Would you use your classic as a daily driver?

[jcal87]

I'm curious to see how many of you guys use your car as a daily driver. The reason I ask is I want to start using my 68 as a daily driver, but due to theft, weather and other factors I am kind of hesitant to.

[XcYZ]

The only issue I have with using my car that way is having a place to park it. I don't trust people to not door ding it. I park in a ramp, and there's some great places in there that would be ideal (nobody on either side), but those spots are taken really early. So while I'd consider driving it to work, there's no way I'd take it to the grocery store. lol

[coolwelder62]

As offen as I sell my classic's I would be walking to work.

[Stuart Adams]

I wouldn't want to give up my heated seats.

[elitecustombody]

I would and will as soon as I'm done building .

[Vegas69]

Nope, both cars have there place.

[FreddieCougar]

My '66 Mustang Convertible is now my daily driver.....but the paint is, um, "patina'd" and I don't have to worry about door dings.

[Jr]

I wouldn't want to give up my heated seats.

Right. Arizona is known for being frosty this time of year.

[Jr]

I'm building my 70 C-10 to be my daily.

[wmhjr]

Nope. My "classic" is purpose built. I want an experience that is different than what I want for my daily driver, which I use for a 75 mile round trip drive every day. For my "recreation" driving in my classic, I like a more aggressive exhaust, top down, don't care about A/C, don't care about fuel economy. That's part of what makes it "special"

[mfain]

My newest "daily driver" -- a little ragged with the drag radials and a 4:56 rear gear, but certainly a lot of fun.

[coolwelder62]

move south:willy:I belive Mr.Adam's live's in sunny AZ.But it does get chilly in the eves.ScottsdaleAz.One of my fav.place's on earth.:thumbsup:

[tones2SS]

Nope, both cars have there place.

^^THIS!
Not only that, but people are either jealous or just careless and will door ding you or not care about being "respectable" around your car.
To a lot of people, cars are just like appliances.

[jcal87]

But I'm starting to feel that the car was meant to be driven and in order to fully appreciate it it needs to be driven on a regular bases. It would be like winning the lottery and saving it all until you die, you just can't enjoy it that way.

[Stuart Adams]

Living in AZ I still use my heated seats a lot in the winter. I know I'm a wimp. And some of you are saying what winter.

[elitecustombody]

But I'm starting to feel that the car was meant to be driven and in order to fully appreciate it it needs to be driven on a regular bases. It would be like winning the lottery and saving it all until you die, you just can't enjoy it that way.



I agree. I like to drive the crap out of my cars and enjoy,not keeping it tucked away and dust it off

I'm glad I only have to drive 6 miles to and from work, and I try to park away from morons, been driving my 98 Supra everyday for past 3 years,no dents.

[GregWeld]

I drive my Nomad to the store daily if it's not raining... and I drive it anywhere and everywhere weather permitting.

I owned a couple NCRS 97 point big block 'Vettes and drove 'em to Illinois... Vegas... wherever and whenever. If they get a little beat - it's just an excuse to re-do them. I re-did one Corvette (this big block tri power '67) 3 separate times. It's the price you pay for enjoyment... and the real expense is the first time around. The next times you're just freshening.



http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad33/gregweld/Little%20Blue%2069%20Camaro/Camaro%20and%20Corvette/VetteandCamaro025.jpg

[ProTouring442]

I don't know about driving the 442 as my "daily," but I do plan to drive it.

My current daily is a '93 M5, but I think I will build something when it comes time to replace it. I just don't like the new cars, too much stuff on them.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[wmhjr]

But I'm starting to feel that the car was meant to be driven and in order to fully appreciate it it needs to be driven on a regular bases. It would be like winning the lottery and saving it all until you die, you just can't enjoy it that way.

I have a different perspective. My "classic" car" is kind of like eating gourmet food. You just don't appreciate the experience as much if you're just wolfing down chow as you're running between meetings. If I drove it everywhere, every day, it would just be a car. Believe me, the car gets driven. But every time I get in it, there's a purpose and it's more about enjoying the experience or doing something with it than it is just getting from point a to point b. Maybe the definition of "regular basis" is what we need to describe. For me, it means (weather permitting especially since mine is a vert and there's no way I'm putting it on the road in PA winters either) that the car gets driven every weekend.

[GregWeld]

Actually -- this type of question --- is answerless.... because everyone has a different perspective - even of the description of what is "daily".

They're hot rods - and as such - each is individual and customized just like the answers to a question like this.

I say - do whatever you friggin' feel like. To each his own.

[fesler]

Actually -- this type of question --- is answerless.... because everyone has a different perspective - even of the description of what is "daily".

They're hot rods - and as such - each is individual and customized just like the answers to a question like this.

I say - do whatever you friggin' feel like. To each his own.

What he said :thumbsup:

['02ta]

The way I see it, I have a blast driving my muscle car so I love hopping in it as much as possible. The only reason I have a daily at all is because my real car is under the knife :thumbsup:

Regards,
Ryan

[Vicinity]

The way I see it, I have a blast driving my muscle car so I love hopping in it as much as possible. The only reason I have a daily at all is because my real car is under the knife :thumbsup:

Regards,
Ryan

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[Diognes56]

Back when I first bought my car I would drive it anywhere/anytime. I didn't enjoy it any less because I drove it all the time, but I also didn't really have to worry about door dings and scratches. It was nice enough, but not that nice. It hasn't driven in a decade :( and when it is done I am sure I will drive it frequently but I doubt it will be anywhere/anytime anymore.

David

[rogue]

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/TYqY0426ehI/AAAAAAABQBo/nLA4YHzX32M/s800/2010-10-13_15-19-51_198.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/TQFk1Vwn7LI/AAAAAAABNGw/I4bxFfNZP88/s800/IMG_1472.JPG

[elitecustombody]

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/TYqY0426ehI/AAAAAAABQBo/nLA4YHzX32M/s800/2010-10-13_15-19-51_198.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/__OT3YJ9o9Ao/TQFk1Vwn7LI/AAAAAAABNGw/I4bxFfNZP88/s800/IMG_1472.JPG

That's what I'm talking about!:thumbsup: :woot:

[RECOVERY ROOM]

That's awsum

[SLO_Z28]

I do use my car as a daily driver.

