old-tank Posted July 23, 2010 Share Posted July 23, 2010 Yeah, I know 'somebody' already designated an "official" going to Ames thread....Anyhow we're baaack for I think number 6...you can search for previous adventures, but the earliest ones are gone due to forum software changes.I will leave tomorrow early and 'drive like I have no place to go and no hurry to get there'. We will be leaving central Texas and will drive the blue/white 55 (in the avatar) and hope to make 400-500 miles going north on I-35.Willie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted July 23, 2010 Share Posted July 23, 2010 Have a safe and enjoyable trip. See you there.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 Good luck and looking forward to updates. I only have to cover about 2/3 the distance to Ames as compared to Seguin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 I hope y'all have a nice trip in our "cooler" weather tomorrow! Please keep us updated on how the mpg might change when you clear the TX I-35 corridor and its ethanol'd fuels. OKlahoma should be ethanol-free, KS will have some "oxy" fuels, yet Iowa should also be ethanol-free . . . according to a fuel map I found hidden in the MOBIL website.Enjoy!NTX5467 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 You can't be serious. Iowa, ethanol free? Don't they grow the corn there and run the Indy Car races with it? John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 (edited) I too have been loading the car in the trailer, as it is getting judged, and plan on leaving in the morning.We normally cover more miles then Willie so plan on being in Ames Sunday night.Lots to do on Monday getting ready for you all to come.See you in Ames....Edit from the morning...I just thought we were ready to go, we have been up and packing for 45 minutes just putting things in the back of the truck.Coolers, suitcases, enough food and drinks to survive a month long expedition to the jungles of the Amazon, more polishing stuff, etc. etc. etc.Thank goodness we are taking a truck...7:30 AM in the revised time for takeoff with hotel in Eldorado KS. Edited July 24, 2010 by Bill Stoneberg (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 Please keep us updated on how the mpg might change when you clear the TX I-35 corridor and its ethanol'd fuels. Willis, Ames is 945 miles straight up i 35. I am afraid we will see a lot of that road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 This annual thread is absolutely no fun without some drama!Two nights ago, I was attempting to hide a birthday present for my son in the back of my Tahoe before heading out to dinner. As I pulled the sunshade over the gift, I kinda fell back against the back door. I heard the sound of walnut shells cracking and suddenly I couldn't breathe. My ribs had taken a direct hit on the back door. I initially thought I had broken them, but it turns out I just bruised the muscles betwixt 'em. I'm still really sore, but I'm gonna fight through and change the oil on the 55 later today before heading out Tuesday morning, manual steering and all. Whew, that was close! Hopefully that is the extent of the drama for our group.I am really looking forward to meeting all of you whom I only know through the forum, it seems like there are a bunch of y'all this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 Ohhh Mikey, that had to hurt!!!. Make sure you got plenty of air in the front tires, makes steering with cracked ribs a little less painful. So btw Mike tell me again who all is coming with you. Will I get to meet the misses, Woody and Pop. Gods speed to all you Texas Road Warriors. Hope to see you all safe and sound in the great corn state. The East Coast Highway Burners will head out early Tuesday morning and God willin and the Mississippi don't rise we'll see you all Wednesday afternoon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 It's just me and my dad, Peyton.Woodster and Mary went up to visit her folks in DC (along with sightseeing and 4th of July fireworks on the DC mall), so that was their vacation.I have already pumped the tires up, and with the spare parts in the trunk, that should get more weight off of the front tires.BTW, the oil change hurt as bad as I thought it would since my convertible is on the lift, thus making me crawl around like a lizard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 (edited) USA Fuel Map2007 Map -- www.exxon.com/USA-English/Files/US%20Gasoline%20Map%20100102.pdf2009 Map -- www.mobil.com/USA-English/GFM/Files/US_Gasoline_Map.pdfThe 2009 Map is what's currently linked from their webpage Gasoline FAQAlso . . . a state-by-state listing of ethanol-free fueling locations is at//pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=IAMore info as to pump labels and other ethanol-in-fuels information . . . Ethanol Labeling Laws - State by State Guide.Enjoy!NTX5467 Edited July 24, 2010 by NTX5467 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 Saturday.... 