Let’s take a
trip!!
We
are winding up the time of year where we get the most fun from our dear old
cars. Why? Because of the various outings such as tours, parades, club picnics,
shows etc., or any other excuse to drive and enjoy our LaSalle or Caddy by
doing more than drive around the block to make sure it still runs.
This
last month we have had several events; in fact, so many that it is nearly
impossible to attend all of them and still have any personal or business life.
I continue to get calls from people in nearly every CLC region asking how to
solve problems with some members’ ’37 to ’48 cars. I still say that it is
better to prevent a problem than cure it.
Because
of our unusual geography, our tours in the Rocky Mountain Region usually
involve longer distances and/or mountain driving. These tours and trips that
are generally published in our local newsletter and The Self-Starter and cause
the question to be asked, “How was your tour to such and such a location, (or
parade etc.)?” My usual reply is with the stock answer, “We had a real Archie
Bunker trip.” When the reply query comes back, “What do you mean?” Of course,
the normal response is, “Gee, our old LaSalle ran great.” This doesn’t happen
by accident and it isn’t real hard to prepare for a trip. Here are few tips on
preparation.
First
of all, it is best to check out your car the day or evening before the trip
after the car has set for a while and is “stone cold.” This way, all of the
fluids and pressures are at their lowest level.
Starting
with the obvious, you check your oil. The dipstick is easier to read and you
can get a more precise reading. Add only enough oil to bring it up to the
proper level. Do not overfill. There is no law that requires you to add a full
quart at a time. If the oil is dirty or gritty, give it a quick oil change.
After all, oil you really don’t need is cheaper than replacing metal that you
really do need. Think about it.
Next,
check your coolant level and add enough 50/50 antifreeze/water solution to
bring the level in the radiator up to its natural level. If you overfill and
don’t have an overflow tank, it will spill out the overflow pipe when the fluid
expands due to heat. Then everybody is quick to advise you that your radiator
is leaking or that you are “boiling over.” If your coolant level is right, it
will take a lot of overheating to cause an overflow.
A
quick check of your belts and hoses will tell you if they need adjusting or
replacing. Check your service manual and don’t overtighten the belts. Check all
the spark plug wires and make sure they are snug, both on the plugs and into
the distributor cap. A quick wipe with a clean rag on all of these wires can
prevent unwanted arcing, which, incidentally is a common hidden cause of
overheating.
A
quick look under the car will disclose any fluid leaks. Don’t fret too much,
because most of these old cars have some minor leaks. If it is a leak in a
manual transmission, check and fill as needed while it is cold. With an
automatic transmission, you will want to wait until later after you make the
startup and then check and fill per instructions in your service manual.
If
you have access to compressed air, clean out the fins of the radiator by
blowing air into the rear of the radiator thus cleaning out road debris. If you
brush the front of the radiator with a fairly soft brush or a whisk broom, then
blow it of again with your compressed air. Maybe a quick check under the hood
of the electrical connections, (i.e. generator, voltage regulator etc.) tighten
them as needed.
A
check of tire pressure (including the spare) and you are ready to fire up and
check for any leaks or abnormal running. Make sure you let it warm up long
enough to evaporate any condensation in the exhaust and internal parts of the
engine. If you have an automatic transmission, now is the time to check it. By
the way, the dirty moisture coming out of the exhaust pipe is usually normal
condensation and nothing to worry about.
If
you are going to wash the car, dust it off first. You will get a better wash
job with less streaking. You will probably need to dust it off again when you
get to your destination so the old girl looks her best.
By
the way—when you fill the gas tank, it is always best to fill it early in the
cool of the morning. You will get better gas mileage and performance the cooler
the fuel is when you put it in the tank. It does not take a rocket scientist to
figure out why. (No offense, Art.)
You
are now ready for a good trip, and hopefully your old Caddy will run like a
LaSalle and you too can have an “Archie Bunker Trip.” Of course, you LaSalle
drivers will have the type of trip you expect and are used to.
Happy
motoring and I hope to see you all next month.
—Walt