[wellis77]

I will daily drive mine when it's finished. That's why I'm building it.

[wmhjr]

For you guys who use your pro-touring cars as daily drivers, I'm curious about a couple things.

1) How many of you have kids, and if so, are you concerned about the obvious safety concerns? These cars aren't as safe as new designs.

2) What kind of mileage do you put on?

Serious questions - just a couple that popped into my somewhat empty mind :)

[rogue]

For you guys who use your pro-touring cars as daily drivers, I'm curious about a couple things.

1) How many of you have kids, and if so, are you concerned about the obvious safety concerns? These cars aren't as safe as new designs.

2) What kind of mileage do you put on?

Serious questions - just a couple that popped into my somewhat empty mind :)

No kids. My dog rides shotgun. My continental has no seatbelts. I've enjoyed 12 years of driving it weekly with no issues.

2) Insurance browses these forums.

[rogue]

I will daily drive mine when it's finished. That's why I'm building it.

driver paint job I hope, otherwise you won't :lol:

[Matt@BOS]

My car has been to SEMA, the hardware store and the grocery store. I think I draw the line at Christmas trees on the car's roof though.

Would I drive it everyday? No. Could I drive it everyday? Yes, but technically I would need to change insurance companies. It would also require a lot of attention to keep it pristine. I also never built the car with the intention of daily driving it.

In any case, Greg always seems to have the best advice; drive your car as frequently or infrequently as you want. Everyone it different. Some people would love driving a borderline race car on the street everyday, others not so much.

Matt

[Stuart Adams]

Almost 70% would drive their hot rod daily, thats pretty impressive. I must be too old and too soft!!

[Flash68]

Almost 70% would drive their hot rod daily, thats pretty impressive. I must be too old and too soft!!

"Would" is the key word there. That is different than "Do" and "Does".


For me it comes down to the city I live in... the ridiculous streets of San Francisco (ever seen Bullitt?).... I have never even brought my Camaro to this city... but when I move to "suburbia" in the coming years, you can bet I'll drive my Camaro a helluva lot more on those nicely paved roads. :thumbsup:

[70rs]

Only you can decide. Enjoy your car any way you want.

On a personal note, I believe they should be driven as much as possible.
But it is your investment, your call. Have fun every time you get behind the wheel.

[rogue]

But it is your investment, your call. Have fun every time you get behind the wheel.


if our cars are investments we're a real crappy group of investors :lol:

[skatinjay27]

if our cars are investments we're a real crappy group of investors :lol: yeah were like the guys who bought stock in the clapper light:D !

[john royal]

I wouldn't use mine as a dd. I did with my Crx after I had it all done. Since I live in nebraska it got torn up in three years. I get tired of fixing fenders and getting rock chips. Now it just sits waiting for me to finish my volvo.

[SAR Skipper]

I wouldn't want to give up my heated seats.

Come to Central/Southern Florida.
We don't seem to have an issue with cold seats:lol:

I would and will as soon as I'm done building .

I used to when I had the vette, and Camaro, and would again if I had a "normal" job.
Doesn't fit in well with what I do and where the job takes me:(

Nope, both cars have there place.

That's why I have a old Landcruiser, an econo-box Scion, and eventually will pick up an F2or 350 diesel crewcab, and eventually, will start another project car.
Everything has it's purpose:thumbsup:

[SLO_Z28]

For you guys who use your pro-touring cars as daily drivers, I'm curious about a couple things.

1) How many of you have kids, and if so, are you concerned about the obvious safety concerns? These cars aren't as safe as new designs.

2) What kind of mileage do you put on?

Serious questions - just a couple that popped into my somewhat empty mind :)

1. No kids, young and single.

2. Most of my miles come from driving to automotive events, ill drive 350 miles to GG pleasanton, race all day saturday, then drive 350 miles back. I live close enough to work that my choke is still on when I get there, my car rarely warms up.

[NOT A TA]

No kids, no long commute, and I moved to FL because I wanted to drive the cars year round. I drive them whenever it's not raining, then i take the truck. I go anywhere I need to and just park carefully.

My thinking is that the value of the car starts dropping as soon as it's "finished" when the paint, upgrades etc. are considered. Those really cool sticky tires start to dry out and offer less performance after a couple years, by six years they're junk and shouldn't be used on a highway. The trendy wheels are "played out" after a while. The hoses, belts, oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and other consumables all have a usable lifespan whether the car sits or moves.

The other thing is the "window of opportunity" you get to drive the car. Many things affect our lives we have no (or little) control over. If something occured forcing you to sell the car or take it off the road for an extended period of time wouldn't you wish you drove it more when you had the opportunity? How many cool cars have we seen for sale due to divorce, pregnancy, college tuition, home purchase, lost employment, deployment etc? Bet they wished they drove them more while they had the chance.

Then there's the "window of drivability" caused by upgrades, engine swaps, suspension upgrades and so on that take away how much you can drive it. So I say if it's ready to go, use it as much as you're comfortable with. Almost anything can be fixed (and upgraded) if something happens.

[The WidowMaker]

For you guys who use your pro-touring cars as daily drivers, I'm curious about a couple things.

1) How many of you have kids, and if so, are you concerned about the obvious safety concerns? These cars aren't as safe as new designs.

2) What kind of mileage do you put on?

Serious questions - just a couple that popped into my somewhat empty mind

1) 2 and a 3rd on the way. the car is being built so that they can come along, im just not sure how much im going to be willing to put them in it. these cars are no where near as safe as something new. many will argue, but it is a fact. the odds are very slim that youre going to wreck hard, and even slimmer that there will be serious issues, but i wouldnt be able to live with myself if something happened.

im actually having an ongoing arguement with the wife over her next vehicle. i want something with room behind the 3rd row seat and shes too scared to drive a suburban. but, ive seen too much carnage when there wasnt enough room.

2) the plan is a weekend cruiser. taking the family to the beach and such. probably less than 2k a year.

[wmhjr]

I live close enough to work that my choke is still on when I get there, my car rarely warms up.

Choke? What's a choke? :)

My choke is in the same place as my heater core. Gone. In PA, that makes for some nippy driving on Sept/Oct nights!

