CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: lakeholme on May 02, 2006, 01:34:44 AM
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Another classic car driver has parked his ride due to the high price of gas! :o
My 68 Mustang buddy informed me he is parking his Mustang and buying a hybrid. What's this world coming to? Hydrogen? ???
But he got me thinking... How much do we drive our Camaros?
Please vote in the poll (for as many 1st Gen Camaros you own) and post a message on your classic driving habits! ;D
As for me, I'm a weekend cruiser. Haven't resorted to a hybrid during the week yet. But I do drive a black on black sports car that gets 30+ mpg --as long as I go easy on the gears...
Let me hear from you...
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Weekend cruiser as well and occasionally the drive to work. Weather has finally changed to Spring in Northern Nevada and the '69 has been out the last two weekends. Gas prices will have to get a lot higher before I'd consider parking the car. Granted, it doesn't get driven extensively, but when I do drive it, I am not going to be concerned about 10-14 mpg - it comes with the territory. My "daily driver" is a '95 Z28; LT1, 6 speed. That car will cruise at 70 mph and get 25 mpg - as long as I'm cruising in 6th gear. 70 mph in 6th - the engine is turning 1800-1900 rpm.
Between now and end of Sept, the weekend cruises, shows, etc will be in full swing with the top dog being Hot August Nights in Reno the first week of August. Over 5500 registered cars - not to mention the ones that show up that are not formally registered (www.hotaugustnights.net). In the summer here in Northern Nevada just east of Lake Tahoe the valleys (and the towns) are at elevations varying between 4500-5500 feet. The weather is perfect for cruising - warm days, cool nights, no humidity, and for the most part - no rain. Completely different from "home", i.e; south Louisiana from whence the job moved me 5 years ago where any summer afternoon is a potential downpour waiting to catch you out on the road.
Time to enjoy the summer!.
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Usually, I drive mine pretty often. Maybe not daily, but at least a few times each per week. Even in the rain at times. Its a rare occasion when either sits for a week.
BTW: Not 1st gens. 70 RS Z and 69 GTO RAIII 4spd.
But to be honest, the gas prices have parked mine more than I would like. Roughly 9 mpg at $3 per gallon doesnt really add up for me. But with the nice weather here, I doubt I can resist.
dave
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Richard,
Thanks for the link to Hot August Nights web site. Now, that's what I call a cruise in!
Keep voting and sharing!
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I don't drive mine nearly enough! :o About 800 miles a year sometimes less.
It's a stress reliever to get out and go for a cruise in the backroads/mountains of San Diego... ;D
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Well Phillip I think you already know my answer. I drive my 67 as much as I can. Just had it out last night for about 2 hours just crusing around. Did most of my major work (except for the harness!) over the winter so I can enjoy it now. With the Spring comes the Car shows and swap meets. We drive to as many as we can looking for parts for the car. We have a "hit list" of items I want to get for the car.
Dave
dab67
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Keep driving and keep voting.
It looks like most of us are occasional drivers.
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Going to shut this down soon. Please vote and/or post.
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About once a week, April through October.
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Voting is now closed. 05/25/06
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Thought I'd bring this one back and see if anyone else wants to chime in.
Down my way, we've had beautiful weather, but cannot seem to find the time to get out and cruise.
Let's hear from you. Vote!
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When I finish my '68 it'll be driven regularly to work unless bad weather is predicted, with lots of cruising and drag strip time thrown in--no Trailer Queen for me. I want to DRIVE it--high gas prices be damned. My daily driver now is my '87 IROC, but it ain't a '68 and never will be. I've owned my '68 since May of 1985, and it was my daily driver until 1992, when I acquired a mortgage which is now paid off and I can dance again. I've raced it, gotten laid in it, been profiled by the cops--the whole shooting match. We've all made memories in our Camaros--good and bad--and I'm living for the day I can turn the switch and hear that 406 blast alive with a ragged idle and the promise of even more good times!
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OK, we're picking up several votes, but not many comments...
Post a bit about your driving!
I think Hotrod was the first "Regular driver" we've found. (And man, we'll take up for you and post your bail!) ;D ;D ;D
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...I don't drive my '68 too much, ...but being back east if the weather is nice enough to drive the car, ...you can only hope you've got the spare time to take it out.
