First drive of my '36

[ole_Bill]

After 20 months of work, I took the '36 out today for the first extended drive. My wife followed in the pickup but no help was needed. We drove a total of 23 miles. Motor ran cool (190 degress) and smooth after warm up. Car rides like a buckboard (as expected) and the bias tires follow every ripple in the road surface (also expected - tires to be replaced with radials soon). Discovered several minor problems requiring attention such as need for a stronger throttle return spring and a clutch adjustment. Biggest unexpected problem? Car makes some very strange noises while driving. One noise sounds like something is dragging on the pavement (nothing is); another sounds like something substantial just fell off the underside of the car (nothing did); another is a high pitch squeal like the fan belt is slipping; and another is a pat-pat-pat consistant with tire rotation. None of the noises last more than a few seconds at a time and they occur in a random sequence, no two at the same time or in the same order. Strange huh? I tightened the fan belt and will recheck the transmission and differental fluid level just to eliminate any possibility of problems there. Try again tomorrow.

[Vic Piano]

Oil Bill, congratulations on the successful "shake down" cruise. Those noises might just be the car waking up and thanking you for the exercise. Have fun with her! Vic

[Fe26]

What is it about 'the first drive'? We look forward to it for months, and our imagination takes over and we anticipate much enjoyment and appreciation of all our hard work and dedication to our project, and while we are driving along grinning like an idiot, we're also slightly paranoid and listening and worrying about every little thing, and ultimatley we get back home happy but worried. Then we wish we could have enjoyed that first drive a little more and not worried so much.

I'm glad to hear your drive went well and the back-up truck wasn't needed.

[Mike in AZ]

Congrats on getting your car running....now enjoy yourself....Mike

[Kens 34 PU]

Congrats Bill! Nothing is more satisfying than taking your car on its first shakedown run! Most odd sounds are attributible to your heart pounding in your chest!

I've always checked for pools of fluids after driving and try to pinpoint their origin, if any! How about some pics!

Ken

[Ken Bull]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I got My Cabriolet running today after 24 of years restoring Trying to get Insurance so I can register it for my shakedown ride

[Django]

Always good new to have another '36 or two on the road!

Now for some pics?

[Hamtown Al]

Congratulations! The more 36s (and maybe a few other years!), the better!
All the best,
Al

[37ford4dr]

good job!

[Gumpy]

your hard work has paid off....now the fun begins!!

[Lawson Cox]

First shake down cruise is always a set of mixed emotions. Next trip will be much more relaxed. After a couple more, you will not worry about anything, and just enjoy the ride. Congratulations.

[Django]

On my first trip, I didn't have the windshield in yet. Drove it that way for a couple weeks!

[TomT/Williamsburg]

Congrats!

[31chevy]

I have restored three cars & in each shakedown cruise my heart was racing & I Heard all kinds of strange noises. It will get better as time goes on. I think that we expect them to be like our modern daily driver cars & they never will be. I tell friends when I take them for a ride that this will make them really appreciate modern vehicles.
Gary.

[tdlmomowers]

I have been working on my 69 Torino for 2,1/2 years to get it ready to drive and licence. I finally got it ready this year. On my first drive, I heard all kinds of funny noises. That is what a Shakedown cruise is for. I don't leave the house without my cellphone. Haven't had to call for a wrecker yet, and I've put over 200 miles on it this summer.

[35cab]

My first drive was 20 miles then perhaps stupidly the next trip was over 600 miles, I now know a lot more about the car, some minor problems fixed some major ones underway.
You go through so many emotions on the first trip, excitement, absolute fear, did I tighten the pitman arm? your senses are working overtime, trying to work out if it is burning paint on the exhaust or a small fire under the dashboard.
The scariest bit for me was engaging the columbia at 50 mph and waiting for the bang, thankfully it was fine.
Get a few more trips under your belt, all will be well with the world, and you will also have a new list of things to fix!

[1934]

My first time out with the roadster I had my cell, a tow rope, and a can of gas. I was a nervous wreck! No windshield and no license. Put about 10 mi. on it and started to relax. It went fine! I have since put about 400 mi. on it and enjoy driving it. (I even have a windshield now). Best of luck to you!

[Shadetree]

My first drive was a short but memorable one. I drove from the garage to the yard. My car had sat for over 35 years and the engne was stuck. I pulled the plugs and poured the oil to it. Finally got it free but wouldn't start no matter what. I had the engine rebuilt and test ran. After I installed it I fired it up and drove it out of the garage. It moved for the first time under its own power in 35 years! Well, my son snapped a picture of this memorable event! The single tail pipe and muffler must have been half full of oil!

Shadetree