[jcal87]

No kids, no long commute, and I moved to FL because I wanted to drive the cars year round. I drive them whenever it's not raining, then i take the truck. I go anywhere I need to and just park carefully.

My thinking is that the value of the car starts dropping as soon as it's "finished" when the paint, upgrades etc. are considered. Those really cool sticky tires start to dry out and offer less performance after a couple years, by six years they're junk and shouldn't be used on a highway. The trendy wheels are "played out" after a while. The hoses, belts, oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and other consumables all have a usable lifespan whether the car sits or moves.

The other thing is the "window of opportunity" you get to drive the car. Many things affect our lives we have no (or little) control over. If something occured forcing you to sell the car or take it off the road for an extended period of time wouldn't you wish you drove it more when you had the opportunity? How many cool cars have we seen for sale due to divorce, pregnancy, college tuition, home purchase, lost employment, deployment etc? Bet they wished they drove them more while they had the chance.

Then there's the "window of drivability" caused by upgrades, engine swaps, suspension upgrades and so on that take away how much you can drive it. So I say if it's ready to go, use it as much as you're comfortable with. Almost anything can be fixed (and upgraded) if something happens.

Words of wisdom...

[SLO_Z28]

Choke? What's a choke? :)

My choke is in the same place as my heater core. Gone. In PA, that makes for some nippy driving on Sept/Oct nights!

Funny that you named the next 2 engine mods im doing. Not like my heater works anyways.

[GregWeld]

No kids, no long commute, and I moved to FL because I wanted to drive the cars year round. I drive them whenever it's not raining, then i take the truck. I go anywhere I need to and just park carefully.

My thinking is that the value of the car starts dropping as soon as it's "finished" when the paint, upgrades etc. are considered. Those really cool sticky tires start to dry out and offer less performance after a couple years, by six years they're junk and shouldn't be used on a highway. The trendy wheels are "played out" after a while. The hoses, belts, oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and other consumables all have a usable lifespan whether the car sits or moves.

The other thing is the "window of opportunity" you get to drive the car. Many things affect our lives we have no (or little) control over. If something occured forcing you to sell the car or take it off the road for an extended period of time wouldn't you wish you drove it more when you had the opportunity? How many cool cars have we seen for sale due to divorce, pregnancy, college tuition, home purchase, lost employment, deployment etc? Bet they wished they drove them more while they had the chance.

Then there's the "window of drivability" caused by upgrades, engine swaps, suspension upgrades and so on that take away how much you can drive it. So I say if it's ready to go, use it as much as you're comfortable with. Almost anything can be fixed (and upgraded) if something happens.



It's why I drive mine to the grocery store.... and when they get a bit beat... they get torn down and re-done. IT'S A HOBBY... look forward to the refresh and re-dos. As John rightly points out... they need constant upgrades anyway.

[70rs]

if our cars are investments we're a real crappy group of investors :lol:

I never said SMART investment..........:lol:

[GeoffP]

I drove my 68 as it is right now for over a year while waiting on my 87 to get out of paint jail. It never let me down once. Of course, I only have about a 3 mile commute and I have a good place to park where no one could knock any dings into it.

[ccracin]

I've been contemplating putting a classic driver together. Funny enough mileage was one of the things I think I can get. LS power, efi, tweeking and there you go decent mileage. Anyway back on point. What options are there for insurance with this as the goal? Both classic companies I have dealt with specifically state that the car can NOT be a daily driver. Regular insurance would give you book value for what ever the vehicle is. Almost certainly this would not be enough to cover even a low buck redo to make it a driver. Anyone have any input? Hopefully this isn't a jack as I think this goes directly to the OP's point. Thanks. :thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

Chad -- Just talk to your "regular" insurance company and ask that about an "agreed value" policy. Almost anything can be insured if the two parties can agree... then it's just whether or not you want to write the check. :unibrow:

[bret]

I am blessed to be able to have a short drive [3 miles] and a safe place to park when I get there. I am further blessed that we are constantly working with a lot of different musclecars to develop suspension components so I get the chance to drive everything from a 66 Chevelle, to a 70 GSX, to a 07 Z06 Vette.
No, it doesn't suck.

My favorite? If I had to get rid of them all...I would likely keep my 70 GSX. 560hp, 6 speed, stereo, A/C, drives very much like my Z06 with slightly less cornering potential and slightly less gas mileage.

Having said that, in the winter I drive my 97 Tahoe. 2 door, 2wd, dropped 12" with a 4 link and 18" wheels. It does nothing wrong either, but its not very fast:)

[wmhjr]

Chad -- Just talk to your "regular" insurance company and ask that about an "agreed value" policy. Almost anything can be insured if the two parties can agree... then it's just whether or not you want to write the check. :unibrow:

Greg,

I don't think that's true. Most "regular" insurance companies simply do not and will not write an "agreed value" policy - period. I wish it were different but would be totally surprised to find otherwise. An "agreed value" policy is a "product" which not only the individual insurance sales guy/girl needs to be interested in doing, but the entire company AND their underwriters must be OK with. I have seen "regular" insurance companies that will certainly write a "stated value" policy with language that makes it seem to be agree value - but it is clearly not even close. Remember that the other "party" (ie, the insurance company) is not "one person" or even "ten people". There are tons of pieces that have to be in place. Bottom line, if they don't offer it as a real product, chances are they can not and will not do this. As a matter of fact, most of the "classic" companies are prevented by law in some states from being the "primary insurance carrier" of an individual partially for some of these very same reasons. You have to have separate coverage with a daily drive in order to qualify for classic "agreed value" with your collector. State law.

I would be very interested in hearing any experience to the contrary myself - not for the pontiac but for a different vehicle. This doesn't mean you can't use your classic as a DD, but it does impact cost.

[GregWeld]

Greg,

I don't think that's true. Most "regular" insurance companies simply do not and will not write an "agreed value" policy - period. I wish it were different but would be totally surprised to find otherwise. An "agreed value" policy is a "product" which not only the individual insurance sales guy/girl needs to be interested in doing, but the entire company AND their underwriters must be OK with. I have seen "regular" insurance companies that will certainly write a "stated value" policy with language that makes it seem to be agree value - but it is clearly not even close. Remember that the other "party" (ie, the insurance company) is not "one person" or even "ten people". There are tons of pieces that have to be in place. Bottom line, if they don't offer it as a real product, chances are they can not and will not do this. As a matter of fact, most of the "classic" companies are prevented by law in some states from being the "primary insurance carrier" of an individual partially for some of these very same reasons. You have to have separate coverage with a daily drive in order to qualify for classic "agreed value" with your collector. State law.

