Upload
stormanr
View
48
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Monthly Newsletter
Citation preview
Disclaimer: Truckin’ On is an unofficial newsletter published every month in the interest of serving Air Force active duty, civilian and retired vehicle operations
and maintenance personnel. Articles submitted by its contributors are not to be considered official statements by the U.S. Air Force.
1 Jun 2015
Dedicated to the Men and Women of
AF Vehicle Operations & Maintenance — Past, Present, and Future
Truckin’ on
Special Points of Interest:
Quest for Zero — PG 1
Automakers — PG 1-2
Inside this issue:
Spotlight on Keesler PG 3
2015 Fleet Master Award PG 4
Best & Leading Fleets —Correction
PG 5
Drivers Wanted PG 6
Government Fleet Top News PG 7
Fleet Solutions PG 8
Walmart’s New Truck PG 9
Yesterday’s Dollars; Today’s Buying Power
PG 9
Driverless and Road Legal PG 10
Roadside Assistance App PG 11
Jay Leno’s Garage PG 11
The Sunday Drive PG 12
Automakers Want to Outlaw Gearheads
From Working on Their Own Cars
by Kit Daniels | Infowars.com on April 20, 2015
Car companies seek copyright restrictions to stop car enthusiasts, home mechanics
Claiming that modern vehicles are “too complex” for home mechanics to fix, automakers are seeking copyright restrictions to prevent gearheads from working on their own cars. The Association of Global Automakers, a lobbying firm for 12 manufacturers, is
asking the U.S. Copyright Office to prevent car owners from accessing “computer
programs that control the functioning of a motorized land vehicle, including personal
automobiles, commercial motor vehicles, and agricultural machinery, for purposes of
lawful diagnosis and repair, or aftermarket personalization, modification, or other
improvement.”
“In order to modify automotive software for the purpose of ‘diagnosis and repair, or
aftermarket personalization, modification, or other improvement,’ the modifier must
use a substantial amount of the copyrighted software – copying the software is at
issue after all, not wholly replacing it,” the AGA claimed. “Because the ‘heart,’ if not
the entirety, of the copyrighted work will remain in the modified copy, the amount and
substantiality of the portion copied strongly indicates that the proposed uses are not
fair.”
Auto Alliance, which also represents 12 automobile manufacturers, is also asking the
agency to scrap exemptions to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act that allow car
enthusiasts to modify and tune their rides. Continued on PG 2
Editor’s Note: Quest for Zero
replaced 101 Critical Days of Summer
campaign.
See story and slides:
Quest for Zero puts year-round focus on
safety
Quest for Zero — Air Force Ground Safety
Management
Automakers Want to Outlaw Gearheads
From Working on Their Own Cars
“Allowing vehicle owners to add and remove [electronic control]
programs at whim is highly likely to take vehicles out of
compliance with [federal] requirements, rendering the operation
or re-sale of the vehicle legally problematic,” Auto Alliance
claimed in a statement. “The decision to employ access controls
to hinder unauthorized ‘tinkering’ with these vital computer
programs is necessary in order to protect the safety and
security of drivers and passengers and to reduce the level of
non-compliance with regulatory standards.”
But people have been working on their own cars since cars
were invented.
“It’s not a new thing to be able to repair and modify cars,” a staff
attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Kit Walsh,
said. “It’s actually a new thing to keep people from doing it.”
Interestingly, this attack on the do-it-yourself auto hobby
coincides with the current push towards self-driving cars, and
who do you think will resist autonomous cars the most? Auto
hobbyists, such as hot rodders, drag racers and home tuners.
“The biggest threat to our hobby is those people in powerful
situations who’s idea of a great day out in their car is to spend it
riding in the back seat while someone else handles the driving
‘chore’ for them,” a hot rodder said on the subject. “These are
the same people who will ban ‘old junk’ from the roads, enforce
’50 miles per gallon’ standards on new, and then older vehicles,
and eventually force everyone to drive ‘standardized’ cars that
will fit precisely in parking spaces, take up the minimum space
on public roads, and follow all the ‘environmentally friendly’
buzz words while boring real car drivers like us to death.”
