old-tank Posted June 7, 2018 Share Posted June 7, 2018 Use the forum search feature (BCA General ... "texas road warriors") to find some of our previous (mis)adventures. It all started 13 years ago: (http://forums.aaca.org/topic/71039-on-the-way-to-batavia/?hl=batavia). This should serve as fair warning to anybody in our way north of Texas and an invitation to other drivers from Texas to join the fun. There are no caravans, schedules or other requirements; just a bunch of independent contractors that sometimes end up at the same place. Also, participants should save up for gas and oil (we're driving Buicks after all) and stock up on sliced Barbeque Brisket and Fajitas...if gas prices go up any more consider baloney sandwiches. We will leave 6-17 and drive 400-450 miles a day in our 1955 model 63. Willie 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted June 7, 2018 Share Posted June 7, 2018 Are you going Hwy 84 to Lubbock? Then which route.? Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCReatta Posted June 7, 2018 Share Posted June 7, 2018 I'll be swinging through south Texas on I-10. Staying in Van Horn 6/17, then heading north stopping at Carlsbad Caverns. If all goes well we should roll in Tuesday afternoon. I know I'm driving what most of y'all consider a "modern car" (1991 Reatta), but it's still a 27 year old car and can be prone to issues. This will be the second cross country trip for this car (bought it in Colorado in 2016 and drove it home), and I think she'll do just fine. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted June 7, 2018 Author Share Posted June 7, 2018 12 minutes ago, Ben Bruce aka First Born said: Are you going Hwy 84 to Lubbock? Then which route.? Ben Probably 84...will pick a route at last minute to avoid the hottest weather and any heavy duty weather. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted June 7, 2018 Share Posted June 7, 2018 Just yesterday things worked out that I could go to Denver. Not sure yet what I will drive but will leave Monday morning It looks like just under 900 miles from where I start so 450 the first day would be half way......Amarillo is a possibility. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted June 7, 2018 Share Posted June 7, 2018 (edited) Canyon is nicer and almost as close... If we leave Monday, that is where we are going to stay. Discussion is, do we go to the mountains before going to Denver ? Edited June 7, 2018 by Bill Stoneberg (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBloomberg Posted June 7, 2018 Share Posted June 7, 2018 We will leave Grapevine (next to DFW airport) Monday morning. I like to get past Amarillo the first day so I have a reservation in Dumas at the Best Western. I have enough points for a free night there. I plan to stay on US 287 into SE Colorado up to US 50 and fhen turn west to I 25 at Pueblo. I prefer to skip the Raton Pass and my route is less climbing than the higher road. I 25 brings us into Denver from the south which is most convenient as my sister lives in Highlands Ranch where we will be staying for the week. It is an easy commute from there to the host hotel. I'm still not committed as to which Buick to take. Based on latest weather forecast if its cool enough I want to drive th 52 Special with the 4-60 air conditioning, But to keep a happy wife plan B is to drive the 67 Riviera we had judged at Springfield. Also 430 cubuc inches in the Riviera may climb mountains easier than 263 cubes in the Special 3 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted June 8, 2018 Share Posted June 8, 2018 9 hours ago, old-tank said: Probably 84...will pick a route at last minute to avoid the hottest weather and any heavy duty weather. My plans are to leave Sunday and go to the vaunted salvage yard in Aline, OK. If that changes, I may try to time it to get behind you at Raton and help you over the hump. Safe travels Ben 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted June 8, 2018 Share Posted June 8, 2018 When you start "scaling the Caprock" north of Post, that might be your trial run for Raton. Y'all enjoy! NTX5467 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TxBuicks Posted June 8, 2018 Share Posted June 8, 2018 Michelle and I will be leaving the Friday before and staying in Manitou Springs for a few days before heading up to Denver. We will be at the show Tuesday afternoon to open the registration desk. As of this moment, I plan on driving my recently acquired 1998 LeSabre. I might even try to climb Pikes Peak with it while I'm close by. Y'all have safe and easy travels, and we will see you there! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted June 8, 2018 Share Posted June 8, 2018 I am so envious of all you all! I'll be thinking of your adventures while flying a few miles higher... Sure which the Queen had some wings! 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted June 10, 2018 Share Posted June 10, 2018 Decision has been made and we are getting the Electra ready. Canyon Monday night going up 87 from Eden Texas to Lubbock. I like that route because it is 4 lane divide highway all the way. From there not sure yet.. Maybe through Oklahoma just for a change.... I know coming home I will be in a hurry so will go over the pass then. I kinda dislike going the same way all the time. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TxBuicks Posted June 11, 2018 Share Posted June 11, 2018 John, as adventurous as it sounds, I'm hoping for no adventures. I'm hoping for a safe, reliable, no-surprises, mechanical-breakdown-free trip. I wish that for everyone traveling to and from the show. