Old Car Features That Went By the Wayside

[jmk77379]

1st mod I did on the SRT & HC was install shift skip eliminators. Don't force me how to drive.
I ran into the won't move with the door open backing the boat up in the RAM.. Ugh.

Old feature that's probably good they got rid of was the foot operated washer fluid pump.

 

[Dibbons]

My '63 Pontiac Grand Prix had two idiot lights for coolant temperature. A) either a blue or green light (don't remember which) that came on when first started in the morning, indicating a "cold motor". It went out after a few minutes of run time. B) the more usual red light which meant "warning, overheating."

 

[70chall440]

While there are some features on new cars which are cool, many of them are useless and make drivers/owners stupid. My wifes new Subaru Forester has adaptive cruise which is pretty cool. I just drove this car about 3000 miles and the adaptive cruise really makes long distance driving less stressful and more enjoyable IMO.

 

[Dibbons]

The question is, how much dumming down can we handle before we become idiots? Ever see a cashier try to make change without the register telling them the correct amount? Now some of us can't drive around the block without some GPS telling us where to turn at every corner. Things have already gone too far if you ask me. I'm guilty/affected too. I can't remember anyone's phone number because it is stored in the chip on my cell phone.

 

[RemCharger]

I've had too many newish cars give the death lock as you walk away..Thats when term POS, or something else comes out. But lock keys in my 67 Charger? nope

I do appreciate how most modern cars wont allow you to lock your keys in the car!

 

[Dibbons]

There was a murder mystery on TV or in the movies how someone rigged the car doors to lock upon the victim starting the vehicle. Exhaust had been plumbed through the A/C vents and so that's how the murder took place.

 

[Slap Stick]

Pushbutton operated transmissions!

Rear "fog lights". Flip the switch and the L brake lite comes on increasing your visibility to others.

 

[Joske2]

Pushbutton operated transmissions!

Rear "fog lights". Flip the switch and the L brake lite comes on increasing your visibility to others.

Mandatory in Europe.

 

[Ron H]

I'm sure most of you have seen how vehicles can be remotely hacked. Newest vehicle we have is a 2009, wife's car, and my '05 Dakota Laramie with AWD (love this truck), '91 Ram manual shift for plowing. I do a lot of home chores on several acres of property so have occasion to drive with door open getting in and out every few feet. Guess I'll hang on long as I can buying older vehicles since I'm a geezer now anyway. All that stuff on cars today isn't what I want. Been fine for 45 years without it. Backing up? I look first and stay careful. If I'm not sure where I am, I'll get out and double check since I still got legs..

 

[YY1]

Some of these "features" can be turned off at the dealership.

 

[Dibbons]

Follow up to post #9. Dog in bag on a horse: "Something Big" 1971 western comedy film starring Dean Martin.

 

[Dennis H]

You get to rely on that electronic crap. Not good.
Freeway romp in the 69 after driving the Hellcat same morning. Can’t move right and wait for warning. Better visibility though.