Where did it start? What was your first Vehicle?

[poleclimber63]

My first car was a '63 Chevy Nova 4 door with a 235ci straight 6 and a 3 on the tree. unsynchronized first gear with a sticky linkage. I had to carry a hammer and a can of WD40 with me. That thing burned oil at the rate of a quart per tank of gas. I bought it for 200 bucks and drove it for about a year. My mom ended up selling it while I was in the Marines for 400 bucks.

I've owned quite a few nicer vehicles in the 20 yrs since the old Nova, but we had some good times together.

My 62 had a 194 straight 6, with a 2 speed slush box. I paid about $750 in 1979, sold it in 81 for $2600 after investing $1k.... not bad! My car was probably in the same condition as yours when I bought it, mine was using oil, tranny was slipping etc. it just kept running! THE simplest car ever--- my new lawnmower is more complicated!! I remember starting it with a screwdriver, when the solenoid failed!

 

[Buckles]

My first vehicle was a 1998 F-150. It was a single cab, long bed, and bone stock when I got it. I drove it all through high school and college. Sold it about a year after buying my 4Runner with 300k+ miles. I sold it to a coworker who still drives it daily. Kinda sad having to see my old truck that I put so much time and money into being driven by someone else, but at least I know it's being taken care of.

When I first got it



In between



Day I sold it

 

[poleclimber63]

Fiat 500

0.5 Liter, 15 HP, max 56 mph with wind from behind, ~1960

This is a similar like mine, mine was blue, it's for ralleys because of the black stripe

My cousins' first car was a 66 Falcon which he built and subsequently racked up a whole glovebox full of tickets!! He lost his license and when he got it back, he bought a Morris Minor similar to :

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This car also wouldn't go over 50, achieved great mileage and weened my cousin of the desire to drive like a psycho.... probably saved his life!

 

[BeaterToyota]

Anyways, tell me about your first vehicle!!!

My first car was a 1988 Toyota pickup that I bought from the original owner in 1992. It was totally stock, totally clean, not a scratch on it. A lot has changed over the last 22 years, but I still have it...

 

[RogueYota]

My 62 had a 194 straight 6, with a 2 speed slush box. I paid about $750 in 1979, sold it in 81 for $2600 after investing $1k.... not bad! My car was probably in the same condition as yours when I bought it, mine was using oil, tranny was slipping etc. it just kept running! THE simplest car ever--- my new lawnmower is more complicated!! I remember starting it with a screwdriver, when the solenoid failed!

Good memories, I think I drove mine for a month or more without a key. I misplaced my keys somewhere and on those pre-'64 Chebbies as long as you didnt turn the ignition to "Lock" you didnt need a key. That car is also the only one I have ever run out of gas in. The float in the tank was bad and the gauge read 3/4 of a tank most of the time til you actually got to E.

 

[poleclimber63]

A true Toyota enthusiast!

My first car was a 1988 Toyota pickup that I bought from the original owner in 1992. It was totally stock, totally clean, not a scratch on it. A lot has changed over the last 22 years, but I still have it...

Wow, owning the same truck for 22 yrs! That's longer than most marriages!! Love the pics---- I really love the morph from the basic truck to a true rock climber! If that truck could talk! I truly believe that these stories of longevity of ownership comes down to this: If a car company builds a vehicle that proves to be close to perfect for general and specific uses, why would you buy anything else? As you live in the East, how the heck did you prevent the rust? These truck nearly run forever, until the rust kills them! I've seen this vintage of truck with dinner plate sized holes in the box, doors and fenders and huge holes in the floor boards which bring the Flinstones to mind! Not to mention cracked frame members.... I remember a teacher in high school that had an older Toyota than yours who brought it into the shop and complained that everytime he went around a corner the truck would lurch to the side.... it turned out 3 of 4 bolts holding the cab were rusted off along with the cab mounts and we had to weld a metal strap across the cab to re-attach as there was very little metal left to weld to! He loved his truck and would heed our advice on getting a newer truck as it ran perfectly!
Awesome story--- 22yrs!!

 

[MarkinWMich]

1969 Ford Galaxie XL

I've never been able to find another one like the one I had. It was a light, metalic teal with a black vinyl top. Teal interior. 390 V8, C6 transmission with console shift, bucket seats. Nice car for a high school kid in the mid-80's when I was driving it. My dad had it repainted and all the body work redone a year before I bought it. Had it in a few local car shows. Sold it for college money my freshman year. It was totalled by one of my high school "friends" after he got drunk and ran it through a corn field...it lasted about 6 weeks after I sold it to him. I'm still pissed.

