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Daily Driver

L

Lucky_louie89

Member
Local time
10:39 PM
Joined
Oct 30, 2017
Messages
7
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1
Location
Chino, California
Hey everyone, really need some input on whether i should make this car a daily driver. I have a '64 Sport Fury with a 318. It has been my project for a 2 years and sat for like 20 some odd years. It has turned on in the past but never got her moving. I have replaced the gas tank, radiator, water pump, rebuilt 2bbl carb, new wiring harness through whole car, and all fluids, spark plugs/wires. Now my question is, should i use this car as a daily driver and continue putting money into it as i go? I am a student that drives about 30 miles to school and back(Pasadena) and like to go driving everywhere i can including LA like once or twice or week. Need to know if it'll be reliable on long distance drives pretty often. I am putting all this information forward cause i really need to know because i have a soft spot for this car. Either that or i just settle with a Nissan. Any thing helps
 
Hey Louie - I live in in Laguna Beach - not far from you. Welcome to FBBO. Don't cave to the Nissan - stick it out with the Mopar. Post some pics so we know what she looks like. Then we'll go from there. Others will pony up here to....
 
I'm 100% all for driving them as much as you can. For me that isn't often enough, living in Ohio road salt takes it out of commission for a few months and because I work at a sawmill driving it to work is kept minimal (gets really dirty). Outside of that I drive it everywhere and enjoy it as much as possible including 12 hour trips.

My advice would be to avoid exotic parts, keep it simple with regularly available parts, run a decent gear in the rear and enjoy racking up the miles.
 
Welcome.
If you like thus car you should keep it as a Sunday driver sticking money in it only when you can.
Get a newer (late model) more reliable daily driver with better fuel economy.
The older V-8 will kill you on gas.
 
318 powered Mopars are some of the most reliable cars ever produced.
 
My concern would be having GOOD insurance on it. Something that guarantees a stated value and will be realistic with repairing damage. Specialty companies like Hagerty or Condon Skelly or... should be looked at. Most mainstream insurance companies couldn’t care less about your Sport Fury.
 
Curious.
I'm guessing that's a poly 318 and not an LA motor?
I drive a stock 80s 318 LA everyday long distance.
But it is in an A body. A lighter car.
It's not the best choice for everyone but it works for me.
(Weather can be a problem in some places.)
Do you have disk brakes?
That is a factor I would consider in any driver.
I'm not concerned about your driving, it's the other person that might hit you.
From what you have said, I would answer your question in the negative.
One has to be exceptionally careful in an antique car.
Unless you are exceptionally lucky.

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/426-cube-318-poly-can-outgun-hemis/


Howdy.
Welcome.jpg
 
Figuring you have a solid motor (no issues with the internals) you'll want to check out the trans, drive train, and suspension. A car that's not moved for years can have issues with seals and rubber parts drying up. Bleed the brakes to get new fluid in there and ensure the cylinders/lines are not leaking. Check the wheel bearings; clean them, repack, and reinstall. Sounds like you took care of the hoses, belts, fuel lines, etc. If you're driving in hot weather (suppose so CA!) and in heavy traffic I remember my 318 Fury didn't like sitting too long on hot summer days...the engine temp would rise appreciably. After my rebuild I put in a shroud and 7-blade fan that helped.
 
For those who dont know, that chino -pasadena commute is likely two hours one way at 15mph . Not my idea of fun in anything. I would use the most dependable thing I own for the commute, and drive your Mopar every other chance I got.
 
Finish it & drive it

welcome to FBBO from Snowy NorCal Sierras
 
Sounds like I got my answer lol Looks like I'll just have to stick with something more modern for the time being. Maybe until I move closer to my school and it won't be as much of an issue local. Thanks everyone!
 
upload_2018-2-18_21-6-28.jpeg


Lol. Welcome! I wouldn't daily drive it without a backup car to use when issues occur. You can always split driving duty between them.
 
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