Innaugural Reatta Retreat on Cinco de Mayo in Cheezeland!!

[manikmekanik]

Okay, here's the OFFICIAL post to announce the innaugural Reatta Retreat to be held in Cheezeland, this Saturday, May 5th, (Cinco de Mayo).

I've been working on the property to prepare for this since last weekend! We had a lot of snow and rain, stalling preparartions and Keeping me busy outdoors, away from my digital life, now we're ready.

Nearest motels are at the intersection of I-94 and WI-50, (Geneva rd.), just 5 miles north of WI-IL state line, and only 8 miles east of the farm. There's a grassy knoll for camping, weather reports say 70+ highs and 50 for lows, no rain.

I'll be readily available for return messages, or phone calls this week.

Send me a PM, or email, to get phone numbers and precise location. We're less than 1 mile from intersection of US83/WI75 and WI-50 (Geneva rd.). Easy to find, only 3 stoplights and 1 turn from I-94! See attachment for photo of front gate! Watch for Reattae, roaming the county, or parked in our "Winners' Circle" at the farm.

We're going to offer some refreshments and hors d'ouvres, BYOB for spirits.

Not warm enough for slip-n-slide, leave the bikinis at home, but bring your Reatta!

I'll be around the farm most of Friday, doing final prep, and pulling Reatta parts/workin' in the shop. Guests will be welcome to drop-in Friday, just call first to verify my presence.

Brat Stop will host a concert featuring Infinity, (Journey tribute band), Friday night. Great sounds, for those who come Friday.

Saturday, May 5th - Cinco de Mayo, 2007 9:00 AM is the official start time for the Innaugural Reatta Retreat.

Around Noon we will lead the Reatta convoy thru Silver lake park, then off thru America's Dairyland's official Rustic roads to Chocolate City, USA (Burlington, WI), past the Nestle chocolate factory, to Adrians Custard stand, for a treat.

We should return to the farm around 4 or 5 PM. If you're arriving during the Dairyland cruise, we can guide you in by phone, or wait at the farm for our return.

Then we'll have some time to talk Reatta tech, look over the herd, and even pull parts, or diagnose guest's cars.

The bonfire will be ignited at 7 PM, just before sunset. We have plenty of chairs, or you can bring your favorite fold-up seating, and maybe a blanket.

Sunday, we have church 'till 9:45 AM, and would be pleased to meet guests at the farm, then drive to Red School Cafe for breakfast. The rest of the afternoon can be for parts, diags, or just enjoying company and cars.

Feel free to bring your partners, friends, or supervised Kids - as many as you can fit in your Reatta!!! We assume no liability for actions of those attending.

We will provide a fun, safe environment for all resopnsible guests. We have 2 Lab-mix 75 pound dogs, who love friendly people, and playing football.

We're happy to host this initial event, to inspire others to conduct Reatta Retreats in thier area, nationwide, as informal events to promote comradery between owners and enthusiasts of the Buick Reatta. Bringing your Reatta, or a friend's, is desired, but not required. Those bringing other cars may follow the procession of Reattae on the cruise.

The farm is within 1 hour drive from O'Hare airport, (Chicago), and from General Mitchell airport, (Milwaukee). We will gladly find a ride for guests who wish to fly-in from remote locations, just send me a PM for phone number to call.

See all y'all this weekend!!!!

[DAVES89]

Manik,don't know who you are pulling parts for , but part of this could be a swap meet. Why don't we bring parts we don't want/need and do swaps? I will be there when you open at 9:00 to help with any last minute items. Looking forward to it! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[manikmekanik]

Just pulling whatever guests may need, or to demo R&R process.

Swap is okay, plenty of room in the barn!

7 positive responses so far!

I'll reply to all PM's now!

[Guest Tammy]

would anybody have 2 of those little tiny clips used to hold up the front black air dam thingy?

[Guest tomt]

Tammy:

I don't have them, but know what you mean as I broke a few at a show at a Buick dealer Marquardt as I remember. They are still stock and cheap. I think the dealer gave a couple to me.

Tom T

[manikmekanik]

I'm sure there are some on these parts cars. Just gotta get 'em off!

[DAVES89]

They are discontinued from Buick. I got the same thing from a Plymouth Voyager.[Only it is a screwdriver head not wingnut like G.M.]. It is used to hold the trim piece that is located under the steering wheel. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Guest EDBS0]

Looking and sounding sweet. A bit to far away, perhaps another year.

Have fun everyone.

May I recommend a "Brake Flush Demonstration".