 

[BeaterToyota]

Wow, owning the same truck for 22 yrs! That's longer than most marriages!!

Bought my truck when I was 18. Started dating my wife a couple of months later. We're now 40 and have been married 18 years.

Love the pics---- I really love the morph from the basic truck to a true rock climber! If that truck could talk!

It can't talk, but a collection of pictures from the last 22 years tells a story...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLPYYEVTTh0

As you live in the East, how the heck did you prevent the rust? These truck nearly run forever, until the rust kills them! I've seen this vintage of truck with dinner plate sized holes in the box, doors and fenders and huge holes in the floor boards which bring the Flinstones to mind! Not to mention cracked frame members...

The bed rusted to shit about 12 years ago, that's when I built the flat bed. In the last two years I've gotten a big rust hole on the driver side floor, and the frame is starting to rot on the passenger side frame rail, right by the gas tank. It's time to either build a buggy with the drive train, or just part it out and start over. I haven't decided which. I've gotten my money's worth, and I'm ready to move on.

 

[poleclimber63]

I've never been able to find another one like the one I had. It was a light, metalic teal with a black vinyl top. Teal interior. 390 V8, C6 transmission with console shift, bucket seats. Nice car for a high school kid in the mid-80's when I was driving it. My dad had it repainted and all the body work redone a year before I bought it. Had it in a few local car shows. Sold it for college money my freshman year. It was totalled by one of my high school "friends" after he got drunk and ran it through a corn field...it lasted about 6 weeks after I sold it to him. I'm still pissed.

Beautiful car! That is a tragic story about its demise--- I'd be totally pissed too! I'm glad that the guy that bought my first project lived a ways away, as I can still imagine that it just might still be in someones garage.... there really isn't anything like a 60's American car...

 

[poleclimber63]

First new car....

After I got my first job, I bought a new car. I really don't remember what the heck I was thinking when I put my $6200 down on the counter..... here it is:

I actually couldnt find an original photo, but this is basically the car. As basic transport, it was pretty good. With a 1.4L it went ok, and when I moved out on my own it hauled an amazing amount of stuff! I probably moved every 6 mos. for the next 4yrs and it did it well! I even drove it across country to Toronto without any problems. It was incredibly simple and cheap to run, and it got great mileage. Alas, I got bored of it, and after 5yrs traded it in on my Honda Prelude! When I talk to friends about car ownership, no one wants to admit to "Pony ownership" but my experience wasn't bad. I knew a co-worker who owned a 86 and it was really bad--- engine, clutch, interior parts all broke! Quality control was appalling for Hyundai when they first hit N. America...

 

[Chaz526]

My first vehicle was a 1993 Ford F-150. It was built like a tank, and, thanks to the V8, guzzled gas like one too!

 

[poleclimber63]

My first vehicle was a 1993 Ford F-150. It was built like a tank, and, thanks to the V8, guzzled gas like one too!

Yup, truck= crappy mileage!!! My Suburban when towing got 8 miles/imp gal.!! Back in 2010 it cost me $180 to fill the tank-- ouch! Gas up here in Canada is at least, 20% more expensive, up here you would have been a tank driving pauper!
Just after my Wife and I got married, we drove my Dads' Chev camperized van across the country--- that was hard on gas! We decided to drive across the USA instead of Canada (did that the previous year) and saved $1k, even then.

 

[THatfield]

My first car was my 1994 Isuzu Rodeo. 3.2L V6, 5 Speed, 4WD. I busted my ass helping my dad as much as I could to "earn" the cash to buy my first car. I wanted a 4x4, and this one popped up on the for sale board at my dad's work. We drove 2 hours and towed her home. Many fond memories working on this rig with my dad. I learned a lot, and it taught me as much as he did when it came to driving and working on vehicles. It was a beast even after I grenaded a CV shaft 4x4ing with friends. The amazing thing was, when I bought it, it hadn't run or drove in over 2 years. And yet once we changed the timing belt and added some gas, I drove the thing almost daily from that moment onward. Only stopping to change plugs, wires, fuel filter, clutch and front brakes. It was an amazing first vehicle, with luxuries like cold A/C, power windows, locks, mirrors (heated too!). We added 31 inch All terrains, some off road lights and aftermarket stereo.