I would be very interested in hearing any experience to the contrary myself - not for the pontiac but for a different vehicle. This doesn't mean you can't use your classic as a DD, but it does impact cost.



Good info..... I've never tried to talk my regular insurance company into covering my hot rods... but ASSumed they would IF I was willing to pay the premium. SO here's the $64 question then -- maybe you know -- would the classic insurance companies cover your DD at agreed value... without the usual milage stipulations and the "going to and from" restrictions. I've never asked them for that kind of coverage - and wonder if they even offer it if asked to.

Biggest problem I see with using a $$ hot rod as a daily driver is the insurance coverage issues. Wouldn't want your hot rod "totaled" for what might be a simple fender bender!

[wmhjr]

Greg, here's what I know. Please don't consider it all gospel but I'm pretty confident of the main items. Coincidentally, it seems like I'm always messing with insurance because of one change or another. Just switched insurance on the Pontiac, and I've been trying to decide what to do for a '72 Vette that is my sons (who will turn 21 in November).

At least here in PA, the typical classic companies are prohibied from offering "primary" insurance. I just went with Hagerty, and they need to see proof of primary insurance on a different vehicle - in your name. You must be a named insured on the policy and not just listed on the policy. So, Hagerty for example can not provide primary insurance if that DD is your only vehicle. That's the first part. In our case, we need to transfer the title of my sons DD (a Chevy Cobalt) into his name. Then we need to get him a separate main insurance policy. Then, there are a couply classic insurance companies that will write him a reasonable agreed value policy.

If you have another vehicle, then you could in theory satisfy the primary insurance requirement - even if you rarely drive that other vehicle. However then you've got the second part to deal with, which is that I have yet to see a classic agreed value policy that allows for daily driving. All of them have language restricting that kind of use to my knowledge. And I can understand why. Their rates are based on risk factors assuming that the car is driven in a certain way and cared for in a certain way. I guess it's possible that they could offer an "unlimited policy" but I really don't know.

For me, there are plenty of other reasons to not use my projects as a dd. One is safety. Let's be honest - these cars are FAR less safe than new cars, and by new I mean cars built within the past 25 years. Crumple zones, offset and collapsing steering columns, front and side impact air bags, stronger support seats, far better seat belt retraction and locking systems, rollover protection - could keep going for a long time with all the advantages. We'd all like to think we're good drivers all the time, but I know I'm WAY more careful behind the wheel of the Pontiac - primarily because I know it's riskier. Sure, we all rode in these things when we were kids. No seat belts, air bags, etc. We also watched family members smoke a pack of cigs a day, do no exercise, etc. Nothing against anyone wanting to use their project as a DD - go for it. But there are IMHO way more reasons than insurance to not do it which is why I was curious as to how many people have kids or long work commutes.

[captainofiron]

The only issue I have with using my car that way is having a place to park it. I don't trust people to not door ding it. I park in a ramp, and there's some great places in there that would be ideal (nobody on either side), but those spots are taken really early. So while I'd consider driving it to work, there's no way I'd take it to the grocery store. lol

yep, there are the people who park next right next to you even if there are spaces all around

But yes I would drive mine daily, and I am planning on doing so when I finish

[Viperlover]

I did for 3 years, the cost of gas was outrageous.

[fleetus macmullitz]

We only have about 7 months of weather good enough to use a classic as a DD. Did that with a '70 455 Buick GS convertible with no issues.

IMO a well designed PT car should be able to without breaking a sweat... if the owner wanted to use it that way.

[COYBILT]

That's what I'm talking about!:thumbsup: :woot:

I love it, I never thought i would see a 69 camaro with a christmas tree on top.

[camcojb]

I would love to have an old classic as a daily driver, but I'd build it with that in mind. It also wouldn't have a mega dollar value so I could insure it with regular insurance and not worry about losing a fortune if it was totaled or stolen.

[camcojb]

I drive my Nomad to the store daily if it's not raining... and I drive it anywhere and everywhere weather permitting.

I owned a couple NCRS 97 point big block 'Vettes and drove 'em to Illinois... Vegas... wherever and whenever. If they get a little beat - it's just an excuse to re-do them. I re-did one Corvette (this big block tri power '67) 3 separate times. It's the price you pay for enjoyment... and the real expense is the first time around. The next times you're just freshening.



http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad33/gregweld/Little%20Blue%2069%20Camaro/Camaro%20and%20Corvette/VetteandCamaro025.jpg

That's a beautiful 69 Greg. I guess it isn't there currently?

[nickcornilsen]

My current project is going to be built to be driven - The paint has some blemishes, and i won't be fixing them... I won't cut corners but there is some detail work that I won't do. I'll drive the thing everywhere I can - and i expect I'll be able to afford it, given that with an LS1 it should get 25 mpg.

As for the danger? I ride a motorcycle 99% of the time I spend on the road.

[RECOVERY ROOM]

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n404/RECOVERYROOM1/IMG_0498.jpg

I drove this around a lot this summer, rain or shine. I'm going to to keep it so a redo is going to happen, different color,wheels, refresh the nailhead...also a interior is in order

[fleetus macmullitz]

Tracy,

Lots of style obviously. :thumbsup:

What else do you like about it?

[64skylarkls1]

I'm building my 64 Skylark ragtop with all the bells and whistles to make it a comfortable daily driver; cruise, ac, abs, shoulder belts, LS1 for economy, alarm and so on. I'm fortunate that I live in a rural area and work in a respectable small town. I do have places to park the car away from others. I will draw the line only at not driving it on the winter salt roads.

I've had plenty of hobby rods and classics that were only weekend or show drivers. I want to enjoy it more. That is the whole idea behind this build, a daily driver.

As far as it being a poor investment - I disagree. Buy a new car for $30,000 and have it's value drop $10,000 the minute you drive it off the lot. 5 years and 100,000 miles later you have something that is worth very little and will only continue to depreciate.

