Cars for woodworkers

[Packard]

I back into more spaces nowadays because of the backup camera.  Mine offers a calibrated view (good for backing into spaces) and a “cross traffic” (wide view) which is good for backing out of spaces.

In parking lots, backing into a space seems safer. The greater safety lies in the fact that you are facing forward when you leave the spot.  It gives you a better view of crossing traffic.

I used to be particularly skilled at parallel parking.  But I moved to exurbia about 22 years ago and I cannot recall the last time I had to parallel park.

I would warn people who like to leave their parking space by pulling forward into an empty space and driving off.  Do that with care.  Drivers seeing that empty space can pull in as you are moving from one space and then forward.  Head in accidents can occur.

 

[squall_line]

I would warn people who like to leave their parking space by pulling forward into an empty space and driving off.  Do that with care.  Drivers seeing that empty space can pull in as you are moving from one space and then forward.  Head in accidents can occur.

You could also drive up and over a parking block / wheel stop that you didn't realize or remember was there.

If you do that, once the first set of wheels has cleared, you might as well commit to the second set of wheels, unless there's a second barrier for the spot across from you.  Make it look intentional.

I mean, that's maybe what I might do if I found myself in that sort of situation... Not that I've done it...  [embarassed]

 

[Bob D.]

"You could also drive up and over a parking block / wheel stop that you didn't realize or remember was there."

And right after you do call your mechanic and have him order a new oil pan for you.

When your car with low ground clearance comes down off that parking curb
it's gonna bounce hard and right on the oil pan.

Used to be you didn't pass your driver exam if you couldn't parallel park.
I think our high school Driver Ed class had a 69 Impala. Not the most nimble of cars.  [big grin]

 

[Rob Z]

We had a fleet of '72/'73 Torinos. Not much maneuverability with those! LOL  No AC and drivers ed in July  [eek]

Used to be you didn't pass your driver exam if you couldn't parallel park.
I think our high school Driver Ed class had a 69 Impala. Not the most nimble of cars.  [big grin]

 

[CeeJay]

2018 Ford Ranger with a few mods.

Can get 1800 x 1200 sheet goods in the canopy but full size goes on top. The roller on the back of the roof rack makes this really easy.

Also goes great on the beach!

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[AstroKeith]

I have to have sheet goods delivered, but I can pick up 2.4 timber, or 3m if it bends a bit.
Systainers seem to have been designed to fit nicely in the boot.
Plus I can get to the job quicker than most! (2nd photo is me with instructor (RHD car) on the race track)
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[jaguar36]

Tesla Model S, huge amount of room in trunk and frunk for tools and such.  Can fit 10' long boards with the tailgate shut.  Sadly none of the car makers seem to care about carrying 4x8 sheets anymore. 

 

[ChuckM]

I have to have sheet goods delivered, but I can pick up 2.4 timber, or 3m if it bends a bit.
Systainers seem to have been designed to fit nicely in the boot.
Plus I can get to the job quicker than most! (2nd photo is me with instructor (RHD car) on the race track)

The Mustang!

In my college days in the 70s, I drove a Mustang (bought secondhand for $500 Cdn) for a few years, then resold it -- for exactly the same amount. But in those days, I was no match to another dream car of mine: the Stingway convertible. Now that I can afford a Stingway, my head says it's no longer a car suitable for me.  :'(

 

[AstroKeith]

I have to have sheet goods delivered, but I can pick up 2.4 timber, or 3m if it bends a bit.
Systainers seem to have been designed to fit nicely in the boot.
Plus I can get to the job quicker than most! (2nd photo is me with instructor (RHD car) on the race track)

The Mustang!

In my college days in the 70s, I drove a Mustang (bought secondhand for $500 Cdn) for a few years, then resold it -- for exactly the same amount. But in those days, I was no match to another dream car of mine: the Stingway convertible. Now that I can afford a Stingway, my head says it's no longer a car suitable for me.  :'(

(We're probably similar age.) Compared with the Stingray the Mustang is quite an ordinary car. As a grandfather it suits me perfectly and gives me enough of a thrill every time I start it up. Excellent value for what you get. IMO

 

[squall_line]

I rented a 2020 Mustang convertible with the ecoboost engine, and it was plenty of fun on back country two-lane roads, especially with the paddle shifter.  I don't think the same could be said of a rental-level Mustang as recently as 10 years ago.  Cars have come a LONG way in that time.

