I sure have uploaded a lot of videos! If you're searching for a particular car, try a You Tube search using the key words raconter1 and the make and year car you're interested in. That should bring up any video I've done on that car.
I'm of the opinion that there are a lot of great cars out there, and that all makers have had their share both of great cars, and not-so-great! I try to show all makes, and favor those in great condition.
I try to be accurate in identifying the cars I film. I sometimes rely on my memory, identification with the car, sometimes the owner, and sometimes I check my references. If I am in error, please let me know in a nice way so I can correct the information.
Right now, in my stable are an '88 GT Convertible, '04 Ford Edge, '08 Mustang GT California Special Edition coupe and a '16 Dodge Challenger.
Hey, Steve! Corvair sure was Nader's ticket to celebrity! It was all so sad...the Corvair was quite advanced, and in my book, could have been refined over time to be GM's answer to the Porsche. But then, it might have cut into Corvette sales! People were not used to independent rear suspension...limiting the travel of the suspension would have prevented problems. Opportunity missed....but isn't that a common situation in Detroit!
Hey, Gary! Yes, it sure does have Powerglide, with the lever on the dash that controls it. I'd say that the coupe, being more sporty than the four door or wagon would be most likely to have the four speed manual. Thanks! :) Jack
Cool, I didn't know you could even get A/C in a Corvair but I haven't been around too many of them!, Two of my Neighbors had them when I was a kid, One was a Monza 4 Door and the other was the Truck Model, Not sure what years they were. Jeff
Hey, Jeff! I think Chevy realized that it would be a tough row to hoe when you add A/C to an air cooled car with limited room for mechanicals! Heat is definitely the enemy here, and arranging for its dissipation. But they could always say they offered it! Corvairs were a big surprise...pretty sophisticated for an economy car...my guess is that GM was trying to build a bigger, more sophisticated VW. Thanks! :) Jack
Beautiful car, nicely equipped. That updated console looks very practical, with a softer armrest than the one my '73 Mustang had - and this one had if it had a console out of the factory.
I remember that original console well...those early days of console manufacture were a bit sketchy! This one is a definite improvement over factory! Thanks! :) Jack
With this video, i seem to have made it through all of your videos of 2012 models. It's a good car to end the year on. The gas mileage isn't bad for such a car. That said, back in my youth i sure would have been taken aback by a price like this one has on a car!
That gas mileage is about what I get on my '08 California Special, with the 4.6 engine and cold air intake. So yes, I'd say it was pretty good! The price is pretty steep, but compared to what's going on today, suddenly it seems reasonable...and no dealer add ons is a bonus! Congratulations on making it through the '12 models! Good hunting! Thanks! :) Jack
My guess is that you're probably right. Quite a load on an air cooled system! When overloaded, I doubt the A/C was very efficient either. Thanks! :) Jack
Thanks for showing this very cute, sporty Corvair. Being a Midwesterner I don’t remember seeing AC on a Corvair, so it is interesting to see the configuration. It isn’t apparent how the air gets into the front trunk to cool the condenser. A decade earlier when automakers were installing the AC condenser in the rear trunk compartment, they installed air intakes on the rear fenders to address this issue.
