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Jim_Gruber
Yoda
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I'm taking a few days of R&R in San Diego and staying with Bill and Joal Mayer(60FROG). Bill invited me out to come and drove 60FROG. Although Bugsy II is under reconstruction, my last time in my '68 Sprite was 3 years ago and alas, I've never driven a Bugeye. Dreamed about it but never driven a Bugeye. Well I got my chance to drive 60FROG and aslo got to meet and have Tech Session with the famous Bill Masquelier. I know his brother Mark back in Dayton but never had the opportunity to meet Bill M. in person. I got a lot of questions answered, and advice given that will be useful in Bugsy II's reconstruction.
No the important part. Bill Mayer and I got out of San Diego Traffic and headed East to the Otay Lakes region and then down Hwy 94 to SoCals Tail of the Dragon type of road. Absolutely perfect BE Weather with Sun coming through the overcast and low 70's for temps. We stopped at a bar that caters to weekend bikers just after 11:00 AM and had lunch. Virtually no traffic this early on Memorial Day weekend and so it was a treat riding shotgun down. Nice lunch but as we went outside for me to drive home over the winding mountain roads a sign outside the bard told the tale Deaths YTD 4, Injuries 29. A bit ominous to me for the journey home.
So let me get to the important part, what's it like to drive a fabulous BE for the first time. Engine is a 1275 +.030 over with a somewhat lumpy cam. Power, power, power, engine coupled to a 5 Speed and 3.9 pulled strong in every gear. First gear runs out quickly and the short shifter just clicks easily into 2nd gear. Clutch felt heavy at first but after a few minutes no issues engaging from a stop even up hill. Transmission is a delight and I've been promised I'd see how a Datsun 5 speed transforms this car and everyone was absolutely correct. It makes a huge difference in driveability and with the 3.9 rear end the combo is perfect. It can cruise all day at 75 and the car feels totally planted and solid. My '68 could get to 75 but getting there felt a bit scary with constant steering correction even with a rebuilt front end and rear and a set of Peter C. shocks. 60FROG absolutely flat and composed going into each and every turn. Disc Brakes up front and Sumitomo 175/60/13 tires stuck like glue. Braking wonderful and well modulated. Front sway bar kept things under control up front and the rear end followed nicely. Ride was firm but not bouncy. Seats comfy and well padded and driving position great. In short and absolute delight to drive. I can't wait to do it again.
My thanks to Scott MacDonald for doing a wonderful build on 60FROG and Bill M. for keeping 60FROG running so well. I'm excited to get back home on Moday to get back to work on Bugsy removing the rest of the PS Floorpan and making a decision on whether or not I need to replace the rear bulkhead on Bugsy II. Lots of stuff back there that does not look like it was properly repaired 35 years ago. Thanks again to Bill and Joal for the wonderful hospitality and the opportunity to see just how wonderful a BE can be to drive.
S
No the important part. Bill Mayer and I got out of San Diego Traffic and headed East to the Otay Lakes region and then down Hwy 94 to SoCals Tail of the Dragon type of road. Absolutely perfect BE Weather with Sun coming through the overcast and low 70's for temps. We stopped at a bar that caters to weekend bikers just after 11:00 AM and had lunch. Virtually no traffic this early on Memorial Day weekend and so it was a treat riding shotgun down. Nice lunch but as we went outside for me to drive home over the winding mountain roads a sign outside the bard told the tale Deaths YTD 4, Injuries 29. A bit ominous to me for the journey home.
So let me get to the important part, what's it like to drive a fabulous BE for the first time. Engine is a 1275 +.030 over with a somewhat lumpy cam. Power, power, power, engine coupled to a 5 Speed and 3.9 pulled strong in every gear. First gear runs out quickly and the short shifter just clicks easily into 2nd gear. Clutch felt heavy at first but after a few minutes no issues engaging from a stop even up hill. Transmission is a delight and I've been promised I'd see how a Datsun 5 speed transforms this car and everyone was absolutely correct. It makes a huge difference in driveability and with the 3.9 rear end the combo is perfect. It can cruise all day at 75 and the car feels totally planted and solid. My '68 could get to 75 but getting there felt a bit scary with constant steering correction even with a rebuilt front end and rear and a set of Peter C. shocks. 60FROG absolutely flat and composed going into each and every turn. Disc Brakes up front and Sumitomo 175/60/13 tires stuck like glue. Braking wonderful and well modulated. Front sway bar kept things under control up front and the rear end followed nicely. Ride was firm but not bouncy. Seats comfy and well padded and driving position great. In short and absolute delight to drive. I can't wait to do it again.
My thanks to Scott MacDonald for doing a wonderful build on 60FROG and Bill M. for keeping 60FROG running so well. I'm excited to get back home on Moday to get back to work on Bugsy removing the rest of the PS Floorpan and making a decision on whether or not I need to replace the rear bulkhead on Bugsy II. Lots of stuff back there that does not look like it was properly repaired 35 years ago. Thanks again to Bill and Joal for the wonderful hospitality and the opportunity to see just how wonderful a BE can be to drive.
S
