STORY LINE:     TODAY ……

 July is here along with one of the greatest holidays a unified country can celebrate, as we are truly fortunate to be the UNITED STATES of AMERICA and able to honor July 4^th as our Independence Day. It should not be taken for granted, our freedoms that are guaranteed by the United States Constitution built by the founding fathers in 1776. Like it or not-and you do have that right-still, you and I live in the only country in the history of the world that is made up of people from all over the world. We are the most powerful country-EVER. We are the richest country-EVER. We are the most law abiding country by legitimate free rule-EVER. We allow the rich and poor our doorstep-STILL. Interesting it is that the news media is still AMERICA bashing and the automotive press is still not sure how good American cars are. We may not have invented the automobile but we sure taught the world how to build ‘em. Maybe the press should stop saying “I think” in regards to what they are talking about and really think it through that they are talking about ….. us as Americans. We are still the most productive country in the world …. why else would all the other countries want to sell us something …. and copy our products.  Nuff said. I love my country, I am an AMERICAN and I believe in AMERICA, and I am just happy to be here, period.

Well let’s see, what have I done for saving fuel. First I have to buy it and I do not have a problem with that. No I don’t like paying the price, but … it is what it is and I cannot change that. So I deal with it as logically as suited to my needs.

Yep, gonna’ keep my classic cars and play with ‘em just as much as ever …. maybe even more. My 1973 Pontiac Grand Am pic-a-door is staying and has received a few changes that I was contemplating regardless of fuel costs. First-it now has a 200R4 AOD with manual control lock-up converter. Second-A four barrel Q-Jet replacing the two barrel Rochester. Third-Retired a bit smaller from the P235/70R15 to a wider, fatter and shorter tire for better fun drive-ability. Had one new in ’73, took some 16 years to find this one, I like the car and have owned it for over five years- so it stays. Used to be 13-14 mpg anyday, anytime, anywhere. Now it’s like 15-17 and 21 OTR. That’s trucker talk for over the road as in highway.  The cost of doing this you say? Had some tires and wheels, about 100 for the used carb/intake, and under 800 rupies for the AOD.  Is it worth it? Yep, all around the car drives way better.

Driving is a privilege so I would think a person should respect that privilege. Way toooooo many people out there-sometimes both you and I-drive like their tail is on fire with no respect for the other driver, let alone consideration of fuel savings cost for the old pocketbook. My everyday drivers get 19mpg or better; the 125,000 mile 1995 Caprice ‘long roof’ with LT1 power …. 4,500 lbs, sees 19 easy in the city and good for 23+ OTR. The ’97 Mustang V6 convertible is 23 city and 29 OTR easy at 70+mph. And the ‘88 Corvette, would you believe 18-20 city and more than 26 OTR. Drive hard though and the good mileage will suffer.

You got a problem with high fuel costs? I don’t like it either but you and I can fix it somewhat by driving intelligently and paying attention. Keep your tires inflated properly, slow down ahead of the red light in front of you-it also saves on brake and suspension wear, don’t accelerate like A.J.Foyt at the drop of the flag on raceday at INDY. Oh, forgot one other thing …. What’s wrong with driving the speedlimit? ANSWER: ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!! The life you save may be your own.

Who’da ever thought that the car hobby and American driven-let alone the whole of the world- love affair for the automobile would still be alive so passionately for so many years … as in over a hundred, and that my friends constitutes a century-just a few auto names have survived that century mark today. A very important mark in automotive history that has evolved into quite literally iconic proportions as an automotive legend, The 75^th Anniversary of the 1932 Ford-the ‘Duece’-and Henry’s first V8, to be celebrated with a four day event at Dearborn. The Ford V8 of 1932 put the V8 as a powerplant on the map of automotive history and led the way for all American auto manufacturers to build and supply a V8-some took over two decades to follow though.  The event is a celebration of the ’32 Ford and the Ford flathead with invitations to all 1932 Fords, Ford and non-Ford powered to include; Originals, restorations,  hot rods, vintage racers, street rods and ALL Ford V8 flathead powered vehicles. A 4 DAY EVENT!!! www.DEUCE75.com

………always put off today what  you can do tomorrow, as it will be an absolute guarantee,            for something to do tomorrow.