1:15 pm check list is almost complete. Loading clothes (and beer) last, hope to depart around 7:00 am tomorrow (Sunday) and have a reservation in Emporia KS for Sunday night. With a little tail wind should be in Ames around 3:00 pm on Monday.I originally planned on the through OK on route 69 that goes through Muskogee to Joplin, but am towing the Reatta and will put it on I-35 cruise and be on my way.See all of you soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RICK YOUNG Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 Cooler temps today . High about 80 F Yes you can buy Non ethanol here at most places about $2.71 a gallonalso E-10 @ $2.51E-85 is around $1.75I was in a parade in Ames Sat morn.The people definately know you're coming.Lot's of great commentsDrive safeSee you soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 I hope all of you have a safe trip, and a great time in Ames. Sure do wish I could be there...But looking forward to some of those great trip photos, and show photos too. Have a great forum breakfast too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 Barney, Mike... Construction on I 35 south of OK City. Not as big a deal as the accident that cost us an hour or so, but plan on it.I was going to stay in Eldarado Ks tonight, but picked up an ear infection this past week and not at 100 %. So we are in Edmund OK and will have dinner with Willie and Mary Anne.470 miles 46 gallons of fuel last tank I put in. Nothing like spending $ 100 everytime we fill up. Got these gawd awful front tires (mud & snows) that are trash and they make lots of noise on some of the roads. Turn the Ipod up Dee.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted July 25, 2010 Author Share Posted July 25, 2010 Barney, Mike... Construction on I 35 south of OK City. Not as big a deal as the accident that cost us an hour or so, but plan on it.Fellow Texas Road Warriors stay away from I35 if at all possible. I followed Bill and even got some warning,but still rove 60+ miles out of the way and spent over an hour 'parked' on the freeway. Check out Index of /newsmedia/traffax/statewide_and_holidays.If you really want to go for it ask for some tip to go around-----no, really stay away.Tired right now...more tomorrow.Willie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booreatta Posted July 25, 2010 Share Posted July 25, 2010 Any reports on the roads from Wichita on North. Best route as I see it is North to Topeka to KC then North on 35 to Ames. anybody have a better route? Wont be leaving Wichita till 8am Tuesday Morning.Chuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Earl Posted July 25, 2010 Share Posted July 25, 2010 You can't be serious. Iowa, ethanol free? Don't they grow the corn there and run the Indy Car races with it? JohnThere's still a lot of older farm equipment around that doesn't like the stuff. It's not always marked at the pump, but it will be the lower octane that's about 10-12 cents more per gallon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick840 Posted July 25, 2010 Share Posted July 25, 2010 BTW, the oil change hurt as bad as I thought it would since my convertible is on the lift, thus making me crawl around like a lizard.LIST OF TEXAS LIZARDS FROM WIKIPEDIATEXAS HORNED LIZARDSHORT HORNED LIZARDROUND TAIL HORNED LIZARDTEXAS SPINY LIZARDTEXAS TREE LIZARDLEGLESS LIZARDGREATER EARLESS LIZARDROSEBELLY LIZARDand many more..................;)Which one are you at the moment Mike ....the Spiny Lizard I'm guessing.Maybe when you hit the Bar on arrival at the Nationals you'll morphe into the ..........Legless Lizard:DAll the best with the road trip Mike............it really is great fun when you get to put some serious cruising miles on your Buick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted July 25, 2010 Author Share Posted July 25, 2010 LIST OF TEXAS LIZARDS FROM WIKIPEDIATEXAS HORNED LIZARDSHORT HORNED LIZARDROUND TAIL HORNED LIZARDTEXAS SPINY LIZARDTEXAS TREE LIZARDLEGLESS LIZARDGREATER EARLESS LIZARDROSEBELLY LIZARDand many more..................;)Which one are you at the moment Mike ....the Spiny Lizard I'm guessing.Maybe when you hit the Bar on arrival at the Nationals you'll morphe into the ..........Legless