Now take that $30,000 and invest it into a classic daily driver and as long as you take care of it, it should always retain 2/3 of it's value. Unlike the brand new car, your classic can be reborn and bring it's full value back.

I have kids, four of them. This car will be as safe - if not safer than any new car.

Enjoy your rides!!! Life is short!!!:yes:

[skatinjay27]

if not safer than any new car.
:now thats a BOLD statement... the reality of it is that sure you can make it safer with adding better seatbelts but how do you intend to adapt air bags such as say side impact ones? we are talking almost 50 years of advancements in automotive safety so i dont see how you could a 64 syklark safer than a new car...

dont get me wrong im all for driving the hell out of an old car over all the new appliances, that statement just jumped out at me. :P

[64skylarkls1]

now thats a BOLD statement... the reality of it is that sure you can make it safer with adding better seatbelts but how do you intend to adapt air bags such as say side impact ones? we are talking almost 50 years of advancements in automotive safety so i dont see how you could a 64 syklark safer than a new car...

dont get me wrong im all for driving the hell out of an old car over all the new appliances, that statement just jumped out at me. :P

I agree as far as the airbags are concerned, I guess what I was getting at are the much larger crumple zones and full frame of the car - a larger cabin with less possible incursion?

[GrabberGT]

I voted yes but in reality it would depend on the circumstances. Daily to and from work or local errands (10 mile radius) sure as long as its not raining. Heading into the city for a night on the town?? no way. Traffic gets too crazy in the metroplex and I wouldnt chance the car to unknown parking lots and other areas. I really need to look into agreed value insurance. You think your Camaros Skylarks, Nomads, Vettes... are undervalued by insurance companies. You should here what they think of a Maverick. :wow:

[RECOVERY ROOM]

Tracy,

Lots of style obviously. :thumbsup:

What else do you like about it?

I like alot of the big cars, So I decided to do something different, I've had Chevelles, Tri 5, and street rods. I was looking for a 61 Impala flat roof when Kenny Davis saw this and told me about it, I thought it fit my needs for a cruiser..5 passengers, two coolers, chairs and a pop up can fit in the trunk. I think I'm going to keep this one for awhile, so a new color, wheels, and interior will more than likely happen. It will be a good car to load up and go to Goodguys show in. I'm even thinking of putting a FAST system on the nailhead.

[ProTouring442]

I agree as far as the airbags are concerned, I guess what I was getting at are the much larger crumple zones and full frame of the car - a larger cabin with less possible incursion?

Go watch the video where they run a new Malibu into a '59 Impala (maybe it's a BelAir).

That being said, I think an old car can be made quite safe, minus airbags. Side impact and roll over protection can be fabricated and installed, along with good three-point seat belts, a collapsible steering column, etc. It wouldn't be too difficult, especially if you are building a sedan, to surround the passenger compartment with high quality steel protection cage, all hidden, to keep intrusion to a minimum.

Of course the best defense is a good offense, and toward that end better brakes, better handling, etc will go a long way.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[flagmissd]

I used my 65 fastback as a DD for around a year and a half. The paint really started to show the miles but it did not bother me because I was enjoying it everyday.

The only downside was when I was in a hurry someone would always want to stop to tell me about there mustang back when.

[Vegas69]

Go watch the video where they run a new Malibu into a '59 Impala (maybe it's a BelAir).

That being said, I think an old car can be made quite safe, minus airbags. Side impact and roll over protection can be fabricated and installed, along with good three-point seat belts, a collapsible steering column, etc. It wouldn't be too difficult, especially if you are building a sedan, to surround the passenger compartment with high quality steel protection cage, all hidden, to keep intrusion to a minimum.

Of course the best defense is a good offense, and toward that end better brakes, better handling, etc will go a long way.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

The difference is testing. Until you test the components, you really have no idea what will happen in the event of a wreck.

IMO, Many things in life are hazardous to you health. You can take chances and sometimes you get away with it, sometimes you don't. If you can't deal with worst case scenario, don't go down that road.

[GregWeld]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ "IT" always only happens to somebody else....


Right up until it happens to "you".


That said -- we all take risks and frankly we never really think about the "what ifs"... If we did - we'd never get out of bed.

[Matt@BOS]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ "IT" always only happens to somebody else....


Right up until it happens to "you".


That said -- we all take risks and frankly we never really think about the "what ifs"... If we did - we'd never get out of bed.

That is exactly what I was thinking the second after I got hit in my Camaro. I couldn't believe it. I was thinking what are the odds that I get his in this thing, and not the daily driver.

We all have to choose which "what ifs" we're going to live with, and which ones we won't live with. I'm just happy I chose four wheeled stuff over the two wheeled variety, or I wouldn't be here. The safety scale has many shades of gray, and pro-touring cars are forty year old cars, not exactly the safest thing out there. As Gregg B (Gandalf) on here once joked to me, "if I have to worry about needing a collapseable steering column, maybe it's best the car and I go together."

Matt

Matt

[rusty]

I drive a 67 Chevelle convertible everyday to work. Getting my year old out of his car seat requires rolling down the window, but it's worth it. I bought the car in Colorado drove it to Indiana and now I live in Washington State. It's done it all trouble free.

[senor_Camaro]

im gonna daily drive mine, with an LS1 pffffff no brainer, plus I can rev up those kids with the imports buuuuhhhahahahahahahaha

:beavis:

[MaxHarvard]

I would use mine as a daily driver if we didn't have 8 months of snow a year. :willy:

[Stielow]

Go watch the video where they run a new Malibu into a '59 Impala (maybe it's a BelAir).

That being said, I think an old car can be made quite safe, minus airbags. Side impact and roll over protection can be fabricated and installed, along with good three-point seat belts, a collapsible steering column, etc. It wouldn't be too difficult, especially if you are building a sedan, to surround the passenger compartment with high quality steel protection cage, all hidden, to keep intrusion to a minimum.

Of course the best defense is a good offense, and toward that end better brakes, better handling, etc will go a long way.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

I would not drive a classic daily in Detroit! When I drive my car I act like I'm on a motorcycle.

fPF4fBGNK0U

Stielow

[ProTouring442]

I would not drive a classic daily in Detroit! When I drive my car I act like I'm on a motorcycle.

