General Discussion

MineralMan

(148,150 posts)

9. Cars have improved dramatically, and not just in safety.

Sun Apr 21, 2013, 12:02 PM

Apr 2013

My father had an auto repair garage. Valve jobs and engine overhauls were common then, and cars with 100,000 miles on them were rare, indeed. Today, most auto engines go at least 200,000 miles without any work at all on their internals. Much higher efficiency, and far better engineering have really improved them.

Air bags are another major improvement. Our cars today are way, way better than those old ones.

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An Almost Baby Boomer 50th HS Reunion [View all] MineralMan Apr 2013 OP

MineralMan.....this was really great. I graduated high school in 1970 livetohike Apr 2013 #1

Thanks. I'm sure I'll write something about it afterwards. MineralMan Apr 2013 #2

I graduated in '66. I'm interested in what he finds also. In_The_Wind Apr 2013 #3

1963 grad here! Lugnut Apr 2013 #4

You're more than welcome. MineralMan Apr 2013 #5

My 50th was in 2009 and it was a bit depressing tularetom Apr 2013 #6

That's a risk. I don't know how many will come to this MineralMan Apr 2013 #7

The cars one is a thought, isn't it? Zax2me Apr 2013 #8

Cars have improved dramatically, and not just in safety. MineralMan Apr 2013 #9

Odometers back then only had 5 digits. adieu Apr 2013 #41

Yes. And the old cars I owned had often turned over once MineralMan Apr 2013 #43

Our 50th is in September. MrYikes Apr 2013 #10

I hope you'll be attending. It's a once in a lifetime event. MineralMan Apr 2013 #11

My 45th is coming up later this year. SteveG Apr 2013 #12

Thanks. You're in the same graduating year as my brother. MineralMan Apr 2013 #13

MineralMan - I'm the same age and class ('68) as your brother. xtraxritical Apr 2013 #48

Actually, I dropped out of college in 1965. MineralMan Apr 2013 #49

Well glad to know ya! xtraxritical Apr 2013 #57

My 45th this year, too frazzled Apr 2013 #18

culottes - oh yeah xtraxritical Apr 2013 #50

We had about 400 in my class SteveG Apr 2013 #56

Hey MM - WinniSkipper Apr 2013 #14

Me in 1963 and Now MineralMan Apr 2013 #19

Awesome WinniSkipper Apr 2013 #26

That was a great idea. I also added them to the OP. MineralMan Apr 2013 #28

Same guy? Maybe...but guy in the left photo looks WAY smarter. FailureToCommunicate Apr 2013 #36

Too soon old; Too late smart. MineralMan Apr 2013 #40

Nah. I've read your stuff here on DU. You're still wicked smaart! FailureToCommunicate Apr 2013 #42

Some would just say wicked, I'm sure. MineralMan Apr 2013 #44

Thanks, MM. I SO enjoyed reading that. I'm 5 years younger than you but it all rang true. CurtEastPoint Apr 2013 #15

Thank you! MineralMan Apr 2013 #45

Dear MM, True Story: I'm in Florida and missed our reunion ('58 NJ). Anyway my friend and her monmouth3 Apr 2013 #16

LOL! MineralMan Apr 2013 #20

Psychology Today has had articles over the years on HS reunions pinboy3niner Apr 2013 #17

Very Funny! That's for old people, though. MineralMan Apr 2013 #21

Wow, what a flood of memories! rustydog Apr 2013 #22

Thanks for sharing your story! MineralMan Apr 2013 #23

At my first HS reunion I was told, "You can't be here--you're dead!" pinboy3niner Apr 2013 #24

The more time that passes, the less some stuff hurts, MineralMan Apr 2013 #25

I'm 10 years younger Maeve Apr 2013 #27

Thanks for your memories! MineralMan Apr 2013 #29

LMSP kicking...n/t littlemissmartypants Apr 2013 #30

Thanks for the kick. MineralMan Apr 2013 #31

... littlemissmartypants Apr 2013 #33

Class of 61 sarge43 Apr 2013 #32

A hell of a ride, indeed. MineralMan Apr 2013 #37

I look forward to your update! Phentex Apr 2013 #34

I'll be sure to post it. MineralMan Apr 2013 #38

I really enjoyed this post. Thank you for writing it. StrongBad Apr 2013 #35

And thank you for reading it! MineralMan Apr 2013 #39

$10,000 a year, that was the number. If I could have earned that I'd have been set for life 1-Old-Man Apr 2013 #46

Well, at the time, it was a good goal. MineralMan Apr 2013 #47

born 46.... first year boomer oldhippydude Apr 2013 #51

Hi, MM. Have a great time, now and after reunion; elleng Apr 2013 #52

Another member of the Class of '63 checking in... Surya Gayatri Apr 2013 #53

I went to my xxqqqzme Apr 2013 #54

Thanks for the stroll through history! smirkymonkey Apr 2013 #55