[Guest HessLakeGuy]

Randy:

Thanks for the invite, but we cannot make it.

HOPEFULLY, there will be lots and lots of pictures posted here on this site by Sunday night.

Tom Selander

[Guest Kitskaboodle]

Dang it....all the good stuff happens back east... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

We need something "happenin" over here in California.....

Kit / 90 Coupe / 86 Fiero GT

[Guest tomt]

Aw come on. The trucks hit the bridges and they fall down. That's pretty exciting stuff

[jonlabree]

Anyone coming to Randys on Sunday need a front lic. plate holder, near cherry/ w brackets and screws? I have one cherry and one very good condition.

Please let me know and I will bring it.

Jon..

[manikmekanik]

Bring whatever parts you like, Jon!

...and bring 'yer own spirits, we can't serve y'all, so 'ya gotta serve 'yerselves spirits!

I've been busy preparing the hot rod shop, in the event of rain during the bonfire. There's a big wood-burning furnace in there! Feel free to bring an hors d'ouvre, if y'all wish to do so. A jacket may also be a good idea, temps are holding 70's day, and 50's night. Should be great for sittin' by the fire.

I may not get to goto the concert, myself, due to prep for the event, etc. But I'll do my best.

[Guest tomt]

Randy:

I would have stopped by but made terrible time coming up on 47 last night. I did stop by the Brat Stop, and had my Brat and fried Cheese Curds, which was the most important part. FYI though, the Infinity concert is tonight,Saturday, and won't start till about 9:00 PM. I think I may have had my fill of curds though.

Didn't see another Reatta while I was there though.

Tom T

[DAVES89]

Just got back from the Cinco de Mayo Spring Fling. I got there about 11:00 am and stayed till about 5:30. Many pics taken and better then 6 hours of Reatta talk and some quick service work by Randy. DeDE and Randy were gracious hosts as well as there trained welcoming team of 2 dogs and a cat. Very good time was had. I would encourage you to consider one in your area. Looking forward to next year!

[Jim]

I wish I could have been there, it sounds like it is/was a very good time. Unfortunately, as they say, "day late and a dollar short". Friday morning I had breakfast in the East Troy area ( about 16 miles away )and later that day I picked up a Reatta parts car about 50 miles from you. Saturday morning I was visiting my brother in Fond du Lac and the rest of Saturday and today I am in the heart of the sesspool of yellow and green visiting my son.

On a different note---- Al's auto parts at the intersection of US 45 and W36 near the huge landfill in Franklin, has a '90 silver Reatta with the light grey interior. The vent windows are still there as is the right headlight assy. Both door panels looked good as was the non 16W seat on the passenger side. There are a lot of other parts also. This is a yard where you pull your own parts but he is limited for space so all the cars are stacked and there is a car on top of the Reatta. The doors could be opened but were stuck for some reason which is why I did not get the LH door panel. I did get the IPC and the headlight switch for $ 60 and he wants $ 75 for the headlight with the motor. I mention these items so you have an idea of his prices.

Jim

4

[DAVES89]

Cesspool of green and yellow? That's green and GOLD. Also sounds like the smart ones in your family live in Wi. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Machiner 55]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cesspool of green and yellow? That's green and GOLD. Also sounds like the smart ones in your family live in Wi. </div></div>

Jim Finn as "Parts Nazi".

Imagine if you will, the character from the Jerry Seinfeld show known as the "Soup Nazi". Now, picture Dave asking Jim for a much needed and hard to find part...

<span style="font-weight: bold">NO MORE PARTS FOR YOU! NOW YOU GO. YOU NOT COME BACK, ONE YEAR!! NEXT!!!</span> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Sometimes I just crack myself up!!!

As for the "Fling". I couldn't make it due to work (and I was afraid Randy would want to argue with me. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />)

[Guest TommyH]

come on Jim!! i want a parts car! stop taking them all!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[DAVES89]

No parts for you? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> And now I really want to order parts!?! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> And here I thought he was a transplanted Packer fan. But that must make him a [dare I say it?] viking fan. The only team to lose 4 super bowls. The team most able to do the least with the most amount of talent. The team that should have gone to the super bowl again in '99, but could only say "I thought this was our year" Yeh our good friends the Vikings.

[Guest imported_Mark K]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> But that must make him a [dare I say it?] viking fan. The only team to lose 4 super bowls. The team most able to do the least with the most amount of talent. The team that should have gone to the super bowl again in '99, but could only say "I thought this was our year" Yeh our good friends the Vikings. </div></div>

Born and raised in Minnesota, a Vikings fan but I could not have said it better myself. Also, Jim mentioned the land of "green and yellow". You have to go the other way for that: North Dakota, as in NDSU Bison.