Stielow

Yes, but is it because you are afraid you'll get hurt, or because you don't want it to be hit? With the way you build your cars with safety in mind, I'll bet it's the latter and not the former!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[TreySmith]

Never had anything but a classic as a daily driver.

[cluxford]

The 68 is just too thirsty to use as a daily (87 Kms of a full 55litre tank).

But I am currently seriously looking to sell my 04 HSV (Holden) Grange for one of the 3 below.

Note not the actual cars below, 2 of those belong to guys on here, but reasonable versions of the same, good 20 footer paint jobs and would swap to brand new running gear (LS3 drivelines).....

Buick - looks stunning, gorgeous but rare hard to find and not cheap in good condition.

Lincoln, looks sinister, tough, cheaper to find but it's a Ford....

Olds Jetstar 88 Coupe - I love these, but super rare, in fact only ever seen 1 for sale


I perosnally think the Lincoln would suit better for daily use (and family / kids) and parked outside....


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t37/cluxford/general%20photos/BuickSideWoodward.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t37/cluxford/general%20photos/jetstar_airport.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t37/cluxford/general%20photos/Lincoln.png

[kovert]

yes my nice car that i drive most of the time is a classic !!
i stopped buying nice daily drivers they depreciate to much!!
last nice car i had a 330ci got it for 27g and sold it 3 or 4 years later for 8 or 9 grand lost close to 20g !!! classics don't do that they appreciate!!!

[drednot]

I have a 70 mile round trip to work, so i would be broke shortly. Thinking of going ls so i can drive it to work occasionally without having to stop for gas on the way.

[musclecarmatt]

i use drive my 66 pickup everyday....its not no show winner but looks good.....it just mainly drove work and back not to many other places...my camaro is mostly only a weekend car but i do drive her!

[CaptainRay]

Can't afford paying another $30K and interest for another new car. Toyota wanted $350 to change 4 spark plugs when my Camry broke down on a recent trip. So I'm finishing up my easy to fix 57 Chevy PU and that's what we will be driving. I have anti-theft built into it and it's insured. Can't see babying a car to the point where I'm afraid to drive the darn thing.

[mdprovee]

I have always wanted to build a muscle car, with creature comforts for a daily driver.

My wife thinks another fun one would be a Nomad, or old Suburbun, instead of the mini van we have.

The old cars just have style that the new ones don't.

[Ron in SoCal]

The old cars just have style that the new ones don't.

True story...took my 9 y.o. daughter to her first Good Guys show a couple of years ago. As we were walking in, she pulls me over to a beautiful PT 70 Chevelle and stares at it in amazement (I did too :) ). She loks up at me and says, "Dad I just love these old old cars! They have so much style!" Just then an old guy (coulda been Weld) walks up to me and says, "where'd you get a daughter like that?" I reply, "it's in her blood." He then hands me two free passes to get in.

Daughter now wants a Chevelle for her 16th B-Day. Big block of course...

[Spiffav8]

True story...took my 9 y.o. daughter to her first Good Guys show a couple of years ago. As we were walking in, she pulls me over to a beautiful PT 70 Chevelle and stares at it in amazement (I did too :) ). She loks up at me and says, "Dad I just love these old old cars! They have so much style!" Just then an old guy (coulda been Weld) walks up to me and says, "where'd you get a daughter like that?" I reply, "it's in her blood." He then hands me two free passes to get in.

Daughter now wants a Chevelle for her 16th B-Day. Big block of course...

You had better get to work on a Chevelle then. :yes:

[Ron in SoCal]

You had better get to work on a Chevelle then. :yes:

Yeah, James said he had a spot in front of certain Camaro if I wanted it...:lol:

[kochevy67]

Not in my climate, but if I lived somewhere with no snow then absolutley YES.

[Spiffav8]

Yeah, James said he had a spot in front of certain Camaro if I wanted it...:lol:

HEY! :_paranoid

[DBL NKL]

Not up here in the great white north, but having a Duramax with 850ft lbs is lot's of fun when the snow flies.

[fesler]

If you are going to spend money on the car then you should drive it and enjoy it everyday. Cars are meant to be driven and today you can get an alarm with a mobile phone app so you know at all times where it is and if its safe. If someone was to take it you can kill the starter and let the cops know where the car is.

[3_z28camaro]

I would like to daily drive the '71 but the current work/living situation does not exactly allow it, sadly.

[DETON8R]

I will be driving DETONATOR daily, especially the 18 miles each way to work, as I work at the end of a twisting mountain road. If I wanted a car that I didn't want to drive daily, I would have put together a small block and a 4-speed, not an LS1/T56, and saved a TON of money and time. Hell, I'd be driving the car already.

The insurance, depreciation, cost of operation all go out the window when you consider those are all facts of life when you run any kind of car, and there really isn't much you can do to change those realities, it is just a cost factor, decide what you can afford and run with it. Yeah, insurance is a necessary evil, and I've never got a fair shake from the insurance companies, either at the front end or the back end. I don't get a fair shake when I look at my paycheck either, Uncle Sam and Jerry Brown take way too much, just a cost of having a job, no different than operating a car.

My 1967 Camaro was purchased in 1987 and sold in 1997, and I drove it daily when it was running, and that was a big block and 4-speed car. Would still be driving it if I didn't need a down payment on our first house in 1997. I guess it is in my blood.

[70supersport]

Winter time I drive my slammed 69 c 10 summer is harley time

[Bryan O]

If you are going to spend money on the car then you should drive it and enjoy it everyday. Cars are meant to be driven and today you can get an alarm with a mobile phone app so you know at all times where it is and if its safe. If someone was to take it you can kill the starter and let the cops know where the car is.

I believe this is KARR Security Systems you are referring to. Yes?

My wife has this installed in her '11 Challenger and it is indeed a very nice perk.

You can receive instant text messages when the car leaves a specified area. Or when it goes above a specified speed. However, contrary to what the dealer told us, the system cannot be accessed in underground parking lots. So, you car is vulnerable there. Still a nice product. I do wonder if, as the dealer claimed, more cops use this in their personal cars as opposed to lojack.

