Snowbound

[MrMoparCHP]

Every year people start putting their car in hibernation for the winter. I don't see how they do it. As it is I find it hard justifying having a car that I get out 4 or 5 times a year (not counting a quick around the block just to fire it up).

When I had the idea of owning a restored CHP car I thought it would be cool and I'd get it out for CHP functions, in my area that just doesn't happen. I've had it done and on the road about 3-1/2 years and I love every minute of it when I have it out, it is I just don't have it out often enough.

This last year was tough as car shows were canceled and the CHP wasn't doing events, I may have 50 miles on it this year, when even with its limited use I'd put about 2000-3000 miles on it as most of the events are out of town. Even then the frequency of having it out just isn't that often.

I have my Barracuda and it is out all the time, I take it to work, the market, pretty much anything and everything including 3000 mile road trips. I don't see doing that with the CHP car, I never saw myself doing that with it.

I'm not the "show car" guy, I'm the weekend warrior. I do enjoy taking my cars to shows but that is not why I have and restored them. I love driving them, for me it is all about getting them out and enjoying them on the road. With the Barracuda it isn't about taking my vintage car or the Barracuda it is more about do I take the car or the truck, more like a daily driver.

Every time I look at the CHP car I think there are other cars I could enjoy just as much and more along with the Barracuda. The Barracuda isn't going away ever at any price.

Recently I have been thinking about convertibles more and more, love them, miss my Sebring. The idea of a 69/70 Chrysler convertible sounds really nice as does a 67/68 Barracuda Convertible. No space for a third car without parking one on the street and I'm not doing that with a vintage car that I care about. That being said one would have to go and it wouldn't be the Barracuda.

I told myself I'd give myself one more year with hopes that next year is a little more normal. I also plan on taking the car on a monthly drive (60 plus miles) and if my this time next year I still feel the same, on it goes. Just last month I turned down a nice offer as I feel I haven't given the car a chance. The CHP and package cars are not my life and I'm an oddity at the Police car specific events, I'm a Mopar guy first.

I also said if the right car rolled past me tomorrow I might just have to act on it.


Alan

 

[gyknot]

Well it just flat out sucks to deal with snow, but that is life when you live north.
I'd love to live in a warmer climate but its not in the cards for now anyways. And its not worth taking the risk of driving them in bad weather. I don't worry about my driving, its the other guy.
Good to have a plan and not rush into anything. Hopefully you can keep it and have more fun next year. Looks like a great car.

 

[polara71]

A little sad to hear Allan but it makes sense.
Perhaps lower your standards , in this case your restrictions. Allow yourself to drive it anywhere.
Do you enjoy driving it?
Do you panic something will happen to it?
I personally had a epiphany a let two go. I couldn't drive all three at once. I had a lot of equity tied up in two survivors and I didn't enjoy driving the real nice ones anymore.
I still have the urge for another one but that means more investment of time , money and space. All of which are better spent fulfilling life's alternative adventures.

 

[MrMoparCHP]

Basically I am lowering my standards by making a point to take it for drives, I'm not sure I'd take it on a 3000 mile road trip without a reason ie a show.
It is hard not to enjoy driving this car, the power and the feel you get feeling privileged to be allowed to have and drive a car like this, it is something special.

A year ago I might have taken the car on a road trip and not worry about parking it overnight somewhere but with the current state of affairs I do not feel that is wise. Someone I know recently commented on his recent experience driving his vintage CHP car in the greater Los Angeles area, a lot of negative reactions, not something I ever had to deal with (pre current affairs).

In the past I didn't worry about the car, I built it to drive and take it to shows, people are 50 time more likely to handle the car at shows than one might be use to with there more typical vintage car. Everything from opening doors and sitting in the car to turning on spotlights, somehow they see these as "public vehicles" and often don't know they are privately owned. As for road collisions and stuff happening to the car I have never worried or babied the car but with the current state of affairs I do not feel comfortable leaving the car unattended over night or out of sight like a lunch stop on a Sunday Drive, no reason to tempt fate.