Mark

[Vincent Vega]

I showed up about 7:30 on Saturday. Too windy for a bonfire. We hung out in the garage. Out of the wind. Randy even had the place cleaned up enough we weren't tripping over parts..... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> TomT busted out a little Jack D.for us. Good conversation, good time.

Buffalo has also lost 4 Superbowls......

[Jim]

I try and always be correct in my spelling and grammar. Very often I will type out a message in my email program which has a spell check and I then read the message a second time to make sure it is correct. I was using my laptop and typed out my previous message directly.

Thanks for pointing out I misspelled Cesspool.

As I was driving home we stopped in Abbotsford WI to get some gas. I just shook my head at what I saw.

Here was a guy wearing a Packers jacket and a Dale Earnhardt Jr. hat.

Jr. seems like a really nice kid and a good clean driver.

Packer fans and Jr. fans are very similar.

I am told the word fan comes from fanatic and here are two extreme examples. There is more to life but not in these two camps.

[manikmekanik]

I used to live in Mountain View, back in the late 60's/early 70's!

There's some beautiful country out there, could'nt y'all have a bonfire on the beach, maybe near Stanford campus?

I remember a "bonfire" that was being held in '69 at the recruiting center on campus, it seemed a bit smoky, but as we got closer, we realized it was tear gas! Must've been an anti-war demonstration, as the campus cops tried to arrest my Dad. He explained, "I'm faculty!" the cops said, "There's faculty members rioting here!", Dad replied, "I would'nt bring my young, impressionable son!" to which the officers said, "Other faculty brought thier kids!". I'm not sure how Dad got us out of that one, but we did proceed to the chem lab, where I got my 1st chem lessons from Linus Pauling, Dad's mentor at Stanford.

[manikmekanik]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Al's auto parts at the intersection of US 45 and W36 near the huge landfill in Franklin.... </div></div>

Jim! you had to pass us by, I'm only 8 miles west of I-94, just 30 min. south of Al's boneyard! With the 3+/- parts crs I have here, you could've got some free parts, just 4 stoppin' in!

Did you get the Reatta parts car from Milwaukee? There are a few more nerby, Kenosha (1), Racine county (6), Lake county, IL (1), and Rockford, IL (1), possibly more - I'm still bird-doggin' the rest!

With a few Rettaphiles in 'yer region, maybe you could host the next "Reatta Retreat". I'd be glad to come!

See 'ya at the Midwest Regional BCA show, this August, in Milwaukee!

[manikmekanik]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Jim Finn as "Parts Nazi". </div></div>

I think Jim is a Swede, the opposite of a Nazi. He's a true ambassador to our hobby, and would'nt deny anyone Reatta parts.

And he's sympathetic to us Cheeze-heads, since our team was the inspiration for the origination of the Superbowl. Is'nt Moss a Packer now, training under #4?

Only the best and brightest get to try-out for the team representing the "Holy Grail" of football teams, in Greenbay. It's those Bears fans, down ther in Flat-Land who pose problems!

Just like Avis, someone has to be #2, (second place = 1st place LOSER!)

[manikmekanik]

Don't worry yersef, Tommy!

New Reatta parts cars are created on a regular basis!

The '90 ragtop posted today on the Reatta for sale forum is only 1 step away from becoming such, and it's near Cleveland, right in 'yer striking distance!

I know the owner does'nt consider it as a parts car, but his description places it squarely in that column, in my opiion.

[manikmekanik]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> a guy wearing a Packers jacket and a Dale Earnhardt Jr. hat. </div></div>

Right jacket, wrong hat!

Dale Jr. is NO Cheezehead! He sould've been sportin a Matt Kenseth hat! Matt's team made 10th at Richmond yesterday! How 'bout that collision on pit road! The leader's spotter(s) must've been day-dreamin'!!

[manikmekanik]

Thanx 4 the kind words, Dave! And the rear engine compartment cover clips/wing-pins! Hope you can find 'yer last woodgrain part, the center console cover - I'd bet Jim has, or can find you one!

Although 'ya might lighten-up on the Vikings, they got plenty of trouble, losing Moss to the GB Pack!