[ProTouring442]

If I were ever to have the means :rofl: I would build a "daily driver"... Well, at least I would have it built. LOL

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[Rod P]

My classic is my DAILY, My RACER, my TEST BED for new parts, and so on :thumbsup:

http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx162/crazyshopmonkey/2011%20Events/IMG_7470.jpg

[RickM415]

building a car n not driving it most of the times its like having a supermodel n rarely touching her ..... and her ..... lol

[Bucketlist2012]

With the traffic around here, if i still had to commute to work, no way..

To sit with a 4 speed car with a 280H cam in stopped traffic for 45 minutes is not right for many reasons, the least of it, " Would you have a Thoroughbred Horse and Walk him around the Track ?

The F150 automatic with cup holders is much better.. Or the 350Z Auto...

But the Beast will be driven enough to never see the battery charger ever again, and that is a good thing..:cheers:

[John510]

Negative.

Car seats dont fit too well

[Radlark]

I do as I work on it everyday!!

[bret]

I'm blessed with having several muscle cars to drive. Some are more agreeable for everyday use than others. My favorite? My 70 GSX. 560 Hp 455, ZF 6 speed, cold ac, satellite radio and killer stereo, Cerullo seats. It fast, comfortable and fun. BUT...my commute is maybe 10 minutes, no traffic, no parking or theft issues, and a whole stable of alternatives should I hurt that car.
I don't drive my blown, injected pro street mustang, or my Boss 429, or my road race 69 Mustang...just because there are easier choices.
I will also admit that currently, my new CTS V is way too much fun to park!

ALSO...before I had too many cars...back in the early 80's...I drove my 69 Chevelle...396 4 speed, aluminum flywheel, 850 Holley, 4:10 gear, no ac, 7mpg, everywhere. From 88-91, the only car I owned was a 79 Fairmont with a 351w, 6-71 BDS blower, EFI, and a 2:73 gear. I was traveling at the time for BDS...did a little time on the Gandy Bridge in Tampa...changed the head gaskets in the parking lot at Automotive Engineering!

Fun stuff!

[Tuske427]

I sure hope I do! I didn't with my last one, so I sold it.

[tazzz2_ca]

I sold all the relatively current cars I had 5 years ago and bought my wife a Jag XKR for going to functions etc....

Me I've been blessed and drive one of the old Birds, Camaros, or the 68 caddy Eldorado every day (other than the winter months up here in Toronto).... It's so much fun driving down the road in something that's not a cookie cutter new car....

[DarkoNova]

Yup. Daily drove my car for years. It's not so fun now with the worn out, sloppy suspension and the BMW wheels that hit the frame. :(

[sokoloka]

Building my corvette with the sole intention of driving it daily!

[Juggernaut]

I know I'm not really the right person to answer this poll, but I'll leave my answer anyway.

When I went looking for a car in early 2011 I was strongly considering buying another '95-6 Impala SS. I've loved those cars since I saw my first Dark Cherry example in '95. However, knowing my past history with the B-body ('93 Caprice 9C1, '94 SS, '96 Caprice LT1, B4U (sport)), I realized I'd throw too much money at an SS. Where I work there is also ZERO reserved parking so I am forced to park outside -- frequently parallel parking on the street -- every day in the Florida sun.

Not wanting to invite dings and other damage on a car that means a lot to me, I decided to put off the B-body purchase and bought a 2009 Accord sedan instead. While it's technically the nicest car I've owned, I don't have any attachment to it. It would annoy me to no end having bird sh!t, dirty FL rain spots and scraped up paint on an SS. I was already infuriated when I went out to my car and saw this rub damage (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/416917_10151347354510360_877715359_22951028_682537 346_n.jpg). Thankfully, 3M Rubbing Compound and some sore thumbs got me down to this point (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/482990_10151394074975360_877715359_23139457_151668 0067_n.jpg), but now I need to pick up touch-up paint.

If I had the '66-7 Chevelle I dream about, there is no way in hell I would DD it. Cruises/errands after work and on weekends when the weather doesn't suck? Absolutely!

[barrrf]

I bought my car with the intention on it being a daily. My future plans all include finishing it with the intention of it being daily right down to the seat belts. Isnt that the point of pro-tour - comfort combined with performance?

Door dings? Meh they can be fixed. Theft? Please steel it - then I can start again.

Even my back seat is useable so I can tote the kids around in it.

In my mind, if my car were a collectible I would be thinking a bit differently but since its just a Malibu no one seems to care about - Im going to drive the wheels off it.

[chevguy]

My neighbours would lynch me if I started the camaro up at 5.00am to go to work.Oh and the sheiks would send me a personal xmas card as thanks for the spike in world fuel use.:D

[barrrf]

My neighbours would lynch me if I started the camaro up at 5.00am to go to work.Oh and the sheiks would send me a personal xmas card as thanks for the spike in world fuel use.:D

This - neighbors hate it when I leave for work EVERYDAY.

Here's a pic of me daily'ing my Chevelle. I will grant you its not a show piece but its not bad. Pic was taken this morning - 45 degrees and raining.

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa70/barthautala/2012-09-18_07-46-22_27.jpg

Edit: After posting pic I realize how bad I need to get it lower.

[cluxford]

The 68 is just too thirsty to use as a daily (87 Kms of a full 55litre tank).

But I am currently seriously looking to sell my 04 HSV (Holden) Grange for one of the 3 below.

Note not the actual cars below, 2 of those belong to guys on here, but reasonable versions of the same, good 20 footer paint jobs and would swap to brand new running gear (LS3 drivelines).....

Buick - looks stunning, gorgeous but rare hard to find and not cheap in good condition.

Lincoln, looks sinister, tough, cheaper to find but it's a Ford....

Olds Jetstar 88 Coupe - I love these, but super rare, in fact only ever seen 1 for sale


I perosnally think the Lincoln would suit better for daily use (and family / kids) and parked outside....


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t37/cluxford/general%20photos/BuickSideWoodward.jpg


So this thread just popped back up, I saw I responded in 2011. Well in 2012 sold my daily and bought the actual 61 Buick in this pic above. Shipped it over here and have been using it as my daily for the last 6 years. I've racked up just over 100,000 miles on it in 6 years. It's about to do a 2,000 mile road trip interstate in 3 weeks time. In that 6 years it's only got 2 door dings :)

[Scratch]

That Buick is a sweet cruiser. I drive my junk wherever when it's not broke! Need my pickup most days though.

