drumboy said:
Are we talking a 98 Firebird or a 71 Chevelle? Both are classics.
This is probably saddest post and realization I've ever seen on all of texags.
Not a lot that hasn't already been said but I've owned both decades of vehicles. I had a 1970 442 and a 1985 F150.
1.). Remember that these vehicles are as reliable now as they were when they were built. Maintenance intervals are much shorter and they must be followed. I'm not talking about the man bun wearing dude with a 2023 Chevy Camaro SS that thinks he hit the big time because he added washer fluid and checked the tire pressure. Get a shop manual for your classic and learn it. Get handy. This is where the shade tree mechanic cuts his teeth. Valves, water pumps, plugs, points, carburetor adjustments, etc.
2.). They don't make em like they used to and we should all be thankful for that. Along with everything above, be aware of the complete lack of safety features on a classic by todays standards. I loved my 442, but on a damp road youll lose traction going forward and if you have to panic stop and you stab the brakes, that big ***** will lock all four wheels up and you'll slide Detroit's finest into the guy in front and probably take out the next 3 cars. So, be smart.
My 1985 F150 was relatively trouble free as was my Olds but I jacked with them pretty regularly. They are nothing like todays cars where you just drive it home and don't do jack crap for 50,000 miles except drive it.
I know the recent threads imply current vehicles aren't reliable but the fact is that's a skewed data point. I have 408,000 miles on my 2002 truck and I've done an intake, water pump, brakes and tires, and she just now might have an AC leak.
As the joke goes:
In 1970 the owner manual explains how to adjust valves, today, the owner manual tells you not to stick your hand in the engine while it's running and it has covers on everything that might be serviceable. We've come a long way with technology but also gotten a lot dumber because of it.
Just manage your expectations and you'll be fine.