One of the most important functions of TV commercials is to repeat the same message over and over so we can finally understand the product’s main purpose.
Eventually we cannot ignore the message presented in the commercial any more than the message provided by numerous water-boarding episodes.
Eventually they get through to us and we understand the message.
The message found in new car commercials is pretty simple: today’s cars have enough technology in them to make Scottie want to trade in the Enterprise for a brand new fully-loaded sedan.
Today’s question is whether some of the new technology could be useful on yesterday’s rides and we believe the answer is a resounding yes. There are a number of new school features that will work on old school cars.
The first item is actually pretty simple and would protect the car without major modifications. A backup camera is a good way to see the back end of a car built during a time when rear windows were small and well above the belt line.
Additionally, any ride with fins or a Continental kit can make it difficult to see anything behind the car. A rear view camera will ensure the classic car owners will have a better chance to avoid another visit to the body shop for collision repair this time instead of restoration repair the last time.
Another 21st century item for 20th century cars is a GPS unit. These babies can compensate for wonky speedometer readings on old rides and give an accurate measurement for speed. Plus they give car guys a fighting chance to successfully find their way to a car show in another part of the country.
Lights are another easy add-on for car guys and will make the old car more drivable at night.
The addition of new age headlights will require alterations in many older vehicles, but anybody who has driven by the automotive equivalent of candle light in an old car will understand why modern headlight systems allow classic ride owners to see the road at night much better.
The advent of LED lights means the taillights on old cars can also become more visible to other drivers. The LEDs are more efficient and use less power, but may require alterations to ensure the brake light switches are compatible with the LED tail lights.
The 21st century provides another safety option for car owners with an aftermarket blind spot sensor. Older vehicles have many blind spots due to body design, poor mirrors and large roof pillars. Today’s roads are busier and require every possible way to make a simple lane change less dangerous for old car owners.
The installation of a blind spot sensor on an old ride can compensate for the many body designs from yesteryear and help avoid collisions during a lane change.
The last 21st century add-on helps compensate for a lack of heat in older vehicles: seat warmers are a good way to ensure at least one region of the human anatomy can ride in comfort when old cars meet cool temperatures.
We have listed a few good ways for 20th century cars to benefit from 21st century technology.
All but the last one can ensure a safer ride in your old classic.
Jim Sutherland
CLICK HERE to Like us on Facebook
CLICK HERE to Follow us on Twitter
CLICK HERE to Follow us on Pinterest
