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debm55

(53,763 posts) Sat Nov 1, 2025, 01:43 PM Nov 1

What was your very first car that you owned. Mine was a 1965 Aqua Chevy Impala. Big tank for a 16 year old to drive.

What about you? Bought it from my parents.

224 replies

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What was your very first car that you owned. Mine was a 1965 Aqua Chevy Impala. Big tank for a 16 year old to drive. (Original Post) debm55 Nov 1 OP

63 VW bus BeneteauBum Nov 1 #1

Peace to you too, BeneteauBum. debm55 Nov 1 #5

40 horsepower with brand new plugs. Permanut Nov 1 #28

It got me from one place to the next BeneteauBum Nov 1 #83

Roger that.. Permanut Nov 1 #88

Excellent. I've had a 69, 64 and still have a 68. bullimiami Nov 1 #136

I had a 68 also...bought it in 1972. BeneteauBum Nov 1 #139

1969-ish Toyota Corolla. Ocelot II Nov 1 #2

thank you Ocelot II. I have never driven a stick. I always wanted to but it seemed too hard for me. debm55 Nov 1 #8

It's not that hard, but cars that still have it are pretty scarce now. Ocelot II Nov 1 #13

No lie...a 1965 Chevy Impala, Aqua...three on the tree. LuckyCharms Nov 1 #3

Thank you , LuckyCharms. You had one too? I had to sit on two pillows to see over the wheel. debm55 Nov 1 #9

Yes, Aqua. No power steering and a heavy clutch. LuckyCharms Nov 1 #11

Same here, No power steering, but it was not a stick shift.Edit. debm55 Nov 1 #14

Mine was on the column. I still remember the shift pattern. LuckyCharms Nov 1 #24

Sorry LuckyCharms. I made a mistake. it was not a stick shift. There was a handle on the steering wheel that would put debm55 Nov 1 #29

'67 Chevelle Lefta Dissenter Nov 1 #4

Thank you very much Lefta Dissenter. Your color description is funny. debm55 Nov 1 #10

1965 blue Mercury Monterrey with the inclined power rear window... wcmagumba Nov 1 #6

Thank you very much, wcmagumba. I had the automatic transmission , but no power steering. debm55 Nov 1 #16

Cool, mine was a nice car for a HS kid but the blue paint was a bit faded in spots... wcmagumba Nov 1 #25

A 1962 Oldsmobile F-85. LoisB Nov 1 #7

Thank you very much, LoisB. debm55 Nov 1 #17

First car 49jim Nov 1 #12

Sounds like my kind of car. My father was a Chevy guy. Always bought the Chevy brand. debm55 Nov 1 #20

1962 Ford Fairlane Convertible montanacowboy Nov 1 #15

Wow, thank you montanacowboy. That does sound like a classic. debm55 Nov 1 #21

Oh and by the way montanacowboy Nov 1 #55

Yes, the turn signals were on the left of the steering wheel and the shift into D, N,R were on the right. debm55 Nov 1 #117

19666 Corvair. It was smokin'. Three speed on the floor. Dimmer switch on the floor sometimes would turn the lights off. twodogsbarking Nov 1 #18

Thank you very much, twodogsbarking. Sounds like a great car. debm55 Nov 1 #22

1965 VW Beetle Ritabert Nov 1 #19

Thank you Ritabert. I always wanted one. But back then , they only came in stick. debm55 Nov 1 #23

The main problem for us was a non-working defroster in Boston Ritabert Nov 1 #26

Its not a Bug if it has heat. Lochloosa Nov 1 #60

My cousin used to always have blankets in her bug. debm55 Nov 1 #127

Same here!!! N/T Scottie Mom Nov 1 #34

Thank you very much, Scottie Mom. debm55 Nov 1 #42

1951 Blue Chevy Pickup BOSSHOG Nov 1 #27

I hear ya.. Permanut Nov 1 #30

It was a fun ride BOSSHOG Nov 1 #84

Oh that sounds great. Thank you very much, BOSSHOG for sharing with us. debm55 Nov 1 #44

'78 Datsun 210 dickthegrouch Nov 1 #31

Thank you very much, dickthegrouch. I hated those plastic seat covers add to that no AC. HOT. debm55 Nov 1 #48

55 Desoto Fireflite Coronado 4 Door marble falls Nov 1 #32

Nice!!! Nittersing Nov 1 #41

52 and 53 Chevy coupes have always been favorites of mine. marble falls Nov 1 #116

Oh, man, what a great looking car. Thank you, marble falls. Love it. debm55 Nov 1 #47

Mine was a 1956 DeSoto Fireflight UpInArms Nov 1 #134

Hemi? I had a flat head eight. marble falls Nov 2 #144

Yes, a hemi UpInArms Nov 2 #145

That 426 was a monster. marble falls Nov 2 #147

Oh wow, that is one neat car, especially in all black. Thank you , UpInArms. debm55 Nov 2 #190

'68 Mustang SheltieLover Nov 1 #33

Thank you SheltieLover. Sounds like a great car. debm55 Nov 1 #49

It was, Deb. SheltieLover Nov 1 #50

1968 Red Pontiac Lamans with black vinyl top Sedona Nov 1 #35

Great looking car, Sedona. Thank you. debm55 Nov 1 #37

'72 Saab 99 justaprogressive Nov 1 #36

Thank you justaprogressive. I always wanted one. Heard they were great driving. debm55 Nov 1 #38

My first Front-wheel drive justaprogressive Nov 1 #58

I hated my front wheel drive. I can't remember the name but it was by Chevy. I had to go down a hill to get to the debm55 Nov 1 #121

1950 Ford pickup List left Nov 1 #39

Thank you List left. What a great powerful truck. debm55 Nov 1 #51

67 Camaro, brand new. sinkingfeeling Nov 1 #40

Thank you sinkingfeeling for sharing. Nice car. debm55 Nov 2 #152

1965 Chevy Impala, powder blue, 4 door, automatic. The lead sled. dem4decades Nov 1 #43

Oh my. Thank you fellow 65 Chevy Impala owner, dem4decades. debm55 Nov 2 #153

Thank you to everyone The Wizard Nov 1 #45

no worries HappyH Nov 1 #75

Thank you for your concern. debm55 Nov 2 #154

;-{) 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Goonch Nov 1 #46

1956 and 1957 Chevy was THE car all the high school and college men wanted back in the yellowdogintexas Nov 1 #93

Thank you very much. My father had one in tan. Thanks, Goonch. debm55 Nov 2 #192

1966 Chevelle SS 396 Super Sport dual-Holley 4-barrel, 8 mpg Submariner Nov 1 #52

My roommate in college had one of those Turbineguy Nov 2 #158

HAHAHAHAHHAHA. Thank you very much for sharing with us. Submariner. debm55 Nov 2 #194

1976 Ford Maverick Arger68 Nov 1 #53

Thank you very much for sharing with us. Arger68 debm55 Nov 2 #196

I also had a 1965 Chevy Impala CanonRay Nov 1 #54

Thank you Canon Ray. That sounds great. debm55 Nov 1 #124

40 Chevy DRiggs Nov 1 #56

Wow, Thank you for sharing. DRiggs. debm55 Nov 2 #197

67 Delta 88. Loved that boat. The perfect car for high school. Lochloosa Nov 1 #57

Thank you very much for sharing the "the boat" with us. Lockloosa. debm55 Nov 2 #200

'57 Chevy Bel Air BarbaRosa Nov 1 #59

Thank you very much, BarbaRosa for sharing with us. debm55 Nov 2 #198

I had a 1971 Plymouth Cricket. markodochartaigh Nov 1 #61

That is very wise of you, markodochartaigh. Thank you very much. debm55 Nov 2 #201

1970 Ford BigMin28 Nov 1 #62

Thank you very much for sharing with us, BigMin28 debm55 Nov 2 #202

1966 Dodge Dart Wicked Blue Nov 1 #63

Thank you very much. Wicked Blue. debm55 Nov 2 #203

It was an 1973 orange VW Superbeetle. rsdsharp Nov 1 #64

I almost bought one, but needed my money for college, so I stayed with the Impala. Thank you redsharp. debm55 Nov 1 #66

63 bug. turquoise. mopinko Nov 1 #65

Thank you very much, mopinko. All the cars from the 60s were tanks, I like the idea of a push button trans. Sounds neat. debm55 Nov 1 #68

My first car was a 1959 Volkswagon Beetle, a convertible. PoindexterOglethorpe Nov 1 #67

Thank you very much PoindexterOglethorpe. I guess we are opposites, I can't drive a stick, too much to do. I like the debm55 Nov 1 #71

I understand why most people prefer an automatic. PoindexterOglethorpe Nov 1 #140