I do plan of getting out this weekend and put some miles on it, it isn't Los Angeles so I should be good, it will give me a chance to see for myself.


Alan

 

[71Polara383]

Basically I am lowering my standards by making a point to take it for drives, I'm not sure I'd take it on a 3000 mile road trip without a reason ie a show.
It is hard not to enjoy driving this car, the power and the feel you get feeling privileged to be allowed to have and drive a car like this, it is something special.

A year ago I might have taken the car on a road trip and not worry about parking it overnight somewhere but with the current state of affairs I do not feel that is wise. Someone I know recently commented on his recent experience driving his vintage CHP car in the greater Los Angeles area, a lot of negative reactions, not something I ever had to deal with (pre current affairs).

In the past I didn't worry about the car, I built it to drive and take it to shows, people are 50 time more likely to handle the car at shows than one might be use to with there more typical vintage car. Everything from opening doors and sitting in the car to turning on spotlights, somehow they see these as "public vehicles" and often don't know they are privately owned. As for road collisions and stuff happening to the car I have never worried or babied the car but with the current state of affairs I do not feel comfortable leaving the car unattended over night or out of sight like a lunch stop on a Sunday Drive, no reason to tempt fate.

I do plan of getting out this weekend and put some miles on it, it isn't Los Angeles so I should be good, it will give me a chance to see for myself.


Alan

Well I hope whatever choice you end up making suits your soul. You saved that car...and had from what I have seen...alot of fun with it.

You'll know what to do when and if opportunity presents itself.

 

[300rag]

The fears of driving/parking a restored police vehicle in these times never entered my mind. That is an interesting tidbit.

 

[live4theking]

A year ago I might have taken the car on a road trip and not worry about parking it overnight somewhere but with the current state of affairs I do not feel that is wise. Someone I know recently commented on his recent experience driving his vintage CHP car in the greater Los Angeles area, a lot of negative reactions, not something I ever had to deal with (pre current affairs).
Alan

I think you hit on something and may not have even realized. You said Los Angeles, you fortunately currently you can probably substitute many metro areas, stay out in the countryside on your drives. Personally that's my preferred driving anyway. Then again this is the type of area I'm accustomed to. More trees than buildings.

 

[MrMoparCHP]

I'm very fortunate to live on one of the most beautiful parts of the state. Sunday drives in this area are fun winding country roads mixed with some canyon carving and top it off with some coastal vistas (all in one 60 mile drive). I can go 100 miles south (one way) and not hit a big city, and 200 miles north. I should have no problems entertaining myself in that area.

I'm in Lompoc, left part of the 3rd image.


Alan

 

[Samplingman]

For me, the process has always been more fun then the end result. Back in the day I spent a few years living and breathing FC7 (literally and figuratively) getting my 1970 Challenger R/T convertible just right. I even quit my job and started working as an auto body mechanic to learn the trade so I could finish the car. About 9 months after it was done, I sold it. The thrill of driving, especially in Northern New Jersey was out weighed by the potential disasters on the road. It just wasn't fun anymore.

It's a cool hobby, but if you can't transition to the '"polish and drive" mindset, might as well move on before it's too late. I have noticed your comments of the For Sale forum about getting a convertible, so I guess this thread is not too surprising. Besides, that beautiful area you live in will be much more fun in a 'vert!

In the end, we are only caretakers of these machines for a relatively short period of time, someone will eventually be very happy with your efforts, and hopefully you will be compensated handsomely in return. BTW, your build thread and website have been an invaluable resource for my own build, thank you. Good luck with your decision!

 

[73Coupe]

Every year people start putting their car in hibernation for the winter. I don't see how they do it. As it is I find it hard justifying having a car that I get out 4 or 5 times a year (not counting a quick around the block just to fire it up).

View attachment 412010

When I had the idea of owning a restored CHP car I thought it would be cool and I'd get it out for CHP functions, in my area that just doesn't happen. I've had it done and on the road about 3-1/2 years and I love every minute of it when I have it out, it is I just don't have it out often enough.

