Keeping Tailgaters Off Your Back

[SimplyCosmic]

When you drive an older car that drives (and brakes) slower, other drivers tend not to leave enough room between you.

Since I'm a new Model A owner, here's my solution:





And yes, I mostly did it for the funny looks. Here's the link to the magnets on Amazon.

[Joe K]

"Just Married" is another one.

Sort of like "Baby on Board" with more "buy-in" by the follower?

Come to think of it "Old Curmudgeon on Board" might work?

No - less "buy in."

Joe K

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

That’s funny

[SimplyCosmic]

As a bonus, the magnets come in sets of 3s. Which means I'm already planning which two friends are going to get an unexpected Student Driver tag placed on their car when they're not looking.

[katy]

Originally Posted by SimplyCosmic

As a bonus, the magnets come in sets of 3s. Which means I'm already planning which two friends are going to get an unexpected Student Driver tag placed on their car when they're not looking.

Good one!

[Ruth]

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I wonder how many people try to stick that to the plastic bumper on their modern.

[Cave]

Simply,
Great idea. Reflects your handle... Simply conveys a message!


Now, tell me how you posted pictures that display without the reader having to log in, I've asked before and was told it isn't possible.

[nhusa]

People tail gated my Model T until I added as sign that says

This is a 1919 Model T Ford.
I only have two speeds,
You will not like the other one either!

It works

[rfitzpatrick]

I placed a placard on my tail gate ('31 Pickup) that reads: Original Owner

[fritznbud]

Mine says, My last tailgater bought me this car

[SimplyCosmic]

Originally Posted by Cave

Now, tell me how you posted pictures that display without the reader having to log in, I've asked before and was told it isn't possible.

It's may sound a little complicated, but the images aren't actually uploaded to this page. Instead, I uploaded them to a free image hosting site the kids like:

https://imgur.com/

Click on the "+New Post" button in the upper left, browse for your photos, then upload. You'll get a page with your photo(s) show.

There's a down arrow (V) menu after the web address that shows up when you move your mouse over the image, roll the mouse over it and select "get share links".

In the Share Options page, there's a box for "BBCode (Forums)" with an address that starts and ends with "[img]" "[/img]". Hit the copy button to add it to your clipboard, then start a post here and simply copy that code into your post.

When your post is up, the code is a link to display the image from off-site. And you can use that image on other sites as well.

Not sure if this video explains it easier, but it may be useful.

[rocket1]

I find that they get close because they are trying to figure out what make of car is it,especially when I drive my 57 Stude,looks like a 56 Chevy but the Studebaker block letters are on the deck lid.

[WHN]

Originally Posted by nhusa

People tail gated my Model T until I added as sign that says

This is a 1919 Model T Ford.
I only have two speeds,
You will not like the other one either!

It works

This is Great!!!

[Gary WA]

Lock um up!Brakes, then they'll have a better look! Or pull over let by!

[Dean Lemoine]

SimplyCosmic: Is that car color Bonnie Gray? I'm restoring a '29 Tudor and haven't decided on the color yet. That looks really nice.

[Y-Blockhead]

Saw this the other day. Gave me a chuckle...

[SimplyCosmic]

Originally Posted by Dean Lemoine

SimplyCosmic: Is that car color Bonnie Gray?

I believe so, but it's been hard for me to confirm just by looking at online samples. The color itself is so weird because it will either look gray or greenish depending on how the light is hitting it.

[Dean Lemoine]

Thanks, I started sanding the body on mine and a light gray color is becoming visible . Not sure if it's the original color or primer.

[77Birdman]

Originally Posted by nhusa

People tail gated my Model T until I added as sign that says

This is a 1919 Model T Ford.
I only have two speeds,
You will not like the other one either!

It works

I like this one!!

[77Birdman]

Originally Posted by fritznbud

Mine says, My last tailgater bought me this car

BUT, I like this one better! LOL

[Railcarmover]

Tailgaters are the reason for the car Im building,my drive is how can you make a model a compete is todays CA suburban traffic and not be run off the road.To escape the safety of the convoy tour and take the freeway if you need to..modify the original components,add a few sound late model ideas and come up with a car that competes without a slow moving orange triangle placard on the rear bumper.

