The last few months haven't been very pleasant when it comes to my automotive endeavours. It just seems that lately i'm having a harder time enjoying
my automotive outlet. I still love cars, read about them everyday and think about them constantly. I enjoy driving, in theory. Lately my penchant for perfection and
patience for things have seemed to get in the way. My BMW is driving me nuts, everyday it's a noise a whistle a click or a suspension quirk that just sucks the enjoyment out of it.
I spent a few hours the other night swapping the tires/wheels on the 540. Since i was in there i also changed a bad rear suspension link, something i planned to do on the hoist at my dads shop but decided not to let it go much longer. I also was hoping that it would clear up a few tracking issues i have with the car. Time flew by and it was a smooth job finish to end. I enjoyed it and was a nice way to end a usually stressful day. The next morning i was hoping for atleast some sign of progress with my suspension battle, and there was none.
Thinking about these issues just make it worse. I'm pissed when i'm driving it, for some reason i expect perfection out of a 10 year old 150K battered suspension system. I dropped almost a grand a few weeks back replacing links, tie rods and bushings. I had it aligned and it's barely any better. I'm getting sidetracked though.
Add to all this the absolute lack of any quality roads in the area and it really drives me nuts. The roads are busted and filled with holes, i haven't seen a smooth piece of pavement in the last 3-4 years around here. I just took my Z on a 30 mile trip out to a shop to deliver some product. It was a 15 mile stretch of road with 2 turns, the rest of the time it was perfectly straight and flat with only the crashing noises and rattles to keep me company. In my area for atleast 20 miles in all directions it's nothing but flat straight roads, sure to suck the enthusiasim out of anyone.
Now that i think about it i'm surprised i still have so much enthusiasm for cars given what seems to be all the cards stacked against me.
Just felt link ranting, don't feel bad if you don't understand anything you just read.
:hesaid:
Sounds like you need a :rastaman: or sum :partyon:! :lol:
That's very annoying when you spend a lot of time working on what you think is a fix for a problem, and it turns out that it didn't do much to help. I understand your frustration. But it's sort of like golf -- that one perfect shot makes all the bad ones worth it. Hopefully, you'll get that perfect shot and get it fixed the way you want.
Dude, suspension noises (well, any noise on my car) drive me absolutely insane. It's maddening right now, as my swaybar end links are trashed and the struts are pretty toasty too. I should be a lot happier when I fix those bad boys (sometime this summer). I hear ya on the road situation though, it blows up here too.
I own an MGB. Of course I know how you feel. :lol:
I've been having an epic battle with the emissions since goddamn February, and I check craigslist everyday for Miatas.
Sounds like you need to move. Supposedly West Virginia has excellent roads.
Quote from: TBR on April 10, 2009, 07:50:45 PM
Sounds like you need to move. Supposedly West Virginia has excellent roads.
Or i could just move to europe, anywhere within 30 miles of the ring would work. Then i could just drop some change and enjoy the ride.
I can relate to pretty much everything there in one way or another.
Despite any enjoyment that I may get from real cars, they all end up being a pain in the ass in one way or another at some point in varying degrees.
It may not be the ring, but I've been contemplating joining back with the rookie kart league I used to be in a few years back.
With the karts, I just went, drove a car I didn't have to worry about on a SMOOTH track, got a good workout and went home. I miss it.
I feel you. My suspension makes all sorts of noise, and as I fix things trying to find a solution, it doesn't go away. In the meantime, additional problems just pile up on top of my suspension issues. Of course, it's 23 years old...
What sort of car do you have, Speed?
I feel you man. I hate my car, and having to deal with drivers here.
I hate how late NYS makes you get your license. At the moment, I also hate the very idea of drivers ed.
Maybe think about new(er) cars...
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on April 10, 2009, 06:34:31 PM
It was a 15 mile stretch of road with 2 turns, the rest of the time it was perfectly straight and flat with only the crashing noises and rattles to keep me company. In my area for atleast 20 miles in all directions it's nothing but flat straight roads, sure to suck the enthusiasim out of anyone.