That little car would be worth a lot today. Hard Emile Nov 2 #159

Mine was a '66 1/2 Beetle, a gray market car from Canada HappyH Nov 1 #69

Thank you very much, HappyH. It sounds nice. Did you give it your bother and get a new car? That was so kind of you. debm55 Nov 1 #73

Yep I had to HappyH Nov 1 #74

1973 Pinto Runabout ProfessorGAC Nov 1 #70

Thank you very much, ProfessorGAC. My cousin gave me her Pinto car. I think it was a lemon as it didn't go very fast. PS debm55 Nov 1 #72

i had a pinto. mopinko Nov 1 #76

I Had Mine For 5 Years, Too ProfessorGAC Nov 1 #78

1977 Pinto wagon my Dad gave me sdfernando Nov 1 #77

Thank you very much, sdfernando for sharing with us. debm55 Nov 2 #205

Forest green Flo Mingo Nov 1 #79

Oh, That is a nice color. Thank you for sharing, Flo Mingo. debm55 Nov 2 #206

Mine was a 1960 Ford Falcon. Very basic automobile; 6 cyl. standard. patphil Nov 1 #80

Thank you very much, patphil. Mine was 10 years old when it got towed. debm55 Nov 2 #189

1st car I owned that was not my parents wss kacekwl Nov 1 #81

Oh wow. Yes, I don't think your parents would be driving that. HAHAHAHAH. Thank you,kacekwl debm55 Nov 1 #119

'67 Ford Custom. boonecreek Nov 1 #82

Thank you boonecreek. My girlfriend had a Celica, We used to pretend we were in France and driving around. Oh to be debm55 Nov 1 #114

1973 International Travelall Hey Joe Nov 1 #85

Thank you very much Hey Joe. Sounds heavy duty. Do you remember when we would pick up change on the floor or in the back debm55 Nov 1 #125

1963 Plymouth Belvedere Onthefly Nov 1 #86

Thank you very much.Onthefly. That sounds like a great car. debm55 Nov 1 #113

A 1968 Mercury Cougar catbyte Nov 1 #87

Oh , I love the looks of the car, especially the color. Thank you catbyte. debm55 Nov 1 #112

1968 VW bug w/a sunroof CountAllVotes Nov 1 #89

That car does sound great. Wish I had one too. Thank you CountAllVotes debm55 Nov 1 #111

'68 Dodge Charger Flo Mingo Nov 1 #90

Great. Thank you very much, Flo Mingo. debm55 Nov 1 #110

1964 VW Beetle. I learned to drive a stick shift with that car. yellowdogintexas Nov 1 #91

Thank you , yellowdogintexas. I tried to learn on VW Bettle. Couldn't get it together to move. However. it did make a debm55 Nov 1 #108

1996 Mazda Elessar Zappa Nov 1 #92

Thank you very much, Elessar Zappa. debm55 Nov 1 #106

A 1961 Chevy red Corvair 3 speed stick floor shift. My doc03 Nov 1 #94

Wow, a red Chevy. Thank you, doc03. My shift was on my steering wheel. debm55 Nov 1 #105

My second car was a 1964 Agua Chevy Impala doc03 Nov 1 #95

That is funny. Hope no one was hurt. My brother totaled mine. Thank you doc03 debm55 Nov 1 #104

1964 Ford Fairlane. Paid $50 bucks for it, sold it for $200 to my Uncle's kid SWBTATTReg Nov 1 #96

Thank you so much, SWBTATTReg, That sounds like a good deal. debm55 Nov 1 #102

1975 Ford Maverick. OldBaldy1701E Nov 1 #97

Love the color combination, Thank you OldBaldy1701E debm55 Nov 1 #100

not gonna count the shitty 80's delta 88 my paternal unit got me. i got a 72'delta 88 w/ 56k miles. i drove the ss queen pansypoo53219 Nov 1 #98

Thank you very much, pansypoo53219. Wow you get a lot of milage from your cars. debm55 Nov 1 #99

back when we did emissions tests, every year mine were lower. mechanic paternal unit said i cleaned it driving faster + pansypoo53219 Nov 2 #215

HAAHAHAHAHAHHA. I drive like a little old lady that I am. slooooooow debm55 Nov 2 #216

That was a pretty cool car for a kid. viva la Nov 1 #101

Thank you viva la. Yes, I loved the color. Somewhere along the line, I had a burnt orange second hand car. It was a debm55 Nov 1 #103

1972 Ford Gran Torino Americanme Nov 1 #107

Thank you very much, Americanme. Yes, free is great. debm55 Nov 1 #109

A craptastic 1976 Datsun B-210. Aristus Nov 1 #115

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA. Thank you so much, Aristus. debm55 Nov 1 #118

'65 VW Beetle convertible with a standard transmission buzzycrumbhunger Nov 1 #120

HAHAHAHHAHAHAH. great post buzzycrumbhunger. I cried when my Impala got towed. debm55 Nov 2 #187

I hear ya! buzzycrumbhunger Nov 2 #207

Brand new 1968 Ford Mustang. Fla Dem Nov 1 #122

Wow, that's great. Thank you for sharing. Fla Dem. Lime Gold Mustang. That sounds very sharp debm55 Nov 1 #123

1985 Chevy Cavalier exboyfil Nov 1 #126

Thank you very much, exboyfil. for sharing. debm55 Nov 2 #181

My mother's 1971 Plymouth Duster - My mother got a new car every 10 years so I was lucky to inherit this one! Rhiannon12866 Nov 1 #128

When we met, my husband had a Duster. It had this dustball emblem on the back. He had just started working and traded it debm55 Nov 2 #179

Yup, if you look close, this car has the Duster emblem, just like my mother's Rhiannon12866 Nov 2 #218

1968 Camaro SS. Paid $1,370 used of course in 74. chicoescuela Nov 1 #129

Oh, a Camero. I always liked those. Thank you for sharing. chicoescuela. debm55 Nov 2 #178

1965 AMC Rambler Ambassador SARose Nov 1 #130

Yep, that is how things were back then. I had a second hand AMC Rambler. Last two years. Thank you SARose. debm55 Nov 2 #177

1967 Plymouth Fury gopiscrap Nov 1 #131

HaHAHA. Cheap beer and broken bike. Oil burner. You did get two years out of it. Thank you for sharing, gopiscrap. debm55 Nov 2 #176

Dad bought me a tank Tree Lady Nov 1 #132

Thank you very much, Tree Lady. I think that is why my father sold me the Impala. debm55 Nov 2 #175

'84 Ford Tempo n/t multireeds Nov 1 #133

Thank you very much for sharing with us, multireeds. debm55 Nov 2 #174

68' Chevy Nova LogDog75 Nov 1 #135

Same here with the Impala. It was a pain to drive. Thank you LogDog75, debm55 Nov 2 #170

Mine was a 1963 Plymouth VIP in dark green woodsprite Nov 1 #137

I understand, woodstprite. My car didn;t have power steering. It was so hard to turn. debm55 Nov 2 #168

'69 Chevy Nova TygrBright Nov 1 #138

My 68' Nova had one really annoying problem LogDog75 Nov 2 #143

HAHAHAHAHAH. Thank you LogDog75, debm55 Nov 2 #166

HAHAHAHAHAHAHHA. TygrBright. I am glad that you still miss it. Thanks for sharing, debm55 Nov 2 #167

1967 Chevy Biscayne..... fantase56 Nov 2 #141

Thank you very much for sharing with us, fantase56. debm55 Nov 2 #165

1970 Plymouth Baracuda Bayard Nov 2 #142

HAHAHAHAHAH. I agree with the green. You are right it is a cool car. Thank you for sharing. Bayard debm55 Nov 2 #151

1946 Chevrolet Fleetmaster sedan. Emile Nov 2 #146

Thank you very much Emile. debm55 Nov 2 #150

1963 Ford Galaxy XL 500 Rincewind Nov 2 #148

Thank you very much, Rincewind. If I remember correctly. Thunder Birds were huge. debm55 Nov 2 #149

The mid to late 70's Thunderbirds Rincewind Nov 3 #219

Thank you Rincewind. debm55 Nov 3 #220

63 Ford Galaxy 500 NH Ethylene Nov 2 #155

Yes, I liked the big old tanks too. Thank you very much, NH Ethylene. debm55 Nov 2 #164

1958 292 Ford Fairlane, shift on the column. gab13by13 Nov 2 #156

HAHAHAHAHAh. thank you very much, gab13by13. debm55 Nov 2 #163

55 ford SarasotaDem Nov 2 #157

Wow, a 55 Ford. Great. Thank you very much, SarasotaDem debm55 Nov 2 #161

First car Rebl2 Nov 2 #160

Thank you very much, Rebl2. I had one car with no AC, It was terrible. It was a Saturn. debm55 Nov 2 #162

nash rambler. sold it as i was moving here . AllaN01Bear Nov 2 #169

Thank you AllaN01 Bear. I had a Rambler too. But we called it the Rumbler for various reasons. It was second hand. debm55 Nov 2 #172