I suspect that there's an opening below that fan assembly and it would draw cooling air from below. Probably not an optimal setup, where would the now hot air go after cooling the condenser. Here's an earlier example I videoed with the condenser in the engine compartment, the factory placement: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PB4pPJMTl7M.html Thanks! :) Jack
Hey, Bill! I believe it was made for the New Zealand market..that would require steering wheel on the right side as would Australia and the U.K...and Japan for that matter. Thanks! :) Jack
That really is the nice thing about Lake county, aptly named for its many lakes. (over 1000, 250 of which are named, 202 square miles of water!) An ideal setting for a park! Thanks! :) Jack
That's what I liked about the California Special...just a bit different from standard GT, and over the years, probably a bit more collectible. Thanks! :) Jack
Hey, Donny Boy Blue! Very true...familiar mechanicals that had proved themselves over the years plus room for "stuff" and the ability to move around and feel less cramped than you would in a car! Thanks! :) Jack
Very Cool!, I have never seen one of those Chassis on a Motorhome!, I'm sure it's a Snail with that Slant Six pulling all that weight!, Most of these Vans along with the Ford and Chevy one's were Bell Telephone service Vans back when I was a Kid "I'm 62 now" Jeff
Hey, Jeff! I'm sure its pace would be quite slow...that's a lot of weight to have on its back! That's a great point about a lot of vans like these were put into service by telephone companies...lots of room for equipment and supplies! You are indeed a kid...from the vantage point of someone "old as dirt"! :D Thanks! :D Jack
An impressive group of cars, to say the least. Most impressive is the Cobra replica to me. Nice to see a '66 Chevelle in the group, as well. I'd say it belongs there now. A real classic.
This is an interesting venue....unfortunately I haven't seen car activity there in many years. This was nine years ago! Plenty of cool areas nearby but the willingness to set up a show is limited. Thanks! :) Jack
What a good looking car. It sure looks comfortable inside, too. I'm not so sure about the comfort of the rumble seat. My mother, though, i do remember talking about how much she enjoyed them.
A very classy car...that wood grain is the crowning element! I can see the coolness (literally) of that rumble seat...I imagine hair would be flying all over! But on a cool summer evening it must have been refreshing to have the wind blow in your face! Thanks! :) Jack
Nice. Silver is my least favorite color for these, entirely because i think the orange roof consorts badly with it, but still it sure is a great looking car.
Hey, Gary! It's the first of this model that I remember seeing. They did a good job of fitting things in! It looks fairly easy to maneuver too! Thanks! :) Jack
…totally groovy, daddy-oh!!.. …just a little 60 s jargon to go along with this great A108 Dodge mini motorhome… …as an RV owner, I well recall the era that all the major makers featured campers, conversion vans…and in Dodge’s case, these larger units…. perfect for singles or a young family weekends at the beach or in a mountain park… …as I’m sure you recall, these engines mounted between would get very hot, so that blue insulated blanket is a great idea… …Dodge also put out a small lineup of full sized (Class A) motorhomes at this time…and they have a very loyal, cult-like followers, just as there is for GMC’s unique motorhomes… …that would be an idea for a future episode, Jack…👀👌🏼💞😎
Hey, G Clark! Indeed, Daddy O, these were plentiful back in the day. Pretty well equipped, and as you point out, that engine placement was a little quirky. But heck, this was an adventure, so you didn't let the fact that there was a radiator between the seats inconvenience you! Then things got a bit more complicated, now it became a trailer to be hauled by some unsuspecting vehicle! ("The Long, Long Trailer", with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz comes to mind)! Carefree, only for the prepared! :D Thanks! :D Jack
Hey, Dan! Yes, they sure were...and over the history of the Indy 500, pace cars were at least open, convertible tops or T tops. www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/every-indy-500-pace-car-and-driver-1911-to-2022/6515726/ Thanks! :) Jack
Jack, 1969 was the last year, and in most enthusiasts opinion, best year for the first generation Camaro. The RS package added the hidden headlights, headlight washers, special striping, revised taillights that moved the backup lights to the bumper, RS badging a revised grille, and special trim. Camaros with both the RS and SS package are rare. The ‘69 pace car, with the white paint, orange stripe combination, and that beautiful houndstooth interior in orange, the cool horseshoe shifter, special cowl hood and on this one the optional tilt wheel, make for a luxurious, sporty, and upscale performance car. The color combination and graphics make for a striking presence. Including the cars used in the actual race, Chevrolet built only 3675 pace cars. The base SS 350 V-8 produces 300 horsepower, optional engines can range up 375 horsepower. Beautiful pace car, and my favorite year and trim level. Joe
Hey, Joe! Thanks for delineating the equipment that came with each package this year! There's no doubt that this car was designed to be breathtaking, and that Chevy took out the stops when designing this car. Houndstooth upholstery has to be symbolic of how far they would go to make this car stand out! Thanks so much for describing the SS and RS so well! :) Jack
Hey, Jack! I totally understand. Making these videos for RU-vid is quite a bit of work! You have done a fantastic job keeping pace over the years. But sometimes cutting back is just the right choice, even if it is only temporary. One of the things that I would like to suggest is doing more "Fireside Meetings" with your channel. We do enjoy actually seeing you and hearing your stories about the various cars that have been in your life! I remember one of your stories about your first car, or your family's Henry J. I always love a good story, especially about cars... Well? Because we have all been there at some point! Maybe we are all of a certain generation raised on our love for the automobile. Sometimes it is a love/ hate relationship, but part of our life story! I don't think the younger generation feels that way. They seem to want a vehicle that just does the job, or gets them from point A to Point B. It's always great to see you! Do take care! Thanks for your many years of wonderful videos and wonderful comment responses!