And the first step to keep people from behind the steering wheel
is to keep them from opening the hood.
Related Article:
Automakers to gearheads: Stop repairing cars by Pete Bigelow l autoblog
See website: http://www.autoblog.com/2015/04/20/automakers-gearheads-car-repairs/
Continued from PG 1
2
81st vehicle maintenance keeps Keesler rolling
by Senior Airman Holly Mansfield
81st Training Wing Public Affairs
3/17/2015 - KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The sound
of wrenches turning, engines rumbling and Airmen talking shop
are some of the things you might hear when you walk into the
81st Logistics Readiness Squadron's vehicle maintenance flight.
But what does it really take to be part of the crew of more than
40 people who keep Keesler's government vehicles rolling?
For Senior Airman Kenneth Carter, vehicle maintenance
technician, all you need is hard work, dedication and little
laughter to make each vehicle get back to its home quickly.
"I was stationed in Korea before I came to Keesler and it was so
much different there," said Carter. "Everything from simply
driving the vehicles to the language barrier; it was all so
different."
The vehicle maintenance Airmen have the opportunity to care
for different types of vehicles each day. From generator trailers
to cranes, no matter the size, these vehicles need to be brought
in, repaired and put back into the fleet in a timely and efficient
manner.
"We work on trucks, buses, vans, cranes, security forces cars,
generator trailers and other types of vehicles," said Carter. "It's
nice to have the variety because it helps me outside of work. I
get to see the different car issues and put those problem-solving
skills toward fixing my own vehicle."
The vehicle maintenance flight manages the fleet of more than
420 vehicles by working together as a team. Utilizing each
other's skills helps each Airman learn the proper way of doing
any task, whether it's changing the oil in a police cruiser or
rebuilding an engine from a truck.
The emphasis on attention to detail required by Keesler vehicle
maintenance Airmen helps them become better Airmen, as well
as better mechanics.
With the recent Air Education and Training Command's Senior
Leader Conference, Carter was able to show his superiors how
he uses his work ethic to repair vehicles while mentoring other
Airmen in the shop.
"Carter's work ethic and willingness to step up and go above
and beyond are major factors on why he was recognized by the
2nd Air Force command chief," said Timothy Gray, vehicle
maintenance fleet manager.
"He worked all the inspections and repairs for the recalled
vehicle operations fleet, helping to ensure they had the correct
amount of vehicles for their customers."
Using their training and expertise to provide a working, reliable
fleet of vehicles, the members of the 81st LRS vehicle
maintenance flight make certain that Keesler can continue its
mission of training, fighting and winning.
Additional photos can be viewed at:
http://www.keesler.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123441978
Senior Airman Kenneth Carter, 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance technician, repairs a security forces truck March 11, 2015, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The more than 40 member vehicle maintenance flight repair and oversee more than 420 government vehicles that belong to Keesler. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Holly Mansfield)
Airman Claude Milsap III and Senior Airman Kenneth Carter, 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance technicians, repair a security forces truck March 11, 2015, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The more than 40 member vehicle maintenance flight repair and oversee more than 420 government vehicles that belong to Keesler. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Holly Mansfield)
Spotlight on Keesler
3
2015 Fleet Master Award
MANATEE COUNTY WINS 2015 FLEET MASTER AWARD
Manatee County (Fla.) Fleet Services has been awarded the 2015 Fleet Master Award by Construction Equipment and the Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP) March 20, 2015
Manatee County (Fla.) Fleet Services has been awarded the 2015 Fleet Master Award
by Construction Equipment and the Association of Equipment Management
Professionals (AEMP). Mike Brennan, CEM, accepted the award during AEMP’s Annual
Conference in Orlando, Fla. This was Manatee's third Fleet Master Award. Read about
Manatee County's previous awards, plus the other past winners.