A Lincoln 61, huge tank of a car. lark Nov 2 #171

Very sorry about that. I know about the Providence RI police. and I agree. Thank you very much, lark. debm55 Nov 2 #173

Chevy here too! Brand new 1974 Chevy Nova. 50 Shades Of Blue Nov 2 #180

Got that right--Chevy. Love red cars. I heard that about the Novas. Thank you very much 50 Shades of Blue. debm55 Nov 2 #183

An old Beetle, don't know the year. chowmama Nov 2 #182

Wow, I couldn't imagine doing all of that. Great job,chowmama. Great job. debm55 Nov 2 #185

1959 VW Beetle lapfog_1 Nov 2 #184

What a great post thank you for sharing with us. lapfrog_1, Love it. debm55 Nov 2 #186

1972 Toyota Celica. waterwatcher123 Nov 2 #188

Thank you very much, waterwatcher, You are very talented, debm55 Nov 2 #195

'72 Chevy Nova with a 350 V8 LudwigPastorius Nov 2 #191

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAH. Sweet. Thank you LudwigPastorious. debm55 Nov 2 #204

first car wow tmars505 Nov 2 #193

HAHAHAHHAHAH. Thank you very much for sharing with us. tmars505. debm55 Nov 2 #208

1972 Olds Cutlass virgdem Nov 2 #199

Very good and thank you very much, virgdem for sharing with us. debm55 Nov 2 #209

1970 SS 396 Kammer Nov 2 #210

HAHAHAHHHAHA. and did you look for change on the floor to pay for gasoline like I did? Thank you very much, Kammer. debm55 Nov 2 #211

1974 VW Beetle, dark green. Dale in Laurel MD Nov 2 #212

Thank you very much, Dale in Laurel MD. My first love had a dark green, 1974 VW Beetle. debm55 Nov 2 #213

1964 Chevy Impala PikaBlue Nov 2 #214

HAHAHAHHAHHAH.That is great, Thank you PikaBlue. debm55 Nov 2 #217

1976 AMC Hornet Eugene Nov 3 #221

You are so right about the Hornet. Thank you very much, Eugene. debm55 Nov 3 #222

1971 4 door beige Pontiac Catalina Pas-de-Calais Nov 3 #223

Wow, sharp car. Thank you very much, Pas-de-Calais. debm55 Nov 3 #224

BeneteauBum

(290 posts)

1. 63 VW bus

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 01:46 PM

Nov 1

39 hp…..perfect hippie machine.
Peace ☮️

debm55

(53,763 posts)

5. Peace to you too, BeneteauBum.

Reply to BeneteauBum (Reply #1)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 01:49 PM

Nov 1

Permanut

(7,834 posts)

28. 40 horsepower with brand new plugs.

Reply to BeneteauBum (Reply #1)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:16 PM

Nov 1

BeneteauBum

(290 posts)

83. It got me from one place to the next

Reply to Permanut (Reply #28)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 04:37 PM

Nov 1

Without getting busted.😄

Peace ☮️

Permanut

(7,834 posts)

88. Roger that..

Reply to BeneteauBum (Reply #83)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 05:01 PM

Nov 1

I had a '64 bug.

bullimiami

(14,070 posts)

136. Excellent. I've had a 69, 64 and still have a 68.

Reply to BeneteauBum (Reply #1)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 10:35 PM

Nov 1

Though my first car was a 72 Nova.

BeneteauBum

(290 posts)

139. I had a 68 also...bought it in 1972.

Reply to bullimiami (Reply #136)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 11:20 PM

Nov 1

Those were some fun days!

Peace ☮️

Ocelot II

(128,563 posts)

2. 1969-ish Toyota Corolla.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 01:46 PM

Nov 1

It had a stick shift, which I taught myself to drive somehow, without damaging the transmission.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

8. thank you Ocelot II. I have never driven a stick. I always wanted to but it seemed too hard for me.

Reply to Ocelot II (Reply #2)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 01:51 PM

Nov 1

Ocelot II

(128,563 posts)

13. It's not that hard, but cars that still have it are pretty scarce now.

Reply to debm55 (Reply #8)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 01:55 PM

Nov 1

I have read of incidents where a car with a stick shift was carjacked or stolen but quickly abandoned because the young thieves couldn't figure out how to drive it.

LuckyCharms

(21,236 posts)

3. No lie...a 1965 Chevy Impala, Aqua...three on the tree.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 01:47 PM

Nov 1

I loved that car. Bought it from my B-I-L.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

9. Thank you , LuckyCharms. You had one too? I had to sit on two pillows to see over the wheel.

Reply to LuckyCharms (Reply #3)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 01:52 PM

Nov 1

LuckyCharms

(21,236 posts)

11. Yes, Aqua. No power steering and a heavy clutch.

Reply to debm55 (Reply #9)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 01:54 PM

Nov 1

debm55

(53,763 posts)

14. Same here, No power steering, but it was not a stick shift.Edit.

Reply to LuckyCharms (Reply #11)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:01 PM

Nov 1

LuckyCharms

(21,236 posts)

24. Mine was on the column. I still remember the shift pattern.

Reply to debm55 (Reply #14)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:10 PM

Nov 1

debm55

(53,763 posts)

29. Sorry LuckyCharms. I made a mistake. it was not a stick shift. There was a handle on the steering wheel that would put

Reply to LuckyCharms (Reply #24)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:17 PM

Nov 1

put you in D, R, N. I am sorry.

Lefta Dissenter

(6,695 posts)

4. '67 Chevelle

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 01:47 PM

Nov 1

It was the color of an old bandaid, but it was fast and fun!

debm55

(53,763 posts)

10. Thank you very much Lefta Dissenter. Your color description is funny.

Reply to Lefta Dissenter (Reply #4)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 01:53 PM

Nov 1

wcmagumba

(5,385 posts)

6. 1965 blue Mercury Monterrey with the inclined power rear window...

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 01:50 PM

Nov 1

Big ole tank of a car my parents had bought used and I bought it from them for $300 when they upgraded...It had brand new fitted seat covers and was great for going "parking" with my gf...automatic transmission and adjustable steering wheel...I loved that car...

debm55

(53,763 posts)

16. Thank you very much, wcmagumba. I had the automatic transmission , but no power steering.

Reply to wcmagumba (Reply #6)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:03 PM

Nov 1

wcmagumba

(5,385 posts)

25. Cool, mine was a nice car for a HS kid but the blue paint was a bit faded in spots...

Reply to debm55 (Reply #16)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:13 PM

Nov 1

LoisB

(12,140 posts)

7. A 1962 Oldsmobile F-85.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 01:50 PM

Nov 1

debm55

(53,763 posts)

17. Thank you very much, LoisB.

Reply to LoisB (Reply #7)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:04 PM

Nov 1

49jim

(591 posts)

12. First car

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 01:55 PM

Nov 1

1957 Ford -automatic transmission $50.00 in 1966.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

20. Sounds like my kind of car. My father was a Chevy guy. Always bought the Chevy brand.

Reply to 49jim (Reply #12)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:06 PM

Nov 1

montanacowboy

(6,644 posts)

15. 1962 Ford Fairlane Convertible

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:01 PM

Nov 1

Black and White! Such a classy car.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

21. Wow, thank you montanacowboy. That does sound like a classic.

Reply to montanacowboy (Reply #15)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:07 PM

Nov 1

montanacowboy

(6,644 posts)

55. Oh and by the way

Reply to debm55 (Reply #21)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:51 PM

Nov 1

the stick shift was on the steering wheel!!! OMG, another world it was.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

117. Yes, the turn signals were on the left of the steering wheel and the shift into D, N,R were on the right.

Reply to montanacowboy (Reply #55)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:43 PM

Nov 1

twodogsbarking

(17,153 posts)

18. 19666 Corvair. It was smokin'. Three speed on the floor. Dimmer switch on the floor sometimes would turn the lights off.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:04 PM

Nov 1

You had to hit it again. Must have freaked the oncoming traffic out. Sure did me.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

22. Thank you very much, twodogsbarking. Sounds like a great car.

Reply to twodogsbarking (Reply #18)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:08 PM

Nov 1

Ritabert

(1,884 posts)

19. 1965 VW Beetle

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:06 PM

Nov 1

debm55

(53,763 posts)

23. Thank you Ritabert. I always wanted one. But back then , they only came in stick.

Reply to Ritabert (Reply #19)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:09 PM

Nov 1

Ritabert

(1,884 posts)

26. The main problem for us was a non-working defroster in Boston

Reply to debm55 (Reply #23)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:14 PM

Nov 1

Lochloosa

(16,643 posts)

60. Its not a Bug if it has heat.

Reply to Ritabert (Reply #26)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:55 PM

Nov 1

debm55

(53,763 posts)

127. My cousin used to always have blankets in her bug.

Reply to Lochloosa (Reply #60)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 09:36 PM

Nov 1

Scottie Mom

(5,837 posts)

34. Same here!!! N/T

Reply to Ritabert (Reply #19)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:25 PM

Nov 1

debm55

(53,763 posts)

42. Thank you very much, Scottie Mom.

Reply to Scottie Mom (Reply #34)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:33 PM

Nov 1

BOSSHOG

(44,297 posts)

27. 1951 Blue Chevy Pickup

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:15 PM

Nov 1

Wish I still had it.