Hey, Karyn! Thanks for the support...you and Dale sure have an understanding of the work involved! Perhaps cutting back might actually help the algorithm....a video a day may be overload! That's a great suggestion on the "Fireside Meetings"...nothing beats the telling of a tale that is particular to that individual! All the cars of that make and year might not have the same problem, but one can't deny my individual experience. So I'll carry on....and as the PA Dutch say...."we'll see what makes"! :D Thanks! :D Jack
Hey, Jack! I have been a subscriber since Shag was a pup! I am guilty of the ole trying-to-find-enough time syndrome. Dale's Toy Man Television RU-vid channel seems to take up most of his time editing and filming for only 2 shows a week. I have even had to cut my appearance on his Tuesday show to make room for my other chores. We also have apartment rentals and dealing with tenants is similar to dealing with children. Last year, we had one of our rentals get completely destroyed! We were months getting it renovated to rent again! Now we have had another one of our rentals damaged and the tenants just move out on their lease! Man! I hear you on the age thing! I am amazed at how well you seem to do at 84! I don't do so well on any adventures that require me to stand for any length of time and Dale is no better! Both of us need knee replacement. This getting old is the pits!! We spent all summer chasing the Union Pacific's 4014 Big Boy Locomotive as it passed through the western half of Wyoming, Northern Utah, and some of Nevada, on its way to Sacramento CA. Dale has been chasing trains for most of his life. But after our adventures this summer, standing out in the extreme heat and wind in the desert and salt flats, dealing with other aggressive rail fans, driving some distances, lodging, me getting pulled over in Soda Springs Idaho for not stopping for a pedestrian... which I didn't see.. and there was a lot of traffic there also chasing the Big Boy.... all for material for the RU-vid channel!!! Once home, I told Dale, " We have just chased our last train!! No more. We can visit a train. We can ride a train. We can meet a train as it comes into town......... But No More Chasing Them Along the Highways!!!! It is too dangerous!!!!" Our mobility issues won't allow us to climb, walk, or stand on some of these railroad right of ways. Falling isn't something that I want for either of us. Seniors just don't take a tumble very well! The bottom line is... I wonder if our viewers understand what we put ourselves through to make a video for RU-vid. We do need the subscribers! I need to create a few minutes for myself to keep up with your channel as well. Do try to pace yourself! I know that I have had to ... and I am only just stepping into the official age of Medicare! Do take care.. and hopefully, things will resolve with your channel! Thanks for being with us for so many years!!
