It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

Wife and I took a picnic drive to the country today, about 40 miles RT. In my younger days this would have presented no adverse effects. Now, however, as I approach 76, those forty miles were seriously uncomfortable. We came home pooped! It gave credence to the old joke that the passengers in a Model A are the shock absorbers! I’ve got almost new Stipe shocks on the coupe, but Portland’s streets and byways are so neglected that driving them in a Model A is like riding in an out of balance washing machine. A Harley would be more comfortable!

I used to think nothing of a 120 mile tour, but now? Those days are over. This old age business ain’t for sissies! “Shake, rattle, and roll” doesn’t mean what it used to.

Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

Ive get a well kept coupe and often drive an RPU. the pickup has seized shocks and the shock links are no longer connected. The RPU is amazingly comfortable ride wise, the tubs a little small for me though.

Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

Ray, I sympathize with you. I just turned 76, and have arthritis in my hips and lower back, and just getting in my Town Sedan is an effort, but I still take it out for short drives 3-4 times a week. But I haven’t driven on a longer trip in quite awhile now.

Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

Ray,

I feel your pain except it is in my hands for now just holding on to the steering wheel.

But I really hate to say this...But there is going to come a time...Need I say more?

Pluck

Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

well said Ray. I am only 60 and roofed 2 1/2 square of shingle on Thursday.


could hardly move yesterday. I used to put on 15 sq in a day. sucks.........

Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

I must have Rays and Plucks DNA in me. Because I have and know exactly what you mean and what you are talking about.

At least we are still doing what we love, pain or not. In about 30 minutes I am going out to mount 4 new radial tires. Then I will come in and bitch to my wife how much my hands and back hurt. The following day, I will be back at it.

Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

" This old age business ain’t for sissies! "

Boy, thats the truth.

At least with the top down its a lot easier to get in and out of today.

Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

I'm still able to drive my "A", but have a less and less desire to.:( The main road (Highway 50) here is being widened and is one big mess!:mad: Plus, the last half a dozen times I've taken the roadster out for a cruise around the neighborhood. It has quit on me for some obscure electrical problem or another.:eek: I have been able to limp home and I think I know what the problem is and maybe corrected it. But, with the crappy roads and lousy drivers I just do not have the desire to go out anymore.:eek: I'll be 70 next month and I have been toying with the idea of selling my last old car.:o


Bob-A:D

Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

Bob, I'm sure that will be heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with you.
GENE

Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

I'm just about to turn 80, and am reluctant to drive my A any more because I'm no longer confident that if something went wrong on the road I'd be able to repair it.

Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

At 76 I can still fit under the Model T without using Jack stands but can only squeeze under the A behind the front wheel.

I have warned my wife that if I don’t come in the house for lunch or 4PM wine I am most likely stuck under the car and need help. OR I might have gotten comfortable and be taking a nap.

Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

Well, I'm a late 73 and my passion is riding dirt bikes...I crashed my brains out a couple of weeks ago and can barely get around. Add to that some horrible prescription drugs (statin and blood thinner) that made my hands barely usable...my right thumb still can't bend even after I dropped the drugs four months ago. Modern medicine has been a joke to me - always seems to do more harm than good. My Model A has kept me busy throughout this covid mess, and will no doubt help replace dirt biking as a primary interest soon, I'm thinking about a hot rod too. Dirt biking was great because it forces one to stay in shape and will keep you limber, but man, hitting that dirt seems to be getting much more painful than it used to be. Just gotta keep moving...:)


I'm gonna miss these guys!


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Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

Old age ain't what is used to be. Who said that!

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Old age isn't for sissies but who said you can't feel it. My "Vicky" keeps me young at 75. Yet harder to drive it here on the island with all the traffic.

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Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

I can empathize with all of you. I'm not quite yet 70 yo (holding that milestone at bay as long as I can!) and have had touring motorcycles off and on for over 40 years. I love getting out and riding, but I'm at the point I'm about ready to sell my last remaining one (a big BMW). Reason - I think that a rider should be able to pick up his bike if it tips over onto the side, like when mounting onto the center stand. I can now just barely do it, when before it used to be a non-issue. Besides, I'm not sure my reactions are quite what they used to be, and certainly riding a road bike requires quick reactions, especially with all the cell-phone using morons here in the SF Bay Area. (And, my daughter won't let the grandkids ride with me.) I may have one last road trip ahead of me this summer when I retire, then goodby to that part of my life and concentrate on driving the As. With the grandkids.

JayJay

Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

YES!


This is my new mantra. :D

Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

I'm not that creaky yet, but I can tell you it's hard to drive for more than an hour in my Tudor. Something about the springs and positioning I just get achy/crampy from pressure or reduced blood flow or something. (6-2, original seat springs, seat set back 3 inches on custom mounts)

Re: It’s getting harder to drive my A
 

Wait until you get my age, 83.9!