OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

Not strictly OT, but tonight at 10, Discovery Channel starts a new "reality" series on how Cubans keep their old fleet of U.S. cars running.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifest...593_story.html

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

Thanks for the heads up. Sounds very interesting not only about the 50's cars but the Cuban lifestyle. Maybe they can order parts from USA vendors soon and not have to make gaskets from cardboard.
Now, the big problem is staying up past my bedtime to watch it. Never learned how to record a program. Time to learn I guess.
John

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

thank you... i have it scheduled for recording.. should be intresting

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

Thanks, set the series to record

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

Thanks for the heads up,just set my DVR to record the series,if your having a hard time finding it it's called Cuban Chrome!!

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

I don't know how to record either, but this subject has always fascinated me. I'll be there at ten. As for cardboard gaskets, cereal boxes have always been my favorite. Thanks for posting this.

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

It's been interesting, but the "reality" is a bit manufactured. I loved how the boys went out and bought a universal joint when they were sent to get bearings for the steering box, unless I missed something. At the beginning, I think they talked about a 1934 Model A. The grille looked like a Plymouth or Dodge. I guess you need to keep an open mind and not get hung up on the details! ;-)

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

Typical reality show.

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

Just finished watching it. a waste of my time, I should have been out working on my coupe. would have been more entertaining.

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

Accuracy seems to have flown out the window. First car shown was a "1934 Model A 3 window coupe. Looked more like a Hupp coupe to me Than he raves a '56 "Crown Victoria" which in reality was a standard Victoria hardtop. Not to be even slightly accurate the narrator went on to say that Crown Vic's were great police cars in the '50's. The they show a jitney cab '52-'53 Olds needing steering worm bearings but they go to the local scalper and are negotiating for a U-joint to fix the steering. Looney toon cartoons are much better at documentary facts than these guys. One old guy says that finding parts for old cars in Cuba is a real B**ch. Apparently so is the truth. I've watched more exciting test patterns with the indian chief!

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

deucemac, I like your test pattern remark. I wonder how many people remember that?---Jim

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

How would you like them to work on your car

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

Another reality Show. I have spent time in Cuba for over 30 years. We have built Tri-Five Chevy's by the boat load... Old Dodge's, Older 50's Chevys and Fords.

Most of the repairs is due to the Huge Blackmarket in Cuba.... We just finished a 56 Chevy with a 5 litre Mercedes with 5 on the Tree..

A good friend of mine does very well with 3 old taxi;s in the Veradero area. which is where many of the Tourists go.

is so funny... all of them want Belair parts and 90% of the cars are not Belairs... We are doing a 59 Impala right now.

The show is like any of those other Reality Shows... 10% real and 90% pure B.S.

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

It's really a magic show, ' How to fix a steering box with a universal joint':confused:

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

YES! I thought I missed something about the U-joint, too. The problem is that these shows have producers that aren't car guys. They stitch together these car shows in an effort to create DRAMA above all else.

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

I noticed right away that the sons came home with the u joint but then old dad was in fact working on the drive shaft when they got home. There must have been two issues with the Olds but somehow things got mixed up in editing. All in all it was enlightening for me; they do have some good looking cars in the club, some of the characters seem pretty cool, the peek at Cuban realities is sobering and their resourcefulness is beyond belief. Some will laugh at the show and their crude methods but I wonder how many here could deal with the cards some Cubans are dealt. I'll be tuning in again.

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

Too much B.S. and DRAMA for me. I'd much rather watch Wayne Carini.

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

I turned the channel about half way through, but I did see that guy purchase that clapped up '58 four door Chevy for $9000. That car was a parts car at best, did they, thru the "magic of TV" finish the car?

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

That was a total let down and waste of time. I agree on the u joint. Where did that change from a bearing?

Re: OT - Discovery Channel show on maintaining old cars in Cuba
 

Looks interesting. I've been interested in the cars of Havana for a long time now. Missed the first episode but there are some clips here showing what its all about.
http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/cuban-chrome/