Manatee County displayed impressive employee training and education. Its team has many ASE-certified crew members, along
with many other specialized training certifications from OEMs. In the past year, Manatee County exhibited superior management of
resources, which saved the county time and financial resources. Manatee also has a selection of electric, hybrid and alternative
fuel vehicles, and applies well-planned preventative maintenance and superior equipment management processes.
“The Fleet Master award recognizes equipment professionals who demonstrate excellence in meeting the unique challenges
inherent to delivering cost-effective and cutting-edge management of mixed fleets of on-road and off-road equipment,” said Rod
Sutton, Construction Equipment’s editorial director. “Nominees are judged according to five major areas within their operation:
finance, information management, policies, controls, and customer service.
Construction Equipment and AEMP have been acknowledging outstanding fleets with the Fleet Master award since 2004. The two
organizations created the award to recognize the impacts professional fleet managers have on the heavy-equipment sector.
Mike Brennan, CEM, is flanked by AEMP chairman Thad Pirtle (left) and Construction Equipment editorial director Rod Sutton.
Editor’s Comments: CMSgt (Ret) Ron Schulhofer (2T1) is the Manatee County Director of Public Works and oversees the Fleet Services Division. Congratulations to the Manatee County team!
4
The table in the right column lists, in rank order, the 2015 100
Best Fleet winners whose fleets are represented by
former and/or current Air Force transporters who serve in
various management positions.
Government Fleet magazine has announced the Leading
Fleets for 2015. The awards program, sponsored by Ford
Motor Company, recognizes operations that are performing at
a high level, particularly in fleet leadership, competitiveness
and efficiency, planning for the future, and overcoming
challenges.
The 50 Leading Fleets represent the best in the industry.
Government Fleet will announce rankings for the top 20 fleets
as well as top fleets in size categories: No. 1 small fleet (499 or
fewer assets), No. 1 mid-size fleet (500-999 assets), and No. 1
large fleet (1,000 or more assets) at The Honors Celebration at
Government Fleet Expo (GFX) June 8-11, 2015 in Denver.
The Leading Fleets and Notable Fleets will be recognized at
GFX during the Honors Celebration, with certificates and
plaques, and with a group photo to be published in the
awards issue of Government Fleet magazine. Public Fleet Hall
of Fame inductees and the Fleet Manager of the Year will also
be honored at the awards ceremony.
The complete list can be viewed at: 100 Best Fleets
Notable Fleets
The complete list can be viewed at: Leading Fleets
Editor’s Comments: Last month we featured the 100 Best Fleets for 2015 and recognized VEMSO for placing # 31 in the final selection. We also acknowledged several fleets that were selected for Government Fleet’s 50 Leading and Notable Fleets (separate award).
Unfortunately, we overlooked other public fleets managed by fellow Air Force transporters that also placed among the 100 Best Fleets and 50 Leading Fleets. We sincerely apologize for our oversight and offer this correction.
Rank Agency Name/Position
# 22 Manatee County, FL CMSgt (Ret) Ron Schulhofer
Director of Public Works
# 31 VEMSO CMSgt (Ret) Randy Livermore
Director, AFELM VEMSO
# 40 Sarasota County, FL CMSgt (Ret) Greg Morris
CEM, Manager Fleet Services
# 42 City of Tampa, FL SMSgt (Ret) Connie White-Arnold
Chief of Operations
# 45 Denver International
Airport (DIA)
CMSgt (Ret) Jeff Booton
Director of Fleet Management
Agency Name/Position
City of Long Beach CMSgt (Ret) Dan Berlenbach
Fleet Services Manager
City of Tampa
Fleet Management
SMSgt (Ret) Connie White-Arnold
Chief of Operations
Hillsborough County, FL Col (Ret) Robert L. Stine
Director Fleet Management/Logistics
Manatee County, FL
Government
CMSgt (Ret) Ron Schulhofer
Director of Public Works
Sarasota County, FL
Government
CMSgt (Ret) Greg Morris
CEM, Manager Fleet Services
Agency Name/Position
Denver International
Airport (DIA)
CMSgt (Ret) Jeff Booton
Director of Fleet Management
5
Editor’s Note: If we’ve missed listing anyone with an Air Force connection for either of these awards, please let me know.