[leo]

We can all laugh about this topic but the real problem is jerks who are texting or talking on their phones and NOT paying attention to their driving. I usually pull over and let anyone who is in that much of a hurry pass.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by Railcarmover

... without a slow moving orange triangle placard on the rear bumper.

Hey, I use one of those. Problem is, like hand signals, I don't think people know what it means!

[russcochiolo]

Railcarmover, I'm with you. My roadster has a mildly modified B engine (head, cam. weber, FSI,) Laycock O.D. and 3.54's and 6.50x16 wheels and tires. 65mph @ 2200rpm. I drove tractor-trailer for some years and I know that there is nothing one can do about tailgaters. I do have control of the space between myself and the vehicle in front of me. Whenever I have a tailgater (yesterday it was a Sheriffs SUV) I increase the distance between myself and the car in front of me, that way I can stop safely for both of us. Works for me.

[Railcarmover]

I'm developing about 65 to 70 horse with what I've built,along with a mitchell OD and a stock rear..12v for good lighting ( I know,there is 6v stuff just as good)cast iron drums,woven shoes f100 steering box,on 16's with modern radials..not a hot rod, modified model a...

[M2M]

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[Terry, NJ]

I like the 1903A3 ! Who said "Kill one! Frighten a thousand!" Seriously, I almost got hit twice, turning left into my own driveway so I made this little sign.

[Joe K]

Post 26 a Second Amendment sort of sticker.

And in Massachusetts (a Birthplace of Liberty) they would impound the 29CC Marine Pickup.

Sorry. We're not to go political - so nobody comment on this.

Thanks,
Joe K

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Wonder if; NRA, gun rights group, skinhead group stickers work?

[77Birdman]

I was at a show last week parked beside a beautiful '29 Tudor. They had installed led bulbs in period correct taillights, one on each rear fender. For safety reasons. I think if I drove one of these on the street, dual taillights would be a must. May not be period correct but it surely saves an accident. Texting or not, it can be hard to see a slow moving vehicle on a highway, let alone one that may be making a left hand turn. Even Amish buggies have flashing lights!

[JoeCB]

Like most said, probably not much that can be done considering that the problem lies with knuckle head drivers. Oh! an idea... how about oil injection into the hot exhaust manifold...that should back em' off. (of course with the mandatory California Prop 65 warning)

Joe B

[rocket1]

I always try to take the roads less traveled,white knuckle if I have to take an interstate for a short time.

[M2M]

Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

Wonder if; NRA, gun rights group, skinhead group stickers work?

Yep, the threat of a Dirty Harry or Charles Bronson reaction is the best deterrence for knucklehead types.

[barnstuf]

In the 1930's a popular license plate topper was a long thin metal topper that read IF YOU CAN READ THIS YOU ARE TOO CLOSE. I still have one and perhaps it is time to repaint and install it.

[SimplyCosmic]

Originally Posted by rocket1

I always try to take the roads less traveled

This is why I love the "Avoid Freeways" and "Avoid Difficult Intersections" navigation options on the Waze GPS app. Gets me away from traffic and often is far more interesting at the speeds my new A is happiest at.

Well, that and I often meet new friends along the route.

[racingrufus]

I have a friend that uses a system he calls offensive driving, he slows down even more to make tailgaters go around him.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by SimplyCosmic

This is why I love the "Avoid Freeways" and "Avoid Difficult Intersections" navigation options on the Waze GPS app. Gets me away from traffic and often is far more interesting at the speeds my new A is happiest at.

Well, that and I often meet new friends along the route.

Jeez, I thought you were going to tell us you ran into the "No U Turn" sign.

[SimplyCosmic]

Look, I'm a student driver, but I'm not that bad.

[Synchro909]

I plan on using my aviator on my car with the words “Don’t touch the car” printed above it.

[Ted Duke]

Originally Posted by racingrufus

I have a friend that uses a system he calls offensive driving, he slows down even more to make tailgaters go around him.

And if he's driving the speed limit or the safe limit for the weather that is acceptable, but if he is driving 38 in the 55 zone HE is the problem.

