I’ve been reading SurvivalBlog for more than 10 years. God willing, I hope to continue for another 10 years. I’m not sure how I found this blogsite, but this is the first site I go to every day. I have always wanted to write an article for SurvivalBlog. From this blog I have gained some valuable information over the years such as getting out of debt, saving my nickels, buying gold and silver, and numerous how-to articles.
This article describes how to select and keep older vehicles running. With so many concerns today about an EMP attack from another country or solar flares knocking out electronics it would be nice to have an alternative means of transportation if the SHTF. Bicycles and horses are great alternatives, but you can’t beat the utility of a motorized vehicle.
Most cars today come with stainless steel exhaust, engines than can run 200,000 plus miles, and need very little maintenance. Modern vehicles can drive down the highway at 75 to 80 MPH with no problems and have all the comforts of home. The only problem in my opinion is they are loaded with electronics. Some of these are unnecessary. Sensors can fail and make your vehicle not run right. Without a computer and the right training, it can be impossible to repair it on your own.
This is where older vehicles from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s shine. If you have the mechanical ability, you can repair them on your own. Brakes, exhaust, tune-ups, starter, water pump, alternator replacement to complete engine replacements can all be performed at home with some basic mechanic tools. I have replaced an engine from a 1960s Chevy using a come-along off a large tree limb. Most of the older vehicles had very little stuff under the hood. You could sit on the fender and replace the spark plugs. Ah, to be young again. High School kids could spend a weekend working under the hood and feel good about the repairs they made.Continue reading“Vintage Car Repair – Part 1, by Reelfisherman”