Old Auto Tech That You LIKE?

Joined
Dec 20, 2021
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147
Location
Dallas Texas
The thread about newer automotive driving aids got me thinking...

What are some forms of older tech that you like?

For myself:

Halogen Headlights
Can't see well with that blue LED light...

Keyed Ignition (not a fob)
Don't want to pay hundreds of dollars for a spare key.

Manual Transmission
More control in rain and snow... More fun too!

Manual Windows
I don't mind electric locks, but hand cranked windows tend to last the entire lifespan of the vehicle (10-15 years) without repairs.

Whenever I have to rent a car, it's a process just getting used to all the new tech that they foist on us.
 
The thread about newer automotive driving aids got me thinking...

What are some forms of older tech that you like?

For myself:

Halogen Headlights
Can't see well with that blue light...

Keyed Ignition (not a fob)
Don't want to pay hundreds of dollars for a spare key.

Manual Transmission
More control in rain and snow... More fun too!

Manual Windows
I don't mind electric locks, but hand cranked windows tend to last the entire lifespan of the vehicle (10-15 years) without repairs.

Whenever I have to rent a car, it's a process just getting used to all the new tech that they foist on us.
yeah, I remember the first time I got to drive a keyless vehicle and didn't know how to start it..
Also remember the first time I got in something with a rotating shift knob instead of a more traditional lever..
OMG, that was wierd.

Which brings up another thought. Why aren't vehicle control positions regulated standardized
instead of some of them being totally different from vehicle to vehicle..
I used to go from my sons Toyota to the Ol's Camaro to my Ford regularly
and instead oif turning on the wipers I was engaging the cruise control..
 
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Hand crank starting.
I don't mind electric starters, but hand cranked tend to last the entire lifespan of the vehicle (10-15 years) without repairs.
kick starting a carburated motorcycle kept many a prospective motorcyclist off the road.
Also worth pointing out that hand crank engine may last but many peoples arms failed the test of time.
 
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Screenshot 2024-07-09 101825.webp
 
Hydraulic power steering. And for heaven's sake, actual round steering wheels.

Lumpy, out of round steering wheels are silly.
when we were young, pinkie light steering was for grandpa. We wanted road feel. Now, the former is for everyone. I test drove a Lexus RX-L and when the GM asked me what I thought, I said hate it. He said what do you hate. I proceeded to use my pinkie to turn the wheel lock to lock.

He said yeah that blows but you’re the 1% who even notices.

I was thinking well at least I’ll be getting a $50 gift card for this drive
 
Triangle Vents!

We called them triangle vents... Great for smoking a cigarette while driving!

I don't smoke anymore, but I liked having an ashtray in the middle of the dash where you could keep gum, quarters, or a spare ammo clip.
Folks’ ‘69 Buick had them. But I liked the Ford/Lincoln ones that went down. Was it really for smoking 😂
 
Hand crank starting.
I don't mind electric starters, but hand cranked tend to last the entire lifespan of the vehicle (10-15 years) without repairs.
You stand outside and crank it... Lol

I get your point but I've had enough electric windows fail on me that I don't mind manual window cranks.

Especially when the AC fails and it's summertime in Texas...
 
You stand outside and crank it... Lol

I get your point but I've had enough electric windows fail on me that I don't mind manual window cranks.

Especially when the AC fails and it's summertime in Texas...
I’m not 100% where I’ve seen that (crank starter), maybe The Waltons 😂 (was a great show)
 
I love new tech...but a few things that I do miss...

wing windows
cruise control without the radar - a misty road, or light snow that isn't sticking and it will disable.
Lane keeping...LET ME STEER!!!! I prefer a side of the lane for a reason.
 
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