Hopefully with a new addition to the stable, ...I'll be driving a 1st gen a bit more frequently ;)
Kevin
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I drove over 200 miles this Labor Day weekend --dodging the rain clouds. Got an email from Dave, who drove to a car show and showed his car for the first time! How about you?
Vote and Post!
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weekend cruisin and taking it to the shop
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Well, finally got up to 50 votes...
Gonna shut this down soon...
Thanks to those who voted and posted...
If you haven't, please do!
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OK, poll closed down for now...
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Seeing many new names on the site and Spring is here, so I'm bringing this one back...
Let us know how much you drive!
And post about your driving "habits"...
(And notice I added an option for the "car-less".)
??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
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My 67 is just a roller, so I voted in boxes for that one and my 69 is 99% done, but I havent driven it on the road since 1987. I have an oil leak that I cant figure out on the rear of the block where the oil guage line goes into the block. Maybe tomorrow I'll get it fixed.
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i drive my 69 every single day.I have drove it every day since the day i brought it. I live 30 minutes from work and its just a long winding road though woods and city. There is this great spot right by the river. To be honesty, i can't stand to drive anything else. Its completely stock but there is just something about that loud roar of a V8 and the feel of vinly. There is no better way to start and end the day.
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My 67 (the only first gen I have now) is in pieces, my 70 SS 396 is waiting its turn, my 71 SS350 is getting all the attention to try and get it done, and the only one that is drivable is my matching numbers all orgional 80 Z/28 which gets driven weekly durning nice weather.
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not enough!!!!!!!!!!
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Shows, swap meets, cruise ins... They will be all over the place soon. Get out and drive that Camaro!
Vote and post here...
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Sunday driver, April thru Oct. Occassional cruise-in. 200-300 miles a year. Back in '85 I drove it from Boston to Detroit when I got transferred. And in '88, another transfer, I drove it from Detroit to Panama City FL. Both times the car was neither insured or registered! I threw some old plates on it and drove at night. I was lucky. Back then I was young and stupid. (Now I'm old and stupid!) ;D
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Well, I just bought a 1969 RS, but it will need some work before I can drive it much. I do drive my 2002 SS from time to time, on weekends if I get the chance. It is nice to take it out on the open road and just cruise!
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Would love to get 75 votes and more posts...
Otherwise, going to let this one "fade" on down the page.
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Have driven my 69 Z pretty much on weekends. Had 77K on it 1982, now has approx 93K. so ... 600 miles a year? If you are really worried about price of gas, better sell that boat!! On hybrid, I heard stat claiming it would require 23K city miles/year to break even versus standard gas engine. Maybe a taxi would be ahead.
Jimmy V.
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hope to drive again..I hate to admitted it..parked since 1980...no yelling at me please...thanks scott
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I have two 1st gens. Both '69 Z/28 RSs. One is my "driver", one is my show car. I actually drive both. However, I'm scared to death when I take the show car out. Trailer on order... The driver I take out only on nice days, but I'll drive it 20 miles at a time and I love it.
John
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I really enjoy driving my '68 RS convertible, I've driven all over Michigan with it. I plan to take it on the Hot Rod Power tour this Summer, at least a couple of legs and maybe a Long-Hauler (Cleveland, OH to Little Rock, AR) if the weather cooperates!
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Last chance... and then I'm taking this one out for a while.
Post and Vote...
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Haven't driven my Camaro regularly or legally since 1989, but that is about to change, then will be driven on weekends and vacation, weather permitting!
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In 1968 the average price per gallon in the US was 34 cents. (Late that year there was a "gas war" in the Southeast and I was buying regular for 19 cents.) In today's dollars 34 cents is still "only" $1.80 per gallon. :o
This summer looks like good driving weather for most of us --according to the Weather Channel. ;D
But with higher gas prices is that slowing up your crusing? :'( :'( :'(
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I just drive around the area, to work sometimes on Sundays because there is no traffic and it's safe. I'm really worried about some rebrobate running into me. I wonder how many people on here on in Oregon? It's a diffferent world out here. I live close to country roads and that's what i drive on. I've never been back East so I don;t know what it's like.
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68Zproject,
I drove 300 miles Memorial Day Weekend here in NC and didn't touch an interstate. I've got family in Seattle and have traveled quite a bit in Oregon, both with work and visiting. A Camaro and a country road are the same the world over. I've been to several of the classic car dealers and restorers in Washington and Oregon. It seems like Camaros are becoming rarer out there than here.
