everything fogs up.

Then when it rains you hope your 35yr old wiper motor doesnt burn out!
(mine is so slow, even on its highest setting).

Lack of power steering (especially in the V8 models) at slow speeds builds up arm muscles....

If you can learn to deal with these issues... then go for it lol

Personally I wouldnt mind an XD/XE however as a daily driver.

LOL, Luckily mine was optioned with a Rear Demister.

**SSD-85** · 27-03-2012, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pottery beige

all this crapping on and putting them in the too hard basket for dailys is a load of bs...

please hand in your man cards at the door..

once upon a time these things were dailys.. in fact every bloody day cars.......

This is very true Pottery.

They were all indeed dailys once upon a time. And the USA has had bumper to bumper traffic since the 50s, including the endearing presence of A-holes too. As it continually boils down to, is what you enjoy driving on a daily basis.

But keep the opinions coming

Ben73 · 27-03-2012, 08:27 PM

My dads daily is a 1974 Bedford Van.
Its probably better as a daily then his Harley was.

**cs123** · 27-03-2012, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billkara

HAHA spammy, i know how that feels. I drive a 1974 corolla ke30 to work and back (60km in total in Sydney). No powersteering with superlite wheels, windscreen wipers that are not fast enough in heavy rain, or too fast in light rain, no air, ****y little 3k engine... but i LOVE driving it. Here's a pic

Love it. I use to own a Ke35. That would make a brilliant daily driver. Economical and cheap to repair.

Brute 33 · 27-03-2012, 08:31 PM

Back when I purchased my coupe in 1985 , it was my daily for some 6/7 years and then drove a XC 6 sedan for 2 years ,then a XB 302 fairmont wagon for 4 years then got into a 1991 XR8 sedan so they are good as everyday cars as long as they are well maintained.....Both sons have driven for 4 years 1981 XD s pack and 1974 XB GS ute till last year .....so they are cool things to drive and setting up a proper wheel alignment with no p/steer is the best thing I still find the coupe easy to drive even with 245/50 14 on it all the years later...

smciner1 · 27-03-2012, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pottery beige

all this crapping on and putting them in the too hard basket for dailys is a load of bs...

please hand in your man cards at the door..

once upon a time these things were dailys.. in fact every bloody day cars.......

Too true, I guess everyone has gone soft.....

Spammy · 27-03-2012, 08:31 PM

Try going back the first laptop/desktop computer you bought in the late 80s or very early 90s....see how much "fun" that is !

billkara · 27-03-2012, 08:33 PM

Definitely cheap. Picked up a 4k engine for $50, and 2x 5 speed gearboxes for 100 each. Putting a full exhuast system for less than $500 in 2 weeks (the one on it has holes everywhere and standard headers are screwed)

**SSD-85** · 27-03-2012, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spammy

Try going back the first laptop/desktop computer you bought in the late 80s or very early 90s....see how much "fun" that is !

Hey, you best not be knockin tha 486 holmes...

Old Skool man.

Franco Cozzo · 27-03-2012, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pottery beige

wtf is slow about an XA GT......

300hp in 1972, is around 220KW, 40 years later I don't think it'd be putting out 220KW still. Yours is probably modified but as a standard car they wouldn't be much chop compared to cars made in the last 20 years.

Especially since you can pick up an XR6T for around $20K now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pottery beige

once upon a time these things were dailys.. in fact every bloody day cars.......

Yes, but the oldest car I've driven is my 1997 EL Fairmont Ghia, which has better power steering than my 2010 LV Focus, that speed sensitive trickery is pretty damn cool.

I can't just "ignore" so many years of technological advances, considering I've only been "driving" since 2007 really.

Geez Louise · 27-03-2012, 08:37 PM

I will have my coupe as a daily when she is finished. Going on straight gas...but she will have power steering and a rear demister..Building my dream car...I want to drive it everyday

Sure I will miss the mod cons of my newer car but Meh...I used to drive the XB coupe as a daily for years...Only stopped because trying to fit the kids in the back was getting tight as they were getting older.

**Polyal** · 27-03-2012, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pottery beige

all this crapping on and putting them in the too hard basket for dailys is a load of bs...

please hand in your man cards at the door..

once upon a time these things were dailys.. in fact every bloody day cars.......

+1

Damo generally you post ok but honestly when it comes to old school you have NFI...sorry.

If I ever live close enough to work then Ill happily drive my Alfa every day to work.

Driving a V8 more than say 50k's in "modern" traffic would be taxing, do-able though. I was driving a XD 302, 4 speed, 9 in the bum with 4.11's, worked a little and it was fun; because it was in tassie with no traffic. But god damn I was going through fuel.

In saying that some reviews of the Miami powered cars are getting 15-17L/100..thats clevo territory..LOL Might aswell have a carby!

I aim to have a nice Mustang or Challenger as a daily...be lazy and get an auto but it is a hell of a lot cheaper than dropping $40k on a FG XT..LOL

More fun too.