Sorry 'bout the gray valve stem caps fiasco, I already visited "Pick-n-Pull" and raped all the temp spares in that yard, weeks ago! That's why you could only find one, among the 100's of spares they're using as jack stands! I gave everyone who came to the Innaugural Reatta Retreat gray caps for thier cars, and still have a Ziploc ba 1/2 full of them! I'll bring them to the Cream City spring opener, end of MAY, and to the BCA Midwest regional in August, to help "level the playing field".

Here's a photo of Dave and his '89 red/tan Reatta, from accross our reflecting pond.

[manikmekanik]

Glad you could make it, Craig!

I'll keep the battery negative cable set here for 'ya! And thanx 4 the black rear valance assy. I'll hang it in the barn 'till it finds a new home!

Your '88 black/tan-suede is a sweet ride, much farther along than mine! Stil gotta finish the hod w/berlinetta scoop, then the T-Tops and gotta find a suitable tailfin, etc. If eiter of us changes seats, the other gets 1st dibbs on the remaining passenger seat cover!!

I shut-down the boiler in the house lst week, when we had a couple of 70-80 degree days, and was tempted to spend the night in the shop with the wood furnace Saturday night! Good thing I had Panik to keep me warm!

Here's a shot of Craig's exceptional '88 Reatta coupe.

[Guest tomt]

RandY

Thanks again to you and DeeDee for the hospitality over the weekend. Just confirming that my keyless entry won't work, and learning how to replace relays made the trip worthwhile. The chili and conversation made it better. My friend Jack and I will have to come back. I'm going to post about the keyless elsewhere to get some feedback.

Tom T

[manikmekanik]

Actually, Tom, there are only 2 other Reatte known to be cruizin' the county out here, a red/tan 89, (owned by wash-rack boy at CarMax), and a 40k mile '90 white/white/maroon drop-top, owned by the town supervisor of the neighboring town, who's actually a Corvette collector. DaveSWF left his Reatta in Florida this season, but is back in Cheezeland for the summer.

There's a red/tan '89 coupe for sale at a local dealer on Sheridn rd. in K-town, but he wants "all the money" for it.

Sorry 4 the mix-up o the date for Infinity show, I confused the date with open racing at Nanomekanik's dragstrip.

I'll pull a replacement security control module, to help solve the keyless remote problem we encountered Saturday.

Here's a photo of TomT's cherry '89 white/maroon coupe, accross the reflecting pond, here at Willow Pond Farm.

[manikmekanik]

I'll pull some clips for you this week, it was soooo cold Saturday for getting under the parts car which is "under the barn", but I'll make sure you get them soon! Hope the can of R-12 suits 'yer needs for "Blow-Cold" this season!

And- don't forget to keep tose gray valve stem caps safe, for the shows coming up in May and August!

I hope 'yer move to the new digs goes smoothly!

Hard to believe you found that Excellent condition '90 Select Sixty only 12 blocks from home, in central Wisconsin! I had to fly to Texas to get a '90 ragtop only 1/2 as clean as yours!

Tammy's S/60 has the best fit & finish I've seen on a S/60 to date! Her Reatta is truly breath-taking, Panik and I could'nt get over it!

Here's Tammy's S/60, from accross the pond. It wa so windy, the waves on the pond diffused the reflection. We'll have to try again, when the pond is stil, for the "double vision" effect.

[manikmekanik]

Thanx 4 the 2 extra early Reatta wheels, Jon! They'll be in good company with the other 3 in the storage bay, here at the shop. Shame the '89 parts cars do'nt have a dahpod side vent to replace the one you need. I'll be up by Al's in Franklin sometime soon, to get a window regulator for the '92 Skylark GS, and I'll get the vent for you, while I'm there! If Jim did'nt already strip them when he was there Saturday. Amazing the Reatta there can hold the weight of other cars stacked on top of it! These are strong cars! And I thought "Bambi-Killer" was tough!

Jon's Supercharger install is outtasight! ooks like it was installed at the Craft Centre! All the right parts, in the right order, like poetry! I felt honored to donate a replacement trunk latch/actuator assy. for his tastefully modified '90 Reatta coupe!

Custom and modified Reattae, like Jon's, 2seater's, Dtakas', F14's, Spyhunter2k's, Greg Ross', Oldbuickman's, and others are the perfect case FOR creation of a modified Reatta class, under the BCA/Reatta division's class structure. I believe a poll is in order, here at the AACA Reatta forum, and a vote among Members of the BCA/Reatta division.

Next year, the 88 Reattae will be 20 yers old, and qualify for a driven class, under BCA guidelines, so BCA/Reatta division should open a driven class for them, and their younger siblings to enter in the following years.