I bet that CTS you test drove is looking pretty good right now ;)
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 10, 2009, 11:04:09 PM
I hate how late NYS makes you get your license. At the moment, I also hate the very idea of drivers ed.
The idea of driver's ed is excellent. It's the execution that's rather lacking, at least for the driving student.
I took driver's ed during the summer when I was 16. I loved it. It was a different group of kids than I normally knew, si it was a good chance to make new friends. It was a lot of fun, and it was really good to get the training.
Black, I hear you on the squeek, rattle, and suspension noise front. Tracking is something that I just used to with my car I guess, it tends to follow ruts in the road when I mount the 17" summers. Also the ride brings out every rattle and squeak in the interior... I am seriously about to pull an Onslaught and just strip the god damn thing and pad/glue/lubricate everything till the noises go away, and maybe dynamat the thing while I'm at it. MONGO NO LIKE NOISE! :rage:
Drive some really old and beat up cars sometime. You'll really appreciate what you have.
About the roads, though, yeah, you need to move.
The right front strut is done on my SVT and it pisses me off. I can't afford to replace it right now so it's going to clunk on every bump from now until work hours get increased back to regular hours.
Quote from: Vinsanity on April 10, 2009, 11:56:31 PM
I bet that CTS you test drove is looking pretty good right now ;)
Nope, but i do miss my brand new and tight EVO i sold.
Quote from: ChrisV on April 11, 2009, 07:03:09 AM
Drive some really old and beat up cars sometime. You'll really appreciate what you have.
About the roads, though, yeah, you need to move.
I've driven old cars and being old doesn't automatically mean they were bad, but i'm sure you're one that doesn't need that pointed out. It's not that i expect a car to transcend it's year of manufacture(or the decade). I've had older cars and they weren't complete rattle traps, actually my 80's sports car were rather smooth and quite. The few older cars i've been in(50's and 60's) that were both original and redone examples weren't any worse than my BMW.
I am aware that older cars have more problems, but also can be much simpler. I guess i'll find out, currently i'm looking for an older project car. I seem to always come back to a 70ish 911 or maybe early 80's. I currently am waiting to see how a forced sale situation is going to work out. I know of a 79 911 turbo that is in storage and may soon be sold in the next 2-3 months. The shell and engine are seperated so I might be able to pick it up at a reasonable price.
yes, i too freak out every once in awhile and start punching interior pieces when i get a persistent rattle
Quote from: r0tor on April 11, 2009, 08:58:22 AM
yes, i too freak out every once in awhile and start punching interior pieces when i get a persistent rattle
You should perform your signature weight reduction technique right on top of them. That will solve the problem. :evildude:
Quote from: r0tor on April 11, 2009, 08:58:22 AM
yes, i too freak out every once in awhile and start punching interior pieces when i get a persistent rattle
Since my Camaro is the only one with consistent rattles, I restrain myself when it comes to punching. I'm afraid to break anything. :lol:
I can't tolerate rattles in any automobile. If I'm in it for any period of time and hear some fucking rattle then I'm working on it. The MX-5 is a noisy little mother fucker but that's just how those things are.
But if something rattles that shouldn't then I go ape shit. I am however sick of working on cars. And I just don't feel like messing with the one I have now when it acts up like that.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on April 11, 2009, 08:55:09 AM
I've driven old cars and being old doesn't automatically mean they were bad, but i'm sure you're one that doesn't need that pointed out.
I'm not talking old, restored cars or old low mileage cars. I'm talking 200k mile beaters that are merely used to get around in. Rattles, squeaks, bits falling off, things that don't work, but it doesn't matter because you only paid $100 for the car... ;) And then there's race cars that are so loud and rattly... After that, a semi luxury newer car with a couple rattles seems like heaven. lol!
I know how you feel. For the longest time, I felt this ennui when it came to driving. After my road trip to South Carolina and the mountain runs I did down there, I felt rejuvenated. I finally feel like I have my teeth back. Sure, I'm still driving the same mostly boring roads (one or two good corners, but usually stuck behind someone doing 40mph, without regard to conditions, congestion, or speed limit), but now I feel that enthusiasm and aggression I had as a teenager. I'm driving smarter now, instead of just putting my foot down until I have to brake, and I've slowed down on the highways, but I'm really enjoying driving again.
