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Inflation
Posted by Lane Dexter (more from Lane Dexter) on Mon, 17 Apr 2000 10:31:10
In Reply to: , Kok Chen, Sat, 17 Dec 1988 12:00:00 

I'm not sure about inflation.  I recall a Sr. Hydro Operator made $7.53 per
hour at Seattle City Light in 1974; today they make $27.70 AND IT BUYS LESS!
Does that give us a clue?

David gives me food for thought.  But that story clearly shows the TIME
tradeoff of restoration.  I have too many projects as is.

I've been in contact with Rowan Atalla, and he reminded me that I had a good
manifold and turbo on the wrecked car in my junk collection.  I pulled it
night before last, and got it swapped onto the running car last night -- and
today the rain has moved in for a few days.  Apparently, sitting for 10
years, 5 months did not harm that turbo.

Lucky me, since the car would have less value than the price of a new
manifold and turbo.

Whatever your favorite wheels, there's a point where a car becomes a hobby
instead of a daily driver.  It's a different point with a common Chevy than
an uncommon import, but it's there.  I think maintaining the turbocharged
B-engine variant of a 22 year old Swedemobile is just about at that point.
I haven't surveyed parts price and availability lately, so I won't swear to
it.

For a middle-aged guy with full time job, kids, grandkids, rental houses, a
vol. fire dept. to run, etc., choices must be made.  I think the '62 Scout
gets given to a friend, the '67 T-bird goes to a T-bird restoration
specialty outfit in the area (with the expectation it will take a LONG
time), and the 99 Turbo (identical to the one that saved my wife and son in
a rollover) should go to a young gung-ho wrencher like Rowan.  The
turbodiesel Dodge Ram 50 4x4 goes into MY shop, but with a real diesel
mechanic to do the work.  The '56 International S-120 4x4 and the '66
International 1300 4x4 just keep on being the ugly special-application
thrashers that they are.

If I follow my brain instead of just my heart, I think the best suggestion
was, 'If you like Saabs, buy a 10-14 year old used Saab that has been well
maintained.'  Does anyone recall what year the 900 convertible came out?  I
have always thought they look good.  (Here in the Northwest, a '59 Ford
Skyliner Retractable would be the 'best' convertible.)

Happy Motoring,

Lane Dexter

Posts in this Thread:
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