I always have my eye and ear open for the not so normal. I had a 56 Bristle that broke an axle near to work in 77. That was the end of that car for me, no resources and a young family. A Toyota pickup was a better fit.
When I first bought this replica car I was allways leaving the master switch on , the hot water would collect in the top of the radiator and turn on the electric fans. Draining the small battery and leaving me at the mercy of a hill, incline, a jump, or hand push.
This car stopped at an traffic light about a mile from home. Seemed to be the fuse block had lost contact on ignition circuit fuse.
Head light switch burnt out when leaving my nephews house at 2:30 am. I had to drive the back roads home using the blinking four way lights to see the curb.
I drove the replica up to my wifes work and took her Excursion to a shop. Later she got the replica a few blocks from her work and it died. She didn't turn on the electric fuel pump, I now have indicator lights on fuel pumps, ignition, and fans.
Distribuetor drive gear pin ( spring pin) sheared while in the back yard.
Had a go around with a new Mallory HyFire VI box . It would start crapping out about a mile from home. I thought the engine was about to die when trying to move the car but would idle just fine. Luckily I was able to limp the car home each time I thought I had it fixed and I haddn't. The spark plugs were always fouled. The Mallory HyFire VI box was within the Summits warranty period and I returned that box. Next box was trouble free.
Then there is the clutch twice. One time the through out bearing failed and chewed up the presure plate fingers. Second time turned out to be the clutch slave cylinder was not returning to it's absolute bottom giving the impression that the clutch was wearing and I was loosing my freeplay clearence.
Engine
oil foamed on a weekend trip with my wife up around the Olimpic penniuila. I had to add about eight quarts of Mobile 1 and causishly drive the car home. That turned out to be the intake gasket, FelPro Print O Seal gaskets shreded, now Victor intake gaskets.
A cell phone is a great comfort to have in hand.