ocnblu

Pity poor Vipes if he'd been riding in any of the millions upon millions of cars made over many decades with gas tanks behind the axle. For example, a 1964-1983 Chevy Malibu. If he backed into a deer in one of those, man, it'd be like July 4th... http://www.cheersandgears.com/public/style_emoticons//AH-HA_wink.gif

Well, the fuel tanks on those cars were located under the trunk floor to the left of the spare tire well. The spare was stored kind of standing up on the right side of the trunk. The sources I went to with Croc's prodding mentioned some of the other A/G bodies briefly. The articles mostly indict all cars with fuel tanks located just ahead of the rear bumper, a standard location for decades. One of the lawyers in the Malibu case also represented plaintiffs in the Ford Pinto case. I'd be interested in seeing some published dimensions of those GM cars. I wouldn't think there'd be that much of a difference in rear overhangs between a Malibu, and, say, a Century or Cutlass fastback or LeMans. I could maybe see a slight difference between a Malibu and a Monte Carlo or Grand Prix... not enough to keep the car from exploding after being hit at 50 mph by some drunk ass punk.

The cars debuted in 1978. The fuel tank location was shared among all divisions. The fuel tank remained in the same place until production stopped on the A/G bodies in 1988. The fuel filler was behind the license plate on coupes and sedans, on the quarter panel for El Camino and wagons.

What in the world are you talking about, Croc? <_<

You got off easy, Vipes. The highest repair bill I can remember from a deer hit: $11,000 on a Sedan DeVille involving the front end and replacing the roof and windshield.

I believe it was because at that point they could make the car generally smaller overall and maintain passenger space to a point. Smaller, lighter cars = better mileage. It wasn't strictly the FWD layout. This was before the sophisticated fuel management systems and whatnot that are available today. Notice that cars in general are growing with each successive generation with ever-improving fuel economy, a testament to improving technology. There should be no reason why an Impala today couldn't have the same fuel mileage whether it's F or RWD, imo.

The Dakota and Durango front bumpers, with their "jutting chin" look, look like afterthoughts to me, stuck on there as a band-aid to improve crash test results, as if the bumper is the sole piece of crash protection engineered for these trucks. That would scare me if I were a Dodge Boy.

I think Dodge had a model called "Royal" back in the day. And Dodge Dart was more of a full-size car before it was a compact. Did you see a little Dart, or a big Dart? I can't remember seeing anything unusual lately. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled.

Yeah, I was all loud about wanting RWD to return myself. I still have faith that it will on larger cars. But until then, I think Chevrolet (and Pontiac with G6) has done a good job with the FWD cars. I can't wait to see and hear an '06 Monte Carlo SS, even though it's prolly gonna be out of my price range.

That gorgeous orange Fiero proves my point about spoilers... doesn't it look great with a nice, clean, low rear deck? I am so thankful the "Buck Rogers" finned monstrosity is missing from the '06 G6 coupe. That car is absolutely light years ahead of its predecessor in looks and class... I want an Emerald Green/Ebony cloth 6 speed G6 GTP coupe with polished rims!

Regal Cielo, funny story: The top completely disappears, but the rear door glass doesn't go down all the way. How's that for convertible fun? :P

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :rolleyes: (Vipes must be so mad he can't speak. Or type, whatever.) http://www.cheersandgears.com/public/style_emoticons//AH-HA_wink.gif

I do not believe that any religion should judge a person based on sexual orientation. It is fine to advocate fidelity to preserve a home, but let adults choose their adult partner as they will. The commercialization of Christianity is wrong, imo. This website makes fun of "Christians" ©, and also puts to shame in a funny way anyone who improperly uses their faith to bring shame on gay people. If you believe in God, you must acknowledge that he made us too. We have a right to live as we were designed. We're not going to take over the world, that would be impossible. But we should be left alone and not shunned for being who we are. We are not evil. Would you cast out a fellow Quaker if you found out he loved another man? What purpose would that serve the community as a whole? It would only weaken the community, for we are everywhere, we just don't shout about it.

That's a tight little hatchback. Compare that to the rust bucket, oil-burning Excel of 20 years ago. Hyundai has learned very quickly how to make an appealing car.

:blink:

Jeez, I honestly did not post this to start a fire. I thought it was funny.

Dsuupr, the people being made fun of at my link are hypocrites purporting to be Christian, not TRUE CHRISTIANS. To me, a true Christian has his faith inside. He keeps it quiet. He doesn't use his faith to condemn others. I thought the linked site was hilarious, in an Onion sort of way, and decided to share. It's a satire.

I admit I love getting ahold of "the latest thing". I've had quite a few first-year vehicles. Right now I'm in love with the HHR, G6 GTP coupe, Solstice, Civic EX coupe, Impala, and Cobalt SS and SS/SC, among others... Mustang, LXs, etc. I've been accused recently of being "obsessed" with cars by a family member. It's like they didn't know I've been this way since I was born. :rolleyes: http://www.cheersandgears.com/public/style_emoticons//AH-HA_wink.gif

BOYS RULE!

http://www.landoverbaptist.org/news0704/homoprevention.html http://www.cheersandgears.com/public/style_emoticons//AH-HA_wink.gif

I don't like wearing stinky stuff. For years there I used to get Stetson every year from my stepmom for Christmas. I wonder if she could see the fake smile when I opened it as she made a comment about how the girls love it. One year I just had to say "I don't wear cologne" in the most polite way I could. I never got another bottle of Stetson.

I find that the ride and handling are light years ahead of my S-10s. I've owned 5 S-10s, the last being a '98 extended cab ZR2. My '04 Colorado Z71 4X4 extended cab is a much more comfortable, solid-feeling vehicle. On trips, I get 4 mpg better mileage than with the 4.3L. Both trucks had 3.73 rear ends.

That backwards helmet picture is freakin' funny as hell! :lol:

Very sweet Olds, man. Welcome to the board. I love '78-'88 A/G bodies.

Whoa, and by the looks of the car, he's been rearended one too many times.