Maybe not quite that old, but OBD 1 vehicles that you could read the codes and activate solenoids using a paperclip were nice. Yes, OBD 2 readers are relatively inexpensive now, but it was nice when the car itself could do some diagnosis without a scan tool.
Old Auto Tech That You LIKE?
- Thread starter Jay Freddy
- Start date
I do like power windows, mainly because it removes the irritation of passengers having freedom to move windows against my will. But I do like manual cable operated HVAC controls. They never break. A bicycle cable operating a simple open shut heater valve beats a servo motor in my opinion.
I like the Ford 3 knob A/C. Super simple and I can use it without looking away from driving.
(1) Physical knobs/buttons to control everything.
(2) Real metal keys without immobilizer chips (looking at you, Hyundai/Kia).
(3) R-12 freon in A/C systems
(4) Back glass that rolls down like on station wagons and triangle vent windows (AKA: "crotch coolers")
(5) True bi-level ventilation (heat to feet w/ fresh cool outside air to face)
(6) Real glass sealed beam headlights that don't cloud up.
(2) Real metal keys without immobilizer chips (looking at you, Hyundai/Kia).
(3) R-12 freon in A/C systems
(4) Back glass that rolls down like on station wagons and triangle vent windows (AKA: "crotch coolers")
(5) True bi-level ventilation (heat to feet w/ fresh cool outside air to face)
(6) Real glass sealed beam headlights that don't cloud up.
Traditional old MPFI was the best. Carbs were the worst, especially after they started adding all kinds of solenoids and vacuum gizmos to them to lower emissions. Remember how each and every car had its own special dance you had to do to get it to start? "Pump the gas once, hold the pedal halfway, and crank for two seconds. Then take foot off gas and crank until car starts". No more of that nonsense now!
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2022
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I wonder if around 1976 some people thought, DOH!! If only I had waited I’d have 4 new square headlights. Ended up with the old looking round ones…
Hand cranked windows are terrible. I have owned 15 year power window vehicles no issues. However my VW and Toyota hand crank including venerable 89 22re Pickup had hand crank mechanism fail in door.
Women don't like it there!!
+2
I wonder if there was a lube or something in the hand-crank mechanism that would dry out and get stiff.? I think all my most-used hand-crank windows eventually failed, got really hard to turn, or just out-and-out broke. Knock on wood, I've never had a power window go bad.
wemay
Site Donor 2023
Not "tech" per se...
Wheel arches that looked good with 15-inch wheels. I.e., my old 95 GTi VR6
Simple projector or not, halogen style headlights
Wheel arches that looked good with 15-inch wheels. I.e., my old 95 GTi VR6
Simple projector or not, halogen style headlights
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The air vents down low at the 'kick panels' with the pull on/push off knobs.
Yes to the 'wing windows'.
Yes to the steering column AC vent. NOTE: Everybody, including women, like 'em.
Yes to the 'wing windows'.
Yes to the steering column AC vent. NOTE: Everybody, including women, like 'em.
No stop/start
Manual transmissions
Manual handbrake
Gauges, actual steam gauges
Simple entertainment controls
Simple climate controls
Cars that don't ask me to sign in, call me a guest or ask about wifi on the flat screen...see above
Manual transmissions
Manual handbrake
Gauges, actual steam gauges
Simple entertainment controls
Simple climate controls
Cars that don't ask me to sign in, call me a guest or ask about wifi on the flat screen...see above
- Joined
- May 31, 2024
- Messages
- 323
With all the old bad stuff listed, nobody has mentioned manual, or vacuum windshield wipers.
I do agree with vent windows.
I do agree with vent windows.
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2022
- Messages
- 5,441
It is hilarious how “InTech 32v!” Was impressive in the 90’s….the more valves the better! Yet the car I want to get next has 8 cyl and 16 valves….Why, piston-ported two-stroke engines, of course. No valve problems and no oil changes!
Forgot about glass headlights. Those would be great to have again.
