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How often do you drive YOUR charger

Started by jefferson, October 31, 2018, 02:42:09 AM

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jefferson

As you guys know, im in Australia and recently imported a 68 charger. I love her, i love driving her but now im wondering, i talk to other car guys and they dont drive theres at all, they have  them trailed everywhere, then others tell me, screw that, drive the car and enjoy it. Then others say, that with how less and less and more expensive chargers are now days then very rarely drive it. Ive taken mine out a few times and hard to hang up the keys, But its got me wondering, what is the go with people not driving there chargers, rarely driving them or having them trailed in and out of car shows, displays etc.

Is it to preserve them? Scared of scratches, stone marks, chips etc etc.

Or will most here agree and say, screw that, drive it as much as you can and dont worry.

Got me stoked on how everyones opinions seem to vary.


alfaitalia

I'm planning to drive mine everywhere I can...all the time I can afford the stupidly priced UK fuel at least! Done the same with all the classic and semi classic cars I've owned. I won't drive or in the rain unless I get caught out in it or the winter....too much money in the car and salt on or winter roads for that....but otherwise yeah...is was built first and foremost to drive not to be a trailer ornament. Those who never or very rarely drive their classics and Chargers will be the perfect restoration show car boys....those cars are lovely to look at even though very few are really anything like "correct" ...the factory simply did not build them that well!....but they make me sad...like a cheetah in a cage...it's a crime imo! If I get a chip in my paint..well that's life. I won't park tight between cars or leave is done when out and he as carefull as I can....but accidents happen.
If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you !!

Back N Black

I drive my charger pretty much every day during the season, being in Canada that is about 6-7 months. I know lots of guy that rarely drive their cars, I will ask a friends to go crusin but pretty much I go cruising alone. My car was a complete nut and bolt restoration but I did not build it to look at, built it to drive.

RIDELIKEHELL

Quote from: Back N Black on October 31, 2018, 05:55:30 AM
I drive my charger pretty much every day during the season, being in Canada that is about 6-7 months. I know lots of guy that rarely drive their cars, I will ask a friends to go crusin but pretty much I go cruising alone. My car was a complete nut and bolt restoration but I did not build it to look at, built it to drive.

I'm right there with you! Since the end of May I have put on 5020 miles as of last night! DRIVE EM!!!!
AMD POSTER BOY

1968 CHARGER R/T  http://www.youtube.com/user/ridelikehell73

RIDELIKEHELL

AMD POSTER BOY

1968 CHARGER R/T  http://www.youtube.com/user/ridelikehell73

c00nhunterjoe

Weather permitting, i drive it all the time. Trailoring depends on how far i have to go, and that is for the street car, race car, and unrestored origonal car. 1st 2 are wear and tear and fuel factors, the unrestored car is based on and damage and milewge since its only got 35k on it. I will typically drive any of them roughly an hour to a cruise or show or even just because, further then that the trailor comes out for peace of mind in case of breakdowns, and fuel. I have them to enjoy but at the same time dont want to destroy them or let some moron on the interstate doing 90 do it for me.

Chargen69

I guess i suck, 2100 miles in 3 years after restoring it.  I live in SC and not in the country.  SOOOOOOO many morons behind the wheel

Bronzedodge

I have mine out at least once a week until they salt the roads for the first snow.  In the spring, after there's a couple of good rains to clean up the streets, she's back.
Mopar forever!

Challenger340

Weather permitting I try and drive it regularily, and with sufficient extra time allowed for the people that inevitably want to look/talk/reminisce along the way.

And living rural 30 minutes from the closest "tourist" town of 5,000 usually FULL of tourists/people from far and wide ? there seems to be no such thing as just a "quick" stop for gas ? groceries, garden center or the parts store no matter, and I guess it's just part of the models recognizability ?

You would be surprised how many people take or want pictures, like the Charger is part of their Holidays ? or a tourist attraction ? Belgians/French/Europeans, one fella this past summer from Germany very shocked I had a lawn mower I just bought in the trunk, with the push handle sticking out and the trunk lid bungie corded down.
He came running up in whatever goofy short pants he had on.... smiling/staring/ogling... and said "You peeeples achtuually driiv deez carz ?"
I said.... "yeah, but only when I got some junk to pick up, or a trip to the dump, etc., because it's too hard on fuel"
Jaw drop... all BUG eyed.... "NOOOO ? Reell-zee ?
By the time I was done with that guy, I had him believing most all Hillbillies still have an old classic car in the garage at home, but we just don't drive them much anymore because of fuel prices, too big to park etc.