You are right to be wary of folks running into you. During that Memorial Day drive I had one guy run off the road trying to look back at my car. I suppose better off the road than into me. That's an interesting sort of flattery! ::) ;D
...Keep voting and posting...!
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i drive my 69 every single day.I have drove it every day since the day i brought it. I live 30 minutes from work and its just a long winding road though woods and city. There is this great spot right by the river. To be honesty, i can't stand to drive anything else. Its completely stock but there is just something about that loud roar of a V8 and the feel of vinly. There is no better way to start and end the day.
You're the man!
I've driven mine every day I could this summer. As a "side job" I part out cars, so if I sell something for $20 or $100, the cash goes straight into the glovebox of the Z for gas money, so I don't worry about the price of gas.
A) Driving season in Vermont is only a few months, so you've got to make hay when the sun's shining!
B) For as much as I pay a month, you bet your a$$ I'm going to drive it!
C) I absolutely LOVE being behind the wheel. As Mikey said....getting back in DD is just boring, and sad.
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When I first started this poll, regular gas was below $3.00 Now, it's above!
Hey, Newbies... How much do you drive? Where do you drive?
Vote and post...
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Mine has been stripped down and parts are sitting in boxes for about the last 29 years. I tell everyone that it is going to be my retirement project in another 8 years.
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Mine has been in "restro" mode for 5 plus years now. But I think I should be starting it for the first time since this all started sometime next week! I'm really starting to jones about getting it starting ... and then hopefully back on the road by maybe May. It's been a long time in coming, for sure.
I have a C5 Corvette that pretty much keeps me sane while the '69 Camaro has been off the road. That's more a driver per se but I still don't put a ton of miles on that car either. Maybe 3000 to 4000 miles a year or so. But I do use the C5 for long trips in the summer and weekend get a ways.
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Mine has been stripped down and parts are sitting in boxes for about the last 29 years. I tell everyone that it is going to be my retirement project in another 8 years.
I'm not sure I could stare at the boxes for another 8 years... That's like waiting for Christmas. ;) But it looks like you are in a group of several other patient persons! ;D
Please vote and post! I'd like to get more than 100 votes for an "official"-based poll...
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About 1500 miles during spring, summer and fall, three to four times per week. My 230 cubic inch six gets 25 mpg on the highway so I'm not worried about gas prices.
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like anyone brought their car because it's gas friendly :)
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Bringing this one back to the top to see if I can get some of you newbies to vote in the poll.
Also, describe where and how you drive.
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I use it hardly at all apparently compared to a lot of the posters in this thread, unfortunately.
This Summer (around here that's June thru September, weather and road construction permitting) even with all of the rain we got maybe 300-400 miles total, and that's probably the most ever since I got the car in the early '90's.
Being out of work since the beginning of the year makes adding 100 low lead av fuel @ $1.45 / litre to the mix a bit hard on the wallet and somewhat curbs the enthusiasm a bit...
Can't win... working & with $$'s = less time to play verses unemployed & without many free $$'s = lots of time but hard to justify useage.
Past years maybe 100-200 miles per, so I guess I had more fun this, over past Summers though. Guess you could also say I'm not exactly wearing it out!
Randy
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I don't drive it as much as I would like to.
There are a couple of reasons; I have not been able to get the engine to run properly(occasional backfire thru carb, stumbling, occasional dieseling, etc) and because of that my MPG is around 9.
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Well lets see,bought 69 SS in 1976 drove it for 7 months then 3 or 4 times after that!So about 5500 miles! Havent driven the car since 1979. Started restoration in Nov. 2002,not done yet!So to answer your ? "NOT MUCH" :(
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Thanks for posting and voting...
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I'll play and try to squeak in Philip. 20K miles in 4 years after a frame off. I run it.
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Only had my car about 6 months but i plan to do about 1500 - 2000 a year
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I've had my 67 rs since 77 and it used to be a daily driver, over the years it has gained value and looks so now only driving about 500-800 miles a year, always garaged and never driven in the rain or winter. I wonder if there could be a poll regarding length of ownership? I would wager that there are not too many folks that have owned their Camaro more than 10 years...