Lizard:DAll the best with the road trip Mike............it really is great fun when you get to put some serious cruising miles on your Buick.The Texas horned lizard is toad shaped with spines and we commonly refer to it as the 'Horny Toad'..... that was my original cb handle, but got too much attention so I changed it to 'old-tank'.Anyhow I drove 491 miles yesterday, got 17mpg averaging 67mph on the first tank; 13.5mpg averaging 40 mph on the second tank. Looking at a short day and will shoot for Kansas City area.Willie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted July 25, 2010 Share Posted July 25, 2010 How's the AC keeping up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted July 25, 2010 Share Posted July 25, 2010 What we normally called "horny toad" is more formally termed "Horned Frog" when it's associated with Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Football team logo is of a horned toad, but the name is "Horned Frogs".Hope y'all have a better trip north of OKC!NTX5467 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RICK YOUNG Posted July 25, 2010 Share Posted July 25, 2010 In Iowa Casey's General Stores has both Non Ethanol and E-10 clearly marked.Their people helped us get in the Chevy Collection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted July 25, 2010 Share Posted July 25, 2010 Well, we're getting ready. After getting up early this morning for some football, we went and got the trailer, brought it in to town, tidied up the wagon a bit, and loaded it up.Now I need to fuel up the Electra, and it is just packing that remains then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted July 25, 2010 Share Posted July 25, 2010 Not a Texas Road Warrior, but leaving Springfield early tomorrow morning. Spending the night in Truro, IA with my daughter. Arrive Ames early Tues. Will be available to help if needed. SEE YA Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 12 Hours 550 miles today, if we didn' tdrink so many caffinated beverages, we may have made better time.Wichita to KC, no issues... lots of consruction going up 35 through Misouri and Iowa. I was in one of the 1 lane sections when 1 of the tires let loose on the trailer. By the time I was able to stop, the tire was trashed and the fairing on the trailer was broken.Now to find a new fairing.We are in Ames though at the Gateway and they are looking forwardc to having us all here. Free wireless internet and a bar in the lobby that opens at 3 everyday.Found the Old Main Brewery for dinner and they have good beer. Food was good too.Ran into a couple with a 65 Wilcat Convertible from Washington State.See you all soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 Bill,You need to stop borrowing that raggedy a$$ trailer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted July 26, 2010 Author Share Posted July 26, 2010 How's the AC keeping up? LamarThe a/c works well with outside temps below the mid 90's, after that it becomes less efficient. And yesterday with the temperature near 100* it was 'suffering'. when stopped in traffic.Anyhow we made only 380 miles today to stop in Kearney MO. Tomorrow it is touristy stuff unless Bill calls for help.When I filled up this morning I was pleasantly surprised to see posted on the pump 'no ethanol'...but curiously the mileage was worse at 14mpg....go figure.Willie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 When I filled up this morning I was pleasantly surprised to see posted on the pump 'no ethanol'...but curiously the mileage was worse at 14mpg....go figure.Hills... They will do that to you. My milage went from 11 mpg to 10 mpg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TxBuicks Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 I left 7:00 yesterday morning and got to Ames 14 hours later, but a few of those hours were just stopping and getting out of the car to regain our sanity. The 1991 Roadmaster Wagon rode very smooth with new tires and got 22 MPG. It's like riding on a leather couch. I will be dropping some stuff off at the Scheman center this morning then taking my kid to my sister's dairy farm in MN. He will be spending a few days on the farm, then she will bring him down on Friday. I'll be back in Ames Tuesday around noon to open the registration desk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 Which one are you at the moment Mike ....the Spiny Lizard I'm guessing.Maybe when you hit the Bar on arrival at the Nationals you'll morphe into the ..........Legless Lizard:D Very nice, Brian! Yes on both accounts. Last year I had the pleasure / misfortune of buying drinks for a group of Aussies... They put me to shame when I was trying to hang drink for drink!All the best with the road trip Mike............it really is great fun when you get to put some serious cruising miles on your Buick.Cheers, Mate.I gave the car a tuneup yesterday and noticed that the generator was jumping around and discovered that a couple of the mounting bolts for the bracket were loose. Just goes to prove what I always say... "If it weren't for the Nationals, I would never fix what was broken." Tuned up, rarin' to go!