Only wimps wear Bowties !

cbrestorations

Every single day, I have true daily drivers. And no newer vehicles in my driveway. Only 2nd gen chargers. Just put 2k miles on one in the last week. Driving out of town twice and all around in town. If it gets wrecked...no biggie, I'll make money on it from insurance being able to rebuild them myself and just drive one of the others till it's fixed. Big blocks, small blocks and even a whimpy ol slant six 3 on the tree...when's the last time u saw a slant six 3 on the tree as a daily 😂

myk

Driving it every day since I got it back from the body shop a week ago, even though I swore I would never drive it again...

Lennard

My car is still a non running and driving project, but once it's done I will drive the wheels off it.

My buddy Chris and I just drove last weekend from his house in Vegas to the fall fling car show in Van Nuys California with 2 of his '68 Chargers. We drove about 700 miles. :2thumbs:

cdr

LINK TO MY STORY http://www.onallcylinders.com/2015/11/16/ride-shares-charlie-keel-battles-cancer-ms-to-build-brilliant-1968-dodge-charger/  
                                                                                           
68 Charger 512 cid,9.7to1,Hilborn EFI,Home ported 440 source heads,small hyd roller cam,COLD A/C ,,a518 trans,Dana 60 ,4.10 gear,10.93 et,4100lbs on street tires full exhaust daily driver
Charger55 by Charlie Keel, on Flickr

Godsmack635

I average 500 miles a year.  Western Washington weather doesn't allow me much more than that unless I'm willing to drive it in the rain or on wet roads which I never do. 

CDN72SE

I plan on driving mine in good weather, it was my daily driver for quite a few years and treated it and used it anyway I would use a car. Used to deliver pizzas with it... but that was then. After all the money I am putting into it I will of course treat it differently but I will drive it that's why I have kept it 31 years. Hope to have it on the road summer '19.
1972 Charger SE

JR

Every single weekend.

I avoid obviously risky times, like 5 0'clock traffic rush, or cold fall evenings when deer start moving here in the southeast, but I drive it as much as possible.

I don't want to look back on my deathbed and remember all the times I rubbed the car with a diaper, screw that. I want to remember tire smoke and noise.
70 Charger RT top bananna /68 Charger RT triple green

6pkrtse

I average anywhere from at least 3000 to 5000+ sometimes more miles a year on my red 70. An injured knee & then finally reconstructive knee surgery took it's tool on not being able to drive it the last several months unfortunately. Not because it would be difficult to drive, only because I have to swap & move several other cars to get it out & put it away each time which required too much walking.
1963 Belvedere 413 Max Wedge
1970 Charger R/T S.E. 440 sixpack.
1970 Challenger R/T Drag Radial 528 Hemi
1970 Charger 500 S.E. 440 4 BBL
1970 Road Runner 383 4 BBL
1974 Chrysler New Yorker 440 4 BBL
1996 Dodge Ram 2500 V-10 488 cu in.
2004 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD Dually 6x6
2012 Challenger R/T Classic

6.7Cummins

When ever it is nice I drive mine. Just took a spin yesterday after work.
1968 Charger R/T 440/727

XH29N0G

When I'm in town, salt is not on the roads and it is not raining .... every weekend when I can
Who in their right mind would say

"The science should not stand in the way of this."? 

Science is just observation and hypothesis.  Policy stands in the way.........

Or maybe it protects us. 

I suppose it depends on the specific case.....

303 Mopar

I drive mine as much as possible mostly on weekends year round. I too avoid snow, ice, rush hour and when the local high school lets out.  There are some nice backroads where I'm at, but I'm careful to avoid driving there around sunset and at night due to deer.
1968 Charger - 1970 Cuda - 1969 Sport Satellite Convertible

metallicareload99

Quote from: myk on October 31, 2018, 10:06:31 AM
Driving it every day since I got it back from the body shop a week ago, even though I swore I would never drive it again...

:2thumbs:

I've been driving it every day. 8,400+ miles this year.

It's the only vehicle I own
:drive:
1968, When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth

Kern Dog

Quote from: myk on October 31, 2018, 10:06:31 AM
Driving it every day since I got it back from the body shop a week ago, even though I swore I would never drive it again...

Why would you say that?

myk

Quote from: Kern Dog on October 31, 2018, 11:49:05 PM
Quote from: myk on October 31, 2018, 10:06:31 AM
Driving it every day since I got it back from the body shop a week ago, even though I swore I would never drive it again...

Why would you say that?

Car was down for 8 months, having to look for parts, wrestling with the body shop; I don't want to go through any of that again, it's not worth it.  And with California roads getting more congested and dangerous all the time, it's just not a safe environment for anyone with a car they give a damn about...