 

[Packard]

In the early 1970s a friend of mine was in the house painting business.  He used his Camaro.  He loaded the supplies in the back, but I don't remember how he carried a ladder. 

He liked the car and said it was fine for his work.

 

[Peter_C]

Most vehicles today can accept some kind of receiver hitch, and Uhaul installs a lot of them. I tend to build them myself, unless a factory hitch is available used and strong enough, sticking with a 2" receiver. Most smaller car hitches are 1 1/4", which is kinda whimpy, but for me all my hitch needs are 2".

The Harbor Freight trailer works well enough for sheet goods etc. It folds up for a small foot print, making storage in a side yard possible. Did a full remodel on a house before renting it out using a HF trailer. It hauled everything from refrigerators and stoves, all kinds of wood, bags of concrete, to debris. Who wants to haul firewood or dirt inside their vehicle? The best improvement I made to my trailer was to put E-track around the perimeter for straps (I prefer L-track but already had the E-track). The reason is because if a regular hook strap comes loose at all, it can/will unhook, leaving the load to fall off. Locked into a E or L track that is pretty much impossible. Yes straps can come loose with a load shift, it happens.

 

[leakyroof]

My Work Van, before I restored it. Handles 12 foot long inside with Rear Hatch closed and R/F seat slid off the base.
It DID hold 4 x 8 sheets inside until I started to add cabinetry to the interior, so now full sheets go on the roof via Thule Load Bars.
It recently took home 80 pieces of 8" wide siding, all inside the Van. Very little High Tech here to go wrong.... [wink] [wink] [wink]

 

[CeeJay]

I rented a 2020 Mustang convertible with the ecoboost engine, and it was plenty of fun on back country two-lane roads, especially with the paddle shifter.  I don't think the same could be said of a rental-level Mustang as recently as 10 years ago.  Cars have come a LONG way in that time.

Our non-truck vehicle was until recently the V8 Mustang convertible which I cannot recommend as a woodworking tool. Can recommend it as a waking up the neighbours tool. 

Now swapped for a BMW M2. Also not a practical workshop accessory. Also a good auditory experience.

For 6 weeks while selling the Mustang we were a 3 car family.

Here’s the 850hp garage.

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[derekcohen]

I can get bugger all in my Boxster. But I don't care  [big grin] ... I just use my wife's run-about ...

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Rob Z]

Derek, 

That will definitely work for a run to the Home Center to buy bags of mulch and potting soil. And only $200 of diesel for the 5 mile round trip.  [scared] [big grin]

 

[rst]

Dereck, I'd be willing to bet big money that everyone stays out of her lane, all three of them.

 

[Packard]

I can get bugger all in my Boxster. But I don't care  [big grin] ... I just use my wife's run-about ...

Regards from Perth

Derek

I'm afraid you are out of luck if you want that vehicle.  Only one was built and it is out of production.  What you want is the Caterpillar 797, a big brother to the Terex.  And this one went into production.  I wonder if I can order one with an elevator built in.

Time for your wife to trade in the Terex and upgrade. 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terex_33-19_"Titan"

 

[Cheese]

So here's a shot with a Toyota in the bed...or is that a Nissan...? whatever...they're all the same.

Looks like 4 lanes wide to me.

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The really interesting thing to me though is, that while there is a difference in size between the Terex and the CAT 797, the most poignant difference is the method in which they motivate.

Both companies relied on their core competence to develop these huge earth/mineral moving machines.

Terex being owned by GM at the time relied on their railroad experience, while Cat being Cat relied on their typical direct drive experience.

At the time, GM owned Terex, they also owned EMD, Electro Motive Diesel which produced trains. Their approach was to power the Terex using the diesel engine/electrical generator/traction motor method...ie...a train on rubber tires.

CAT however, relied on their direct drive capabilities, which married fuel fired power plants with torque converters and automatic transmissions. I can't help but believe the later is a more efficient method to use for rubber tired vehicles.

Thus the reason Terex produced a single vehicle while CAT continues to produce multiple 797 dump trucks.

 

[RJNeal]

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I thought I add my two cents.