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Got mine in 94
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this is a good subject , I drive my 67 RS 327 every weekend that it is not raining , don't know about any of you but I can't get my car to start when it's raining ? anyway the price of gas is a problem but think of it like this ,
#1 think about what you paid for the car I gave $1600.00 for my 67
#2 add up all the expense's for the car for one year , with mine it's gas insurance $125 per year / and tune up item's
#3 I do occasionally buy dress up item's for the camaro nowaday's at car swap meet's but that is more of a mental therapy for me than a need
TOTAL for my 1967 camaro owning it cost's me $125 per year for insurance / say $100 per year for maintenance oil and filter's / point's and condensor every 4 or 5 year's / then gas and I average $30 buck's per weekend when its not raining , so I drive it april thru october (CRUZ NIGHTS STOP AFTER OCTOBER) that's 28 possible weekend's ad it up come's to $840 worth of gas per year if it was pretty every weekend , so !!!!!!
GAS = $840
INSURANCE = $125
MAINTENANCE = $100 TOTAL = $1065 per year to own and enjoy a 1967 camaro RS = $88.75 per month to own it
GAS IS THE BIGGEST EXPENSE but it is still worth it .
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Brad,
Saw your thread about "How Long Have You Had Your Car". Good idea, as well.
I saw you paid $1600 originally and now you says you put around 1100 a year into it. But let me ask you this: How much have you put into it to bring it up to its present condition?
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I've only put about 4,000 miles on my 69 in the last 10 years sad to say. it had cracked tires so I was afraid to do much driving. Just got me a new set of BFG T/A radials about a week ago so plan on putting lots of miles on it this coming summer with the club. Jim
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I have always been a daily driver of some sort of classic. I have only bought 1 new car in my life and it was a truck. Since I went on the road 8 years ago I have an airport truck I drive but kept something tagged and insured until the last year or so and it is killing me. We are currently building my son a CJ while his 69 is on hold, so he lets me drive it occasionally, it's pretty fun. These cars are meant to be driven.
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Unfortunately or fortunately depending how you look at it, I opt for modern technology as a daily driver versus my older car. That being said, the old stuff by far is still my favourite.
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I traded my '68 Z28 for my 69 Z28 in 1976, and drove it regularly for 4 yrs (after rebuilding the engine)... but it was last driven in 1980 - when it went to the garage -(due to 12:1 pistons and poor gas!), after which I drove a '70 Z28 for a couple of years.. I have other 'classic cars' which I've always driven regularly mostly on weekends and to car shows, cruises, etc... For the past 2 or 3 yrs (after getting on this site) I've been gradually working towards getting the 69 Z28 back on the road again.. pointed towards getting it judged in the 'unrestored orgiinal' class..
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Actually, I guess I ought to vote again from when I started this poll in 2006, when I was driving about 3000 miles a year and gas was less than $3.00 Now, I'm down to around 2000 miles a year. :(
Several folks drove to Atlanta last week in our club --around 500 round trip. I drove an SUV... But I did get to see two classic car collections! ;D
Oh well! Guess we're driving smarter, not more! ::)
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I can't believe I missed this thread Phillip. Even though you're getting smarter, its nice to know your still enjoying the '68.
I had 73k on mine when I bought it 4yrs ago and now it has 78K... around a K/yrs. Hate to say it but me thinks I'm getting burnt out (31 shows in 3yrs. Sat out the first year). I don't think I'll make near as many shows next year so the miles will be less. Who knows, long winter's has a way of changing things though.
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Well, don't stop driving and showing it!
Several of us here in Charlotte will be in the Veterans parade tomorrow.
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Had my 68 Z28 out for about 4 hours today. Temps in the 50s and colorful with the leaves changing. I put 3200 miles on the 302 this year
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Ditto fireZ, I had mine out today as well. Its not often she'll get to see November daylight in MN. I can only hope to be driving it in December ;)
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Hoe much did you drive your Camaro in 2012?
Driving more or less?
Vote in the poll...
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Less! Bought a second house, and have spent a lot of time working on that. Also am storing two of the carsat the second house, so less opportunity. Also bought a 70 z28 as a project. I only drove my 67 twice this year! About 75 miles total. Yuch!!!!!!
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I'm in the 48% catagory, put 2,250 miles on the car this year.
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havent had it long but ill avg a tank of gas per week during the summer. i dont drive it in the rain and it rains alot here in portland. speedo's broke so instead of miles i go in terms of tanks ;)
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Mike,
Were you working on it and driving it?
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"With gas at $3.50 a gallon you might as well drive something you like."