Hey, Karyn! So good to keep up with you! That definitely sounds like a LOT of work that you and Dale do! I couldn't possibly keep up with a schedule like that! I'm sorry that rentals aren't always working out....I do think those problems are more prevalent today than yesteryear. Sorry to hear of yours and Dales knee problems...so far I've been able to sidestep that...but that doesn't mean I can get up and down with ease. A former workmate of mine had a stroke last year, and it's been a long road to recovery....as I've discussed with him, recovery, indeed survival, requires adaptation. That's sometimes very hard, but it can be done. No use kidding ourselves....the best way to live out our lives is to remain healthy, and decide what interesting things we can do and still remain healthy. I'm very interested in You Tube videos of all kinds of subjects...architecture, deserted buildings, getting people unstuck in the Utah desert, King's College England 24 hours in A & E, Gifted young musicians, Hospice care, and rescues on the road. I don't really have to go outside the house to have new worlds open up to me. Network television is seldom on. So on we go...I wish you and Dale the best.....and live long and happy lives! :) Jack
Hey Jack, I will certainly remain a loyal fan of your channel whatever changes you need to make. Thanks for your steadfast efforts and look forward to seeing new videos.
Hey, Donny Boy Blue! I appreciate those comments, as I continue to do what I've always done, albeit a little slower! :D Thanks for your continued support and comments! :) Jack
Hey, Gary! www.autoevolution.com/news/1969-chevrolet-camaro-flaunts-rare-z11-package-and-flashy-orange-interior-225550.html Evidently it included the air induction hood, and Rallye wheels and I believe the rear spoiler and sport steering wheel were optional. So equipped, it really mirrored the pacecar. Thanks! :) Jack
That sure would be a treat! There are some channels on YT that feature old movies of traffic, particularly in NY City and Los Angeles. They've been colorized and are just a treat to watch! Here's one of LA traffic: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-I3kq8NzJo4Y.html Thanks! :) Jack
In the New York City ones you get a rare treat to spot the NY 1942 Desoto Skycab with the retractable roof over the passenger compartment. The '42 has the disappearing headlights! Thanks! :) Jack
Such a nice car. Definitely much less staid looking than the ''54 Chevy. While i generally prefer original-style upholstery - and i would in this car, too - i'd be ok with this very nice alternative if i owned this car.
I'm a sucker for white upholstery, and this would be fine for me! My boss when a teen at a shop had a brand new one of these...Ford put new rings in it! But I liked the car! Thanks! :) Jack
This is a real beauty. If it was painted 35 years ago, it certainly has been babied since. GM was playing catch up to Ford’s aggressive program of new products in the late 50s and into the 60s. The 1964 1/2 Mustang caught GM off guard, but with the Camaro , they countered with a very formidable product.
So true...the Mustang was a game changer for the automotive industry, and certainly inspired great work from the other manufacturers! This car is particularly eye catching and being chosen as a pace car at Indy certainly helped Camaro's cause. The use of color and pattern is particularly brilliant! Thanks! :) Jack
From their frequency in your videos, i infer that Boss 302 Mustangs were by far the most common 2012 model at the shows for awhile. I can understand why. They sure are nice cars.
It certainly was making a big splash at shows...and the BOSS in the title sure helped sales. Enough of a departure both in styling and offering the new 5.0 to really stimulate sales. Thanks! :) Jack
Jack, at this point In Cadillac history, it was owned by Henry Ford, although he wanted to liquidate the brand because his fledgling car company was struggling. Ford commissioned Henry Leland, who actually created the brand while at Ford, to dissolve the company, but Leland persuaded investors to allow him to try to salvage the brand. Leland brought two things to Cadillac, the one cylinder engine featured here, and an unwavering commitment to quality and precision engineering and construction. It would earn Cadillac the coveted Dewar trophy just four years later, and the moniker, “Standard Of The World”. Most importantly perhaps, it caused the brand to garner the attention of another somewhat fledgling automaker named General Motors, who purchased Cadillac from Ford in 1909. The rest, as they say, is history. Leland was fired by Ford, started another fledgling car company named for the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, and eventually sold that company to Henry Ford. Exceptional museum quality Cadillac. Joe
Hey, Joe! Thanks as ever for exploring the intricacies of the inner circle of the automotive industry of Detroit! I guess you could characterize those days as "rough and tumble"! It must have been interesting in those days to see who was invited to whose parties, who was or was not speaking to whom, and who might pretend friendship only to not quite live up to those standards! I agree that this Cadillac is of museum quality! Thanks again! :) Jack
