old-tank

388 mi to Bozeman again looking for a better place to eat than last time the hotel is much better also. Just a couple of incidents: first a truck tried to share my lane while I was in it. I had the right front and then the left front tires over the rumble strips and a guardrail coming up and finally got slowed down enough to let the jerk pass me. The way he whipped over it seemed to be intentional; next at a rest stop I heard some buzzing coming from the front of the car, thought it was the voltage regulator even though it was functioning okay but after disconnecting the wires that turned out not to be the case. It sounded like an electric motor buzzing at high speed there's no electric motors in the front of the car? Finally realized it's the power antenna motor under the fender, the switch didn't disconnect when I put the antenna back down. And it still works after that abuse. Lots of work driving on those roads that are wallowed up by tire chains, almost like driving with bias ply again.

If you drive me you might break them and then you fix them.

Party's over heading home for the next 5 days.

That's why

What a treat to not have to do the driving and getting a ride in John's big 56 Super. And this time I managed to out fumble John for the check... Thanks John.

Remove hoses from valve, plug with a sparkplug. I'll be looking for you...

Still motivating the car. Torque converter will leak on extended road trips.

Bozeman Montana tonight and look who showed up: We had a nice meal and some beers and a good visit with JohnD, and then back to the hotel to clean up all the bugs. 440 miles no mileage reports since it is expected to be dismal. Nice cool driving this morning but this afternoon is warmer and we were pushing into a 30 to 40 mph wind. Another 400miles tomorrow and then it's party time.

Quit worrying about the temperature; mine runs 190 unless there's a steep grade then it'll pop up the 210 and then back down again. Some long grades are imperceptible like the other day I looked out the window and a pond was at an angle. The pond was flat but I was at an angle. Nail heads and dynaflows generate a lot of heat driving those grades. Only I need cool 50 and 60° mornings does mine run cooler.

Wiring? Did I work on this car before? I think the nail heads in 1953 were 12 volt only the special with the straight 8 was 6 volt.

Should have stayed good beer and good food and nice town.

388 mi to Casper Wyoming 3 days down and two to go. Next stop Bozeman Montana then Spokane. Two fillups today 14.2 and 18.0 miles per gallon. I need to make a correction that $3.92 gas was for 85 octane not 87, 87 was $4.01 a gallon. Anyhow I put in the cheap stuff and it runs good. STP helped with the oil pressure issue. Too many cities in my way on interstate 25 I'll find a different way back. I picked that route because it's usually cooler than going east or west of interstate 25... Not today.

Two fill-ups today...15.7 & 16.9 mpg. The last one was flatland driving between Lubbock and Raton New Mexico with a tailwind and no traffic and no AC. The next fill up will be down again after crossing Rotan pass. All of the gas stations in Pueblo Colorado have gas at $3.92 for 87 octane...yikes! No more $3.05 gas until I get back to Texas. The temperatures were in the 90s going over Raton pass, the water temperature went up some and apparently the oil temperature because the oil pressure dropped more than expected. We will see what cooler driving does but may have to put in some STP or other snake oil. 430 miles today. .

I go to eBay and buy NORS old stock parts made when the car was contemporary. And I never change the condenser unless the parts are pitted. Usually get 30,000 miles out of points and plugs.

That piece that you are concerned about if it is like a 55 it goes on the outside

Bugs

420 miles total to Lubbock Texas. One fill up at 15 miles per gallon driving with the air conditioner on in hilly country. Temperatures range from '80s to low hundreds. Time of search for some local craft beers. No pictures unless you want to get reminded of those disgusting chineseium windmills. And no I did not feel all fuzzy and green when I got close to those things. Wonderful day spent killing bugs and killing the planet!

200miles to Eden TX...eat and gas.

We'll be on the road after our first of many gas fill ups

John, with all those pictures and prose you are gonna make me look bad when I start tomorrow.😁

Keep us posted.

Machine shop mistake. Lack of lubrication to the wrist pins. Also seen when engines are started after setting for many many years. I always soak the Pistons in hot oil before installing.

Is that some beer that you brewed?

Only you will know it is missing. If you are worried about ease of installation make some studs that will screw into the hub, install wheel, remove studs after some lug bolts are started. Mine all have the locating pin, but I still use my studs.

Use the forum search feature (Buick- General ... "texas road warriors") to find some of our previous (mis)adventures. It all started 18 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 7-8 in our 1955 model 63. A 5 day trip averaging 400+ miles a day. Our ranks have dwindled (hope I am not a lone ranger) but we are a dedicated force and always thirsty (beer). Willie