Commentary on Commercial Driver Shortage
by Billy Dover, CMSgt (Ret/2T1)
In December 2014, the American Transportation Research
Institute (ATRI) published a white paper, “Analysis of Truck
Driver Age Demographics Across Two Decades” that clearly
analyzed the underlying factors, barriers and potential solutions
to the current and ever increasing commercial driver shortage.
For a free copy visit: http://atri-online.org/2014/12/03/analysis-of
-truck-driver-age-demographics-across-two-decades/.
Approximately 7 million people hold trucking related jobs in the
U.S. with 3.2 million being employed as truck drivers. The
American Trucking Association currently estimates the truck
driver shortage to be 30,000 to 35,000 with a potential shortage
of 240,000 drivers by 2022.
The current shortage is tough to understand since pay for truck
operators is on par with the U.S. median and the industry
generally offers what are deemed competitive benefits, such as
matching 401(k) contributions and paid holidays off. A wage
recap by type of fleet follows:
While wages are always a factor, there are numerous
influencing factors contributing to the on-going driver shortage.
A major barrier is the 21 year old minimum age limit to obtain a
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for interstate operations.
Simply put, not enough younger drivers are entering the
vocation to offset the losses of the older generations as they
reach retirement age. For example, the median age of private
sector carrier drivers is 52, as they approach retirement age, the
shortage will increase significantly without sufficient younger
drivers entering the workforce.
The American Trucking Association is actively lobbying
governmental decision makers to reduce the minimum age limit
to obtain a CDL to 18, this alone will not solve all the
contributing factors but it will open up the vocation to a major
labor source that is not currently available.
There are a lot of potential problems associated with this age
reduction if stringent training and quality assurance standards
are not part of the program. Many of the major insurance
companies are officially neutral on this subject but
behind-the-scene discussions indicate they are not supportive
due to the increased risk exposure associated with the 18–20
year old age group.
Here at Leavitt’s Freight Service, we’ve obtained our insurance
providers support to establish an 8-week Driver Finishing
Program (DFP) for CDL school students provided they do not
exceed 10% of our workforce. The results are very promising,
those hired through our DFP are performing better from a safety
statistics perspective than our general workforce.
I’m convinced programs of this nature would adequately prepare
those in the 18-20 year old age group for commercial driving.
I’d rather train the inexperienced recruits to do it right rather than
try to break the bad habits of more experienced drivers. This
approach / position is controversial within the industry with
emotions often running high on both sides of the issue. The
“train them the right way at the start” approach is consistent with
my 24-years of active duty 2T1 experience.
I am actively lobbying my Congressman who happens to be the
ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure
committee to support reducing the CDL age to 18. Not sure how
much I can influence the discussion but at some point I’m
confident it will be done when freight isn’t moving and our
economy suffers.
I’d be interested in hearing the opinion of any 2T1s out there
regarding your thoughts on reducing the minimum age to obtain
a CDL to 18.
I can be reached via email at [email protected].
6
Hewlett -Packard Company managing public sector
vehicles & equipment
Maintenance Inefficiencies Costing USPS $21.8M a Year
May 06, 2015
by Paul Clinton
The U.S. Postal Service could reduce its maintenance costs by
$21.8 million a year by improving oversight of its mechanics and
right-sizing staffing at vehicle garages, according to finding by
the U.S. Office of Inspector General.
See full story and audit report at: USPS.
