The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1946 Chevy 1/2Ton - Driving Worries

Just wondering if anyone else gets "Driver's Anxiety" when running their old trucks? As I am still taking my truck on test drives and venturing farther and farther from home, I always seem to be thinking about breaking down and how I would troubleshoot the issue. Nothing has gone wrong (knock on wood), but little things, noises, rattles, squeaks,... I'm always listening. Yesterday driving down the street, I heard a noise and while trying to pin point it I noticed the Life Flight helicopter landing at the hospital. I didn't remember how loud those things were. Or, I heard some scraping noise developing, but it turned out to be the car next to me dragging their plastic belly pan. I guess I should be listening to my truck, but need to relax - chill out a little and enjoy this 80 year old beast.

I get anxiety if I have to drive a modern vehicle due to all the electronic, non-intuitive controls they're loaded with.

All I've ever owned are antique vehicles. I drive them all without worrying that they'll break down. They don't.

I am always watching the traffic. Looking for a place to pull over if I have time. Still learning what works and doesn’t work. One thing I do is tell my wife when I take the ole 46 so if needed she can rescue me. She did have to rescue me at the gas station last summer for a jump start. This summer was all good.

Always planning ahead because these brakes scare me a little. I try to leave enough space in front of me or try to figure out if the light is going to change. A little hectic sometimes.

I made my truck as reliable and safe as I could and just drive it. I do always remember to have my phone in case I need to call for assistance but other than trying to identify the various noises for future investigation I don't worry and just drive.

John, you're old enough to know/remember that that's how everyone was taught to drive anyway. That's how people should drive in any vehicle, new or old. Unfortunately modern cars have made made drivers less safe rather than more safe.

Since the cars do everything for the driver today (including braking), drivers don't pay attention like they used to or should.

The reason I ended up with my truck was the brakes went out with previous owner. Plus he had no emergency brake. That was first thing I had fixed plus new tires. So I feel safe anyway.

After 26 years of owning my old truck, I don't worry about it anymore. I've done everything I can to make sure it keeps running and driving, I now worry about other drivers and the stupid things they keep doing.

You will get used to the noisy, and if out in the country, you may get used to the dead animal smell in the ditches, that one still gets me!

Having three point seat belts helps me feel better about being on the road, I wouldn't even go around the block with out a seat belt these days.

Just keep driving, you will get more at ease and the truck will let you know if something isn't right.

I am in the same boat . Short drives to get the bugs out. Started with engine getting hot (thermostat) ,steering wheel on upside down ( I put it on while the truck was on Dollie’s ) signals did not work ( flasher) ,turned the fan on and sounded like I crashed fan cage rubbing on defrost flap.The list goes on but one by one it is getting better.

I believe I've done everything to keep my truck running and yes, each day I take a longer drive and it builds my confidence. I'm glad others share some of my experiences in driving these old trucks. I guess back in the day, there wasn't as many vehicles on the road. Sometimes I wonder where in the heck others learned to drive? I'm a defensive and that's a good thing nowadays. Thanks to you all for your input and stories.

Is it anxiety or is it just being aware of your truck.

In the Military we did maintenance every week. Things still broke down. Generally speaking I would rather brake down in an old truck, which I may, with simple tools, be able to repair enough to get home vs a modern vehicle.

So keep up on maintenance and enjoy the drive.



If you ask me, driving is the most dangerous thing we do.

I don't worry one bit about breakdowns.
There always seems to be a line of people pulling over to see if they can help. It's like a free car show to them I guess.
One guy even crawled under to check to see if the wire came off a neutral safety switch on the th400 transmission on my '49.
If/when I run out of gas (I have a history of that. Shut up Sweet ), I'm not there for a moment before someone pulls over to take me back and forth to the gas station to get me back on my way.
AAA is good to have too.

When Ol' Roy's Chinese Special fuel pump conked out on me, a random guy pulled over to help. He lived about a mile from me and went to get his truck and tow straps.

He towed me the short distance to my house. A few months later he paid me $500 to bring a 2007 Mustang back to life that had been sitting for a decade or so.