[trulyvintage]

Conspicuity tape will light up brightly at night.


Jim

[shark 81]

I saw one awhile ago on the back of a seventy's K car, in three inch block letters that just said, OLD CAR BACK OFF! I have been thinking of adopting it my self ,cant heart.

[M2M]

Originally Posted by SimplyCosmic

This is why I love the "Avoid Freeways" and "Avoid Difficult Intersections" navigation options on the Waze GPS app. Gets me away from traffic and often is far more interesting at the speeds my new A is happiest at.

Well, that and I often meet new friends along the route.

Having driven in Africa in an old car, you wouldn't want to come across a real elephant with calves.

[M2M]

Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

Wonder if; NRA, gun rights group, skinhead group stickers work?

You risk having your car smashed or torched by far left guys doing that.

[Joe K]

Originally Posted by M2M

You risk having your car smashed or torched by far left guys doing that.

Yes. As I alluded to in my previous post - the object is to get "buy-in" (agreement) by the person following.

Threat, intimidation, compulsion does not get buy-in. Just the opposite.

Maybe a bumper sticker They're only original once - follow so it can stay this way.

Maybe too generic? People seek compulsion - thinking and doing and being responsible for one's self is SOO much work.

And that is as close to the politics as I dare for this forum.

Joe K

[Bob Bidonde]

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Many years ago there was a Model "A'er" in New Jersey who had a beautifully restored Model "A" Station Wagon. His Model "A" had a wood trailer that matched the station wagon's wood construction, but with one major difference.



Lying flat on top of the trailer was a silhouette of a WW1 soldier with a machine gun. When dealing with a tailgater, he pulled a string and the machine gunner popped-up scaring away the tailgater.

[ursus]

My first car burned used SAE 40 weight oil at the rate of a quart every 40 miles. With compression that low it struggled to keep up, and tailgaters were a regular part of the experience. My cure for tailgating was to step on the clutch, floor the gas pedal, then quickly let off on both pedals. The resulting cloud of smoke and oil mist was like the worst London fog. The tailgater quickly fell back and I occasionally caught a glimpse of him pulling over to clean his windshield on the side of the road.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by ursus

My first car burned used SAE 40 weight oil at the rate of a quart every 40 miles. With compression that low it struggled to keep up, and tailgaters were a regular part of the experience. My cure for tailgating was to step on the clutch, floor the gas pedal, then quickly let off on both pedals. The resulting cloud of smoke and oil mist was like the worst London fog. The tailgater quickly fell back and I occasionally caught a glimpse of him pulling over to clean his windshield on the side of the road.

Love it but it wouldn't do the reputation of our movement much good in the eyes of the authorities (or other motorists).

[SimplyCosmic]

Found another magnet on Amazon:

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by SimplyCosmic

Found another magnet on Amazon:

I like that one...

[M2M]

FB_IMG_1556673384681.jpg

[chrs1961815]

Originally Posted by M2M

Attachment 395445

This is the best one yet. Even though it isn't functional, ramming into that would do some serious damage and injury.

[DHZIEMAN]

I drive in an area of Missouri which is much two lane road. With that said, I pull over on occasion to let people pass. Some wave, some actually slow down to look. But, I believe they appreciate me pulling over. I have the time, Most people today are bent on speed above the speed limit anyway. I have thought about a tractor red triangle on the spare, but not sure it is legal on a car.

[CHuDWah]

Originally Posted by Ted Duke

And if he's driving the speed limit or the safe limit for the weather that is acceptable, but if he is driving 38 in the 55 zone HE is the problem.

Nope, not unless there's a posted MINIMUM speed and he's under it.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Would not surprise me if there is a law/ordinance that you can not impede the flow of traffic. Seems there is always a law you can be ticketed for if a cop want to give you a ticket.

[denis4x4]

I’m in the club that says if you can’t keep up with traffic, pull over or take a different route. Depending on the state, one can be pulled over for impeding traffic by driving under the speed limit. In Colorado, if there are five or more cars behind you and you are not driving the speed limit, it’s ticket time. Lots of flat landers driving their RV’s in the mountains know about this one.