Permanut

(7,834 posts)

30. I hear ya..

Reply to BOSSHOG (Reply #27)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:19 PM

Nov 1

Never had a 3100, but what a cool truck.

BOSSHOG

(44,297 posts)

84. It was a fun ride

Reply to Permanut (Reply #30)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 04:41 PM

Nov 1

Got it in 1970, $150.00. They are on a lot of Christmas decorations, cards and tins of popcorn. “Old Guys Rule” OGR.COM has them on tshirts. I saw one on line from Mississippi a couple of weeks ago for 45,000. I guess we can’t keep everything, although my Dad had much to do with “me” getting rid of it but that’s a different story.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

44. Oh that sounds great. Thank you very much, BOSSHOG for sharing with us.

Reply to BOSSHOG (Reply #27)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:35 PM

Nov 1

dickthegrouch

(4,216 posts)

31. '78 Datsun 210

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:22 PM

Nov 1

Purchased used in 1982 with only 7500 miles on it. Plastic seat covers and no A/c. I’ve never made that mistake again!

I have put more than 100,000 miles on each of 7 cars since then!

debm55

(53,763 posts)

48. Thank you very much, dickthegrouch. I hated those plastic seat covers add to that no AC. HOT.

Reply to dickthegrouch (Reply #31)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:41 PM

Nov 1

marble falls

(70,005 posts)

32. 55 Desoto Fireflite Coronado 4 Door

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:23 PM

Nov 1

Nittersing

(7,994 posts)

41. Nice!!!

Reply to marble falls (Reply #32)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:32 PM

Nov 1

I had a 52 Chevy. Just love the 50s styles.

marble falls

(70,005 posts)

116. 52 and 53 Chevy coupes have always been favorites of mine.

Reply to Nittersing (Reply #41)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:42 PM

Nov 1

debm55

(53,763 posts)

47. Oh, man, what a great looking car. Thank you, marble falls. Love it.

Reply to marble falls (Reply #32)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:36 PM

Nov 1

UpInArms

(53,842 posts)

134. Mine was a 1956 DeSoto Fireflight

Reply to marble falls (Reply #32)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 10:14 PM

Nov 1

Mine was all black

marble falls

(70,005 posts)

144. Hemi? I had a flat head eight.

Reply to UpInArms (Reply #134)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 07:00 AM

Nov 2

UpInArms

(53,842 posts)

145. Yes, a hemi

Reply to marble falls (Reply #144)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 07:11 AM

Nov 2

It was a beast … I called it Uriah Heap

marble falls

(70,005 posts)

147. That 426 was a monster.

Reply to UpInArms (Reply #145)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 08:01 AM

Nov 2

debm55

(53,763 posts)

190. Oh wow, that is one neat car, especially in all black. Thank you , UpInArms.

Reply to UpInArms (Reply #134)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:40 PM

Nov 2

SheltieLover

(75,549 posts)

33. '68 Mustang

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:23 PM

Nov 1

Loved that car.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

49. Thank you SheltieLover. Sounds like a great car.

Reply to SheltieLover (Reply #33)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:42 PM

Nov 1

SheltieLover

(75,549 posts)

50. It was, Deb.

Reply to debm55 (Reply #49)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:44 PM

Nov 1

Sedona

(3,848 posts)

35. 1968 Red Pontiac Lamans with black vinyl top

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:26 PM

Nov 1

It had a four barrel carburator and way too much house power for a 16 year old girl in 1978

Paid $600 for it. The one pictured is listed at $20K!

?w=1240

debm55

(53,763 posts)

37. Great looking car, Sedona. Thank you.

Reply to Sedona (Reply #35)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:27 PM

Nov 1

justaprogressive

(6,073 posts)

36. '72 Saab 99

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:27 PM

Nov 1

debm55

(53,763 posts)

38. Thank you justaprogressive. I always wanted one. Heard they were great driving.

Reply to justaprogressive (Reply #36)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:29 PM

Nov 1

justaprogressive

(6,073 posts)

58. My first Front-wheel drive

Reply to debm55 (Reply #38)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:53 PM

Nov 1

Astonishing in snow. You have to change your driving style.

One time got nerfed off an interstate in heavy snow,
car spun around going backwards and sideways, I was
expecting to hit the guardrail, then the car tilted "oops no
guardrail!", slid down a 30ft embankment, and stopped 5
feet from the tree line. It was perfectly quiet, the engine was
still running, I reached between the seats and turned off
the engine (it's a SAAB thing ) Asked my wife
if she was Ok, she was. Got out of the car, someone was stopped
up top. I asked if they were the ones that hit us, he laughed
"No you were hit by a bus! He's parked up the road!

There was a 4-in ding on the top L corner of the L rear
quarter panel! (That's Swedish aircraft steel for you)
Parents didn't believe me! (my f*ing car oy!) Called
the state police and the bus station.

I'm the black sheep if you hadn't guessed!

Currently I love FWD twin-cam Toys!

Some (mistaken) people say you can't drive at speed or drift
around corners in a FWD car.

Drifting with a front wheel drive car is a unique skill. Most cars use the front wheels
for steering. In drifting, these wheels also provide power. This makes front wheel
drifting different. Control is key. Practice is important. Enthusiasts enjoy the challenge.
They find it exciting and fun.

Many car fans love front wheel drive drifting. It’s popular for its challenge. Fans gather
at events to watch and learn. Some even try it on tracks. Videos online show amazing
drifts. This inspires more people to try. Enthusiasts share tips and tricks. They help
each other improve their skills.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

121. I hated my front wheel drive. I can't remember the name but it was by Chevy. I had to go down a hill to get to the

Reply to justaprogressive (Reply #58)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 08:06 PM

Nov 1

highway. You can't count how many times, I fishtailed and went down the hill trunk side first. I live in Pittsburgh with the hills. and snow. After reading your post I now think I was driving it wrong. But back then, That was the last Chevy I ever bought.and I wasn't driving it right.Thank you justprogressive. PS No guardrails on the hill either.

List left

(651 posts)

39. 1950 Ford pickup

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:29 PM

Nov 1

Flat head six. Granny gear, you could pull a house with. Had to double clutch when changing gears.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

51. Thank you List left. What a great powerful truck.

Reply to List left (Reply #39)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:45 PM

Nov 1

sinkingfeeling

(56,930 posts)

40. 67 Camaro, brand new.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:30 PM

Nov 1

debm55

(53,763 posts)

152. Thank you sinkingfeeling for sharing. Nice car.

Reply to sinkingfeeling (Reply #40)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 09:37 AM

Nov 2

dem4decades

(13,472 posts)

43. 1965 Chevy Impala, powder blue, 4 door, automatic. The lead sled.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:34 PM

Nov 1

I can remember driving down the street with with 4 of my friends and the guys in the back seat were putting firecrackers in the ash trays in the doors and blowing them out.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

153. Oh my. Thank you fellow 65 Chevy Impala owner, dem4decades.

Reply to dem4decades (Reply #43)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 09:40 AM

Nov 2

The Wizard

(13,521 posts)

45. Thank you to everyone

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:35 PM

Nov 1

who revealed the answer to their security question.

HappyH

(154 posts)

75. no worries

Reply to The Wizard (Reply #45)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:55 PM

Nov 1

I always lie when answering those security questions.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

154. Thank you for your concern.

Reply to The Wizard (Reply #45)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 09:43 AM

Nov 2

Goonch

(4,144 posts)

46. ;-{) 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:35 PM

Nov 1

yellowdogintexas

(23,577 posts)

93. 1956 and 1957 Chevy was THE car all the high school and college men wanted back in the

Reply to Goonch (Reply #46)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 05:16 PM

Nov 1

1960s and early 1970s.

My mom asked someone why they were so popular and the answer was "they are practically indestructible"

debm55

(53,763 posts)

192. Thank you very much. My father had one in tan. Thanks, Goonch.

Reply to Goonch (Reply #46)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:42 PM

Nov 2

Submariner

(13,225 posts)

52. 1966 Chevelle SS 396 Super Sport dual-Holley 4-barrel, 8 mpg

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:46 PM

Nov 1

It used to eat Mustangs, GTOs, 442s, and Road Runners for lunch.

