Ramber Redux

So, I’ve been thinking about my Marlin again. More specifically, thinking about what to do with it. It’s a great car, and I like it, but somehow it doesn’t excite me. I took it out once this past summer. It ran great, turned heads and started up a few conversations. Many people in the car show loved it. I parked it with the other Ramblers, and of course, it was the only Marlin at the show. Yesterday on flicker, I found a picture of my car that someone else took. They had nice things to say about it in their description. But, it all comes down to this again; I don’t get excited about this car. I ended up sort coming into this car, and it was a great deal. I’ve done nothing to it and I’m the 3rd owner. I’ve got the bill of sale from the Rambler dealer in Sunnyvale California. Even a Polaroid from when it was new. But, I don’t really get cranked about it. I’m sure that if I had it parked in my garage and could take it out whenever I wanted, I might be a little more interested in it. But right now, it sits in my parents heated shop on their farm. I might go start it up once every few months and drive a few miles down the highway. That’s only to keep the oil up in the cylinders though, sort of an obligatory maintenance routine.

I think the reason I haven’t sold it yet is because it’s not costing me anything to keep it. I mean sure, you do have to do maintenance on these cars, but I saved up the cash to buy it, and after changing out a wheel bearing seal, I’ve done nothing to this car. I’m only reminded that I even own this car every several weeks at best. I’ve gone several months without even thinking out the Marlin. When I find myself if this position, I can’t help but wonder if I should even keep it around. I don’t need the money, but it is worth something. The value of this car translated to bicycles would really spiff up my bike collection. I’m taken about several of my “dream bikes”. Yeah, a tikit might not be everyone’s ‘dream bike’, but when I think of what it could do for me, it’s definitely on the list. Plus, numerous other bikes that I just want to try out. I’d love a nice 29er, something with a Rohloff just to see what all the hub-ub is about (couldn’t resist that one), and a cross bike. Heck, I’ve got a bin full of decent parts and drive train components that could very quickly transform a frame into a bike. Then there’s tools I want that relate to bikes. A torch for brazing, special stuff like BB facing and tapping tools, headset tools, and the list goes on.

All this to say that I think I’ll try and sell this car again. The Marlin is a particular car though, and to fetch the price that it’s been appraised at would take someone who specifically wants a Marlin. Not many people like that out there. I’m certainly not expecting to get anywhere close to what it’s appraised at, and will take any reasonable offer made. I think.

1965 Rambler Malin For Sale

Also for Doug to enjoy more pics. Thanks for the nice words about the car Doug.

Email me if you might be interested in the car. (thought it might be worth a try here?)

Cheers.

Sun, Salsa and an old car

This past weekend was a great one. Spend the whole thing just hanging out with my family at various events. Love those kind of weekends. First, I put my 1965 Rambler Marlin in the Strathmore Fun Runners Show and Shine. My car isn't a hot rod or an incredible show car, but it is quite rare and a great driver. I figured this thing should be seen and enjoyed. Those who are automobile enthusiasts really enjoyed seeing the car and I was shocked to see people starring in the windows for several minutes, pointing out this and that. I even saw a few give me a vote for the best of the 60s. Didn't win, nor did I even think I would. I was just there for fun.

I also slapped a for sale sign on the car. I figured if there was a place to get some exposure, it was at a car show. I simply don't have time for this car, nor am I a hard-core Rambler/AMC guy. I've always wanted a classic car, and in a long sort of way, just kind of came into this car. After 3 years of not driving it enough, I thought I'd see if there was some interest out there. So far there's a bit. I think I'm gong to need to find someone who absolutely loves Ramblers and is looking specifically for a Marlin. There are less than 6000 of them still around today, so it's not like an old impala or something.

I ended up parking my car, walking around and checking out the others, and then took the boys fishing. The show was in a park in Strathmore that has a lake that is stocked with trout. We didnt' catch anything, but we had fun.

Sunday after church we headed to the Sun and Salsa festival as I mentioned earlier. Great weather. Hot, hot and not a cloud in the sky. Heaps of great Salsa to be had, unfortunately, we didn't get too much tasting in. The crowds were insane, and I really, really hate large crowds of people. That has something to do with our decision to move to a town of around 300 people. Not many large crowds where I'm from.
own Salsa. I hope to give round 1 a go the next evening or so.

Drove the Marlin to work again this morning and man does this thing get attention. A quick stop at Tim Hortons can turn into a mini history lesson in American Automobile History very quickly. And it's not my doing. I just answer the questions that are thrown out there. Good fun though.