Petebell68

Try to drive it every weekend at least , but sometimes weather and life just get in the way .
Went out a couple of days ago they run well in the nice cool air .

Dino

When it's not in my garage being a big project, I drive it every day until there's ice on the ground, and again when the first rains wash away the road salt.

I get sad when it sits in the garage and I get happy when I'm behind the wheel. Life too short to be sad.
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

Petebell68

I'm with you during the winter months when they're just sitting when there is snow outside it is sad .
Sometimes I'll grab a coffee and sit in the car and read - I've even had my breakfast in it during the winter watching the snow fall through the garage windows ..

Brass

I think I normally put about 2,000-2,500 miles on a year.  Mostly from July through September.  The rest of the time, I try not to let it sit more than 4 weeks at a shot, and make a point of taking it out during those rare instances when it's dry.  I take precautions but try not to worry too much about what could happen on the road, and just accept it will incur some wear and tear.  Turning the key still lights me up every time.  

69wannabe

I try to drive it every weekend in the summer months even tho it's a non a/c car I try to get out early and get back before me and Coco melt  ;D The fall of the year seems to be my favorite riding time with the leaves turning and the weather cooling off. It is always weather permitting tho since I won't drive it in the rain, so if it's raining on the weekends then mine doesn't get drove then. I know it's not good for them to just sit and I enjoy driving mine around so I try to drive it regularly. I drive a company vehicle to work during the week so no way to drive the charger to work.

Dino

Quote from: Petebell68 on November 01, 2018, 09:51:31 AM
I'm with you during the winter months when they're just sitting when there is snow outside it is sad .
Sometimes I'll grab a coffee and sit in the car and read - I've even had my breakfast in it during the winter watching the snow fall through the garage windows ..

I get it, but never tell your psychiatrist :lol:

When I used to drive mine to work I'd have lunch in the car while listening to the AM radio. I miss those times.   :yesnod:
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

BDF

I drive mine whenever I can. It's my 'Happy Place'. My wife is used to hearing "I'm going for a drive" but I have learned to not tell her I am going to the coast OR how long I'll be gone. She told me this morning she & her mother were going somewhere so I said "OK, I'm going for a drive" and left out the details. Which are going to the coast & being gone ALL DAY. :2thumbs:

bull

For some reason driving is not a problem for me when it comes to fear of it getting damaged. What I don't like is leaving it parked somewhere. Maybe I think it's harder to hit a moving object. :shruggy: Other than dead bugs while driving most of the damage I've incurred is from people pawing it while it's sitting still.

6pktgo

I`ve had my car restored now for 9 years & put 2100 miles on it in that time .  Don`t drive it near as much as I`d like to.  It`s 8 degrees & lots of snow outside, so it`s again tucked away for the winter.   

Nacho-RT74

When in one piece, uses to be my driver. I built it to enjoy it
Venezuelan RT 74 400 4bbl, 727, 8.75 3.23 open. Now stroked with 440 crank and 3.55 SG. Here is the History and how is actually: http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,7603.0/all.html
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,25060.0.html

Todd Wilson

Havent drove my 71 in over 4 years..................


Todd

AKcharger

Once every two weeks is average, seems like I'm always busy

nvrbdn

Being busy can dictate how often it gets out, but I try to get it out a few times a month. Went for a nice drive yesterday and it was awesome. Am planning to do it again today if the rain holds off for a while!!!!! But we are supposed to get a good bit of rain and snow for the next couple days.
70 Dodge Charger 500
70 Duster (Moulin Rouge)
73 Challenger
50 Dodge Pilot House

A383Wing

I have 3 Chargers and the one Pontiac......I keep track of my mileage that I put on each car every year.....

I have not put more than 100 miles on each of those 4 cars per year over the last few years.......

I guess I need to get out more

Bryan

cdr

As I said I drive mine all the time, here is a short drive the other day, demonstrating overdrive & lock up converter.
https://youtu.be/DBlr7x_87Ic
LINK TO MY STORY http://www.onallcylinders.com/2015/11/16/ride-shares-charlie-keel-battles-cancer-ms-to-build-brilliant-1968-dodge-charger/  
                                                                                           
68 Charger 512 cid,9.7to1,Hilborn EFI,Home ported 440 source heads,small hyd roller cam,COLD A/C ,,a518 trans,Dana 60 ,4.10 gear,10.93 et,4100lbs on street tires full exhaust daily driver
Charger55 by Charlie Keel, on Flickr

c00nhunterjoe

During the winter months i visit mine every friday night in the garage. We listen to music and drink beer together waiting for the salt to wash off the roads.