Turbineguy

(39,715 posts)

158. My roommate in college had one of those

Reply to Submariner (Reply #52)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 10:07 AM

Nov 2

You could actually see the gas gauge move towards "E" while you drove. Going anywhere involved a gas stop.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

194. HAHAHAHAHHAHA. Thank you very much for sharing with us. Submariner.

Reply to Submariner (Reply #52)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:44 PM

Nov 2

Arger68

(730 posts)

53. 1976 Ford Maverick

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:49 PM

Nov 1

The most gutless car ever made (probably not THE most gutless, but it was really bad). Good car for a 16 year old to start out on though

debm55

(53,763 posts)

196. Thank you very much for sharing with us. Arger68

Reply to Arger68 (Reply #53)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 02:03 PM

Nov 2

CanonRay

(15,859 posts)

54. I also had a 1965 Chevy Impala

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:49 PM

Nov 1

a convertable, in Evening Orchid

debm55

(53,763 posts)

124. Thank you Canon Ray. That sounds great.

Reply to CanonRay (Reply #54)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 08:24 PM

Nov 1

DRiggs

(21 posts)

56. 40 Chevy

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:51 PM

Nov 1

35$ in 67

debm55

(53,763 posts)

197. Wow, Thank you for sharing. DRiggs.

Reply to DRiggs (Reply #56)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 02:05 PM

Nov 2

Lochloosa

(16,643 posts)

57. 67 Delta 88. Loved that boat. The perfect car for high school.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:51 PM

Nov 1

debm55

(53,763 posts)

200. Thank you very much for sharing the "the boat" with us. Lockloosa.

Reply to Lochloosa (Reply #57)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 02:08 PM

Nov 2

BarbaRosa

(2,725 posts)

59. '57 Chevy Bel Air

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 02:54 PM

Nov 1

debm55

(53,763 posts)

198. Thank you very much, BarbaRosa for sharing with us.

Reply to BarbaRosa (Reply #59)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 02:06 PM

Nov 2

markodochartaigh

(4,764 posts)

61. I had a 1971 Plymouth Cricket.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:09 PM

Nov 1

My parents bought it for me so that I could drive to work unloading trucks before school. I was 14 and not really wanting to drive. The car stayed broken more than it ran and needed parts from England which took weeks to arrive. After a few months my parents bought me Gremlin which lasted for about 5 years.

I never in my life had a car payment. I always bought what I could afford to pay cash for.

I also never had a job where you would be judged by your car, clothes, watch, etc. I didn't even have a concept of such jobs until I was in my 30's.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

201. That is very wise of you, markodochartaigh. Thank you very much.

Reply to markodochartaigh (Reply #61)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 02:17 PM

Nov 2

BigMin28

(1,812 posts)

62. 1970 Ford

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:16 PM

Nov 1

Galaxy 500. Powder yellow, green interior.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

202. Thank you very much for sharing with us, BigMin28

Reply to BigMin28 (Reply #62)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 02:18 PM

Nov 2

Wicked Blue

(8,396 posts)

63. 1966 Dodge Dart

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:16 PM

Nov 1

debm55

(53,763 posts)

203. Thank you very much. Wicked Blue.

Reply to Wicked Blue (Reply #63)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 02:19 PM

Nov 2

rsdsharp

(11,641 posts)

64. It was an 1973 orange VW Superbeetle.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:18 PM

Nov 1

debm55

(53,763 posts)

66. I almost bought one, but needed my money for college, so I stayed with the Impala. Thank you redsharp.

Reply to rsdsharp (Reply #64)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:21 PM

Nov 1

mopinko

(73,225 posts)

65. 63 bug. turquoise.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:19 PM

Nov 1

sorta hated it. my next car was a big boat. olds 98. 60 something. sold it when it needed new tires, which were more than the car was worth. friend i sold it to drove it for a long time. she had an in for the tires.
next car was a plymouth valiant w a push button trans and 90k+ miles.
have never owned a new car, tho the then hubs did. a honda fit.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

68. Thank you very much, mopinko. All the cars from the 60s were tanks, I like the idea of a push button trans. Sounds neat.

Reply to mopinko (Reply #65)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:24 PM

Nov 1

PoindexterOglethorpe

(28,378 posts)

67. My first car was a 1959 Volkswagon Beetle, a convertible.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:22 PM

Nov 1

Last edited Sun Nov 2, 2025, 12:56 AM - Edit history (1)

To this day I will not voluntarily drive an automatic transmission.

I'm sorry, but it strikes me as extremely unsafe that the car starts moving as soon as you take your foot off the brake. I want to be the one controlling how and when the car moves.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

71. Thank you very much PoindexterOglethorpe. I guess we are opposites, I can't drive a stick, too much to do. I like the

Reply to PoindexterOglethorpe (Reply #67)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:32 PM

Nov 1

like and can only drive an automatic.

PoindexterOglethorpe

(28,378 posts)

140. I understand why most people prefer an automatic.

Reply to debm55 (Reply #71)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 11:51 PM

Nov 1

But honestly, you ought to be able to drive a stick in case the apocalypse happens. You won't regret it. Although you might when I drive happily by in my VW that needs no extra technology.

Emile

(39,693 posts)

159. That little car would be worth a lot today. Hard

Reply to PoindexterOglethorpe (Reply #67)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 10:14 AM

Nov 2

to find a Beetle from the 50's.

HappyH

(154 posts)

69. Mine was a '66 1/2 Beetle, a gray market car from Canada

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:29 PM

Nov 1

A '66 Beetle with a 12 v electrical system and front disc brakes. It was a lovely light blue. Got it from my mom with the understanding that I had to give it to my younger brother in 3 years.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

73. Thank you very much, HappyH. It sounds nice. Did you give it your bother and get a new car? That was so kind of you.

Reply to HappyH (Reply #69)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:42 PM

Nov 1

HappyH

(154 posts)

74. Yep I had to

Reply to debm55 (Reply #73)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:50 PM

Nov 1

I learned early that you did not cross my mom. Wasn't too bad, I replaced it with a Triumph TR-4. Lotta fun in that car, but it wasn't real reliable.

ProfessorGAC

(75,498 posts)

70. 1973 Pinto Runabout

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:30 PM

Nov 1

The runabout was the model with a trunk, not a hatchback.
I had money to buy a used car, but my dad bought a new one and made up the difference.
I thought he was buying the pinto for him, getting to & from work, and I'd get his Maverick.
But, he kept the Maverick & I got the Pinto.
I was starting college at 16 as a commuter and he wanted a car with a warranty to get me back & forth.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

72. Thank you very much, ProfessorGAC. My cousin gave me her Pinto car. I think it was a lemon as it didn't go very fast. PS

Reply to ProfessorGAC (Reply #70)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:37 PM

Nov 1

I skipped one year of school did not like it, Had to make new friends, Two years must have been difficult. Was it?

mopinko

(73,225 posts)

76. i had a pinto.

Reply to ProfessorGAC (Reply #70)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 03:56 PM

Nov 1

it was a great, reliable car. dont remember the yr. bought it used. drove it for about 5 yrs.
course, i never got rear ended.

ProfessorGAC

(75,498 posts)

78. I Had Mine For 5 Years, Too

Reply to mopinko (Reply #76)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 04:08 PM

Nov 1

The 3 years undergrad & the first 2 years working.
I sold it then to a younger cousin who drove it at least 4 more years.
So, the family got 9 years out of $1,900 car.

sdfernando

(5,982 posts)

77. 1977 Pinto wagon my Dad gave me

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 04:02 PM

Nov 1

But the 1st one I bought was a 1981 Renault Fuego.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

205. Thank you very much, sdfernando for sharing with us.

Reply to sdfernando (Reply #77)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 02:24 PM

Nov 2

Flo Mingo

(497 posts)

79. Forest green

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 04:11 PM

Nov 1

1968 Dodge Charger.
I-275 was brand new through St Petersburg. Out near Toy Town I broke 100 mph for the first time. I loved that car!

debm55

(53,763 posts)

206. Oh, That is a nice color. Thank you for sharing, Flo Mingo.

Reply to Flo Mingo (Reply #79)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 02:26 PM

Nov 2

patphil

(8,574 posts)

80. Mine was a 1960 Ford Falcon. Very basic automobile; 6 cyl. standard.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 04:11 PM

Nov 1

Only had it a few months before someone turned into me at an intersection in Albany, NY.
My second car was a 1960 Chevy Impala convertible. This one I had for several years. I really loved it.
I sold it when I went into the military.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

189. Thank you very much, patphil. Mine was 10 years old when it got towed.

Reply to patphil (Reply #80)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:37 PM

Nov 2

kacekwl

(8,825 posts)

81. 1st car I owned that was not my parents wss

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 04:20 PM

Nov 1

a red 1967 Chevelle red with 327 four speed. Yah baby.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

119. Oh wow. Yes, I don't think your parents would be driving that. HAHAHAHAH. Thank you,kacekwl

Reply to kacekwl (Reply #81)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:49 PM

Nov 1

boonecreek

(1,336 posts)

82. '67 Ford Custom.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 04:27 PM

Nov 1

It was the lower trim level of the Galaxie. Had it from '69 to '71 when it
blew its water pump in Minnesota and cracked a cylinder. A few months
later I got my first new car, a '72 Toyota Celica ST.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

114. Thank you boonecreek. My girlfriend had a Celica, We used to pretend we were in France and driving around. Oh to be

Reply to boonecreek (Reply #82)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:39 PM

Nov 1

young.

