OLDSCHOOLFOOL

If my 16 ever had windows in the sliding doors, they did an amazing job of covering up the crime. My personal views on the "Chicken Tax" probably wouldn't be too popular.

A nice little throwback to the old Shelby GTs. Nice.

100 years of family politics tied up in your wheels. Suddenly, I don't feel quite as old.

There are many other factors involved in choices that the engineers make that aren't necessarily tied to performance. Pressure to use existing parts. Mandates to use a particular wheel or tire from a manufacturer that has given the best price, etc.. In general, you'd be right and it certainly makes sense to stick close to OEM specs. To me their choices are always conservative and boring. I always have other goals in mind. That said, I could also pay the price for that as well.

The good old days.

Aftermarket, EXACT spec, that's the only one I find too. I have never looked for exact specs before.

Corporate mandates to engineering to start with something you already produce and tweak it slightly. Design changes the outside appearance by making horizontal lines vertical lines and marketing calls it something new and improved. Production reduces cost by reducing labor's wages and purchasing buys cheaper parts to go in it. Marketing convinces the customer that it is now worth three times what you paid last year and sales sells it for twice the price of last year convincing the customer that they got an awesome deal. Bottom line increases thereby increasing bonuses paid to corporate executives. Shampoo, rinse and repeat.

Ford dropped the ball a long time ago with the Mustang's styling. Last one I really liked is 1970. This one has some of the same lines as the '68 and that's really what I'm seeing that I like. Today's designers just don't have it. I would never seriously consider buying a newer model Mustang. I have never owned one of any year.

Thank you, but no thanks. The cobra on that car is what I don't like about it. Never went in for painting stuff (art if you will) on cars, truck or vans. Don't like murals either. Even with the shagging wagons back in the 70s, most guys I know had them in a solid color (no murals) and the interior was relatively simple and tastefully done. Of course after 40 years, the tasteful part might be debatable. There were some around town that went over the top but relatively few. Is that the Soul Train logo on that train? Why do I have a sudden urge to buy some platform shoes?

One thing about the lowrider hydraulics, they're interesting. Matter of fact that's the good thing that all these mods share, a little (or lot) creativity. Even though I may not like what people do, even if I might think its ugly, I can still appreciate creativity. Some really do go over the top.

Clear as a bell. Certainly not those cheater slicks. But, they do make drag radials that can be driven legal on the street. Not very practical to be sure but this whole car is not about practicality.

Never been a fan of gull wings, but I'd make an exception for this one.

Wonder if I can get one of these without rubbing elbows with Warren Buffet? Like that wheel setup. Those don't look like no steenking 19s to me.

This sounds like an awesome idea! Right before the d i v o r c e.

A new outfit before going back out into public? Spandex shorts belong on top of the heaps of polyester from the 70s.

You'd be better served with the glass, but knock yourself out.

Correct this first and I'll bet you will be tons happier. I too got a lower price due to the lack of it and I haven't corrected it yet. I regret that every time I drive it, but I don't drive it daily. While I share most of your list of cons here, the rest of the list is window dressings compared to the passenger side window.

Tempting. The wife would beat me about the head and shoulders. Not that I'm afraid of her though, cause I THINK I can still take her. If it had 109K on it instead of 9K the temptation might be too much. Of course the electrical gremlins are probably going to move in long before that so it is probably a moot point.

Yeah, I get that. But I can't find anything in the code about smaller vehicles. Doesn't mean it isn't there, just means I can't find it. Reading some more and it SOUNDS like here (still not sure) that the three inch rule is three inches past any MARKER LIGHT, not necessarily the fender. Either way I'm not worried about the van since my rear tires stick out only about 2-2.5 inches. I'd go wider but I wouldn't be able to get the sliding doors open.

So why would you dick around with the stealership in the first place? Just doesn't make any sense to me.

It would seem so, but you shouldn't be going so slow that I have to pass you in the first place.? Seriously, I have read somewhere that VA has a limit of three inches but I can't find it in the Code of Virginia. All I can find is this: § 46.2-1083. Rear fenders, flaps, or guards required for certain motor vehicles. No person shall operate on a highway any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles having a licensed gross weight in excess of 40,000 pounds unless the motor vehicle or combination of vehicles is equipped with rear fenders, flaps, or guards of sufficient size to substantially prevent the projection of rocks, dirt, water, or other substances to the rear. Vehicles used exclusively for hauling logs and tractor trucks shall be exempt from the provisions of this section. So, as far as I can tell, you don't have to have fenders at all unless you exceed 40,000 lbs.

No worries in VA.

Its against the law here in some states too. I remember there was lots of controversy back when with the rear end of cars jacked up too. Both of which are pure nonsense when it would be ok sometimes depending upon the kind of vehicle you drove. Ok on a 69 flatbed truck but not ok on a 69 Chevelle. In Cincinnati there is some targeting of "big" wheels. Sorta like racial profiling. If you can cite a sound safety reason and it is across the board that would be one thing.

Yeah, you have to wonder what was in this person's mind at the time. I remember this one guy back in the 70s took a Pinto (frame still on) and welded it on top of a Bronco frame and drive train. Oddest damn looking thing you ever saw. I wish I had a picture to show you.

Pure opinion sir. Here's a fair example of retarded.