[Oleyellar]

With all the blood sweat and money that I have put in her over the years, no way I would subject her to the idiots that putz around this place. I'm not sure what the daily crash stats are, but It's like bumper cars most days. 2016 ADOT records show almost 160,000 crashes. I feel 100 times safer on the track at speed than I do going for groceries. Skewz me, I have to get this call.:confused59:

[Zspoiler]

My 1981 El Camino SS is my daily driver .And I have left some of it fairly stock for if I have issues on the road.And my 1979 Z-28 RS Pro-Touring car has all the toys in it.So I won`t drive unless the weather is nice.

[will69camaro]

I got a C10 i'm hoping will one day take over daily driver duty. Got some work to do to it to make it reliable and comfortable to drive.

[JKnight]

Sounds good Will. I think a C10 with LS3, Auto, A/C, Baer brakes, and full Ridetech suspension would be the perfect daily driver.

[Beechy]

Zoom in....there's a 10-bolt rear in there under the cans of fruit and tool cabinet

[Beechy]

Makes for an awesome stance....

[Beechy]

At the mall......I'm always shocked to see how much lower/smaller than a Toyota!!
I drive 26 mile round trip weekdays to "work".... 60,000+ miles in 6 years.
All aluminum interior, no carpet, no radio, no heat/air......but do have leather seats and steering wheel. 400 h.p. 350/turbo350.

[ULTM8Z]

I built mine to be reliable enough to be a daily... but I just don't want to put so many miles on it.

Figure I'm only putting about 500 miles a year on it driving it on weekends, so itll last a long time. And with what paint jobs cost these days, I need to keep it in good shape... given car stuff is much lower priority than family and household expenses...

[cluxford]

At the mall......I'm always shocked to see how much lower/smaller than a Toyota!!
I drive 26 mile round trip weekdays to "work".... 60,000+ miles in 6 years.
All aluminum interior, no carpet, no radio, no heat/air......but do have leather seats and steering wheel. 400 h.p. 350/turbo350.

Jim, I see this all the time, well did. I just moved from Melb to Noosa, but yeah that thing gets plenty of miles !!!

[Beechy]

Jim, I see this all the time,,,, well did. I just moved from Melb to Noosa, but yeah that thing gets plenty of miles !!!

Here's hoping you took the toys to Noosa with you 😜😜😜

OMG I'm suffering bad in this Melbourne winter.

[slimjim]

Jim, I see this all the time, well did. I just moved from Melb to Noosa, but yeah that thing gets plenty of miles !!!

Get outta here, I'm from Noosa originally(stateside now), I know of a PT mustang there to look out for also.

I don't plan to import my current build there but I do plan to import something there in coming years.

[rustomatic]

What is it you down-under types have against pickup trucks?

Kidding, Jim. I totally approve of this Camaro usage!:poke:

Zoom in....there's a 10-bolt rear in there under the cans of fruit and tool cabinet

[Beechy]

What is it you down-under types have against pickup trucks?

Kidding, Jim. I totally approve of this Camaro usage!:poke:

Pickup trucks?? CoG Paul......gotta take every apex :drive:

Did you notice the Falcochev in my avatar? It's driveable (real nice) and just gotta get engineer's g-meter reading on brakes before registration. Need to boost cash flow tho, so project timing will suffer again.

Must be HOT AND SMOKEY round your hood atm!! We get updates from the Carr fire on regular tv coverage....some Aussies there helping out since last week
:cheers: :patriot:

Back on topic...v v v ..... Picking up Falcon seats from trim shop.

[rustomatic]

Hey Jim,

It has been disgusting around here the past few weeks--fire is now officially a season, with its own weather brought about by massive smoke coverage. This week has been a drastic improvement, as we can see mountains again. It is awesome that people from your neck of the woods came up to help--it's literally like a war effort, especially since they've also called up military units . . .

Great to hear the Falcon is running--it will be weird as hell to see a pic of it towing your Camaro. I just finally got my un-Ford Falcon running again yesterday. Now it's time to re-do what I screwed up in the process of building the turbo system (and attempt to tune). It is so far from ever being a "daily driver," but I don't really do that anyway . . .

Pickup trucks?? CoG Paul......gotta take every apex :drive:

Did you notice the Falcochev in my avatar? It's driveable (real nice) and just gotta get engineer's g-meter reading on brakes before registration. Need to boost cash flow tho, so project timing will suffer again.

Must be HOT AND SMOKEY round your hood atm!! We get updates from the Carr fire on regular tv coverage....some Aussies there helping out since last week
:cheers: :patriot:

Back on topic...v v v ..... Picking up Falcon seats from trim shop.

[LateralJeaz]

Two words...hell yes. Maybe three if you count the expletive i wanted to throw in between those two. Lol.

[3_z28camaro]

My '71 Camaro is my daily driver. 100 miles round trip 5 days a week.

[jarhead]

I'm 62 and have been working on mine for 5+ years. I don't think it will be done for at least 3 more.

I am going to drive it like I stole it :lmao:

[GregWeld]

The '40's maiden run will be 3,000 miles -- and then it's going to be in Texas -- and still needs to get "home" --- except I no longer own a home -- we'll still need to drive it somewhere (Scottsdale)! LOL

So figure 5,000 miles in its first couple weeks..... and will be driven daily everywhere and anywhere from then on.

[Ns RS]

The '40's maiden run will be 3,000 miles -- and then it's going to be in Texas -- and still needs to get "home" --- except I no longer own a home -- we'll still need to drive it somewhere (Scottsdale)! LOL

So figure 5,000 miles in its first couple weeks..... and will be driven daily everywhere and anywhere from then on.

Sold sv? Congrats onward and forward it was great to see ya & Gwen - if you need help with anything you have the number & I have the pass 👍

Myself I won’t daily drive as a big pet peeve of mine is door dings. if all parking were nice and wide like the ones in Costco then sure. until then I’ll just take it on tours etc...

[Kwag]

This is actually one of the reasons I don't want a really nice paint job. I just don't want to worry about it. I have it to enjoy it and really don't want to be thinking about rogue shopping carts or belt buckles at car shows. To each their own!