Here's an image of Jon's cooool mod '90 S/C coupe, Sunday, after breakfast at "Red School Cafe" when the wind was more calm.

[manikmekanik]

OldBuickMan has'nt replied to this post yet, but he did attend the Innaugural Reatta Retreat on Saturday, bringing me an imperssive gold-leaf adorned Buick Hawk sculpture, awarded to exceptional dealers as a sales promotion. He also took time to educate us all on some of the finer points of detailing our cars, using Zaino's products. His experience detailing cars goes back 50 years, (longer than I've been alive, barely), and he swears by the Zaino product line! Frank was the regional sales mgr. for Buick in our area forever, and sold all the midwest dealers all thier GN's and Reattae, over the years, besides others.

His '90 drop-top is impeccably clean, I saw it for the 1st time Saturday. The Lucerne wheels really make it stand out from the crowd, shinin' to beat the band!

Here's a photo of his shiny Reatta convertible, (you guessed it), accross the reflecting pond.

[manikmekanik]

We all had a great time ooogling over one another's cars, and sharing our unique experiences realting to our Reattae. The 2 weeks of work on the property was worth it, but the, (20 hours straight-thru), work on the shop really paid-off!

In the last couple days leading up to the "Innaugural Reatta Retreat" weather forecasts changed from 80 on Saturday to 60/65 cold and rainy all day. We did'nt get the rain, but it was cold, and tooooo windy to light the bonfire, so a marathon shop-straightening was required, to provide refuge from the elements. Panik's idea of serving chili saved the day, and fit the holday for Cinco de Mayo! It was toooo windy to attept cooking the mushrooms on the grill - outside.

This was the 1st time I've seen the whole workbench in 2 years! Firing up the wood furnace in the shop took the edge off Saturday evening, after spending most of the day out in the wind, talkng and viewing one another's Reattae, and sharing/swapping parts with one another. Craig was wearing gloves, just to be able to hold a cold beer, without becoming hypothermic! I almost got "Brain Freeze" after shavng the winter beard and buzzing my hair down to 1/8"!

We're gonna save the bonfire 'till later this spring, or fall, and invite all y'all again, so we can tell scary Reatta stories by the fire in the moonlight. Notamekanik will be here to tell her "Horror Story" of when "Bambi-Killer" dropped the drivetrain carrier at hyway speeds this spring. And we'll be able to fire-up the grill for Johnsonville brats and Portabella mushrooms the size of a '91 centercap.

Here's a photo of "Black Beauty" yep, accross the reflecting pond, sporting her "Texas Mustache" for the first time.

[Guest Tammy]

What a great "vacation" I had! Thank you Randy and Diane for opening your hearts and home to us! You have a beautiful home and 2 of the best big babies (dogs) I have seen in a long time! Diane's chili was excellent and the fire in the shop furance was a added bonus for me as I was chilled to the bone! THANKS RANDY!

Thanks to all you guys for making me feel right at "Reatta Home"! All your knowledge/help/parts is truly a blessing for me! Not sure I will ever be able to repay you guys! THANK YOU AGAIN! It was such a honor to finally meet you guys and talk with you not only about our cars but life and family in general! Its nice to feel so welcome in the family of REATTA! ...baby's up...have to continue later...back to being a mommy..... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[olbuickman]

Randy, Thanks to you and Diane for the wonderful hospitality on Saturday,I had a great time talking Reattas with the group. My old bucket of bolts made it home in great shape. I finally have this convertible rattle free, it took since last July but knock on wood it is tight, I will have to watch those long trips like Saturday,I am getting close to turning 25,000 miles. I had my EGD endoscopy test early this morning and everthing looks good the Doc said I will not have to have it done for another 5 years.Tammy if you are reading this I will mail you the select sixty picture tommorrow morning. Thanks again for a great time. Frank

[Roadster90]

Randy, WOW! Sounds/Appears like you had a fantastic event <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />...sure wish I was close enough to attend events like this. Your property sounds absolutely fantastic, and I have to tell you...I sure am envious of that "little" garage/shop that you have <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. Even though I could not make it to this and other events, thanks to your great photography with the cars, folks, and reflecting pond, I now can put a face to some of the names/folks that I write to often such as Jon/Viking (what a dynamite Reatta Jon! .... ALL pictured are very worthy and nice <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />). Looks like Ms. Tammygirl with the S/S had her fill of fun also <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

[Guest TommyH]

so, i miss the event of a lifetime, and still, nobody posts pictures........