Hey Joe

(339 posts)

85. 1973 International Travelall

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 04:41 PM

Nov 1

Huge white beast with a large block V-8.
Got 9 mpg , had dual fuel tanks and needed them too.
When I needed parts I had to go to a truck and tractor dealer for them. Every thing on that vehicle was heavy duty and weighed a ton.
Good thing gas was cheap then.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

125. Thank you very much Hey Joe. Sounds heavy duty. Do you remember when we would pick up change on the floor or in the back

Reply to Hey Joe (Reply #85)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 09:33 PM

Nov 1

of the seats to pay for gas?

Onthefly

(1,114 posts)

86. 1963 Plymouth Belvedere

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 04:50 PM

Nov 1

Bought it from my dad. Ran great. I went on cross country road trips. Had a slant six engine and three on the tree.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

113. Thank you very much.Onthefly. That sounds like a great car.

Reply to Onthefly (Reply #86)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:30 PM

Nov 1

catbyte

(38,428 posts)

87. A 1968 Mercury Cougar

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 05:00 PM

Nov 1

I loved that car. It looked just like this picture.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

112. Oh , I love the looks of the car, especially the color. Thank you catbyte.

Reply to catbyte (Reply #87)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:28 PM

Nov 1

CountAllVotes

(22,044 posts)

89. 1968 VW bug w/a sunroof

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 05:03 PM

Nov 1

I loved that car. I called it my "Blue Wonder".

It clocked 100K going over Ebbets Pass.

Great memories! Wish I still had that car today!

debm55

(53,763 posts)

111. That car does sound great. Wish I had one too. Thank you CountAllVotes

Reply to CountAllVotes (Reply #89)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:26 PM

Nov 1

Flo Mingo

(497 posts)

90. '68 Dodge Charger

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 05:05 PM

Nov 1

1968 Forest green Dodge Charger.
I-275 was newly completely in mid 70s through St Petersburg. I found a pair of hemostats under the front seat and out near Toy Town I broke 100 mph for the first time. I loved that car!

debm55

(53,763 posts)

110. Great. Thank you very much, Flo Mingo.

Reply to Flo Mingo (Reply #90)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:16 PM

Nov 1

yellowdogintexas

(23,577 posts)

91. 1964 VW Beetle. I learned to drive a stick shift with that car.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 05:11 PM

Nov 1

It was a sort of greyish ivory color.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

108. Thank you , yellowdogintexas. I tried to learn on VW Bettle. Couldn't get it together to move. However. it did make a

Reply to yellowdogintexas (Reply #91)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:13 PM

Nov 1

very loud noise. I never asked him to teach me again.

Elessar Zappa

(16,385 posts)

92. 1996 Mazda

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 05:11 PM

Nov 1

It was identical to the Ford Ranger.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

106. Thank you very much, Elessar Zappa.

Reply to Elessar Zappa (Reply #92)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:08 PM

Nov 1

doc03

(38,718 posts)

94. A 1961 Chevy red Corvair 3 speed stick floor shift. My

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 05:21 PM

Nov 1

dad got me a $300 cash loan that I paid off myself.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

105. Wow, a red Chevy. Thank you, doc03. My shift was on my steering wheel.

Reply to doc03 (Reply #94)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:01 PM

Nov 1

doc03

(38,718 posts)

95. My second car was a 1964 Agua Chevy Impala

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 05:28 PM

Nov 1

four door with a power glide transmission. A
tree ran into me one night and totaled it.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

104. That is funny. Hope no one was hurt. My brother totaled mine. Thank you doc03

Reply to doc03 (Reply #95)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 06:59 PM

Nov 1

SWBTATTReg

(25,929 posts)

96. 1964 Ford Fairlane. Paid $50 bucks for it, sold it for $200 to my Uncle's kid

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 06:13 PM

Nov 1

He fixed it up, and it looked pretty damn good afterwards...

debm55

(53,763 posts)

102. Thank you so much, SWBTATTReg, That sounds like a good deal.

Reply to SWBTATTReg (Reply #96)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 06:52 PM

Nov 1

OldBaldy1701E

(9,760 posts)

97. 1975 Ford Maverick.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 06:25 PM

Nov 1

Two tone, copper over white.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

100. Love the color combination, Thank you OldBaldy1701E

Reply to OldBaldy1701E (Reply #97)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 06:50 PM

Nov 1

pansypoo53219

(22,810 posts)

98. not gonna count the shitty 80's delta 88 my paternal unit got me. i got a 72'delta 88 w/ 56k miles. i drove the ss queen

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 06:26 PM

Nov 1

victoria 4 yrs + sold it before 100k. drove it to tennessee severfal times + virginia. then i found a pea green 73 delta 88 w/ 52k miles. another 4 yrs. that one went to tenn too. up north wi too. the 67 pontia catalina was the most fun tho.
talking tanks. drove my mom's 73' crysler new yorker. the biggest land yacht i drove. but big rubber baby bumpers.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

99. Thank you very much, pansypoo53219. Wow you get a lot of milage from your cars.

Reply to pansypoo53219 (Reply #98)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 06:48 PM

Nov 1

pansypoo53219

(22,810 posts)

215. back when we did emissions tests, every year mine were lower. mechanic paternal unit said i cleaned it driving faster +

Reply to debm55 (Reply #99)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 07:37 PM

Nov 2

farther. teehee. i drove the 73 new yorker like a ferrari.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

216. HAAHAHAHAHAHHA. I drive like a little old lady that I am. slooooooow

Reply to pansypoo53219 (Reply #215)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 07:51 PM

Nov 2

viva la

(4,439 posts)

101. That was a pretty cool car for a kid.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 06:52 PM

Nov 1

I mean, aqua!

Mine was a burnt orange 1974 Vega. And yes, it was a complete lemon.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

103. Thank you viva la. Yes, I loved the color. Somewhere along the line, I had a burnt orange second hand car. It was a

Reply to viva la (Reply #101)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 06:56 PM

Nov 1

lemon too.

Americanme

(332 posts)

107. 1972 Ford Gran Torino

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:10 PM

Nov 1

It was a junker, been in an accident or two. I got it for free, my friend enlisted and gave it to me. I was thankful to not be walking to work.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

109. Thank you very much, Americanme. Yes, free is great.

Reply to Americanme (Reply #107)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:14 PM

Nov 1

Aristus

(71,424 posts)

115. A craptastic 1976 Datsun B-210.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:42 PM

Nov 1

Bought it in 1988. It had already had four owners. And I don’t know how many car accidents. By the time I bought it, the body was mostly Bondo. Had it for a little over a year, and sold it at a loss before going into the Army.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

118. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA. Thank you so much, Aristus.

Reply to Aristus (Reply #115)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:45 PM

Nov 1

buzzycrumbhunger

(1,522 posts)

120. '65 VW Beetle convertible with a standard transmission

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 07:50 PM

Nov 1

I’d learned to drive in a ’63 Beetle so it was comfortable to me. I think it cost me like $250. The rag top was FUBAR as the wood in the front had warped, so I had to use duct tape to keep the rain out, which meant we couldn’t really put the top down, but as a pasty Celt, that wasn’t really a negative.

