Twenty Year Old Dodge Crushed

More than a dozen years ago we answered a for sale ad for a 91 Dodge Dynasty which became our means of transportation for many years. Three teenagers and two adults could ride in her with some level of discomfort. And five bags of chicken food would fit in the trunk. This was the car that could plow through a snow covered country driveway.

She only failed us twice in the dozen years. Once a fuel pump failed within walking distance of home with a battery failing about the same distance from home on another occasion. Near the end of the time she was the family car it became necessary to replace a broken engine head. We took it apart at home and put in a used head. By that time our daughter was driving and in her desparation to get her car back in running condition she climbed under the hood to help put things in place.

All three children in this family learned to drive in that car. Our daughter took her driving test in Clearwater some 60 kms away. She passed the test and then we looked at each other expecting the other to pay the necessary fee. This was prior to us having a debit card or any other plastic and the bank was closed that day. As we discussed the situation a complete stranger took out his wallet and paid the fee. Our daughter met him later in the day with a cheque as he passed through on his way to Kamloops. The fellow has since died of cancer.

Almost every child left a dent or two to show off the hard knocks of learning. The oldest boy came home from university one day white as a ghost and very upset. He had learned that driving on slippery roads was different than driving on dry roads. The cement barriers a long the road had stopped the slide into the ditch.

I taught one year in Kamloops. The car sat in the school's parking lot, but when I came out at noonhour for something the car was gone. She had been stolen by someone to do break and entries in a well to do neighbourhood. After a few days the police found her parked at a car wash a few blocks away. The carpet was covered with ashes and the ignition had been broken. Although we had insurance it was an expensive event.

For the last few years the poor car has sat in the field rusting in peace. We hoped somebody would want her for parts, but no one came. A leaking fuel rail ended her useful life.

So sad I grew up in Kamloops miss the place so much

Rosewood, what a fitting fuelogy for a beloved member of the automotive family. Being ridiculously attached to my own ride, I share your pain and your memories and the bitter sweetness of this crushing event. In this throw away age I doubt that our children will be able to look at any car in their yard and see it as a scratched and dented memoir to their growing-up lives. SOme find it deplorable that I drive a truck almost 25 years old. I find it deplorable to drive anything made of plastic. I admire you and respect the thrift and engine-uity that kept your girl on the road, through family and teens, til rust does its part.

Soon, when I shut off the comp and go to bed I will take a moment and think about all the old rides that served us well, languishing now, faded, but not forgotten. Some say this love of old vehicles, even the unspectacular ones, is a metal illness (no, that's not a typo). I still say it is an appreciation for art from a time when American made autos were solid crafted sculptures with distinct styling and lucious use of steel and luxury, the likes of which we just don't have anymore. Shame. In honour of your ride, Rosewood, a moment of thoughtful reflection.

Sounds like that car is almost to the point where Uno might be interested.

A very thoughtful piece rosewood, I myself am driving a 91 Jeep Comanche. It's the vehicle that I condsider to be my learning vehicle. I drive it to school and for many tasks around the ranch. I did not however do my road test in it for it is a standard. Old vehicles still hold their value, that's what I've learned since the majority of trucks we drive out here are old Dodge farm trucks.

Rosewood, a very nice read, as you took me down memory lane with your kids and the car. I love old vehicles, they have a certain style and safety that I think are long gone in many of the newer cars made these days. They were heavy, full of heavy metal and if someone ploughed ya, well, much more safely to come out of it than with most cars in this new day of age.

That was cool, I loved to read this, and sadly, you have said goodbye to that faithful girl. That was nice she was around for so long. Have a wonderful and great day, CynthiaM.

Fowler! I resemble that remark! Now stop it. Rosewood is CRUSHING his car, not selling it. Sheesh.

I still have an eighties 4 by 4 that is very much like Uno's daily driver except it is a Dodge. It has a 440 built to '69 muscle car specs and a mild lift. I'm hoping to start another restoration on it soon if I can get the chicken coop done and then there is fences to build and then there is a shop to build so I can work on the truck. Then there is a house to renovate after the younger part of the family moves to the new house.