Utilization Studies Do More Than Right-Size Fleets
May 2015, Government Fleet - Feature
by Shelley Mika
Fleets conducting utilization studies can generally expect one of
two outcomes: The results will either help them right-size their
fleet, or it will validate that the fleet already operates with an
optimal number of vehicles. But two fleets, Sarasota County,
Fla., and Denver International Airport in Colorado, discovered a
third outcome: a better understanding of their customers and
their fleet needs.
Although these fleets approached their utilization studies
differently — one conducting an internally performed audit, the
other hiring a consulting firm — they agree they’re both better
as a result of their studies.
See full story at: Utilization Studies
8 Ways to Save Time in the Office
May 2015, Government Fleet - Feature
by Thi Dao
Do you continually find yourself in the office long after everyone
else is gone? Or worrying about an unfinished project while
you’re at home? See full story at: Time
Editor’s Comments: All three of these stories from Government Fleet are interesting; however, I want to draw your attention to the last two in particular.
It’s not often that four former Air Force vehicle managers are featured in just two articles — all Truckin’ On members as well.
Congratulations to CMSgt (Ret) Dan Berlenbach, CMSgt (Ret) Jeff Booton, CMSgt (Ret) Greg Morris, SMSgt (Ret) Gary McLean, and their respective teams. Well done!
Greg Morris, CEM, fleet services manager for Sarasota County, Fla., (center) is pictured here with administrations and acquisitions staffs. Photo courtesy of Sarasota County Fla.
The Denver International Airport recently conducted a utilization study of its fleet, which consists of 1,700 units, including one of the largest snow removal fleets in the nation. Photo by Ron Anderson for DIA.
7
Fleet Solutions
Companies supporting private and public fleets Contributor: Dan Berlenbach, CMSgt (Ret/2T3)
Company intro: https://www.getlocalmotion.com/#Intro
Company websites:
https://www.munirent.co/
https://player.vimeo.com/video/121737334
Click image to activate video Visit website at: http://visionfleet.us/
8
Contributor: Larry tenBensel, GM-13 (Ret/ACC/LGTV)
The Walmart Advanced Vehicle Experience concept truck is
the latest in our fleet efficiency program. The one-of-a-kind
prototype offers a whole package of firsts. The tractor has very
advanced aerodynamics and is powered by a prototype
advanced turbine-powered, range-extending series hybrid
powertrain.
The trailer is made almost exclusively with carbon fiber, saving
around 4,000 pounds which can then be used to carry more
freight.
Editor’s Comments: This YouTube video (right column) was produced over a year ago in Mar 2014; however, it’s still very interesting and well worth watching, although I have yet to see one of these trucks on the highway. More information on this vehicle may be obtained at Walmart’s website: Truck Fleet.
Note: The ad on the left, as I said, is from the 1950s. The
prices listed are obviously for used cars at that time and at
that particular Ford dealer.
The chart above, however, compares those same dollars
from the year of the selected make/model in the ad with
today’s (2015) buying power. So, $125 in 1938, for example,
is equal to $2,080.87 today. It DOES NOT mean that a new
Dodge sold for $125 in 1938.
Yesterday’s Dollars Today’s Buying Power
Editor’s Comments: Chief (Ret) Carl Hunsinger sent this 1950s Ford ad (posted below) to me. I thought it would be interesting to see how these prices, based on each year, translate into 2015 dollars. I used a Consumer Price Index (CPI) calculator to adjust for inflation.
Year Yesterday’s Dollars Today’s Buying Power
1950 $1,395.00 $13,586.91
1949 $1,095.00 $10,799.18
1948 $895.00 $8,716.85
1947 $795.00 $8,367.89
1946 $695.00 $8,363.75
1942 $395.00 $5,688.05
1939 $175.00 $2,955.13
1938 $125.00 $2,080.87
9
Freightliner launches first-ever road-legal North American autonomous truck
by Jack Roberts / May 5, 2015
Contributor: Billy Dover, CMSgt (Ret/2T1)
Freightliner did it.
