22 June 2013, 15:15
I was thinking that many of us have or are concerned about mobility after TSHTF when spares for imported vehicles are rare, modern vulnerable car electrics unrepairable, and a great deal of DIY maintenance is likely to be the only option available for a very long time.
Which got me thinking about clasic cars, IE vehicles roughly 30 years old or older, Stuff with points, condensor, rotor arm, distributor cap, coils etc that are fairly simple to change and adjust. If your concern is for example EMP or a Nuclear exchange then a vehicle with an old school ignition system could be the answer to your needs??
Perhaps if you are thinking about a replacement vehicle and are not facing a daily high speed commute to work a classic car could be the best option for you.
But which cars would be the most useful??? I was thinking about Series 2 Land Rovers, Morris 1000 Traveller estates etc perhaps mark 2 petrol engined Ford Transits but after those few examples I simply could not think of any others.
I think ground clearance and load space is likely to be more important than 4 wheel drive, and simplicity in maintenance.
What ever it is it would need to have already had its cylinder head modified with hardened valve seats so it could use modern unleaded fuels.
Perhaps if it was a drum brake job like the Morris 100 / Traveller you could modify it with disc brake kits, and alternator conversion kits to replace the old dynamo, add radial tyres if permitted etc and who knows?
There appears to be a healthy market in fully restored classic vehicles their was a superb example of a Austin Champ in Sainsburies the other day and theres loads of retoration jobs for sale in classic car magazines.
Just something for you to think about if you are planning on changing your vehicle ?
Which got me thinking about clasic cars, IE vehicles roughly 30 years old or older, Stuff with points, condensor, rotor arm, distributor cap, coils etc that are fairly simple to change and adjust. If your concern is for example EMP or a Nuclear exchange then a vehicle with an old school ignition system could be the answer to your needs??
Perhaps if you are thinking about a replacement vehicle and are not facing a daily high speed commute to work a classic car could be the best option for you.
But which cars would be the most useful??? I was thinking about Series 2 Land Rovers, Morris 1000 Traveller estates etc perhaps mark 2 petrol engined Ford Transits but after those few examples I simply could not think of any others.
I think ground clearance and load space is likely to be more important than 4 wheel drive, and simplicity in maintenance.
What ever it is it would need to have already had its cylinder head modified with hardened valve seats so it could use modern unleaded fuels.
Perhaps if it was a drum brake job like the Morris 100 / Traveller you could modify it with disc brake kits, and alternator conversion kits to replace the old dynamo, add radial tyres if permitted etc and who knows?
There appears to be a healthy market in fully restored classic vehicles their was a superb example of a Austin Champ in Sainsburies the other day and theres loads of retoration jobs for sale in classic car magazines.
Just something for you to think about if you are planning on changing your vehicle ?
) but front wheel drive stuff is to much of a clart on drive shafts are too soft IMO ...inline motor, 4 speed box or auto box(no clutch plate to fart on with ..just filters and oil to keep an eye on) ,a one piece propshaft and a live back axle that you cud rig up to be used as a power take off to turn summat ??! coffee grinder ! lol.....no NR ...you are bang on....much more practical for a prepper ...as they are more durable than most newer ecu/brain electronicbullshit kinda stuff that will only be good for as a place to shelter in or grow stuff in !!