July 26 Weekly Open Thread

As always, this is the place for the random conversation that doesn't belong anywhere else. Sadly, I don't have another horned man picture to run this week.

--Chris H.

Comments

[Sonicfrog on July 26, 2010 at 01:18 PM]

Oh, don't be disappointed about Horned Man. You know, he's just like the Highlander..... There Can Be Only One!!!!!

[Chris Mallow on July 26, 2010 at 01:57 PM]

I have been having serious issues with my '86 Bronco. My financial situation is extremely limited...and so my dad is letting me do payments on his 1994 BMW 325i convertible. He's religious with regular maintenance on his cars, so I know it's well-maintained, but it still has 182K miles on it (more than the Bronco has). It seems to have a devoted following. I think this is quite a lust-worthy choice...what do you guys think?

[kenny heggem on July 26, 2010 at 03:01 PM]

That Beamer rocks. I think as long as you avoid jack rabbit starts and maintain it to the book... it has a long life ahead.
Just do not drive like many BMW drivers do (from my experience)... cutting through traffic/additional obnoxious no use of the turn signal, "Me Me Me". ; )

the first car I ever been in at speeds exceeding 110 MPH was a (new then) 87 BMW 325is. Wow that was a nice car.

[kenny heggem on July 26, 2010 at 03:13 PM]

My comment is what do you think is the best small affordable, practical, efficient, and reliable camper option?

Looking for something I could take a few times a year to Baja on the beaches and visit family by the Sea of Cortez. Also for OR coast use on occasion.

A new base model Ford Ranger truck with AC as only option under 10 grand, and a barely used 5 years or so old rear camper fully contained. Maybe one of those ones that "pops up" for more aero dynamics and less weight(?)

Late model VW Eurovan VR6 w/ Westfalia or Weekender package. I am thinking the earlier 4 cylinder might be a PITA(?)

1990 VW Vanagon Westfalia or Weekender. Maybe invest in a Subaru conversion (when the motor goes to poop)?

1990 Toyota Motor home. Might be quite reliable, I am concerned a full on motor home could be high maintenance (toilet, tanks, etc). Despite it's smaller than most RV based size, it could be harder to park and live with than the above. But it might be comfy and livable.

Find a cheap van in really good running shape and convert it to a small motor home. Add a bed in back with framing, a small fridge, a 2 burner stove, and some small cabinets. Not sure what panel van with windows or little older van conversion is most reliable (GMC, Ford, Chevy) and if V6 is good choice? I figured I could even get something from the 80's at a charity auction and then make a project out of it.

Toyota Chinook from the early 80's in nice low mile shape.

Toyota Dolphin motor home from the late 80's.

Your thoughts appreciated!

[Anthony Cagle on July 26, 2010 at 07:35 PM]

My prize-winning Mustang II is back to hauling wood back from the lumberyard.

I think it's happier doing that.

[john bono on July 27, 2010 at 06:42 AM]

Why I am seeking therapy.

The backside of a 928 relay panel:

http://members.rennlist.com/sharkskin/Pages_SA_R04-FusePanelLoose.jpg

A plate of Squid Ink Linquine:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GJNlElzDfsY/Rrc1-2FIkxI/AAAAAAAAAqg/shruHOlOIfw/s400/squidinklinguine.jpg

[...m... on July 27, 2010 at 06:42 AM]

(pssst - i don't think that's phillip gago's 1986 peugeot 505 turbo s which has been pictured on the car lust banner for the past nine months)

[tigerstrypes on July 27, 2010 at 11:16 AM]

John, that fuse panel looks delicious!

Kenny, check this out:

You're into VW vans, right? If a stocker is out of your budget, how about buying one mildly modified?
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3320215

Instead of a Ranger, why not go with something a little more exotic,
in this case Australian?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn307/tigerstrypes/Awesome%20Machines/Mopar%20Machines/DrfVnHgn.jpg

How about an old-school ambulance or hearse?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn307/tigerstrypes/Awesome%20Machines/Pontiac%20Machines/160.jpg?t=1280253202

About factory camper-vans, I'm pretty sure you may have seen this one before. It was also for sale on eBay: http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn307/tigerstrypes/Awesome%20Machines/Mopar%20Machines/img1.jpg?t=1280253377

Check these adult toys! XD Wish I could find the original website:
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn307/tigerstrypes/Awesome%20Machines/Mopar%20Machines/dodge_adult_toys.jpg?t=1280253631
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn307/tigerstrypes/Awesome%20Machines/Mopar%20Machines/dodge_new_toys.jpg
http://s307.photobucket.com/albums/nn307/tigerstrypes/Awesome%20Machines/Mopar%20Machines/?action=view&current=dodge_latest_toysized.jpg&

And finally, I saved the best for last:
http://theselvedgeyard.wordpress.com/2009/11/22/ultimate-rock-n-roll-on-wheels-the-1970s-van-customization-craze/

Or you could just ride a Datsun Homer. What's that you say? THIS:
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn307/tigerstrypes/Awesome%20Machines/Datsun-Nissan%20Machines/DatsunHomer.jpg?t=1280254215

[jjd241 on July 27, 2010 at 12:49 PM]

@kenny heggem RE: Camping....how about this setup? http://tinyurl.com/25usp3l

[That Car Guy on July 27, 2010 at 03:07 PM]

@kenny heggem: I have been studying RVs for decades, and my conclusion is that there is not a perfect one for anybody's needs. But since you only plan on using it a few times a year, I would suggest staying away from anything that drives itself.

Pop-up campers are appealing at first... then there are the realizations that the sides won't last long and are prohibitively expensive to replace, and rodents can enter at will and eat everything. Also, do you want to be in one during a storm? Very few have anything that resembles a toilet, and the walls are shower curtain meterial, if you catch my "drift."

My suggestion is to look for a used enclosed travel trailer 16-20 feet long, I've seen many for under $3,000 that are not bad at all. They should have a full kitchen and bath, and so what if the couch may make into a bed. Less is more when it comes to seldom-used RVs, IMO.

[CJinSD on July 27, 2010 at 03:37 PM]

How about a Pontiac Aztec Camper?

http://www.familycar.com/roadtests/pontiacaztek/