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted July 27, 2010 Author Share Posted July 27, 2010 Bill,You need to stop borrowing that raggedy a$$ trailer. It weren't RA until Bill got it:eek:Made ~330 mile at 16mpg...no a/c needed for most of trip...settled in for next 6 days in Ames...already found some good beer.Willie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Phillips Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Driving across Kansas right now, and there is a 1984 or 1985 white Riviera convertible on a trailer in front of me--Chuck and Kathy Kerls from Wichita are pulling it with their truck. Hope to arrive in Ames late this afternoon.Pete PhillipsSHerman, Texs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 I just stopped in El Dorado Kansas for the night. The 55 is running great, just under 16 mpg. Overcast all the way out of Texas, only needed the AC for the final two hours. Only two short vapor lock spells, that were solved with a minute long boost from the electric fuel pump. Just checked google maps, says 400.0 miles. Gotta go get a lotto ticket or something. This year instead of counting waves from other cars, I'm gonna count full on honk and waves. Got my first air horn from a trucker honk and wave today. THAT woke Peyton up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted July 28, 2010 Share Posted July 28, 2010 ....and then my brakes failed in the hotel parking lot!!!Like I said, no fun with no drama. Found a garage and a flatbed wrecker but they can't get to me until tomorrow morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted July 28, 2010 Share Posted July 28, 2010 Mike,Let's hope the garage is early starting, and the fix is easy, so you are on the road again soon. If brakes are going to be a problem, better where it happened then elsewhere.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted July 28, 2010 Share Posted July 28, 2010 Wow Mike. What luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted July 29, 2010 Share Posted July 29, 2010 Let's recap, shall we.I couldn't get a tow truck until 8 since Hagerty didn't deem this an emergency! Mark Shaw's gift has to get to the forum breakfast dangit! I got towed to Fisher Buick / GMC where they diagnosed that it was indeed the master cylinder. The parts guy there had a primered 1950 Chevy and a loooonggoatee. He managed to track down a rebuild kit at the O'Reilly Auto parts hub and could have it delivered by 1. At 1:15 I was going around to check on the part when it showed up. My mechanic Merlin got the 55 up and MC out quickly. I watched him rebuild it, then rode in the car on the lift since it was decided I was the cleanest guy within earshot who had ever bled brakes before. Ummm OSHA? Customer in car on lift! Paid, thanked everyone, peeled out on our way north. Overall an extremely nice experience. Good peeps!We are about 150 miles away. I really wanted a shower and there were rainclouds ahead of us. Just gonna grab some dinner and a beverage, and thank our lucky stars this happened in a parking lot instead of on I-35 at 70mph.Later.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted July 29, 2010 Share Posted July 29, 2010 Not OSHA per se . . . insurance loss control. Your presence in the car on the lift was, in reality, not any different than an hourly employee of theirs.Sounds like an interesting dealership!Have a (continued!) safe trip!NTX5467 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted July 30, 2010 Share Posted July 30, 2010 (edited) Got here safe and sound. Wandered around, spent a butte-load of cash so far.Mr. Earl is real. Finally met the brutha!So head count I've seen is:Mr. Earl, Old-Tank, Bill Stoneberg, Rick Young, Pat Brooks, Paul Syrdal, Buke, Brian dePaoli, Thriller, geez... Who else?Pete Philips, TxBuicks, progoofoff...so many buddies, new and old!Gonna find Mudbone and J. Scheib tomorrow.Forum members are here in force. Edited July 30, 2010 by buick5563 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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