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Tips

Taking the plunge

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Tom,

You'd BETTER do it! - you owe me a visit.
Contact me ahead of time,& I'll give you my phone
numbers,& if any problems,call me.I'll help you out.
Besides - don't you want to see the Redwoods?

- Doug
 
Doug - take a look at my map (first page of the blog linked below). Going right through northern California into redwood country.

JPSmit said:
i know Toronto is not on your route but if it were you would be welcome to call. BTW what is your worst case scenario? That would be flying home. Not so gruesome.
Click to expand...

JP - Toronto has been on my route for several months. Added it when you invited me up there! It's shown on the map, and listed in the text. (What page are you looking at that doesn't have Toronto ...?)

Worst case scenario? (Other than going over a cliff when the brakes fail ...) Worst I'd imagine might be a major mechanical breakdown, where a replacement part needs to be located and shipped. I can take care of finding and ordering, but might need a mechanic familiar with pre-fuel injection cars. And of course the week of delay would be a spanner in the works!

What do you think of this idea - start a new BCF topic called "Team BCF". Describe the trip and the route, and ask if members along the route would serve as emergency contacts I could call for recommendations of area mechanics in case of breakdown.

Just a thought.
Thanks.
Tom
 
NutmegCT said:
JP - Toronto has been on my route for several months. Added it when you invited me up there! It's shown on the map, and listed in the text. (What page are you looking at that doesn't have Toronto ...?)

Worst case scenario? (Other than going over a cliff when the brakes fail ...) Worst I'd imagine might be a major mechanical breakdown, where a replacement part needs to be located and shipped. I can take care of finding and ordering, but might need a mechanic familiar with pre-fuel injection cars. And of course the week of delay would be a spanner in the works!

What do you think of this idea - start a new BCF topic called "Team BCF". Describe the trip and the route, and ask if members along the route would serve as emergency contacts I could call for recommendations of area mechanics in case of breakdown.
Click to expand...

OK teach me to enter a conversation with only part of the the information - <WOW! that's never happened before on the internet has it? -or even on BCF? :crazyeyes:> There are any number of trips that could reassure you - Mark (Abarth69) just did a 4000km trip with two healeys & had four breakdowns - about 4 hours. There was recently the Austin 7 group. Bottom line - like the others - go for it. At this point, weather might be more of an issue than reliability, though a late summer/ early fall trip starting somewhat north and ending somewhat south could be very beautiful.

Oh, and I have re-considered - worst case scenario - Billy, definitely Billy. Actually breaking down outside of Billy's :devilgrin:

https://bp0.blogger.com/_0jhe4AbFCnY/R06I1iFC4wI/AAAAAAAAAnY/JzbB-51tFBA/s400/Redneck-Mercedes-2.jpg
 
NutmegCT said:
Worst case scenario? (Other than going over a cliff when the brakes fail ...) Worst I'd imagine might be a major mechanical breakdown, where a replacement part needs to be located and shipped. I can take care of finding and ordering, but might need a mechanic familiar with pre-fuel injection cars. And of course the week of delay would be a spanner in the works!
Click to expand...

Well, if you go over a cliff you'll probably be dead so nothing to worry about after that. You break down and have to order a part. I would figure the more remote you are the more mechanics, or guys sitting on the porch, you are likely to find that can and have the time to fumble their way around an old car. Go for a walk, look at the stars, meet some locals. If you have a schedule to keep I'd throw it away now.

It runs fine today, right? Have a great trip!

1244.jpg
"I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened."
 
Tom, it looks as though you will be driving right by my home and I think our esteemed boss's is in the same general area. We are located off the historic Rt.66 which parallels Interstate 40. You have lodging (free) at our home and all you need do is call when you are in the area. I'll PM you our phone numbers before you leave on this grand adventure. Also there are folks who can certainly help you if there is a mechanical problem. If you belong to a Mercedes club I am sure they have a member directory. I do know that there is a member directory for both Austin Healey clubs and most members are mechanically inclined in spite of the vehicle's ancestry. If you would like I will mail you the last years' directories.

As you can probably guess we all want you to have no regrets about what might have been.
 
Hey Tom, have you heard of Brinson? https://www.brinsonco.com/ They're down here and very helpful. I've known the head counterman for 30 years, good guy. If it's still available he can get it for you. I know you're not planning to head this way but let me know if there is anything I can do for you. You definitely have backup in the new Orleans/ Gulf Coast area if needed. I have a lift here too if needed. I looked at the map but didn't see any ETAs. Cruisin' the Coast is in early November and a great venue.
 
JPSmit said:
Oh, and I have re-considered - worst case scenario - Billy, definitely Billy. Actually breaking down outside of Billy's :devilgrin:
Click to expand...
Nope, safest place on'na planet. It's the *inside* of my front gate you gotta worry about.
 
kellysguy said:
Nope, safest place on'na planet. It's the *inside* of my front gate you gotta worry about.
Click to expand...

hmmm - if I break down at your place, you'd have some really classy yard art!

T.
 
NutmegCT said:
hmmm - if I break down at your place, you'd have some really classy yard art!

T.
Click to expand...
Not for long, scrap yard is 3 miles away and givin' $11 per 100#s. :devilgrin: Seriously though, holler if you need anything and give John a call if you need something no matter where you are.
 
NutmegCT said:
Doug - take a look at my map (first page of the blog linked below). Going right through northern California into redwood country.



JP - Toronto has been on my route for several months. Added it when you invited me up there! It's shown on the map, and listed in the text. (What page are you looking at that doesn't have Toronto ...?)

Worst case scenario? (Other than going over a cliff when the brakes fail ...) Worst I'd imagine might be a major mechanical breakdown, where a replacement part needs to be located and shipped. I can take care of finding and ordering, but might need a mechanic familiar with pre-fuel injection cars. And of course the week of delay would be a spanner in the works!

What do you think of this idea - start a new BCF topic called "Team BCF". Describe the trip and the route, and ask if members along the route would serve as emergency contacts I could call for recommendations of area mechanics in case of breakdown.

Just a thought.
Thanks.
Tom
Click to expand...

Hey Tom,
I've been off the forum for a few days, and this thread has really taken off! Logan is on the route, and we're looking forward to seeing you. It sounds like there are BCF members all along the way. I think you should go for it.

Keith
 
Tom: There'd be a "dip" in that trip if Florida would be on it. And no lack of experience. No worries over backup, but only half-way down... and on the left side of th' state. Th' Keys are unknown (Miami is ~covered~ tho).

SO... if you by chance find yourself in mid-central west Florida, your butt is safe.

Jus' so ya know.
 
Okay, let's get this adventure started. Tom give us a state by state route and then those in that state who can host you will be able to sign in. We can do it anyway you want - Pub post or your blog. Now get a wiggle on.
 
kellysguy said:
SC area?!?!? He's skipping the entire south! :laugh:
Click to expand...

Not intentionally. Just that I planned the route to visit my family, students and colleagues in the time period I have available. I'm not free until mid September, then get busy again in mid October.

Tom
 
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