[Frank Lee]

11 years ago I bought my '59 Bel Air which had been parked since '68. I checked the dipstick and that oil was as honey-colored as new, with no sign of moisture. So I ran it. When I finally did change it out I had the opportunity to look in the oil filter canister (GREAT for seeing how much sediment there is vs spin-ons) and there really wasn't much. If I wouldn't have already bought a replacement element I could have easily put the old one back in. Anyway, the engine still runs great with zero sign of any lubrication or lubrication related issues. Same goes for the a/t- I asked the local trans shop about flushing and they said noooo, the old whale oil based a/t fluids were really good so if it looks good and works good, leave it. It does and so I have. I did flush and replace the coolant and brake fluid though- brake fluid is known to take on moisture over time, especially in the old stuff like the '59 that has a master cylinder cap vented to the atmosphere, unlike the newer stuff with the sealed bellows under the cap.

Mech's story about the Honda cycle reminds me of my Honda Silverwing which I've owned since '85; back when I listened to some ridiculous recommended changing schedule I noticed that the expensive special motorcycle oil I was draining out was just as honey colored and clean looking as the stuff I was pouring in. I think that was the "Ah Ha" moment where I decided you can't just go by what the herd does.