I loved that car. At the time, (early ‘80s), you could get parts for a song at Target—fuel filter for like $0.75, a Haynes manual for $8. I think the most expensive thing was a muffler for $25. Over the years, the floorboard rusted out (heavy salt on the winter roads in Iowa!) and when the time came to admit the car had seen better days and it was more than a little concerning to see the highway whiz by at our feet, a guy from a monastery offered me what I’d originally paid for it, saying they’d be converting it to some Frankenstein creation to use in their huge garden. I figured that was a pretty cool way to go for the old girl.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

187. HAHAHAHHAHAHAH. great post buzzycrumbhunger. I cried when my Impala got towed.

Reply to buzzycrumbhunger (Reply #120)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:32 PM

Nov 2

buzzycrumbhunger

(1,522 posts)

207. I hear ya!

Reply to debm55 (Reply #187)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 02:28 PM

Nov 2

My son’s last two cars have been Impalas—both former cop cars, so heavy-duty everything. Hurricane Milton tossed an entire tree on the last one and thankfully, FEMA paid for it to be repaired. Took months, but a small shop did a great job pounding out the roof and repainting, and he’s happy once again. I don’t know how he’ll fare once he has to move on to a new one because the heat’s all driving SUVs now…

Fla Dem

(27,382 posts)

122. Brand new 1968 Ford Mustang.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 08:06 PM

Nov 1

Went to work at a national company in Boston right out of high school. Did pretty well at my job, got serval promotions the first 3 years, living at home paying a very small rent and saved enough to put a down payment on a brand 1968 Lime Gold Ford Mustang. Best car ever.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

123. Wow, that's great. Thank you for sharing. Fla Dem. Lime Gold Mustang. That sounds very sharp

Reply to Fla Dem (Reply #122)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 08:22 PM

Nov 1

exboyfil

(18,327 posts)

126. 1985 Chevy Cavalier

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 09:36 PM

Nov 1

Bought new after walking to work for six months . Didn't own a car in college. Used parents cars in high school.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

181. Thank you very much, exboyfil. for sharing.

Reply to exboyfil (Reply #126)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:12 PM

Nov 2

Rhiannon12866

(248,135 posts)

128. My mother's 1971 Plymouth Duster - My mother got a new car every 10 years so I was lucky to inherit this one!

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 09:37 PM

Nov 1

debm55

(53,763 posts)

179. When we met, my husband had a Duster. It had this dustball emblem on the back. He had just started working and traded it

Reply to Rhiannon12866 (Reply #128)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:09 PM

Nov 2

for a brand new red Mustang. Thank you very much for sharing , Rhiannon12866

Rhiannon12866

(248,135 posts)

218. Yup, if you look close, this car has the Duster emblem, just like my mother's

Reply to debm55 (Reply #179)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 11:28 PM

Nov 2

BTW, my mother always chose a white car since she thought it would show up better in the dark.

chicoescuela

(2,538 posts)

129. 1968 Camaro SS. Paid $1,370 used of course in 74.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 09:44 PM

Nov 1

Wish I never sold it

debm55

(53,763 posts)

178. Oh, a Camero. I always liked those. Thank you for sharing. chicoescuela.

Reply to chicoescuela (Reply #129)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:05 PM

Nov 2

SARose

(1,822 posts)

130. 1965 AMC Rambler Ambassador

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 09:49 PM

Nov 1

Both seats in the front folded down to make a bed! 🤭 She was a beautiful shade of blue.

I paid my father $50.00/month for a year for it. Why? Because I could not get a car loan in my own name. I was 18 and a single female. Yes, I had a full time job at a hospital.

Had to be 21 and male, I guess!🤣

debm55

(53,763 posts)

177. Yep, that is how things were back then. I had a second hand AMC Rambler. Last two years. Thank you SARose.

Reply to SARose (Reply #130)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:02 PM

Nov 2

gopiscrap

(24,514 posts)

131. 1967 Plymouth Fury

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 09:54 PM

Nov 1

I bought it for a case of cheap beer and a broken 10 speed bike. It burned more oil than gas I had to add a quart every 45 to 60 miles
Had the car for twoi years and drove it 18K before selling it for $182.57

debm55

(53,763 posts)

176. HaHAHA. Cheap beer and broken bike. Oil burner. You did get two years out of it. Thank you for sharing, gopiscrap.

Reply to gopiscrap (Reply #131)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:00 PM

Nov 2

Tree Lady

(12,952 posts)

132. Dad bought me a tank

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 10:00 PM

Nov 1

Ford Fairlane bought used in 1974 for $300 don't remember the year. 4 door yellow huge.

Dad wanted something safe for me to drive. I was 18.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

175. Thank you very much, Tree Lady. I think that is why my father sold me the Impala.

Reply to Tree Lady (Reply #132)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 12:47 PM

Nov 2

multireeds

(59 posts)

133. '84 Ford Tempo n/t

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 10:09 PM

Nov 1

debm55

(53,763 posts)

174. Thank you very much for sharing with us, multireeds.

Reply to multireeds (Reply #133)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 12:41 PM

Nov 2

LogDog75

(1,019 posts)

135. 68' Chevy Nova

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 10:28 PM

Nov 1

I bought it off my father. Comparing it to the cars of today, I wouldn't buy it again.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

170. Same here with the Impala. It was a pain to drive. Thank you LogDog75,

Reply to LogDog75 (Reply #135)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 10:56 AM

Nov 2

woodsprite

(12,531 posts)

137. Mine was a 1963 Plymouth VIP in dark green

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 11:10 PM

Nov 1

It was garage kept, stored over the winters, and had the cloth upholstery covered with clear plastic tailored seat covers. I was 17 and my dad bought it as a surprise for me thinking I could take mom shopping, appts, or wherever she wanted to go. She didn’t drive. That thing was beautiful, but was a boat to drive. With a 426 engine, if you stepped on the gas pedal, you could watch the gauge go down. Way too much car for a teen.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

168. I understand, woodstprite. My car didn;t have power steering. It was so hard to turn.

Reply to woodsprite (Reply #137)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 10:53 AM

Nov 2

TygrBright

(21,266 posts)

138. '69 Chevy Nova

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sat Nov 1, 2025, 11:12 PM

Nov 1

Never had much trouble with the engine although sometimes in the winter I had to drop a screwdriver into the butterfly valve to get a start out of it. But the rest of the car had a tendency to shed things.

After it dropped the second muffler I got smart and had Midas replace it with the full warranty and they put in two more for free...

The rearview mirror came off a couple of times, the passenger armrest came off once.

But the worst time was when I was parallel parking and the steering wheel came off in my hands.

But it never stopped running.

Still miss that car, LOL...

nostalgically,
Bright

LogDog75

(1,019 posts)

143. My 68' Nova had one really annoying problem

Reply to TygrBright (Reply #138)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 12:16 AM

Nov 2

When I'd make a right or left turn, sometimes the horn would honk on it's own.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

166. HAHAHAHAHAH. Thank you LogDog75,

Reply to LogDog75 (Reply #143)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 10:45 AM

Nov 2

debm55

(53,763 posts)

167. HAHAHAHAHAHAHHA. TygrBright. I am glad that you still miss it. Thanks for sharing,

Reply to TygrBright (Reply #138)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 10:50 AM

Nov 2

fantase56

(487 posts)

141. 1967 Chevy Biscayne.....

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 12:01 AM

Nov 2

debm55

(53,763 posts)

165. Thank you very much for sharing with us, fantase56.

Reply to fantase56 (Reply #141)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 10:44 AM

Nov 2

Bayard

(28,115 posts)

142. 1970 Plymouth Baracuda

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 12:09 AM

Nov 2

Nauseating green, big V-8, lots of rust because I was living in Minnesota at the time, but I was so cool!

debm55

(53,763 posts)

151. HAHAHAHAHAH. I agree with the green. You are right it is a cool car. Thank you for sharing. Bayard

Reply to Bayard (Reply #142)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 09:32 AM

Nov 2

Emile

(39,693 posts)

146. 1946 Chevrolet Fleetmaster sedan.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 07:34 AM

Nov 2

debm55

(53,763 posts)

150. Thank you very much Emile.

Reply to Emile (Reply #146)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 09:28 AM

Nov 2

Rincewind

(1,338 posts)

148. 1963 Ford Galaxy XL 500

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 09:20 AM

Nov 2

390 Thunder Bird V-8, I know it was a Thunder Bird V-8, because it had Thunder Bird stamp on the valve covers. Bought it for $500. It got around 10-11 mpg, which while not good, wasn't considered too bad at the time. My senior year in high school (1972) premium gas was $0.299 a gallon, full service gas station.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

149. Thank you very much, Rincewind. If I remember correctly. Thunder Birds were huge.

Reply to Rincewind (Reply #148)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 09:26 AM

Nov 2

Rincewind

(1,338 posts)

219. The mid to late 70's Thunderbirds

Reply to debm55 (Reply #149)

Mon Nov 3, 2025, 09:11 AM

Nov 3

were huge, the early 60's ones were smaller, what was a mid-sized car back then.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

220. Thank you Rincewind.

Reply to Rincewind (Reply #219)

Mon Nov 3, 2025, 09:24 AM

Nov 3

NH Ethylene

(31,271 posts)

155. 63 Ford Galaxy 500

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 09:48 AM

Nov 2

Also a big tank for a 16-year-old. I paid $200 for it. We had to push it to get it started to bring it home and my Dad laid in the driveway and changed the starter. I loved it. You never forget your first car.