Unfortunately I have a logistics problem of my Camaro and a few other vehicles being located in different states. I have a 1966 motorcycle with me that has provided me many hours of wrenching fun while my family has been on the move, and I can always find a spot for it, even without a garage I was able to persuade my wife that I could keep it in the living room when I took it apart one cold winter in Indiana. Now that I am back on the West Coast and have organized our 2 car garage with 4 kids worth of bikes to still accommodate a vehicle, I am planning to move my 1963 Chevrolet C/10 to our house finish a few loose ends on it, and finally be able to drive one of my vehicles that is always on site.
I have been to HOT AUGUST NIGHTS (HAN) a few times, and You have to have it on your bucket list. It is a awesome week of being immersed in the car culture everywhere you look. My friends and I are trying to make this the guys trip every year.
I am also looking for a 1967 Karmann Ghia for my wife to cruise to work in. (no smog, good gas milage, better investment)
Until my family hits a few more financial milestones, then I can look at rounding up my Camaro and other rides into one nice barn at a future residence.
I look forward to seeing you guys on the road or hearing about your adventures on CRG. Hopefully it will include wearing a hat or T shirt from the CRG site! (see other topic for info)
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Phillip;
I finished putting the car together May 30 th. I put those miles on between May 30 th. and Nov. 30 th. Just minor fixes and finishing details. I was asked at one car show if I trailer the car, (I'm guessing 'cause it looks so nice) my response; "I built the car to drive, what fun is hauling it around on a trailer?"
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IMO, it is no fun pulling a trailer. I would rather drive a POS 6cylinder camaro, than tow a COPO.
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X2!!!!
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IMO, it is no fun pulling a trailer. I would rather drive a POS 6cylinder camaro, than tow a COPO.
Can I have your COPO ? ;D I brought my car home in February. Took a month to shake the bugs out but I managed 1200 miles this summer. No joke a lot of people ask me what I'm doing driving my car. I should haul it they say. Simple I restored it to drive. It was doing a good job just setting in the shop like it was.
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If I had one I would have sold it to get another Z. You only live once, enjoy the ride.....
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Philip,
I too don`t know how I missed this thread.Been a CRG for years under another forgotten username and password.Got my 1st 67 in 1979 for $1000 and was a daily driver until 1990. A job close to our now empty nest gave me 10 more years of 5000 miles a yr.(2-3 other 350 transplants) and in 2002 installed the 327 I saved for it and went to the track. 05 Needing rebuilt parked it until 08 when I cruised with a gm crate(1200 miles a year) til it just isn`t the same as that ole 327. Love a hi-reving small block w/steel crank so hope to have it reinstalled w/4speed I got in time for spring 2013. Got me a 110th anniversary H.D. sportster to share the miles so I plan on less than 3000 per year.
The 2nd 67 (double yellow RS) is still in process of restoration w/new parts in boxes .Parts stay on shelf until bike has been broke in.Its 327 pg , ps ,pb, and my favorite AC ,will be my daily driver in retirement . lol enjoy those rides friends! any seat time is a joy.Hell I will even miss jamming gears on my snowplow truck when I give up the daily grind!Lookout mailbox especial delivery on the way!
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XP836, Welcome back and thanks for sharing. Sounds like you know how to enjoy your cars. Post us some pictures. And what was your previous username???
Mike and Bullitt65, That's the ultimate dilemma: Drive a driver or tow a COPO. Hummmmmmmmmmm?!?!?!?
But that brings me back to the question: How Much Do You Drive? Vote... Tell stories... Post pictures.
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Between Cruise the Coast , HRPT and local shows, I would guess some 5K miles. But that may change as I retire this year. I am already gearing up for HRPT 2013 in June.
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Hey Don,
Doesn't the 2013 HRPT end up at the Charlotte Motot Speedway this year?
That's a little over 1000 miles one way from Texas!
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It was 62 and sunny today. I couldn't resist it! We drove the 68 about 40 miles today to a couple of restoration shops, just to see what they were working on... ;D
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Hey Don,
Doesn't the 2013 HRPT end up at the Charlotte Motot Speedway this year?
That's a little over 1000 miles one way from Texas!
Yup, it was , all way back to Lubbock but few of the guys were from deep south Texas, 40 miles from the border... There was one 58 Vette that had the CorvettCorrection option. That's a 58 vette set on a c5 chassis. Very cool car, I was featured on the Block event. That was another 900 miles for them.
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So, where to next time?