Dating Fannie May

[Solly]

Hello,

 When I say dating Fannie May ( my 1934 Plymouth with the colors of a giant box of Fanny May chocolates) I don't mean dating as in the year, I mean dating as in a date with a woman !!

I say this because just like a date I am learning her likes , her dislikes, her temperament , her sweet spots what makes her tick !!

  I have had her home now for about 3 weeks and its a learning curve, as I previously mentioned I have 1 almost complete restoration under my belt ( a 64 BelAir ) and i was fortunate it had really good bones to start . Partial resto on a 56 Olds super 88 and a 57 Chevy sedan delivery  that was a street/ strip  machine  but  I have never  owned pre-war vehicle.

 Here is what I'm learning on my dates.  1. I need practice on my double clutching for a non synchro trans but I'm getting there, I'm learning the shift points SHE likes as opposed to  the shift points I'm used to .  2.  I'm learning  the starting procedure SHE likes cold start / warm start vs what I'm used to  (although she pops right off) 3. Brushing up on my hand signals (she has no turn signals) although that could be a waste of time because I don't think anybody knows what the hell they are any more!! 3. allowing the gears to slow me down when approaching stops instead of depressing her clutch early. 4. just getting better acquainted with her I know from the previous owner that her restoration was not a professional restoration from a  pro. shop and that the bulk of her resto was from her previous 2 owners this however does not mean it was not done properly I can tell it was done with great pride and attention to detail and patience.

 I'm going to attempt a brake adjustment this week-end because I think the pedal is a little to low and does pump up. After that Ill be more comfortable on the streets.

 I have puttered around putting a few Solly touches on her but nothing major, However   change is coming , while she is 98% stock she has a Fenton Split exhaust manifold with dual exhaust the mufflers are way to loud for this veh. I'm going to retain the split manifold but probably do a 2 in to 1 set up with single tail pipe  or at minimum keep the duals but replace with much quieter  mufflers !

 Dating Fannie has been a blast so far and I'm pretty sure its going to be a permanent relationship !!

[TodFitch]

2 hours ago, Solly said:

.3. Brushing up on my hand signals (she has no turn signals) although that could be a waste of time because I don't think anybody knows what the hell they are any more!! 3.

Given how few people use their turn signals on cars so equipped, not having them on the car is not really as big as deal as it might be. Occasionally people think I am waving at them and wave back. I try to minimize misunderstandings by being very rigid and mechanical with my hand motions. But as you say, it could be a waste of time because people don't understand.

 

Sounds like you are having a good time learning about your new '34!

[andyd]

When I first restored/rodded my 1940 Dodge I hadn't got around to installing blinkers/turn signals and got gently tapped on the arse once by a guy that didn't see apparently my hand signal..........apart from a small dent in the rear fender  and a slightly bent rear bumper iron there was no real damage and as the car wasn't painted all was o/k.....I think I got some money from the guy but as this was 50yrs ago, now can't recall.......lol.........but I do remember installing working turn signals from a motorbike soon after.........yeh, hand signals might have worked 70 yrs ago but then repair panels were more available too....throw some turn signals on the car........it will thank you for your concern...........lol......regards from Oz.....andyd 

[9 foot box]

   Watsons-Streetworks.com is one vendor that has an under dash toggle to operate the turn signals. It would be  inconspicuous and keep a clean steering column. 

[plymouthcranbrook]

You are discovering what everyone who drove a car knew 50 years ago and back knew.  Something that is completely missing from modern cars. That cars, like people, have personalities. Likes and dislikes, demands and requests, to operate in any manner at all. The more you learn about your car and respect its needs the better it will run. And the more enjoyable your time with it will be. 

Edited December 1 by plymouthcranbrook