If you’re one of the many in trucking who scoffed at the idea of a
commercially-viable self-driving truck, or at best figured such
technology was years — if not decades — away, you need to
reset your expectations.
At a press event today at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway
outside Las Vegas, NV, Freightliner, in conjunction with the
State of Nevada and its governor, Brian Sandovall, launched the
Inspiration, a new, autonomous truck.
The truck is commercially viable. But more importantly, thanks to
legislative steps taken by Nevada, it is completely legal to
operate Nevada highways.
The Inspiration is not yet
available for purchase and is
still in its testing phase. But it
will no longer be relegated to
test-tracks and cordoned-off
test roads. This truck will run
in, mix with, cruise with public
traffic all throughout the state
of Nevada as Freightliner
engineers test its capabilities and refine its operating
parameters.
The conventional wisdom in trucking was that Europe would be
the proving ground for autonomous truck technology and
development.
But Martin Daum, CEO Daimler Trucks, said Nevada’s bold
move prompted Freightliner to aggressively target North
America as the new autonomous truck frontier.
That decision ultimately led to this event in Las Vegas today —
the single largest, and most expensive press launch in Daimler’s
entire 100-plus year history.
Details on the Inspiration model are still scarce and more
information will be revealed over the next day or two as the
event unfolds. Follow CCJ and Overdrive, as well
as @JackRobertsCCJ and @TruckNewsJJ on Twitter for addi-
tional details.
Also, Freightliner communications manager David Giroux will
appear on ABC’s Good Morning America, tomorrow (May 6)
with a live report from Las Vegas and additional Inspiration
details and news.
Be sure to check out this cool website too: Freightliner
Editor’s Note: This article was published on May 5,
2015, so the reference to David Giroux’s appearance on
ABC’s Good Morning America is obviously outdated.
Editorial
While driverless trucks may very well happen, I am not
optimistic that we’ll see them anytime soon. I have a lot of
questions as to how we might integrate a driverless truck
into the traffic congestion of today’s roadways.
We have speed management tools in place that report
every time we have a hard brake or roll stability event. As
I’m sure you know, these events are triggered when we
have a sudden deceleration or G-force that exceeds ECM
parameters. The number of sudden stop/roll stability events
are scary and one of my main focuses relates to reducing
and/or eliminating these occurrences.
We follow up on every event and as a general rule sudden
stops are caused by other vehicles pulling out in front of us,
stopped traffic due to congestions, or cutting us off on the
roadways. The roll stability flags are normally associated
with going too fast in reduced speed zones associated with
road construction, curves, etc. Since so many of these
issues are created by the other vehicle or physical aspects
of the roads, this will present a unique challenge for
driverless technology.
Billy Dover, CMSgt (Ret/2T1)
Leavitt’s Freight Service
Freightliner unveiled the first U.S.-legal autonomous truck Tuesday afternoon
10
Roadside Assistance App
America's #1 On-Demand Roadside Assistance Service
No Membership Fees ~ No Annual Dues ~ No Hidden Fees
Join Over 100,000 Who Found Better Roadside Service
We’re Urgent.ly and we’re reinventing the way stranded drivers get back on the road…fast. With a
nationwide network of thousands of trusted service providers, Uber-like visibility and flat-rate,
pay-per-use pricing, it’s no wonder people are saving big and getting better service by canceling
that…um…”association” membership.
So say goodbye to lost membership cards, expensive annual fees and endless waits wondering
where help is and when it will arrive. Visit website for further information: http://urgent.ly/
Zendrive and Urgent.ly Partner to Bring Advanced Accident Detection Technology to Roadside Assistance
Editor’s Note: Chief (Ret) George McElwain contributed
this video. It’s long, over 18 minutes, but for car buffs it’s time
well spent. This “Derelict” 1948 Buick convertible is not what it
appears to be on the surface. Watch and see what I mean.
