I'm letting my mom use my "normal" car so I've been using the '66 Valiant with 225 auto as a daily driver for the last week and it's been interesting. I just got this car about three weeks ago. I know it sat for about 20 years, was revived about two years ago and had been licensed and used recently. I don't think it could have been used much as I've had a few issues that HAD to be addressed before it would be dependable. I figured there would be a lot of little things to straighten out and I had all fall, winter & spring to work on it. But I had to press it into service hastily.

First, on the drive home when I got the car the alternator was NOT charging the battery and yes I ALMOST made it home, I had it tested and it was bad. So with a good alternator I find that the battery was not taking a charge, this was surprising because the battery looked all shiny and new, but it wasn't ("those battery haven't been made in 15 years"). Both of those were pretty simple things to fix. Of coure now I watch the amp gauge all the time.

So I start driving it, it does drive a bit different from a current car, I give people a little bit more space ahead of me as I don't think I have the short stopping distance of a new car but I can keep up with traffic easily. I don't really have a very long commute so I don't drive on the freeway which also helps. The car feels really good taking off from idle even at light throttle, I wish my other cars felt this good. The steering is a bit vague when going straight but I can deal with that. It is an old car and does need a few things - like shocks, they are the original ones (you can tell by the color) and they squeek.

The wiper blades from NAPA are awesome, snapped right on and work great. I was happy that the windshield washer still squirts fluid.

When the weather started to get close to freezing I noticed that the heater didn't put out too much heat. The temp gauge just barely made it into the warm range. I figured I'd do the easy thing first and install a new thermostat (remember to get a gasket because it's a seperate part, I was lucky the parts guy was on top of things). With the new t-stat I now have heat, the car heats up much sooner and does seem to run a bit better, the idle speed is slower too (don't want to think about how much ga$ was wasted at idle).

So I'll just keep driving it and I'll be getting new shocks this week and hopefully better brakes too.

Cool! Sounds like you have things pretty well figured out!



CJ

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

Welcome to our world!
That's the best way to get to know the car, once basic safety requirements are met. The vehicle dynamics are different, and you have to train yourself to use them.
It's not uncommon for one component of the charging system to kill/wound others.
It's a good practice, even if you know you have good brakes, to drive as if you don't. I taught my sons this, although they both seem to have forgotten. It saves gas, extends the time between services, and, oh yeah, helps prevent accidents.
You have a windshield washer? My old aftermarket system bit the dust, so I'm trying to piece one together. The kits aren't as common as they used to be.
Have you searched on this board for recommendations?

Have fun with your car and make it your own!

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

my 72 valiant has been my dd since i was like 12. im 22 now...
oh and whats a tow truck, wut do those do, muhahahaha.
been a great car, everyone i know is suprised its still on the road...
its called.... take care of your damn car... ok rant over.
just keep some random tools and a jack in the back, and know how to hotwire random things and u should never get stuck unless ur car blows up....