I like this car, and 4Runner thoughts

"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful) 09/13/2020 at 09:30 • Filed to: None

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Yesterday was the furthest the Mustang has been driven in about 21 years. As I’ve completed other projects on it, I’ve driven it around the block, which is about 1/4 mile or so at best. When I had to pick my son up from a sleepover, I thought it would be fun to surprise him and pick him up in the Mustang.

Granted, I wasn’t some grand adventure...this trip consisted of maybe a 4 mile drive in total. But that drive helped the Mustang move from being an abstract idea into a functional car. I was grinning ear to ear when I got it up to a speed above 25mph, seeing that long red hood stretch out in front of me.

It also helped nail down a few more future projects. Right now , the steering is a merely a vague idea, I’ve had enough “old” cars to know what to expect from steering/handling. This is not it. A steering box rebuild is in order. I noticed a small amount of coolant splatter, and noted a radiator replacement is in my future. I do plan on pulling the engine/transmission at some point, clean the engine bay, and potentially replace/rebuild the trans. It was one concern the previous owner had. Overall though, I’m still a happy camper.

4Runner thought? Every time I think I’m going to replace it, I can’t think of what I would want that would suitably replace it (FJ or GX are the only consistent thoughts, but that’s already strikingly similar to what I already have). I was going to go drive a Sequoia yesterday that was right price, right miles, until I saw the engine pic of the 4.6. I wouldn’t get that big beast with the smaller engine. Even then, I don’t *love* Sequoias. I’m being a bit selfish here, but the fact of the matter is that if we * need* something bigger to lug around my in laws with us everywhere we go, my wife can replace her vehicle to fill that role. The 4Runner has been semi-retired from family duty as it’s too difficult for her mom to get into.

Anyway, have a great Sunday, everyone!m

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Nothing 09/13/2020 at 10:41

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Nice wheels.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Nothing 09/13/2020 at 10:44

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I am filled with envy. I always wanted a classic mustang, but never pulled the trigger. Now I’m rethinking my life goals....  

Just Jeepin' > TheRealBicycleBuck 09/13/2020 at 11:08

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Every time I see a first generation Mustang  on the streets, which is more often than I’d expect, I lust after one. Easily among the most beautiful American sports cars.

avalonian > Nothing 09/13/2020 at 11:13

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You could get a 17 and up CPO Range Rover and be fairly satisfied. 

Nothing > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 09/13/2020 at 11:24

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Thanks, I definitely think they  are an improvement over the Centerlines that were on it previously.

Nothing > avalonian 09/13/2020 at 11:32

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I’m sure there quite a few vehicles I’d be satisfied with.

Nothing > TheRealBicycleBuck 09/13/2020 at 11:34

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When this one popped up for the price, I couldn’t pass it up. I’m excited to hopefully have it to full daily driver status by next spring.

Nothing > Just Jeepin' 09/13/2020 at 11:37

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They are pretty common, but it doesn’t make them any less desirable for me. I’ve always liked fastbacks, but the price for them is out of my reach. I don’t appreciate them THAT much more than a coupe to justify the difference in price for me.

Heck, the vinyl top on mine is even growing on me. I’ve never been a vinyl top fan. I don’t have any desire to pull off the vinyl anytime soon and see what’s hiding.

My bird IS the word > Nothing 09/13/2020 at 11:45

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I’m glad you enjoy it that much, it is encouraging. Still havent taken the bird for more than a spin around the block in over 5 years and its starting to ruin the experience for me.

Nothing > My bird IS the word 09/13/2020 at 12:01

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My great fear is dismantling it and having a non running project that I grow to resent over the course of years.

With the Cougar, I had rather high goals that eventually I knew the car wasn’t the right base for. Rather than adjust what I wanted to do, I decided to dump the car and move on. With  this car, I’ve tempered my expectations. To me, it looks good enough overall and I know if I dig into it too deep, I’ll regret it. That doesn’t mean I’m going to half ass repairs on it, though.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Nothing 09/13/2020 at 12:14

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There really is something about that long hood stretching out from behind the wheel. I’ve only experienced it from the passenger seat of course but it is quite special. 

My bird IS the word > Nothing 09/13/2020 at 12:14

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I think the problem is that I expected my DD FOST to satisfy my “fun car” until I completed the T/A. Not that I don’t have the patience for the project but without anything really fun I am left wanting.

My bird IS the word > Nothing 09/13/2020 at 12:15

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Also, it is so far gone that the work I do complete seems wasted.

Nothing > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 09/13/2020 at 12:17

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I have a short  video somewhere of me behind the wheel of the Cougar. It’s fun to reminisce. I need to do the same thing with the Mustang once it’s fully road worthy and I’m willing to venture beyond the immediate area.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Nothing 09/13/2020 at 12:18

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The feeling of just sitting in one of those big old muscle cars is just so different than you get in a modern transverse car with a short hood. The low and reclined seating position really adds to the experience. 

Nothing > My bird IS the word 09/13/2020 at 12:20

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That’s one reason I’ve briefly wondered about swapping the 4Runner for a Wrangler. The 4Runner doesn’t have a lot of “fun” quotient.  I sense more frustration than fun with that swap, though. One of my good friends just made that very trade though, so I’ll have to see how he feels over the next year or so.

My bird IS the word > Nothing 09/13/2020 at 12:39

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Its a shame the hobby is so expensive. Very difficult to do on a limited budget. Sometimes I wonder if I am being unreasonable  .

Nothing > My bird IS the word 09/13/2020 at 12:58

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It is, especially when you watch silly shows where they have unlimited budgets, tools, resources and spit out a gleaming car at the end. There are times I feel like selling the DD to help offset costs of the project. Thus far, I’ve been able to fund  it by selling old diecast cars on eBay, but I’ve now sold all of them off. 

My bird IS the word > Nothing 09/13/2020 at 13:00

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I just started my career this year and I am considering staying with my parents for the next 5 years so I can afford a Caterham and a house. I am excited about the caterham, not the house. I think I have problems.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Nothing 09/13/2020 at 13:47

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You don’t seem to be pulling your punches on this car.

gmctavish needs more space > Nothing 09/13/2020 at 18:47

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I’m having similar thoughts as I’m trying to find something I could get instead of a 5th gen 4Runner. I can’t afford a new one, but they’ve been the same for 10 years, so there’s a range to choose from at least. I like the look of FJs, but the visibility is terrible. I know a GX would be better value, but I don’t want the swing-out tailgate, and I don’t want the full-time 4wd with no rear locker.

Man I would also enjoy a first gen Mustang.

Nothing > gmctavish needs more space 09/13/2020 at 19:39

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The good news about the 4Runner is that by  my usual “trade by” date, which tends to be 3-4 years for new vehicles, I’ll actually have this one paid off. The makes it much more difficult to get rid of a 3 year old paid off vehicle that will run basically forever.

Moltenburn > Nothing 09/14/2020 at 23:25

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We like to cycle cars ever 2/3 years as well. Have a 2019 ORP Barcelona T4R, and honestly don't see us trading it anytime  soon. Things a tank, goes anywhere, and has the right options. But did just get a 2020 GLB. So one for beating up and another to be fancy.

Nothing > Moltenburn 09/14/2020 at 23:32

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I think (although I won’t bet on it) that the 4Runner will stay around a while. It just plain works, and I expect it to do so  with minimal complaints for a long time.

Moltenburn > Nothing 09/14/2020 at 23:42

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agreed ours is bulletproof. 15k miles in 11 months, no signs of heavy use. Put some tall skinnys on it and we are happy.