VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 What's a safe cruising speed ?

Having only driven my car aprox 2 miles around the neighborhood, I'm curious to hear what speed these cars can safely keep on state or even interstate highways.
Mine is a '32 with stock engine and rear end. ( I've been dissuaded from engaging the free-wheeling.)
I'm been so engrossed in the mechanicals, I haven't given much thought that I might actually be driving it out in public someday. At what speed do you guys feel comfortable with sound brakes and steering ? 0 to 60 in five minutes ? Do I need 4 way flashers out on the 4 lanes ?
Thanks !!

A safe cruising speed with the stock engine and rear-end would be 45 to 50 MPH.

A '32 Chevy in good condition should be able to cruise at 55 mph all day long. Most feel more comfortable at 45-50 mph. I occasionally drive my '28 Coupe at 50 mph. Drove my first '31 at 55 mph for and hour or so at a time many times. The '32 is much smoother as it has counterbalanced crankshaft.

Driving at higher speeds requires brakes that are in good condition and properly adjusted. These cars will stop very well considering the narrow tires do not have a large footprint. Just make sure you have high friction linings.

If you drive in metropolitan areas turn signals with flashers are a good idea. So is an additional brake light in the back window (or high up in the center of the body).

That's a nice respectable speed and no probably need to buy a radar detector. Great. Good to know I can take a decent trip without packing a sleeping bag.

I haven't opened up and looked at the brakes yet but I like the sound of high friction linings and maybe a high 3rd brake light (removable).
Here in the northeast, people drive like crazy ALL the time. I've installed directionals w/ 4 way flashers. Problem is , there're kinda dim, 6v.

I installed a duel frequency compressor driven air horn on my Harley. Hmmm... on the Chevy maybe? One blast from that sucker, people drop their cell phones right on the spot thinking there's an 18 wheeler about to run them over.

Thanks guys.

If you are going to be in traffic a lot then the LED tail light conversions are much brighter. Even at 55-60 MPH in the northeast traveling the turnpike is a white knuckle chore. Most around here travel at 70-75 MPH even in the 55 zone and if there is a trooper behind them it's only because he is wanting to pass.

regarding the free wheeling, it is probably illegal to use it in Connecticut. our inspection instructions used to include a paragraph on how to take them out of free wheeling, cut the cable, and bend it around the bracket so that it couldn't be engaged.

No need to cut the cable and ruin a good Free Wheeling cable. Simply wire the lever on the side of the transmission so that the Free Wheeling unit can not be engaged.

Totally agree with not cutting the cable. I made up a metal bracket and bolted it to the trany. 45-50 is what I drive at ,car will go faster its just those scary times when someone pulls out in front of you and slams on the brakes. These cars even at the best of times cant compete with four wheel disc brakes. If you drive a bike then just apply the same driving techniques.

Good advice Jack. Drive it like you would a motorcycle, defensively. Maybe even don the full face helmet if out on the interstate, like NASCAR dudes.

Someday, if your'e able, it would be nice to see a photo of your bracket. Thanks.

[quote=hardaground]Good advice Jack. Drive it like you would a motorcycle, defensively. Maybe even don the full face helmet if out on the interstate, like NASCAR dudes.

My wife loves riding the motorcycle. Of course, she rides on the back and want nothing to do with riding her own even though she once had her permit and did try. Still have a nice low mileage original 83' HD Sturgis in the cellar that I bought her.

What she doesn't realize is that riding is NOT always fun for me. I'm not only responsible for me but her too. I don't have two human eyes, but have developed eyes like a fly so I can see all around me at one time. I watch for cars, bicycles, people, dogs, sand on the corners, potholes, and even deer. (Actually had two come across the road with the first one missing us and the other hitting us. Luckily stayed on the throttle and didn't go down. Almost had some venison that day but it managed to get up and run into the woods before I could get to it.) Even with all this stuff going on my wife's on the back singing to the music playing! Well, at least I know I must be doing a good job as she's confident enough to relax. I think (hopefully), driving the Chevy will be a little less stressful!

Last fall while turning into my driveway (a stretch of road that is 50km/hr. 30 mph) I had girl in a ford truck try to run me over.... texting . you definitely need to drive these cars defensively. that day I wound up in the other lane facing oncoming traffic. not fun. But on the positive side I did lay rubber with my 32.

In Clemson, SC with the retirees here and the students attending Clemson, driving is an adventure at best. We take our 32 out to local car shows and cruise in pretty weather a lot. 40-45 mph is a good speed for our 32 and we are going to use the wireless signal lights when they are available. You HAVE to be vigilant and be sure that you brakes are good to be safe. Texting here while driving is illegal, but not well enforced so having your head on a swivel is necessary....Have a great time with your Chevy....

Same here where I live as well.

Amen to a couple of the above suggestions:

LED lights. They are way, way brighter, and you can stay with 6 volts.

High friction linings. Plus be sure to adjust and centralize and all that.