I loved that truck, and the time I spent working on it with my old man is I think what I loved about it even more. Unfortunately since I moved away (and drive a 4Runner), that doesn't happen as much anymore.

I wrecked it after I blew out a caliper under severe braking (17 year old rotted brake system=bad). It was never quite the same after that. I sold it and the guy I sold it to eventually junked it. Very sad when I saw it at the pull a part out:

RIP, Mean Green Machine!

next to one of my dad's toys, 85 Bronco with 65k miles on the 302/4Speed. Also long gone

 

[poleclimber63]

My first car was my 1994 Isuzu Rodeo. 3.2L V6, 5 Speed, 4WD. I busted my ass helping my dad as much as I could to "earn" the cash to buy my first car. I wanted a 4x4, and this one popped up on the for sale board at my dad's work. We drove 2 hours and towed her home. Many fond memories working on this rig with my dad. I learned a lot, and it taught me as much as he did when it came to driving and working on vehicles. It was a beast even after I grenaded a CV shaft 4x4ing with friends. The amazing thing was, when I bought it, it hadn't run or drove in over 2 years. And yet once we changed the timing belt and added some gas, I drove the thing almost daily from that moment onward. Only stopping to change plugs, wires, fuel filter, clutch and front brakes. It was an amazing first vehicle, with luxuries like cold A/C, power windows, locks, mirrors (heated too!). We added 31 inch All terrains, some off road lights and aftermarket stereo.

I loved that truck, and the time I spent working on it with my old man is I think what I loved about it even more. Unfortunately since I moved away (and drive a 4Runner), that doesn't happen as much anymore.

I wrecked it after I blew out a caliper under severe braking (17 year old rotted brake system=bad). It was never quite the same after that. I sold it and the guy I sold it to eventually junked it. Very sad when I saw it at the pull a part out:

RIP, Mean Green Machine!

Great story! I looked at an Isuzu Rodeo a few years back but didnt find one in good enough shape. I have 3 sons and I wish one of them would have taken an interest in vehicles like you and your dad did! He was a lucky guy! Unfortunately, none of them have an interest. They do though, feel that I must feel fortunate, to have the opportunity to fix their cars when it's required! I usually ensure they have a hand in, whether they want to or not! One can only hope! At least one of them took an interest in Electronics--- we've had a chance to share this!

 

[poleclimber63]

I wrecked it after I blew out a caliper under severe braking (17 year old rotted brake system=bad). It was never quite the same after that. I sold it and the guy I sold it to eventually junked it. Very sad when I saw it at the pull a part out:

RIP, Mean Green Machine!

I'm sure you have great memories of the Rodeo and it sounds like you most definitely got your use out of it! It's too bad the guy you sold it to gave up on it... and its amazing you found it at the junk yard! Hopefully you'll have plenty of great times and lots of memories with the 4Runner! Good Luck and Happy New Year!!

 

[THatfield]

Great story! I looked at an Isuzu Rodeo a few years back but didnt find one in good enough shape. I have 3 sons and I wish one of them would have taken an interest in vehicles like you and your dad did! He was a lucky guy! Unfortunately, none of them have an interest. They do though, feel that I must feel fortunate, to have the opportunity to fix their cars when it's required! I usually ensure they have a hand in, whether they want to or not! One can only hope! At least one of them took an interest in Electronics--- we've had a chance to share this!

they were hard to find in good shape when I was searching. I was very lucky when i found mine, but it was in no way perfect. For as long as I can remember my dad has been fueling my car interest. We still cruise the hot wheels section at the store.... :evil:

I'm sure you have great memories of the Rodeo and it sounds like you most definitely got your use out of it! It's too bad the guy you sold it to gave up on it... and its amazing you found it at the junk yard! Hopefully you'll have plenty of great times and lots of memories with the 4Runner! Good Luck and Happy New Year!!

The trips with friends, dates, wheeling expeditions, etc that we went through together will never be forgotten. especially when my battery cable used to slip loose and id have to put it back on so it would start. :bounce: It was sad to see it in the junkyard, but I do love my 4runner, and in many ways it reminds me of my Rodeo... slow being the biggest one. LOL.