What you need is a road trip to the unfamiliar.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=18374.msg1039703#msg1039703 date=1239489986
I know how you feel. For the longest time, I felt this ennui when it came to driving. After my road trip to South Carolina and the mountain runs I did down there, I felt rejuvenated. I finally feel like I have my teeth back. Sure, I'm still driving the same mostly boring roads (one or two good corners, but usually stuck behind someone doing 40mph, without regard to conditions, congestion, or speed limit), but now I feel that enthusiasm and aggression I had as a teenager. I'm driving smarter now, instead of just putting my foot down until I have to brake, and I've slowed down on the highways, but I'm really enjoying driving again.
What you need is a road trip to the unfamiliar.
FOR TRUE FOR TRUE.
Find some empty back roads and go flat out, or do an autox or something.
Quote from: Psilos on April 11, 2009, 03:14:36 AM
The idea of driver's ed is excellent. It's the execution that's rather lacking, at least for the driving student.
That's what I meant.
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 11, 2009, 04:53:54 PM
That's what I meant.
Good job saying what you mean. :ohyeah:
;) :lol:
Wow... I drove my dad's M45 and have come to the realization that anything resembling a sports car is a waste here in NYC. I'm almost considering picking up a car w/an automatic transmission now. G35 sedans are dirt cheap...
Quote from: sportyaccordy on April 11, 2009, 06:50:51 PM
Wow... I drove my dad's M45 and have come to the realization that anything resembling a sports car is a waste here in NYC. I'm almost considering picking up a car w/an automatic transmission now. G35 sedans are dirt cheap...
volvoe?
or
(http://www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2003/Buick/100104823/2003.buick.century.21857-396x249.jpg)
smooooooooth ride
NYC driving generally sucks. There are a few places that are good to drive, generally late at night, but for the most part, driving there sucks. I avoid it whenever possible.
Quote from: Psilos on April 10, 2009, 09:56:05 PM
What sort of car do you have, Speed?
I'm still with the 86 MR2. It's my summer project, as it's been sitting for two years and needs a little love.
Quote from: Speed_Racer on April 12, 2009, 01:32:31 AM
I'm still with the 86 MR2. It's my summer project, as it's been sitting for two years and needs a little love.
That's the car you were talking about when we got together in Boston right before you went to Argentina. You drained all the fluids from it and put it into storage, IIRC. I guess you'll need to get it running again now. Lots of work. I loved that car when they came out back in the '80s.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 12, 2009, 06:52:00 AM
That's the car you were talking about when we got together in Boston right before you went to Argentina. You drained all the fluids from it and put it into storage, IIRC. I guess you'll need to get it running again now. Lots of work. I loved that car when they came out back in the '80s.
Yeah - it's my enthusiast frustration as well. It started right up after changing the oil and checking all the vital signs, now it needs to be register-able. But that's what summer breaks are for, I guess.
Quote from: Speed_Racer on April 12, 2009, 10:25:20 AM
Yeah - it's my enthusiast frustration as well. It started right up after changing the oil and checking all the vital signs, now it needs to be register-able. But that's what summer breaks are for, I guess.
Piece of cake.
Como estas en el mundo 'mundial'?? :-)
I just replaced the rear springs on my car... rides a lot better but looks like ass. My hate for this car grows daily
Quote from: Speed_Racer on April 12, 2009, 01:32:31 AM
I'm still with the 86 MR2. It's my summer project, as it's been sitting for two years and needs a little love.
:ohyeah:
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on April 12, 2009, 11:08:09 AM
Piece of cake.
Como estas en el mundo 'mundial'?? :-)
Me estoy acostumbrando bastante bien hasta ahora. Ya tengo 5 meses en casa. Luckily there's an Argentine restaurant about 3 blocks from here, so I can get my milanesa sandwiches when I get the craving.
Quote from: Speed_Racer on April 12, 2009, 03:34:53 PM
Me estoy acostumbrando bastante bien hasta ahora. Ya tengo 5 meses en casa. Luckily there's an Argentine restaurant about 3 blocks from here, so I can get my milanesa sandwiches when I get the craving.
