I seek advice.
I have accepted a job in Boulder, CO, which starts in January. My spouse
and I own three ancient cars: a 66 Ford Falcon Ranchero, a 71 Olds 98,
and a 68 MGB. Which to take, store or sell? As soon as $$ permits,
we'd like to buy a newish 4wd for mountain backroads, but that's not likely
until spring. I'm told that Boulder doesn't use salt on city streets-
is that just propaganda or truth?
The Rancheroo is his beloved. It has a new engine, front end and tires, but
the cargo area is uncovered. We've had no luck finding a reasonably priced
shell for it, and no time to build one. The body is so-so, but here in LA
that's a definite plus. Thieves ignore it and other drivers avoid it, since
if you don't have a clean car here you must be psychopathic. Anyways, we
plan on restoring the body....someday. I guess for winter travel in Boulder
we can get away with rear snow tires and a tarp over the bed.
The Olds, aka Bessie, was originally bought as a disposable, I-hate-LA car
for $500. Her advantages are a threatening appearance, enormous locking
trunk, a 455 engine, and good heater and AC, and basic insulation from the
abrasive LA freeway environment. Disadvantages are 12 MPG, an estimated 12
more months before tranny failure, and potentially dangerously bad handling
in inclement weather.
The MG is my daily driver. It's taken a few knocks from street parking in the
past few years, but again, I treat that as valuable camouflage here.
90% of the mechanical restoration is done, including an Allison ignition,
so it's been quite dependable, considering its heritage. However, the top
has been rotted by the pollution here, and the rear window is nearly opaque.
It will probably keep me mostly dry, but I know the passenger side leaks, as
does the rear deck seal. It's the fold up and put in the boot variety, and I'd
like to convert to the fold behind the seats type, but I'm not sure about
getting the required hardware.(Suggestions?). Maybe I should just hunt for
a hard top, except the ones I've seen are all ugly. Tires are 1/2 worn
Michelin XZX's. Are studded tires allowed in Colorado?
So here are my options: Sell Bessie to a true psychopath, and winterize the
B and Rancheroo. Or store the B at my brother's in San Diego until we have
a garage space, and drive Bessie until she breaks, or gets wrapped around
a phone pole after skidding on black ice. I'd be safer crashing in Bessie
than in the B, but it's also more probable than crashing the B. On the other
hand, I'd much rather crash Bessie, or not at all.
So, do all you Rocky Mountaineers put the LBC's away in the winter, or do
you stick it out, since in-town driving isn't really so bad.
Thanks! ---------Jean@spock.usc.edu
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