Jalopnik 
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Detroit, 2:01 AM
Tue Dec 1
29 posts in the last 24 hours
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07/18/09
07/18/09
@TV's Paul Y.:
Dude, my first car, which was not only one year older than me, but was also the first vehicle I ever rode in, had four wheel, unassisted drums, a thick metal dash (but the optional padded "wing" on the passenger's side), optional seat belts (this truck had 'em), etcetera.
The steering column, however, was nearly vertical, so not much danger, there.
The engine's 'doghouse' made for a nice arm-warmer in winter, and arm/leg burner any other time of year.
The foot-operated 'pump' for the windshield washer took me nearly forever to get back to less than did-you-put -your-foot-in -the-toilet wet condition when used, however.
It was nice, once working, that it held close to a gallon.
Oh, and the battery was immediately behind the driver's seat, inside, which made it pretty much impossible to jump start anyone. It was a manual, and I was good at pushing, so I never needed a jump, but wanted to help when I could.
On the upside, the windows would roll down, from completely up to completely down, in under 2½ turns of the crank.
I miss my forward-control Dodge passenger van...
07/18/09
When the driver IS the crumple zone, it really focuses your attention on the driving.
07/18/09
In fact, I'm so comfy with sitting over the front wheels, when my wife and I bought the 40' motor home we have, I took to it immediately
The ride home was 150 miles of mellow mountain roads and freeway. Good break in to driving 58' of combined vehicle for the first time.
However, turning onto the street which led to our house, there is a stoplight. When making the left turn, from her perspective, the pole/walk-don't walk sign was coming straight for her head.
I had to chuckle a little, because I knew exactly what she was thinking. When I saw her go positively rigid about a ¼ second later, out of my peripheral vision, I said, "sweetie, trust me, it just looks like you're about to get hit by the pole".
It then whizzed by her head at 8 MPH...probably two feet away, which still looks pretty close the first time it happens.
That was the only time it fazed her, which is more than I can say for many a passenger in my FC Dodge.
07/17/09
07/18/09
07/17/09
07/17/09
07/17/09
It's amazing my parents and grandparents are even alive.
07/17/09
What? We're not playing that game?
07/17/09
07/17/09
07/17/09
From the looks of Jalop, it must be after 5:00 eastern time on a Friday. Nobody here but us west coast gray texters. Just humor me, I've got yet another hour to kill.
07/17/09
07/17/09
07/17/09
I've seen it happen in real life in the modern world. Kinda spine chilling but it is against the law to be there.
07/18/09
Tip: don't park in front of a fire hydrant.
07/17/09
11/06/08
Can't you just reach back there and FEEL if you're about to hit something?
11/06/08
11/06/08
I wondered what that suction tube under the dashboard with the pair of lips on it was...