OH MAN do I miss those. They put eggs on them and called them "Lomos" in Mendoza.
I DID see mayo w/ lemon juice the other day- I need to get some...
Quote from: NACar on April 11, 2009, 06:53:24 PM
volvoe?
Sure, as long as it's an R or a T-5 :praise:
I think what would cure your woes is this
http://maps.google.com/maps?rlz=1C1GGLS_enUS312US312&sourceid=chrome&q=Tuna%20Canyon%20Road&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl
A good drive down Tuna Canyon would let you forget all your rattles. But of course, be prepared to have smoking brakes when you're done.
is that albacore tuna?
Quote from: r0tor on April 13, 2009, 04:39:57 PM
is that albacore tuna?
Ahi.. That road's awesome though, providing no bikers coming up the wrong way. It's great to see how much a difference weight makes.
Quote from: Psilos on April 11, 2009, 05:46:09 PM
Good job saying what you mean. :ohyeah:
;) :lol:
:evildude: :lol:
FBCdude! Rattles 'n' squeaks never bothered me much--my family seldom did new cars. TMK, my late father only had one during his 79 years. I've had about half-'n'-half.
My daily '66 Bronco 289 :rockon: rattles 'n' squeaks, but I couldn't really hear 'em until I got new mufflers after an arrest for improper equipment :pullover: (sort of an aside to the speeding conviction :pullover: so they could jack up the fine--but then again it did have improper equipment at the time so no hard feelings there...).
The brakes are spooky on pavement, as are the O/R tires (maybe the four-wheel drums are excellent and it's just the O/R tires that are the culprits). I've never had honest-to-God street tires on it so I dunno how it might brake with said items.
The steering doesn't self-center after a turn, either, so you havta turn into a turn and turn out of it afterwards or else...This is fine off-road, where you really gotta do that anyway on anything gnarlier than your lawn.
The adrenalin never drops at traffic speeds in a serious ORV. My recent work-out regimen that's lost me fifty pounds since June is partially the need to (a) further reduce HBP, (b) soothe the inner beast :rage: that's gotten me into compulsory anger management classes after one of my other arrests :lockedup:, (c) regain a semblance of the 1996 waistline that once fit loosely in 30" waist pants, and (d) get me back to where I have no trouble manhandling 31"-ers off-road on manual steering :cry:. Rattles 'n' squeaks be damned--there's too much stuff that beats on vehicle and driver to give much thought to sounds that aren't universals poppin' or axles snappin'. That's why you carry spares 'n' tools, after all...
Eventually, you realize that noises are your friends :wub:. It's the Bronco telling you that calamity has happened (if it's loud) or that it's imminent (less loud), and that you screwed up a landing or a stuck pretty damned well for an amateur :praise:. One day I will invest in full-floating rear axle mods :wub: to the 9" :wub: in the Bronco, as well as 35-splines :wub: and an air locker :wub:. The clank the Detroit makes upon release has changed tone lately :confused:, so that air locker :wub: may be an early Christmas present in 2009. The welds are still good, so the left front groan may mean the spindles are being overtaxed on hard uphill lefties. Or else the left front wheel stuffs too far into the wheelwell when the same situation causes the right front tire to bite air. Or even that the left front hub is flexin' on that uphill leftie. I've pulled the hub and no damage is apparent :huh:, but I didn't magnaflux anything to see if there are cracks that will allow flexin' under stress. The spindle looks OK, too :huh:, so the source of the groan may be patently obscure. The Bronco's tryin' to tell me somethin' in Broncnamese, but I'm not fluent enough for the light to go on inside the head yet. A long walk outta the woods kickin' beer cans :( may solve that problem if I don't figure it out pretty soon...
And the Bronco will say: "I told you it was about to break, asshole." :facepalm:
WOW that is an awesome post there Nethead.
Quote from: GoCougs on April 14, 2009, 11:35:58 AM
WOW that is an awesome post there Nethead.