 

[poleclimber63]

they were hard to find in good shape when I was searching. I was very lucky when i found mine, but it was in no way perfect. For as long as I can remember my dad has been fueling my car interest. We still cruise the hot wheels section at the store.... :evil:



The trips with friends, dates, wheeling expeditions, etc that we went through together will never be forgotten. especially when my battery cable used to slip loose and id have to put it back on so it would start. :bounce: It was sad to see it in the junkyard, but I do love my 4runner, and in many ways it reminds me of my Rodeo... slow being the biggest one. LOL.

I find myself gavitating towards the hot wheelers from time to time too!
I really love my 4Runner as well, (my wife doesnt understand it after my engine replacement) but I couldnt stand the Chevy Shitburban a moment longer--- it would bust at the most unexpected times--- alot of simple stuff but later, I really did start to cross my fingers everytime I got in it, to start it!!!! Even though I've only had my 4Runner for just under 3yrs, I've done lots with it, travelled, followed some great trails in the mountains with the family----- and in the last month, I've allowed all my sons to drive it---- now my oldest says he loves driving it!!! My other 2 say they prefer driving it to my Wifes' Lancer Sportback... who knew!!! I like driving the Lancer, as it goes like a rocket! Maybe they will become 4R owners.....

 

[Dirty Brigade]

94 chevy s10 with a 6" suspension lift and 33's. Loved that truck.

 

[meRockboost]

81 Chevy pickup, never should have gotten rid of it.
91 3000gt vr-4 fun but never should have gotten it. I worked 40hours a week in high school to buy it. Blown trans, blown clutch, slight mods then stolen/burned
02 wrx started to destroy the trans so I got rid of it
95 explorer for free
00 4runner sport emerald green. I was stupid and got rid of because it was bad on gas and I had a very long commute then it started to have problems. Plus I was spending all my money paying off my girlfriend/future wife's debt ($15kish) and traded it in for a...
06 Lexus is350. Fun car, really nice traded for a...
04 dodge 2500 cummins. Built auto, bigger injectors, 3" lift, 5 gauge setup, front end rebuild. I had a lot of hours working on/fixing that thing. It drove straight, it was clean as heck, it was my baby/project. Then the baby came and the payment had to go.
96 honda accord, 201k mi, 30mpg and only replace the oil. It's a great commuter and doesn't give me problems. Moving back to Maine next year so this will be sold and I'll buy a 3rd gen for myself.
15 4runner SR5' wife mobile. Mods to come.

 

[poleclimber63]

81 Chevy pickup, never should have gotten rid of it.
91 3000gt vr-4 fun but never should have gotten it. I worked 40hours a week in high school to buy it. Blown trans, blown clutch, slight mods then stolen/burned
02 wrx started to destroy the trans so I got rid of it
95 explorer for free
00 4runner sport emerald green. I was stupid and got rid of because it was bad on gas and I had a very long commute then it started to have problems. Plus I was spending all my money paying off my girlfriend/future wife's debt ($15kish) and traded it in for a...
06 Lexus is350. Fun car, really nice traded for a...
04 dodge 2500 cummins. Built auto, bigger injectors, 3" lift, 5 gauge setup, front end rebuild. I had a lot of hours working on/fixing that thing. It drove straight, it was clean as heck, it was my baby/project. Then the baby came and the payment had to go.
96 honda accord, 201k mi, 30mpg and only replace the oil. It's a great commuter and doesn't give me problems. Moving back to Maine next year so this will be sold and I'll buy a 3rd gen for myself.
15 4runner SR5' wife mobile. Mods to come.

Like the chain! Its interesting, youre not the first I've heard of who received an Explorer for free! Funny how that works! Nice to hear youre back in the 4Runner fold. Your 00 Emerald green, I've always liked that colour--- I looked at a Limited in that colour when I was looking for mine, unfortunately it wasn't in the best of shape. I must admit they arent fantastic on gas but it depends what youre comparing it with! Probably cheaper to run than your Dodge was... and maybe cheaper than your 15' if the 15' has a V8... mine gets 50% worse mileage than my Corolla but twice of my old Suburban...
That Accord would be a great commuter ride, 2 of my neighbors drive them and they love them.... I had a Prelude into the nineties, and I loved driving it.
It will be great to see what you can do with that 15' 4R! Post! If you have plans to get into a 3rd gen, I'd buy it here on the wet coast and take it with you, next year--- rust is huge, according to our East Coast members! Good luck!