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBloomberg Posted June 15, 2018 Share Posted June 15, 2018 I'm glad to see the extended weather forecast calls for mild temperatures all week. with just occasional showers. Therefore those travelling without AC should be pleased. Look for my 52 Special to make the trip with a brend new set of Coker classic radials.. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted June 16, 2018 Share Posted June 16, 2018 That should get a lot of "thumbs up" along the way 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted June 16, 2018 Author Share Posted June 16, 2018 We will leave hot south central Texas tomorrow morning: destination Lubbock, TX about 420 miles. Next day another 440 miles to Pueblo, Co then decide on going to Dillon, CO depending on fires in the area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted June 16, 2018 Share Posted June 16, 2018 Leaving Monday morning, before daylight. Could do in one day, will probably do two. Heading up 287 to 283 No to probably 50 west. Will see after that. HAVE FUN, everyone! Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Phillips Posted June 16, 2018 Share Posted June 16, 2018 I am leaving Sunday early afternoon in the red 1970 stick shift Wildcat. Hope to make Childress or possibly as far as Dalhart Sunday evening, depending on how soon I leave. Have never found a motel that I like in Amarillo, so not going to stop there. Going to stop in Colorado Springs Monday night to visit Clara Corbin (David's widow) who has recently relocated there; then an hour to Denver on Tuesday, taking my time. Glad to hear Chuck B. is taking the '52. It won't even breathe hard on the Raton Pass climb, I'll bet! Pete Phillips, BCA #7338 Leonard, Texas 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted June 17, 2018 Share Posted June 17, 2018 Beep when you go through W.F. Ben 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted June 17, 2018 Share Posted June 17, 2018 I am leaving Monday morning hope to be on the road by 7 am or a little earlier. Since I am by myself, I don't need to take a vote on anything. On a recent "Day Tripper " program they were in Amarillo and there is a car museum there. .... Bill's Backyard, looks like it might be worth stopping, they close a 4 pm so I think I can make it. Then on to Dumas or Dalhart....depending on the time. That should make Tuesday a 350 mile day. I mentioned on another post that I was planning on going to the Denver Forney Museum of Transportation on Wed....they open at 10am. Bill I got your phone number from the Roster but am waiting on Ben Bruce to send his.....I got one out of the Roster for him but it is probably a home phone # Think I am ready......Nancy convinced me to drive our new Enclave, got the oil changed, had the front windows tinted, tires rotated, so I am driving a Buick that will seat 7 (according to Buick) and I will be the only passenger. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted June 18, 2018 Author Share Posted June 18, 2018 About 420 miles to Lubbock. Tomorrow Pueblo by way of Ratan Pass. No issues with car: 15.3 mpg so far 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted June 18, 2018 Share Posted June 18, 2018 Leaving tomorrow morning for Canyon. 460 or so mile. Car is loaded and I am ready to go. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBloomberg Posted June 18, 2018 Share Posted June 18, 2018 On 6/16/2018 at 6:56 PM, Pete Phillips said: Glad to hear Chuck B. is taking the '52. It won't even breathe hard on the Raton Pass climb, I'll bet! Pete Phillips, BCA #7338 Last minute change, sorry Pete. The Special quit on a short 10 mile drive this afternoon. I had it towed home $$$ no time left to diagnose so we will drive the reliable 67 LeSabre. It will be easier and roomier. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCReatta Posted June 18, 2018 Share Posted June 18, 2018 (edited) Made it to beautiful Van Horn tonight. Hope to be in Pueblo tomorrow as well. Probably staying at the Microtel. Did a last minute fuel injector change this evening after dinner. I kept getting poor milage and high idle which I believe is due to a sticky injector. Luckily I brought an extra set. Also stopped by Little Reata Ranch in Marfa, TX. From the movie Giant and where the Reatta's name originated Edited June 18, 2018 by NCReatta (see edit history) 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Phillips Posted June 18, 2018 Share Posted June 18, 2018 Made it to Shamrock, Texas tonight, along Rte. 66. Saw some good salvage yards in Wellington, Texas. And a wonderful Magnolia station in Shamrock. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Phillips Posted June 18, 2018 Share Posted June 18, 2018 Can't resist a nighttime shot, just made a few minutes ago! 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Phillips Posted June 18, 2018 Share Posted June 18, 2018 Anyone near Boise City, Oklahoma? I'm stranded with vapor lock. Was stranded earlier in Stratford, Texas for six hours with vapor lock and bad coil. Ready to turn around and go home, but I doubt if the car will even make it. Need a ride!!! Pete 903-436-2851 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted June 18, 2018 Share Posted June 18, 2018 19 hours ago, Pete Phillips said: Can't resist a nighttime shot, just made a few minutes ago! I love that place! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted June 19, 2018 Author Share Posted June 19, 2018 Another 450 miles to Best Western in Pueblo. It took 652 miles just to get out of Texas! Hottest temps in CO; still 15-16 mpg; 1/2 qt oil and 1/2 qt tranny fluid; a/c blowing cold. Tomorrow Dillon CO for 2 days before Denver. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted June 19, 2018 Share Posted June 19, 2018 (edited) 16 hours ago, Pete Phillips said: Anyone near Boise City, Oklahoma? I'm stranded with vapor lock. Was stranded earlier in Stratford, Texas for six hours with vapor lock and bad coil. Ready to turn around and go home, but I doubt if the car will even make it. Need a ride!!! Pete 903-436-2851 I hope someone was able to help! It'd sure be nice if they'd move nationals to the fall. Edited June 19, 2018 by wndsofchng06 (see edit history) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Phillips Posted June 19, 2018 Share Posted June 19, 2018 (edited) I changed the fuel filter last night, at "First Born's" suggestion, and got up at 4:30 this morning while the weather was cool, kept the speed below 65 mph, and MADE IT TO DENVER without any more vapor lock! Hooray! So glad to have made it. Here's the view of the parking lot from my hotel window. That's John Giokaris unloading his 1930 Marquette from its trailer in the center of second photo. 1960 Invicta Texan station wagon in first photo. Pete Phillips Edited June 19, 2018 by Pete Phillips correction (see edit history) 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-g-g0 Posted June 20, 2018 Share Posted June 20, 2018 1 hour ago, Pete Phillips said: I changed the fuel filter last night, at "First Born's" suggestion, and got up at 4:30 this morning while the weather was cool, kept the speed below 65 mph, and MADE IT TO DENVER without any more vapor lock! Hooray! So glad to have made it. Here's the view of the parking lot from my hotel window. That's John Giokaris unloading his 1930 Marquette from its trailer in the center of second photo. 1960 Invicta Texan station wagon in first photo. Pete Phillips ‘ Looks like Chuck Russell’s 53 Special next to the 60 Wagon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Phillips Posted June 20, 2018 Share Posted June 20, 2018 Yes, Chuck's '53 is here but I haven't run into him yet. The 1913 barn find is absolutely awesome! So is Jerry Bernard's 1963 4-speed 425 LeSabre! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted June 20, 2018 Share Posted June 20, 2018 We did not make it in our Electra. First AC gave out and the the generator. Couldn’t get the hood open to see what happened. Left the car at the Lubbock Airport and rented a Chevy Cruz. Trying to fit the stuff we had in the Electra into the. Cruz was lots of fun. Anyway we are at the meet. We beat the hail and storms yesterday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted June 24, 2018 Author Share Posted June 24, 2018 Party's over...heading home tomorrow. 1200 miles so far. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 Got to Lubbock Tx today, 106 degrees out. It was cool through Colorado and New Mexico. Truck and trailer are here but we will have dinner and wait for it to cool off a bit before loading the trailer. Stopped at the car and was able to get the hood open after some work. Needs some adjustments or grease. Al the belts are there and not too loose, so I have no ideas whats going on. Back home in the morning on a trailer. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted June 25, 2018 Author Share Posted June 25, 2018 450 miles to Canyon TX. Like Bill said it was cool in CO & NM, but only 87 in Canyon (about 80 miles north of Bill). Two back to back tanks of almost 20 mpg on the 85 octaine mountain gas..maybe les ethanol?? About 550 miles to home and will probably stop 1/2 way since the temps in that area are forcast to be 100-110*F. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted June 25, 2018 Author Share Posted June 25, 2018 Saw these 2 'things' at the hotel in Dillon CO...disguised with manufacturer pales. The drivers said they were hammering them over the mountains, trying to kill drivetrain and brakes. They would not tell me what they were. Checked the vin: Probably should leave the wrap on...there are just so many ways to decorate a jelly bean! 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 (Waiting for the diagnosis on the Electra) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 (edited) Home about 6:00 PM Sunday. I left Lone Tree about 8:00 PM Sat. All week, my plan was to get to a spot on CO hwy 94 about 70 miles East of Colorado Springs at an area where there is NO light pollution to see the night stars from an altitude where the air is cleaner. I FORGOT about the MOON! So laid down in the front seat for a nap. Moon was way over there, so maybe a chance later. At 4:00 AM, awakened to rain! Nothing to do then but put it in the wind. Plenty cool until about I 40 at Shamrock. George did me proud. Believe me or not, the WORST mileage was from fill up at Lone Tree on arrival Tuesday until fillup in Colorado springs Sat. That one ,for almost 100 miles, was 15.5 mpg. The best was 21.6 from Lamar, CO to Lone Tree Tuesday. Flabbergasted. Complete trip mileage later. Great trip. Glad to be home. Ben P.S. Later! Complete mileage. 1459 miles. Includes 92 miles running around Denver Total gas= 73.4=19.9 mpg. Take out the "city miles" leaves 1367 miles and take out the gas , 7.7 gal for that, leaves 65.7 gal = 20.8 mpg. Best was from Minneola KS to Lamar CO , 191 miles, 8.8 gal = 21.7 mpg. Proud of George! Ben Edited June 26, 2018 by Ben Bruce aka First Born repair transposed numbers, capitalization (see edit history) 6 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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