GoCougs: Why thank you, CougsDude! I still got it--although I disguise it well with my usual drivel so no one suspects what a clever (and modest) dude I really am. It pays to stay under the radar.
Don't be first. Don't be last. And never volunteer... ;)
Quote from: Nethead on April 14, 2009, 10:50:04 AM
FBCdude! Rattles 'n' squeaks never bothered me much--my family seldom did new cars. TMK, my late father only had one during his 79 years. I've had about half-'n'-half.
My daily '66 Bronco 289 :rockon: rattles 'n' squeaks, but I couldn't really hear 'em until I got new mufflers after an arrest for improper equipment :pullover: (sort of an aside to the speeding conviction :pullover: so they could jack up the fine--but then again it did have improper equipment at the time so no hard feelings there...).
The brakes are spooky on pavement, as are the O/R tires (maybe the four-wheel drums are excellent and it's just the O/R tires that are the culprits--I've never had honest-to-God street tires on it so I dunno how it might brake with said items.
The steering doesn't self-center after a turn, either, so you havta turn into a turn and turn out of it afterwards or else...This is fine off-road, where you really gotta do that anyway on anything gnarlier than your lawn.
The adrenalin never drops at traffic speeds in a serious ORV. My recent work-out regimen that's lost me fifty pounds since June is partially the need to (a) further reduce HBP, (b) soothe the inner beast :rage: that's gotten me into compulsory anger management classes after one of my other arrests :lockedup:, (c) regain a semblance of the 1996 waistline that once fit loosely in 30" waist pants, and (d) get me back to where I have no trouble manhandling 31"-ers off-road on manual steering :cry:. Rattles 'n' squeaks be damned--there's too much stuff that beats on vehicle and driver to give much thought to sounds that aren't universals poppin' or axles snappin'. That's why you carry spares 'n' tools, after all...
Eventually, you realize that noises are your friends :wub:. It's the Bronco telling you that calamity has happened (if it's loud) or that it's imminent (less loud), and that you screwed up a landing or a stuck pretty damned well for an amateur :praise:. One day I will invest in full-floating rear axle mods :wub: to the 9" :wub: in the Bronco, as well as 35-splines :wub: and an air locker :wub:. The clank the Detroit makes upon release has changed tone lately :confused:, so that air locker :wub: may be an early Christmas present in 2009. The welds are still good, so the left front groan may mean the spindles are being overtaxed on hard uphill lefties. Or else the left front wheel stuffs too far into the wheelwell when the same situation causes the right front tire to bite air. Or even that the left front hub is flexin' on that uphill leftie. I've pulled the hub and no damage is apparent :huh:, but I didn't magnaflux anything to see if there are cracks that will allow flexin' under stress. The spindle looks OK, too :huh:, so the source of the groan may be patently obscure. The Bronco's tryin' to tell me somethin' in Broncnamese, but I'm not fluent enough for the light to go on inside the head yet. A long walk outta the woods kickin' beer cans :( may solve that problem if I don't figure it out pretty soon...
And the Bronco will say: "I told you it was about to break, asshole." :facepalm:
:ohyeah: :nutty: :huh: :confused: :banghead: :pullover: :cry: :popcorn:
:orly:
:facepalm: :winkguy: :hammerhead: :hesaid:
:thumbsup: :rage: :lol: :rastaman:
:heated: :heated: :pee:
You all should just consider yourselves lucky to be able to drive. I've been in France for 3 and a half months and the only thing I've driven over here was a go kart for about 30 minutes. I can't wait to get back to the states and plant myself in the driver's seat again.
At least the inability to drive is keeping you out of trouble, Charlie...:lol:
Quote from: dazzleman on April 14, 2009, 07:35:08 PM
At least the inability to drive is keeping you out of trouble, Charlie...:lol:
Even before I left, I hadn't gotten a ticket it over a year!
Quote from: Raza link=topic=18374.msg1039703#msg1039703 date=1239489986
I know how you feel. For the longest time, I felt this ennui when it came to driving. After my road trip to South Carolina and the mountain runs I did down there, I felt rejuvenated. I finally feel like I have my teeth back. Sure, I'm still driving the same mostly boring roads (one or two good corners, but usually stuck behind someone doing 40mph, without regard to conditions, congestion, or speed limit), but now I feel that enthusiasm and aggression I had as a teenager. I'm driving smarter now, instead of just putting my foot down until I have to brake, and I've slowed down on the highways, but I'm really enjoying driving again.