BTW, the trunk would fit a Tikit quite nicely.

Buying a car is an eco-option?

Well sometimes. I (sadly) bought a car last week. Now, I own 4 motorized vehicles. Pathetic isn't it. I justify them like this:

• Minivan - for obvious reasons. Especially when baby # 3 arrives. Not much else will do.
• Pickup Truck - For home renovations and my business
• 1965 Rambler Marlin - This is just plain cool. Plus, it's a piece of history.
• Cavalier - I bought this to offset the fuel consumption that is at a preposterous level from my 6.0 liter, 4X4 3/4 pick up truck.

While many people are giving up their cars altogether and reaching for their bikes, I still reach for my bike, but I've also reached for a car. Mileage, mileage, mileage. I will end up using roughly 1/3 the gas I would use if I continued to use my truck. While I will still ride my bike as much as possible, days when I've got soccer and night and can't afford a 1 1/2 hour commute, I'll be driving the car. It's nice to know that I'll be driving something that doesn't have such a monstrous carbon footprint. Add to that the cost savings of driving a small car, and it's a no-brainer.

Can't resist

I zipped out to my parents house to fix my Moms garden tractor (loose fuse) and while I was there, I moved my Marlin from the garage to the shop. Couldn't resist snapping this pic. She's worthy is she? I so dig this car, just wish I had more time for it right now. Oh well

I know, it's not a bike. But I like it

Well, after a last minute rip down to Smudgemo's part of the world, Oakland area, I'm back home. Being as I had to drag my computer and a bunch of drawings down there with me, I had to drive a car into work today to bring them into the office with me. I wanted to ride my bike, but I had to ask myself what would be the next best thing.


For me, it's my Marlin. 1965 Rambler Marlin originally purchased in Sunnyvale California. I've even got the bill of sale and a Polaroid from the day it was purchased. This is a pretty rare (some would say ugly) car. I like it because its mine. I admit it not the most beautiful ride on earth, but when I turn the key, the dual exhaust and 327 cu inches make some pretty sweet music. Now I know the type of blog that this has turned into, doesn't really seem to be one that would sing the praises of the big honken motor, spitting out fumes and burning up gas like it doesn't cost anything. I also don’t think that an engine being the sound of music would be agreed to by the intended audience of this blog. This car is defiantly not a means of sustainable transport. The thing is, back in 1965, I don't think they knew then what we know now. This car a piece of history. I like the way it looks. I really like classic cars. The reason I own it, is because it' old. I rarely drive this thing, but I do before you go haten, remember, people are walking into car lots, buying almost un-garageable SUVs and driving them miles and miles a day. Have a classic car in my opinion, isn't such a bad thing is it? I do believe in the benefits of non motorized vehicle and I certainly do ride my bike any chance I can, but now and then, it can be fun to drive a car. Well, certain cars anyway.


Jerome

Visiting my Junk

Well, over this past weekend I was at my folks house where I happen to have some of my stuff stored. These are other interests of mine, other than bicycles. Please, be not hatn' the fact that these things burn petrol and pollute the ozone.

Here is my 1965 Rambler Marlin. This is a California car that I purchased last December for a price that I really couldn't turn down. I've always wanted a piece of automobile history, and being that I didn't grow up with the classic cars (born in 1980) I didn't really car which piece of history I got. This is it. It's got 70,000 original miles and runs like a dream. Even the windows are all original and have no cracks. I've got the bill of sale from Sunnyvale CA, and a Polaroid picture of the day it was purchased from the dealer in CA. This car is fun. Hard top is great for summer cruising too.

Next, is an unfinished project I start over 4 years ago. A hand made motorcycle. I made the frame, kick-stand, gas-tank (over 40 hours in the gas tank alone) brake pedal and shift lever. All I really need to do is build a foot-clutch for it, dis-assemble, paint and put it together. I haven't so much lost interest as I seem to not have the time at this point in my life. I'll pick this back up in the next 10 years or so.

Leading to my piece of bullet proof crap dirt bike. This is a 1970 DT250, that I've bored out to 310cc and gone through extensive modifications. This bike will not die! I've ridden it through rivers to the point the entire bike was under water. Tow it for a 1/2 mile behind a quad, and she drained enough to start spitting smoke again. I this bike.

Back to bicycles, today it's about 13C above, so Mr. Fixie (road) is getting a breath of fresh air and it amazes me how much speed we sacrifice for the sake of stability in the snow. I've passed 3 cars in the last 2 days on my fixie. I love it!

Well, I'm going to ride my bicycle now.

Jerome.