Rolling wreck

[NutmegCT]

After my adventures of 2011, I'm a rolling wreck. Cancer, retinal detachment, cyst removal, two cataract surgeries, and floods which wrecked the cellar - twice.

I'm mad as heck that the year I planned my big "coast to coast in a classic car" drive, I got the cancer diagnosis. Had to sell my wonderful 1958 Mercedes-Benz to help pay the "adventure" bills.

But - not quite ready for the pine box - I'm planning to get another old Mercedes. But this time, it'll be a "rolling wreck" itself. Still running, but "not exactly concourse".

Like me.

Anyway, if I find a driveable car in another state, and fly out to inspect it, if I buy it how do I drive it home to Connecticut? It won't have a license plate. I can't get a 30 day "temp" plate from Connecticut, unless I already have the bill of sale.

Thanks,
Tom
a/k/a Rolling Wreck

 

[JodyFKerr]

Check with your DMV.

Here in Arizona we can print out a 3-day plate that's good for getting the car home.

In some states plates still go with the car, so you'd have a possible valid registration.

In a worst case scenario, see if the seller will let you mail the plates back to them once you get home.

 

[Billm]

Would you really trust a "rolling wreck" to drive home when you just got it?
I would think about renting a U-haul pickup truck and dolly at the place of purchase and tow it home.
BillM

 

[AngliaGT]

Tom,

What I did when I bought the Cortina MKIII in Victoria,-
British Columbia,was to get a pair of the dealer's "plates"-
(the paper/plastic advertising cards that go where the license
plates go,+ get the license frames from the same dealer.
The odds of getting pulled over are much better than no
plates at all.Just make sure that you have insurance coverage.
Some states,like California,you can buy a "one trip" permit.

- Doug

 

[waltesefalcon]

Good luck Tom, if you need any help scouting out a Benz let me know, I may have a lead on at least one.

 

[NutmegCT]

Thanks for the support gentlemen.

Jody and Doug, I just learned I can transfer my own car's plates for up to ten days. DMV (oh joy ...) needs $20, and I take the plates to the other car to drive it back.

Bill - I hear you on the warning. I wouldn't dare take it on the road until I've driven it myself, and taken it to a classic car mechanic/shop for a thorough check up.

Walter - I'm looking for a driveable 1955-65 sedan for $2500. I plan to use it for a month-long coast to coast drive, then sell or donate it. Appearance isn't important.

Here's the one I'm hoping to check out next week (near Toledo OH). It's a 1958 190 (gasoline), 4 speed, new tires. The interior is a total disaster - looks like a couple of angry cats made their home there for a few years. The owner got the mechanicals straightened out, but was overwhelmed with the interior needs. There are corrosion "issues".

 

[NutmegCT]

and under the hood:

Third try, but can't figure out why the image doesn't show.

PS - I've worked on these engines before.

 

[aeronca65t]

I drove one of those to Watkins Glen in 1970 with three other guys. It was owned by the father of a friend of mine, and my friend had worked the night-shift, so I was elected to drive the entire way so he could sleep.
(the other two guys were not deemed "trustworthy" to drive) :laugh:

If you can get a car with solid mechanics, go for it!

But you wouldn't want to drive your TR3?

 

[NutmegCT]

But you wouldn't want to drive your TR3?

I'm doing this drive in honor of my parents, who both died (cancer, heart attack) before they could make their own retirement trip, back in the 1980s.

I learned to drive on my dad's 1960 190 ("ponton"). My mom had a 1961 220S ("fintail"). Both were ten year old used cars, but were our daily drivers. So I want to make my drive in a car like one of those two.

Here's a photo of my dad, me, and my brother, taking a look at a "new" 190 as it made a cross-country demo drive, back in 1959.

Thanks for the encouragement!
Tom

 

[14dna]

Tom, is that car a stick?
My Dad had a 1960 190 gas that was a four speed on the column.
Very tricky to drive, at first.
I miss that car, as it was solid and old at the same time.
"Good Luck" with your adventure and I only live about 3-4 hours away from Toledo, so stop in if you feel so inclined.

Dave

 

[NutmegCT]

Dave - All those were four on the column; Mercedes in the 1950s had no automatic transmission except for the big "Adenauer" (M-B 300).

The six cylinder engines in the late 1950s had an option for a vacuum operated clutch called "Hydrak" (hydraulic automatic clutch); when you touched the shift lever, the clutch release. Shift into gear, release the lever, clutch re-engaged. Hydrak included a fluid coupling. Very cool.

Thanks for the invitation!

Tom

 

[NutmegCT]

please shoot me ... please shoot me ...

I think I've found it.

 

[aeronca65t]

LOL

Good luck! And don't forget pictures!

 

[drooartz]

Good luck... no shooting from here. Just post pictures and let us know how it goes.