11
Remembering a family tradition
By Roger Storman, SMSgt (Ret/2T3)
It seems the older I get the more nostalgic I become. The
past, somehow, appears to have been better to me and, in
many ways, it really wasn’t. But what is a fact is that we had
more time for each other; there simply wasn’t as many
distractions as there are today.
Growing up in the 50s and 60s, we had two sources of
entertainment — radio and TV. Radio had been the primary
means of news and entertainment in the home for decades.
Then in the early 1950s TV burst onto the mass market and
gradually replaced it….rabbit ears, three channels, black and
white with a snowy picture. TV stations typically signed off
around 11:00 P.M. after the national anthem.
My point is that TV was rudimentary, limited, and it wasn’t the
center of our lives, although the quality of entertainment might
have been better than it is today….just my personal opinion.
I also remember that on Friday nights our parents played
cards with relatives while we kids enjoyed board games. We
played outside a lot too, even after dark. Kick the can was a
favorite. So what does all of this have to do with cars?
Well, Sunday afternoon was reserved for the weekly ‘Sunday
drive.’ My parents would load all of us into the car and off we
would go — somewhere.
I was young then, but in hindsight it seems to me that we
didn’t have any particular destination in mind. We might drive
to a nearby lake for a picnic, go to the coast, an amusement
park, or just enjoy an ice cream at a Tastee Freez. We
definitely didn’t spend time at the mall because they didn’t
exist then, at least not where I grew up in rural Maine.
So, how did we keep ourselves entertained in the car during
these Sunday afternoon excursions? Remember, we didn’t
have iPads, iPods, DVD players, or smart phones.
Two activities come to mind: Sometimes my dad would buy us
“whirligigs” or what some might call pinwheels (look it up). We
would hold them out of the car window and let the wind spin
them around. Another activity was counting out-of-state
license plates. Exciting stuff, right?
One thing I remember is that cars, particularly tires, were not
as reliable then. Tires were bias ply with a liner and inner
tube. Many times my dad would have to pull over to fix a flat.
He would jack-up the car with a bumper jack, remove the
wheel, deflate the tube completely, remove it from the rim and
break out the patching kit, an essential item in those days.
Then he would locate the hole, scuff it a little so the patch
would stick, apply the glue and the pre-cut patch, and then
apply heat, either with a match or cigarette lighter. The final
steps were to inflate the tube with a hand-operated air pump
and remount the wheel. This was fascinating stuff for a young
boy, but not so much for my dad.
As I was preparing to write this article, I wondered if the
Sunday drive was simply my own family’s tradition or
something more deeply rooted in American society, so I did a
little research. I found a blog by Julie Campoli called, Bring
Back the Sunday Drive.
In her 2007 article she writes, “Although it may not top your list
of leisure activities this summer, in mid-century America, the
Sunday drive was as common as wearing hats and smoking in
public places.
The custom of riding out on a Sunday, long a privilege of the
wealthy, became widespread in the 1920s, when mass
production of automobiles put cars in the hands of the middle
class. Between 1917 and 1923, 15 million Model Ts, rolled off
Ford’s assembly line and became a common sight along
country roads, packed with families in their Sunday best.
Sunday driving remained popular for decades and faded out in
the 1970s. Conventional wisdom blames its demise on the
gas shortages of that decade, but I’m inclined to believe
leisure driving was the victim of a changing built environment.”
So, the Sunday drive was an American tradition after all.
Nowadays, however, gas prices, which she alludes to above,
and a much wider variety of entertainment choices have made
this long standing custom all but extinct. Perhaps weekend RV
camping, although not exactly a fuel efficient activity, has
replaced it. The important thing is that families still get away
and spend time together.
Notice: Convertible, no seatbelts or headrests, and child in front seat
12