'56 ChevyPosted on 08/16/2012 2:44:55 PM PDT by djone
"Most of us don’t spend much time listening to vinyl anymore, but just like that DJ spinning records in a trendy nightclub, there was a time when you could cue up some 45s in your Chrysler. In 1956, you could get an optional record player in Chrysler, DeSoto, Dodge and Plymouth vehicles......Years ago, automakers used to hide gas caps in stealthy locations. Cars like the ’56 Chevy Bel Air had the gas cap hidden behind a taillight, which would swivel out of the way, while numerous cars from the 60’s and 70’s had their fuel fillers located behind the license plate.
(Excerpt) Read more at blog.allstate.com ...
When did “parking” go out of style? When cars got smaller or when cops went nuts?
I was just reading something yesterday about the American Legion hall in El Monte, CA, and how it drew kids from all over LA to “underage” rock’n’roll shows, because they were not allowed within the city of LA. It also supposedly led to the LA car culture, because kids would drive long distances to go there.
One person reminiscing about those days mentioned having a Craig record player in his car. He said “you hit one bump, and it’s goodbye ‘45.”
That’s when back seats in cars were big enough to have a dance in. LOL
The picture of the 56 Chevy isn’t showing up for me.
Submarine races..brings back memories at the drive in
Think the really old VW`s the gas cap was
under the front hood
There was (might still be) a sign along a secluded road in my area. It said “No Parking-No Excuses”.
But the COOLEST thing was my brother and his '65 Galaxy XL, 500 .. dark green, black interior and a lot of chrome.
Uncle Fancy (as he came to be called) had a 45 record changer under the dash. I remember it held 6 or eight 45's. Y'couldn't play 'em unless you were parked (at the submarine races) or cruisin' around town.
Yep ... uncle Fancy.
Heck, I just want to find one of those aftermarket cupholders you stick on your window sill. Need to hang it on the sidecar of my Ural. Nobody carries them any more.
I tried the trick of putting my mocha in the spokes of the spare tire. That must only be for staying still. Bernoulli effect sprayed coffee all over my trunk.
under the front hood
My '64 Beetle had it under the front hood in the trunk.
The fuel gauge didn't work so I used to dip the tire iron into the tank to see how much fuel I had.
Moonroof.
I remember my Brother’s 55 Buick had the starter in the accelerator pedal. When you pressed on the accelerator the starter was engaged. I guess it had some solenoid or something which disengaged after it started.
I also remember my Father’s pickup had a throttle. It was sort of an early cruise control except it simply kept the carburetor at the same amount of gas. There was nothing automatic about it. You had to push it back in if you stopped.
6 kids on a long trip, 54 Pontiac, We had to sleep somewhere. Floor boards, rear decks etc.
You couldn’t cue up 45’s in your Chrysler.
Hi-Way Hi-Fi played 16-2/3 RPM disks.
I think it was when society accepted that we were getting laid and we didn't give a shit if we were caught or not.
I miss vent windows. I also miss floor vents, and station-wagon rear windows that could be rolled down. I miss big V-8 engines that would let you cruise effortlessly at 75 miles an hour or more all day long, hardly noticing hills or mountains.
I miss the days when everyone looked forward to the new fall models, with the top-secret new models hidden under sheets as they were rolled along during the Fourth of July parade. There were expensive color brochures in the showroom, all shot with gorgeous sunsets playing on the sleek flanks of the new cars. I miss the excitement when the family bought a new Chevrolet every other September (because only Democrats bought Fords).
For that matter, I miss good old Detroit steel that could survive an accident over 20 miles an hour without being totalled. I miss road trips, and Sunday drives, both concepts that my own children have not been exposed to because gas is so expensive and no one has the time anyway.
What the hell have they done to my country?
Ah, yes...the submarine races. I remember them well...
I think the “Green Hornet” had a record player in his ride. And that was a Chrysler.
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