Back N Black

Quote from: cdr on November 23, 2018, 02:56:59 PM
As I said I drive mine all the time, here is a short drive the other day, demonstrating overdrive & lock up converter.
https://youtu.be/DBlr7x_87Ic

Nice!!! what trans do you have in the car?

Kern Dog

As I recall, he has an adapted 518 from a Dakota.

cdr

It came out of a 1995 1/2 ton pick up a518/46rh
LINK TO MY STORY http://www.onallcylinders.com/2015/11/16/ride-shares-charlie-keel-battles-cancer-ms-to-build-brilliant-1968-dodge-charger/  
                                                                                           
68 Charger 512 cid,9.7to1,Hilborn EFI,Home ported 440 source heads,small hyd roller cam,COLD A/C ,,a518 trans,Dana 60 ,4.10 gear,10.93 et,4100lbs on street tires full exhaust daily driver
Charger55 by Charlie Keel, on Flickr

redgum78

Quote from: jefferson on October 31, 2018, 02:42:09 AM
As you guys know, im in Australia and recently imported a 68 charger. I love her, i love driving her but now im wondering, i talk to other car guys and they dont drive theres at all, they have  them trailed everywhere, then others tell me, screw that, drive the car and enjoy it. Then others say, that with how less and less and more expensive chargers are now days then very rarely drive it. Ive taken mine out a few times and hard to hang up the keys, But its got me wondering, what is the go with people not driving there chargers, rarely driving them or having them trailed in and out of car shows, displays etc.

Is it to preserve them? Scared of scratches, stone marks, chips etc etc.

Or will most here agree and say, screw that, drive it as much as you can and dont worry.

Got me stoked on how everyones opinions seem to vary.



Hey Jefferson- Where in Oz are you? I am in Rural Gippsland, Victoria.
I drive mine at least weekly and have daily driven in the past. Almost never lock it and park it anywhere that it will fit! I guess its a bit easier in our Country as there is no off season plus been in a rural area helps. Mine is a 73 so not quite the same value as a 2nd Gen Charger however I also have a 70 RT Challenger and that will be treated exactly the same when it is finished.

toocheaptosmoke

I drive mine quite frequently through the non winter months, usually 1-2 times a week I drive it to work if the weather isn't bad.    I purposely have not finished the paint and bodywork just because I enjoy not worrying about it.  Oddly enough I use it more as a commuter than anything, my "weekend car" is usually the jeep.  :lol:

440

I pretend to drive mine once every 3 - 5 years or so when it gets winched on or off a trailer to move it.

qwick68

I bought mine in 1995 with 27000 original miles after sitting for years, I drove it daily while in high school then sparingly after I acquired another vehicle.  After completing a OE resto about 12-13 years ago its seen very little use, I'd say the last 5 years or so it sees less than 100 miles a year.  I used to go to a lot of cruise nights and shows when I finished the car but i'm not really into it anymore.  I take it to work a few times a year, haven't been to a show in 3 years and a cruise night in 5 or so.  I have 2 little ones at home and a boat I use when the weather is nice....I do enjoy driving it when I can, other than that unfortunately it just sits.....last I checked its got about 33k on it now.....
68 Charger LL-1 Turquoise

nvrbdn


I like the cruises much better than the shows because I can't handle sitting there all day. I actually made it through 2 whole shows this past summer to collect a trophy. Most shows I go to is to just donate to the show, check the cars, eat a bite and hit the road. 2 weeks ago I put 150 miles on the car just driving the river road and cruising the towns on the way.  A pic from the river!!!
70 Dodge Charger 500
70 Duster (Moulin Rouge)
73 Challenger
50 Dodge Pilot House

Kern Dog

That is a nice looking car and a great picture.

nvrbdn

70 Dodge Charger 500
70 Duster (Moulin Rouge)
73 Challenger
50 Dodge Pilot House

qwick68

Quote from: qwick68 on November 24, 2018, 11:12:52 AM
I bought mine in 1995 with 27000 original miles after sitting for years, I drove it daily while in high school then sparingly after I acquired another vehicle.  After completing a OE resto about 12-13 years ago its seen very little use, I'd say the last 5 years or so it sees less than 100 miles a year.  I used to go to a lot of cruise nights and shows when I finished the car but i'm not really into it anymore.  I take it to work a few times a year, haven't been to a show in 3 years and a cruise night in 5 or so.  I have 2 little ones at home and a boat I use when the weather is nice....I do enjoy driving it when I can, other than that unfortunately it just sits.....last I checked its got about 33k on it now.....
68 Charger LL-1 Turquoise