What you need is a road trip to the unfamiliar.
I agree with this also.
In respect to driving, I get like this just before the spring almost annually after driving through a long cold winter where it forces you to be a complete unthusiast due to conditions, and early spring around here the roads look like the mid war period of Sarajevo. Plan a road trip to somewhere new.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 14, 2009, 01:46:04 PM
You all should just consider yourselves lucky to be able to drive. I've been in France for 3 and a half months and the only thing I've driven over here was a go kart for about 30 minutes. I can't wait to get back to the states and plant myself in the driver's seat again.
Hire a car!
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on April 19, 2009, 07:11:29 AM
Hire a car!
Heh - at this point I'm nearly out of money so I can't really afford it.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 10, 2009, 07:33:01 PM
That's very annoying when you spend a lot of time working on what you think is a fix for a problem, and it turns out that it didn't do much to help. I understand your frustration. But it's sort of like golf -- that one perfect shot makes all the bad ones worth it. Hopefully, you'll get that perfect shot and get it fixed the way you want.
It's like the line in Bagger Vance "Golf isn't a game that can be won- only played."
I think car enthusiasts feel the same frustration. I always found something about the GTO that I didn't like or that bothered me and sometimes it took the fun out of driving it- until I mashed the go-go pedal. Then the world was right- for about 4.3 seconds at a time. :lol:
I feel you on the enthusiast frustration. I have it too, but a different kind. I'm in university (college to you guys) so I can't afford to insure and run a car. Plus I live in a city so need for one except for occasional convenience. But it's still annoying, because my Ibiza is locked up in my parents' garage just sitting there. It's not been used for about 9 months now.
I see people, inc my friends, with cars I consider pretty nice. Nothing that special, but for example my best friend just got an E36 323i coupe which I wouldn't mind having either! The only time I get to drive is when I borrow my dad's Passat. So I get a taste but long for the days of getting my job when I graduate (in a few months if I can get some work) and finally getting my car back on the road! Then, work hard for at least a couple of years until I can afford something that actually has some power - because to ensure anything fast is a rip off here until you pass the age of 25...
Quote from: rohan on April 19, 2009, 09:05:40 AM
It's like the line in Bagger Vance "Golf isn't a game that can be won- only played."
I think car enthusiasts feel the same frustration. I always found something about the GTO that I didn't like or that bothered me and sometimes it took the fun out of driving it- until I mashed the go-go pedal. Then the world was right- for about 4.3 seconds at a time. :lol:
I always have the biggest grin on my face the first time I take my Camaro out for a joy ride after a long winter.
On Friday I was out, with the windows down, the sunroof open, listening to Modest Mouse and driving the hell out of my car. It was a great time. I still wish roads around here were more demanding, though.
i just put my summer tires back on... ahh the joys of a responsive handling car again
Quote from: r0tor on April 22, 2009, 10:54:11 AM
i just put my summer tires back on... ahh the joys of a responsive handling car again
As opposed to Winter Tires? Who needs that... move to an area where it's all summer, all the time and you can enjoy your car the way it's meant to be! :lol:
14 days til I will be driving again! Whoooo!
Took out the Camaro today, and it will be out all weekend. ~80 degrees for 3 days. Woot!
The bike will see some nice action too.
Which car are you going to drive first, Charlie?
Quote from: dazzleman on April 23, 2009, 05:42:25 PM
Which car are you going to drive first, Charlie?
The one that runs. (Accord) :tounge:
My mom will probably offer to let me drive home from the airport in her Jeep, but I'll probably be totally beat and I don't particularly enjoy driving the Jeep anyway.
Quote from: r0tor on April 22, 2009, 10:54:11 AM
i just put my summer tires back on... ahh the joys of a responsive handling car again
Ditto. A bit harsher than the 16s I run in the winter, but I love the response.