This last year was tough as car shows were canceled and the CHP wasn't doing events, I may have 50 miles on it this year, when even with its limited use I'd put about 2000-3000 miles on it as most of the events are out of town. Even then the frequency of having it out just isn't that often.

I have my Barracuda and it is out all the time, I take it to work, the market, pretty much anything and everything including 3000 mile road trips. I don't see doing that with the CHP car, I never saw myself doing that with it.

I'm not the "show car" guy, I'm the weekend warrior. I do enjoy taking my cars to shows but that is not why I have and restored them. I love driving them, for me it is all about getting them out and enjoying them on the road. With the Barracuda it isn't about taking my vintage car or the Barracuda it is more about do I take the car or the truck, more like a daily driver.

Every time I look at the CHP car I think there are other cars I could enjoy just as much and more along with the Barracuda. The Barracuda isn't going away ever at any price.

Recently I have been thinking about convertibles more and more, love them, miss my Sebring. The idea of a 69/70 Chrysler convertible sounds really nice as does a 67/68 Barracuda Convertible. No space for a third car without parking one on the street and I'm not doing that with a vintage car that I care about. That being said one would have to go and it wouldn't be the Barracuda.

I told myself I'd give myself one more year with hopes that next year is a little more normal. I also plan on taking the car on a monthly drive (60 plus miles) and if my this time next year I still feel the same, on it goes. Just last month I turned down a nice offer as I feel I haven't given the car a chance. The CHP and package cars are not my life and I'm an oddity at the Police car specific events, I'm a Mopar guy first.

I also said if the right car rolled past me tomorrow I might just have to act on it.


Alan

Hey Alan,

Feel free to cruise that car up here to SLO on one of your weekend rides....

Also, the SLO cruise night is now rotating towns each Saturday evening, 6 to 8pm. This Saturday it's in Orcutt.

Per the FB group page (I'm not on it):
1st Saturday of the month: SLO
2nd: Arroyo Grande
3rd: Nipomo
4th: Morro Bay
5th: Orcutt

 

[MrMoparCHP]

Hey Alan,

Feel free to cruise that car up here to SLO on one of your weekend rides....

Also, the SLO cruise night is now rotating towns each Saturday evening, 6 to 8pm. This Saturday it's in Orcutt.

Per the FB group page (I'm not on it):
1st Saturday of the month: SLO
2nd: Arroyo Grande
3rd: Nipomo
4th: Morro Bay
5th: Orcutt

Didn't realize you had moved, I'll keep these in mind

Looks like the Pismo Derelicts is still going

I'm thinking of heading up towards Cambria tomorrow, not sure how much further.


Alan

 

[73Coupe]

Didn't realize you had moved, I'll keep these in mind

Looks like the Pismo Derelicts is still going

I'm thinking of heading up towards Cambria tomorrow, not sure how much further.


Alan

It's going to be perfect weather this weekend, maybe even on the warm side for late October. Should be a nice drive.
I've been meaning to check out the Pismo cars n' coffee event one of these Saturdays.... I love their manifesto:

Patterned after the famous “Donut Derelicts of Huntington Beach,” this is NOT a club. There are no rules, no restrictions, no agenda, and no one is in charge. With no need of funds, there are no costs whatever to participate, and all car enthusiasts are welcome, regardless of their car type or club affiliations. There are no dues, no prizes, and – blessedly – no fund-raisers. In short, with nothing organizational to disagree about, there is no reason for anyone to be disagreeable.

 

[C-Sick]

I love that mission statement.

 

[The Goose]

That’s such a great part of the state. Morro bay, Cayucos, harmony etc etc and Cambria with Linn’s and Moonstone drive. Enjoy your drive it should be beautiful. Take some pics to make everyone jealous LoL!!!

We’re not gonna make it much farther than Summerland for lunch this weekend. Too much crazy rules to deal with right now. Probably no Carmel trip this year either. Just not enough stuff open yet. When we go up to stay in Carmel long term it’s in the off season but if you can’t enjoy the restaurants and shops why even bother???

The best part of going to Monterey is the PCH drive and all those cool little spots along the way. Hope you get to exercise that Car. Happy motoring!!!