What discontinued products do you miss?

[ERD50]

Apparently, you were not a good mechanic on the older cars that had ignition points and a carburetor, or you didn't have a good mechanic handy.

I had plenty of those simple cars, and all that they required was a good, simple tune up every 10,000 miles or so. ....

... These newer, computer controlled cars seem to either run or just stop, and fixing one in your driveway requires a good ECM scanner and that may not be enough. Oh, and an inexpensive code reader tells you what the "symptom" is and that is generally not enough information to figure out the defective part(s). Try deciphering a typical code that gives the info as PXXXX - "leak in evaporative control system" and go to Autozone with that in your hand. Good luck! ...

Well, I agree with you that the 'transition' years of emission controls before the fuel injection and ECM systems matured were the worst of all worlds.

But I can't agree with much of the rest. The 10,000 mile tune-ups are not required at all these days (and even plugs are good for 40-100,000 miles). I knew how to do tune ups, and I did - but I like it better when I don't have to do them. And the minute you closed the hood, that tune-up was degrading mile by mile - the modern computers keep all that in check with superb accuracy.

Sure, the code readers can only report the symptom, but often it's so pinpoint that the causes are obvious, and the internet helps. And they are no longer expensive. I bought a $15 bluetooth OBDII module and use a free app on my tablet that tells me far more than the $60 scanner I bought a few years ago:

Amazon.com: Bluetooth OBDII OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner Scan Tool Check Engine Light Car Code Reader: Automotive

On my Volvo, the code and a quick internet search pinpointed it down to thermostat or sensor (engine not coming up to temperature in specified time). The thermostat was cheaper, so I did that first, and that did it.

Of all the modern cars in our family, I've never had an actual ECM issue, or anything related to the new stuff. One car did need a fuel injector replaced, but that wasn't a big deal - I'm sure carburetors over that same time and number of vehicles would have required more attention. I've had water pumps, a coil, gaskets, exhaust stuff, and regular maintenance like light bulbs, belts, brakes and tires - all the same old stuff as the old cars.

It would be interesting to see stats on average miles between tows today versus an early 1960's car. I'd be very surprised if the modern systems aren't far more reliable.

No nostalgia for me, you can have the carbs and points and dwell meters and timing lights if you like 'em!

-ERD50

 

[HFWR]

My NAD receiver...

-ERD50

I didn't know nads could pickup radio signals? But they do have a built-in antenna...

 

[big-papa]

Danish Go Rounds.

 

[MBAustin]

Clark's Teaberry 15-Piece Gum Pack: 12 Count

Wow! Thanks!

http://youtu.be/jB1UwaccSRI

I remember that commercial well - goodness gracious there's a lot of stuff on YouTube!

 

[Bestwifeever]

Test patterns on tv following the national anthem.

I also miss a negative--the lack of descriptive commercials for personal care products....

 

[Rick_Head]

.....

Modern cars needing a tow? Hmmm, last few times I've had any issues at all, the check engine light comes on, I read the code, and it practically tells me what is wrong - long before I even noticed any problems.

Just the guy to help. Codes say:
- O2 Sensor, bank 1, sensor 1
- O2 Sensor, bank 2, sensor 1
- Lean condition

What's wrong?

 

[Live And Learn]

Telephone Booths.

I'm so tired of listening to other people's cell phone conversations about their medical issues, legal problems and other assorted dramas.

I was thinking to myself "there's really nothing I miss" and then I read the above. Gosh yes, I do indeed miss Telephone Booths !!!

 

[HFWR]

I was thinking to myself "there's really nothing I miss" and then I read the above. Gosh yes, I do indeed miss Telephone Booths !!!

Made live miserable for Clark Kent!

 

[harley]

Bookstores. Not quite extinct, but getting few and far between.

 

[ERD50]

Test patterns on tv following the national anthem. ...

I wonder of you can still buy test pattern generators? TV guys used them. But there is this:

And one with an Indian Princess for the guys:

... I also miss a negative--the lack of descriptive commercials for personal care products....

I'm with you on that. There are certain words/phrases I just don't want to hear at certain times of the day, even then I want a warning so I can at least mentally tune them out. I kinda feel sorry for parents today - young kids must be asking what this stuff means. Just doesn't seem right for prime time.

Just the guy to help. Codes say:
- O2 Sensor, bank 1, sensor 1
- O2 Sensor, bank 2, sensor 1
- Lean condition

What's wrong?

Take the codes and the car make/model/year/engine and plug them in a search engine. There tends to be common issues with each make/model/year/engine car, and some diagnostics to narrow it down if there are several possibilities.

Better than the old days: Hmmm, car misfires. Is it - fuel filter, carb (jets, float, gasket....), points, coil, fouled plug, arcing spark plug wire, and on and on. No codes to guide you.

-ERD50

 

[ownyourfuture]

Gasoline without 10 % ethonol , for marine and small engines. In CA, only way to get this is to buy 100LL avation gas at the airport , at over 2x the cost of auto gasoline

That's ridiculous. Can't blame you for being
But we have to appease the farmers. (AKA agriculture industrial complex)
Been doing it since the 30's

 

[ownyourfuture]

Hostess Pudding Pies were the absolute bomb... and I mean that in both a good and bad way! So delicious but so loaded with saturated fat and calories. My friends and I used to eat these all the time back in the 80s.

I had forgotten about those.
YUMMY!

 

[ownyourfuture]

Buckwheats cereal. I loved this cereal when I was growing up.


Sent from my iPad using Early Retirement Forum

Another great blast from the past. I loved them too!

 

[ownyourfuture]

For a trip down memory lane, a link to where 'old time candy' can be found.




Old Fashioned and Retro Candy - Home of Candy you ate as a kid®

Thanks!

 

[ownyourfuture]

Andy Capp's fries.

Not the cheddar or hot flavored ones, although they are good comfort food too, just the plain version which was the ultimate salty greasy treat in my mind.

Didn't know they quit making them

 

[ownyourfuture]

Hamburger helper rice oriental with a little extra soy sauce. YUMMY!