And I do miss driving the big tanks.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

164. Yes, I liked the big old tanks too. Thank you very much, NH Ethylene.

Reply to NH Ethylene (Reply #155)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 10:43 AM

Nov 2

gab13by13

(30,855 posts)

156. 1958 292 Ford Fairlane, shift on the column.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 10:01 AM

Nov 2

Could get rubber in 2nd gear.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

163. HAHAHAHAHAh. thank you very much, gab13by13.

Reply to gab13by13 (Reply #156)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 10:41 AM

Nov 2

SarasotaDem

(229 posts)

157. 55 ford

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 10:02 AM

Nov 2

2 door sedan

debm55

(53,763 posts)

161. Wow, a 55 Ford. Great. Thank you very much, SarasotaDem

Reply to SarasotaDem (Reply #157)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 10:36 AM

Nov 2

Rebl2

(17,253 posts)

160. First car

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 10:35 AM

Nov 2

I bought was a red Pinto-scary. No air conditioning and I live in MISSERY or what is commonly known as Missouri, and yes that car was miserable to drive during the summer months and scary to drive in snow during winter. Next car was a mustang, again no air conditioning 🙄. It had been owned by a young woman that went to college in Minnesota I believe, so she didn’t really need air conditioning or so they said.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

162. Thank you very much, Rebl2. I had one car with no AC, It was terrible. It was a Saturn.

Reply to Rebl2 (Reply #160)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 10:39 AM

Nov 2

AllaN01Bear

(28,248 posts)

169. nash rambler. sold it as i was moving here .

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 10:55 AM

Nov 2

debm55

(53,763 posts)

172. Thank you AllaN01 Bear. I had a Rambler too. But we called it the Rumbler for various reasons. It was second hand.

Reply to AllaN01Bear (Reply #169)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 12:36 PM

Nov 2

Lasted two years.

lark

(25,800 posts)

171. A Lincoln 61, huge tank of a car.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 11:51 AM

Nov 2

Got it for a song from an old man in RI who couldn't drive anymore. Stupid drunk cop wrecked it, sent 2 of my friends to the hospital and tried to set us up for drug trafficing when we filed a lawsuit. We left town quickly - Providence police were known for being very corrupt.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

173. Very sorry about that. I know about the Providence RI police. and I agree. Thank you very much, lark.

Reply to lark (Reply #171)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 12:39 PM

Nov 2

50 Shades Of Blue

(11,327 posts)

180. Chevy here too! Brand new 1974 Chevy Nova.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:11 PM

Nov 2

Red 4-door, 8 cylinder engine. Total gas guzzler. Had one thing wrong with it after another. But it did take me a lot of places.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

183. Got that right--Chevy. Love red cars. I heard that about the Novas. Thank you very much 50 Shades of Blue.

Reply to 50 Shades Of Blue (Reply #180)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:21 PM

Nov 2

chowmama

(949 posts)

182. An old Beetle, don't know the year.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:19 PM

Nov 2

No heat, and you could see the road through the floor in places. Cost me $200.

I had my hands in every part of that engine, aided by a Volkswagens For The Compleat Idiot book. Tuned it on the regular. Then My Baby developed a rattle, so I eventually took it to a rent-your-own garage space that let you use their tools and equipment, and advice from the owner. As it turned out, a pebble had gotten past all the shielding, punctured a push rod tube and was up inside, wearing out the push rod. I (and the owner) were surprised it hadn't snapped yet. While the engine was in pieces, I sent the valves out to be redone and did everything else myself.

The owner gave me the fisheye at first and admitted later he didn't think a teenage girl could do it. He only helped me in two parts. To get the engine out of the car, you had to undo almost all the bolts, push a transmission jack under the engine, undo the last bolts and then lift the back end of the chassis and 'wheelbarrow' the car out of the way. This takes two people to accomplish, and not that much effort. He probably could have done it by himself.

The second and last part was the carburetor. I took it apart and cleaned it, put it back together - and the damned car wouldn't run. I just sat there, completely unable to think what to do next. The owner and his visiting friend advised me to take it apart and put it back together again. I did and the sucker ran. The friend said "Congratulations, now you know how to fix a carburetor".

My favorite part was changing the oil. The original Bug had an oil filter...Well, imagine a tennis ball made out of window screening. Cut it in half and staple it down to a platform. Take your thumb and press in a divot about halfway to the bottom. This is your filter. The divot catches rocks, bolts and small children; everything else gets through. Change the oil monthly or woe be unto you. Every time I changed it, I found a half a nut. No clue where the other half went or what it held up.

I loved that car in a way I haven't loved a car since.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

185. Wow, I couldn't imagine doing all of that. Great job,chowmama. Great job.

Reply to chowmama (Reply #182)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:25 PM

Nov 2

lapfog_1

(31,508 posts)

184. 1959 VW Beetle

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:21 PM

Nov 2

34 hp engine... air cooled... I could ( and did ) disconnect it and pick it and carry it to my parent's basement to work on it.

6volt batter system that always gave me issues.

A retractable canvas moon roof - I could sort of drive it standing up ( one foot on the gas, hands holding the steering wheel, head out the moon roof ( not entirely legal ).

No fuel gage... there was a mechanical switch near the clutch pedal, if you ran out of gasoline, you flipped it and it gave you something like 1.5 gallons more from the bottom of the tank. You needed to remember to flip it back when you filled up ( or the next time it died... no extra fuel ).

But it always started in winter ( air cooled so no anti-freeze or water ). fun to drive to commute to high school. And I paid $300 or $400 to buy it used in 1972. I saved that much from my late summer job cutting milk weeds out of soybean fields using a hand machete. You had to do that job fast... before the combine would harvest... and not give the weeks time to regrow and spoil the beans.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

186. What a great post thank you for sharing with us. lapfrog_1, Love it.

Reply to lapfog_1 (Reply #184)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:28 PM

Nov 2

waterwatcher123

(439 posts)

188. 1972 Toyota Celica.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:36 PM

Nov 2

Fixed up this totaled out car before it was drivable.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

195. Thank you very much, waterwatcher, You are very talented,

Reply to waterwatcher123 (Reply #188)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 02:00 PM

Nov 2

LudwigPastorius

(13,941 posts)

191. '72 Chevy Nova with a 350 V8

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:40 PM

Nov 2

It had a perfect "secret compartment" in the trunk next to the wheel well where I could stash my bong.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

204. HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAH. Sweet. Thank you LudwigPastorious.

Reply to LudwigPastorius (Reply #191)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 02:23 PM

Nov 2

tmars505

(28 posts)

193. first car wow

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 01:44 PM

Nov 2

my first car was a 1951 Chevy with an engine built by MotionMotors. My older brother had a 1956 Ford also with a MotionMotors engine. The bodies looked like crap, but they had a pile of giddyapp in their "git along".

debm55

(53,763 posts)

208. HAHAHAHHAHAH. Thank you very much for sharing with us. tmars505.

Reply to tmars505 (Reply #193)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 02:29 PM

Nov 2

virgdem

(2,289 posts)

199. 1972 Olds Cutlass

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 02:07 PM

Nov 2

debm55

(53,763 posts)

209. Very good and thank you very much, virgdem for sharing with us.

Reply to virgdem (Reply #199)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 02:31 PM

Nov 2

Kammer

(117 posts)

210. 1970 SS 396

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 03:02 PM

Nov 2

Bought used in 1973. Paid $1,200. Came with a 45 record, SS396 by Paul Revere and the Raiders. About 7-8 miles to the gallon the way I drove it.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

211. HAHAHAHHHAHA. and did you look for change on the floor to pay for gasoline like I did? Thank you very much, Kammer.

Reply to Kammer (Reply #210)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 03:17 PM

Nov 2

Dale in Laurel MD

(781 posts)

212. 1974 VW Beetle, dark green.

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 03:50 PM

Nov 2

I was 29 when I got it.

debm55

(53,763 posts)

213. Thank you very much, Dale in Laurel MD. My first love had a dark green, 1974 VW Beetle.

Reply to Dale in Laurel MD (Reply #212)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 04:04 PM

Nov 2

PikaBlue

(396 posts)

214. 1964 Chevy Impala

Reply to debm55 (Original post)

Sun Nov 2, 2025, 06:56 PM

Nov 2

Silver body, white top, blue interior. I received it in summer 1969 right before my senior year of high school. My father made me take our family's Great Dane with me whenever I drove anywhere other than to school. He (the dog, not my father) sat in the back seat with his head hanging over my right shoulder, drooling all over me. At least no one ever approached the car. He had been sent to training school to become a body guard, which was extremely important when you lived in a rural area with a large population of cows and pigs. It was said that some of the livestock were gang members, like the Holsteins versus the Gurnseys. When you're a Holstein (Jet) you're a Holstein (Jet).