[CHuDWah]

Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

Would not surprise me if there is a law/ordinance that you can not impede the flow of traffic. Seems there is always a law you can be ticketed for if a cop want to give you a ticket.

Mebbe, although that would seem a hard case to make without a posted minimum. Otherwise, what constitutes impedance is pretty subjective. Lots of interstates have a minimum for that reason, although it's usually so ridiculously low (like 45 mph) that it doesn't do much to prevent impedance. The real problem is most drivers think the posted maximum is the minimum.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by CHuDWah

Mebbe, although that would seem a hard case to make without a posted minimum. Otherwise, what constitutes impedance is pretty subjective. Lots of interstates have a minimum for that reason, although it's usually so ridiculously low (like 45 mph) that it doesn't do much to prevent impedance. The real problem is most drivers think the posted maximum is the minimum.

When we were driving in the US last year, I couldn't believe how drivers ignor the speed limit. 10 mph (15kph) was almost expected. I saw much more at times too. Your speed limits are very high anyway so WHY???
Over here, regardless of the limit, if you're doing more than 3 kph (2mph) over it, you're asking for a fine and demerit points - and our fines hurt. The limit on open roads is 100 kph (62mph). On a few of the better roads, 110 kph is allowed. NT being the exception where there is no limit on the open highway. Boy, does that make driving the Model A fun!

[Terry, NJ]

Here in Pa., I recently got a speeding ticket for 40 mph in a 25 mph zone. I talked to some people about it and they had gotten speeding tickets there too. That ticket was $152. Ouch! And Pa doesn't allow their local cops to have radar. This was not in a Mod. A. The towns keep the speed limits low in some areas just so when you forget where you are, you'll drive at a normal speed and then "Bingo" he's got you! As far as I can see, all states do this.
In Jersey, the posted speed on the NJ Parkway is 65, but the traffic is doing 80 mph. Maybe there's just too many speeders and it would take an army of cops to arrest them all. And those who are ticketed would go to court and claim " selective enforcement", I would!
Terry

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by M2M

Attachment 395445

Nothing says 'Reach out and touch someone' like an anti-tank gun!

I followed a guy driving 45 in a 55 last year. He had a sign on the back of his van that said 'I'm Retired. Go Around.'

[DHZIEMAN]

This thread got me to write to the Missouri Highway patrol. I live in an area where there are a lot of horse and buggy users, and a lot have a battery hook up with flashing tail lights and/or the agricultural triangle for slow moving equipment. Anyway, I wrote to the Missouri Highway patrol and questioned the use on my vintage Model A Ford! Got just about an instant response that felt it might help other drivers. The Lieutenant who contacted me also said there was nothing that specifically addressed using the triangle on a vintage vehicle "OR PREVENTED ITS USE" and that it might help others and me. Just FYI from Missouri

[woofa.express]

No restorable Model A's were harmed in the building of this truck!
I like your humour Denis.

[woofa.express]

Originally Posted by ursus

My first car burned used SAE 40 weight oil at the rate of a quart every 40 miles. With compression that low it struggled to keep up, and tailgaters were a regular part of the experience. My cure for tailgating was to step on the clutch, floor the gas pedal, then quickly let off on both pedals. The resulting cloud of smoke and oil mist was like the worst London fog. The tailgater quickly fell back and I occasionally caught a glimpse of him pulling over to clean his windshield on the side of the road.

I approve of your retaliatory action Ursus. if you ever rebuild your engine and your "getcha" method is no longer available you could install a smoke generator. We use these in ag planes when the wind is about nil to see which way our drift will go. It pumps paraffin oil into the exhaust and leaves a magnificent trail. It has a reservoir tank of about a gallon.

