The Impala was built in 1967. CARS BUILT IN 1967 DID NOT HAVE AIR-CONDITIONING.
Take it from someone who spent their childhood spending part of every summer on 3 day roadtrips (one way) in old cars...in the 80s! Old cars do not even have the OPTION of air-conditioning. They have air VENTS, but that's hardly the same thing (they just stir the hot air around really).
So, please stop writing about how the boys are all sweaty because the air conditioning is "broken"...write instead that they are all sweaty because they are driving around in a car that was built in 1967!
Thank you
PS: Yes, I do realize that improvements can be made to old cars - such as installing a tape-deck, which they have obviously done. But until I see canon proof that they've taken the time to install an air-conditioning system, I am going to continue to be annoyed by this.
ETA: Both
auriliawestlake and dairygirl pointed out in comments that AC was invented in 1939 (MY MIND IS BLOWN) and that it was actually an option when purchasing a 1967 Impala...so, I guess I've been way harsher on fic-writers than is actually warranted. That being said, AC was an expensive add on, and for some reason I doubt Sal Moriarty (bible-giver-outer-extraordinaire) would spring for an expensive add-on. Basically, I'm still going to go by the assumption that the Impala does not have any add-ons unless I'm told differently (like the tape-deck)....I just spent far too much of my childhood driving around in non-AC old cars with working and lower-middle-class people who couldn't really afford the car, let alone expensive optional features.
Also, the Impala would have had lap belts (that are probably never used)...and is an automatic transmission...and has a bench seat....and yeah, I think that's everything covered in comments. Feel free to chime in if I've missed something.
ETA (AGAIN): Ok,auriliawestlake also pointed out that the automatic transmission would have been an extra add-on when purchased from the factory - so there is evidence that the original owner went for the luxury extras. So, I PROMISE TO BE LESS HARD ON PEOPLE...but personally, I still would rather assume everything is "factory-standard" unless otherwise shown or told.
Take it from someone who spent their childhood spending part of every summer on 3 day roadtrips (one way) in old cars...in the 80s! Old cars do not even have the OPTION of air-conditioning. They have air VENTS, but that's hardly the same thing (they just stir the hot air around really).
So, please stop writing about how the boys are all sweaty because the air conditioning is "broken"...write instead that they are all sweaty because they are driving around in a car that was built in 1967!
Thank you
PS: Yes, I do realize that improvements can be made to old cars - such as installing a tape-deck, which they have obviously done. But until I see canon proof that they've taken the time to install an air-conditioning system, I am going to continue to be annoyed by this.
ETA: Both
auriliawestlake and dairygirl pointed out in comments that AC was invented in 1939 (MY MIND IS BLOWN) and that it was actually an option when purchasing a 1967 Impala...so, I guess I've been way harsher on fic-writers than is actually warranted. That being said, AC was an expensive add on, and for some reason I doubt Sal Moriarty (bible-giver-outer-extraordinaire) would spring for an expensive add-on. Basically, I'm still going to go by the assumption that the Impala does not have any add-ons unless I'm told differently (like the tape-deck)....I just spent far too much of my childhood driving around in non-AC old cars with working and lower-middle-class people who couldn't really afford the car, let alone expensive optional features.Also, the Impala would have had lap belts (that are probably never used)...and is an automatic transmission...and has a bench seat....and yeah, I think that's everything covered in comments. Feel free to chime in if I've missed something.
ETA (AGAIN): Ok,
auriliawestlake also pointed out that the automatic transmission would have been an extra add-on when purchased from the factory - so there is evidence that the original owner went for the luxury extras. So, I PROMISE TO BE LESS HARD ON PEOPLE...but personally, I still would rather assume everything is "factory-standard" unless otherwise shown or told.- Current Mood:
annoyed
Profile
- hells_half_acre
- Hell's Half Acre
Comments
Which leaves me with the question of how John secured a baby Sam while driving the hell all over the place...
I'd love to hear ideas on that.
Maybe he wedged a carseat into one of the back footwells. It's either that or he just gave him to Dean and told him to "hold on tight" - because you know, that's a really good way to mentally scar Dean more.
If he's anything like my dad, he probably just rigged up something using rope and bungee cords.
So, I'm going to be waiting for the day when one of them says "man, could you turn down the air-con, I'm freezing!" before I believe that Dean upgraded the Impala past the tape-deck addition.
But just wondering, how is it like when they were driving in cold weather or rain? You rolled up the windows right, so wouldn't it be stuffy?
...Now I definitely want Dean-with-a-high-fever (to the point of hallucinations) fic where John ends up installing air conditioning after-the-fact. XD
Yes - I'm a bit of a car-geek.
For proof, check out the Impala options on this page: http://www.oldride.com/library/1967_chevrolet_impala.html
I just spent way too much of my childhood driving around in old cars without AC, because no one in my working/lower-middle class family could afford fancy add-ons...to the point where I obviously didn't even know AC existed until it started to become standard.
Thanks for the information though! And the cool link!
to note: whenever i write fic, i don't seen to mention the weather for the most part. huh.
(sorry for all the edits.)
Edited at 2010-07-13 05:18 pm (UTC)
My Dad had some sort of Chevy, but I can't remember what model anymore. I just know that we called it "the boat." Other than that, it was VW vans and Ladas (yes, Ladas), and then my uncle had a new old car every year it seemed. Damned if I knew which ones they were - they all blended together and he always bought them when they were on their last legs and then ran them into the ground.
I actually almost bought an 1968 Impala (yes I'm that much of a fan girl) and it did have Air conditioning. I was also surprised how big the back seat really is - i don't think Sam would be as cramped as some writers insist. BTW Most fun Test drive ever!
Edited at 2010-07-14 01:45 pm (UTC)
I know what you mean about it being roomy. I've never been inside one, but I found the location shoot once while everyone was on break and peered into the windows of one of the ones they use on the show. Not only was it cleaner than any classic car that I've ever seen (except at car shows), but I could easily see how it'd be a great car for two guys to fall asleep in at the side of the road (and I don't mean anything naughty by that).
And yes, I'm with you on being annoyed when people write it like it's a two door.
It seems I've going to have to lessen my ire about people writing about AC though...I seriously did not know that AC existed that long ago. I guess that's what happens when you have weird hippie parents who only drive VW vans and extremely cheap cars.