[katy]

IIRC, the speed on slow moving vehicles cannot exceed 25mph (40kph), and they cannot be on the road at night. This probably varies in different jurisdictions.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Terry, NJ

Here in Pa., I recently got a speeding ticket for 40 mph in a 25 mph zone. I talked to some people about it and they had gotten speeding tickets there too. That ticket was $152. Ouch! And Pa doesn't allow their local cops to have radar. This was not in a Mod. A. The towns keep the speed limits low in some areas just so when you forget where you are, you'll drive at a normal speed and then "Bingo" he's got you! As far as I can see, all states do this.
In Jersey, the posted speed on the NJ Parkway is 65, but the traffic is doing 80 mph. Maybe there's just too many speeders and it would take an army of cops to arrest them all. And those who are ticketed would go to court and claim " selective enforcement", I would!
Terry

What is their reasoning for this??? Radar is about all the police use here. It can be concealed in an unmarked car, hidden at the sideof the road, set up beside traffic lights - just about anywhere. Only the most brazen try speeding and they don't do it for long. Each infringement earns them demerit points and once a driver acrues 10 points, their license is cancelled for at least 3 months. No questions!
As much as I don't like the setup, our road toll has been declining for the past 20 or 30 years.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

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Some letter are missing, took a pic going through teh McDonalds drive through yesterday.

[Terry, NJ]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

What is their reasoning for this??? Radar is about all the police use here. It can be concealed in an unmarked car, hidden at the sideof the road, set up beside traffic lights - just about anywhere. Only the most brazen try speeding and they don't do it for long. Each infringement earns them demerit points and once a driver acrues 10 points, their license is cancelled for at least 3 months. No questions!
As much as I don't like the setup, our road toll has been declining for the past 20 or 30 years.

Well For one thing, Radar blasts everybody with microwaves. It's like sticking your head in a microwave oven. Not exactly, but similar. Secondly, we're finding our way around radar tickets. I've beaten a few Pro se! And I don't like being thought of as just a cash machine. So they are going to laser! Now we have to find our way around laser machines.
Here's what I mean by using us as a cash cow. In new Jersey, if you get a ticket for up to 15 mph over It's three points, Above 15 and it's 5 points. So the love to write 42 in a 25 mph zone. Now there is case law stating that no speed detection device is consistantly accurate to more than three mph. This is known as the D'Antonio decision , and everyone must be given the benefit of D'Antonio. OK but D'Antonio is not widely known! So the poor sap who goes to court by himself gets clobbered with the fine plus 5 points. The poor sap who goes to court and paying $500 for his lawyer's court appearance get to save 2 points simply by his lawyer mentioning" What about D"Antonio?" and mr Poor Sap suddenly gets his speed cut to 39 mph and he doesn't know why and doesn't care. His Lawyer is a great guy! $500 ? Cheap! His Mr Lawyerman was a good, no Great investment! The Law Enforcement Industry just claimed another victim!
Terry

[John in SATX]

I agree the tailgater will not make you go faster, love the sign. Another thing to consider is lighting up the rear end of your car to make it more visible. I use LED tail lights, an LED "strip" across the back window plus two good bright red clearance lights like they used to have on trucks. I have had many compliment me on how visible my car is from the rear. We can never be too safe!

[Gufshoz]

I recently started using this light (Amazon) stuck by my rear window. It almost doubles the distance following vehicles back off. Because it's relatively cheap, I gave it a try. I was amazed. Combined with an LED 3rd brake light, I have a new sense of safety.



Roadside Flashing Flares Safety Warning Light Emergency LED Strobe Light with Magnetic Base Vehicle and Marine (Amber)
Sold by: MIUHIU

[Cave]

45MPH_r.jpg


Works great, the only hand gestures it draws are waves... plus some smiles and laughs.



Easy to make, 1" and 2" rub on letters from Michaels (or similar) and a blank license plate.

[a boner]

1. Slow down to leave a safe interval BEHIND you to match the speed the tailgater is driving. Pull over to let them pass, when you reach a safe area.

2. Install a windshield washer system on the rear of your vehicle. Aim it rearward. Fill the reservoir with anti-freeze. When they turn on their wiper to clear their windshield, the anti-freeze will just smear! Hopefully they will pull over, and you will be long gone.

[dpson]

Originally Posted by Joe K

"Just Married" is another one.

Sort of like "Baby on Board" with more "buy-in" by the follower?

Come to think of it "Old Curmudgeon on Board" might work?

No - less "buy in."

How about "Bastard on Board", that might slow them down...