Solvang Caravans from the south?

[sfdaugherty]

Are there any plans for a caravan to Solvang this year?

I'm planning to tow my 69 2000 to the Los Angeles area and join a caravan for the last 100 miles or so. As much as I enjoy driving these cars, I'm not in the mood to drive 900 miles each way.

My plan is to leave Albuquerque on Wednesday 4/21 and arrive in LA Thursday evening 4/22.

Goldhawg built a custom tow bar and road tested it by towing his new car from Las Cruces to Albuquerque. He was able to bring the car to town shiny side up so it looks like it will work for my trip.

Shannon

[fj20spl311]

Ther will be several, of that I am sure.
http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... g&start=15

I may take the long route again this year

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source= ... 2791&z=10>

[spl310]

Goldhawg built a custom tow bar and road tested it by towing his new car

Did Goldhawg post pics that I missed? Give up the details man!

[sfdaugherty]

Did Goldhawg post pics that I missed? Give up the details man!

The Sora blue 69 2000 he bought in Las Cruces that he listed for sale on this site for $1700 is the one he towed. I had a chance to check it out last weekend. The body needs some TLC but, overall, it's worth that in parts. We pulled the valve cover off and the valvetrain looked pretty clean. I did notice some wear on the "evil L" however.

Shannon

[Fairlady66]

For SoCalROCers that wish to run up as a group or anyone else that cares to join in. Those from the Inland Empire or San Diego/Orange can meet up in Riverside if they want and caravan to Woodland Hills from there. If you are going to meet in Riverside we meet at 10:am at 2992 Quebec Dr-Riverside, 92504
Caravans from Riverside, Orange, and San Diego meet up in Woodland Hills at the Woodlake Lanes (Bowling Alley) Located at: 23130 Ventura Blvd. - Woodland Hills, CA 91364

We will be pulling out of the Bowling Alley around 1:00 - 1:30pm (after lunch) and heading to Solvang. Those that show up after that will have to catch up or meet us there.

There is talk about a group leaving the Bolwing Alley and going through the hill up by Lake Cachuma and coming into Solvang from the back side while the other goups takes the main highway up.

[Bruce]

I'm planning on meeting the group in Woodland Hills. I hope to meet some of you there in person.

Checking the Solvang Show site tonight it only lists 22 registerd??? Last year I think was 50 +. Hopefully the economy isn't keeping everyone at home.

[sfdaugherty]

I plan on joining the group at Woodland Hills (I may even join the group from Riverside depending on my progress from New Mexico). I'll be driving my 69 2000 300 miles to Overgaard Arizona while my fiance tows my SR20 swap frame. We'll drop the frame at the metal shop that's doing the flat dash conversion and some other work. Since I've finally got the SR20 engine and transmission bolted in the frame, he's going lower the body on the frame and check for any clearance issues. I'll hook up the 2000 to the tow bar and tow it the rest of the way to the LA area where I'll drop it and drive it with the Caravan.

I don't think Jeff has had time to update the website. There have been 22 sign-ups for two or three weeks and I know he's got my registration because he called me Friday night.

Shannon

[Fairlady66]

Looking forward to you joing the caravan

[dbrick]

We should be there with the rental car if the flight is on time and I don't get lost. ( go to ocean, turn right..sounds simple enough) Plan is to swap seats with Chris's wife and ride up with Chris as long as we make it on time. Any passengers requiring air conditioning and lack of wind can negotiate with Linda and Christy for remaining seats. Excess luggage from the caravan welcome if we have cargo room.
If we leave LAX, and go up the PCH to Topanga Blvd, am I avoiding traffic or asking for trouble at 11 am on a Friday? Or should I just take the 405 to 101, direct route and see the scenery later??

[DatsunBucky]

If we leave LAX, and go up the PCH to Topanga Blvd, am I avoiding traffic or asking for trouble at 11 am on a Friday? Or should I just take the 405 to 101, direct route and see the scenery later??

Yes.

[FergO2k]

<< If we leave LAX, and go up the PCH to Topanga Blvd, am I avoiding traffic or asking for trouble at 11 am on a Friday? >>
Mid-day won't be bad. The 50 minutes predicted by Google maps will be 75 probably, but Topanga ina roadster will leave you with a grin. Most of that road is tree covered, great twisties, follow a local for a fun ride. (easy to spot, they all have gravel driveways so they are the dusty ones)

Geez, looking at that route, the caravan should go back down Topanga then north on PCH all the way to Oxnard, that is a gorgeous drive. (but who am I to talk, mine will be in all darkness)

[FergO2k]

Dave!
Alt rent-a-car option:

buy this, baby it up the hill to Solvang, drive it back to LAX, keep it in my garage while you sell it on e-bay.... break even?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/ct ... 40712.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Fairlady66]

We took PCH last year coming home through Oxnard. Won't do that again... Beautiful, yes. But WAY to much traffic

[sfdaugherty]

Well we made it to Phoenix today but not without incident.

Starting hearing a clattering in the engine about 40 miles out of Albuquerque. I thought the trip was done but the fan belt was loose. Back on the road in 5 minutes.

My speedometer was reading 92 when my fiance up front towing the SR20 frame hits the brakes. My speedometer is a little off (running 195 60R 14 tires) so we were actually going about 85 (I think).

I installed the softtop last night (the first time I'm had it on a car in about 20 years) and, even though it was a pain to install, it made the trip better but the wind was still deafening. I cranked up the stereo but could barely hear it so I shut it off.

It was windy on I40 around Holbrook, Arizona gusting to 60 plus MPH. Not fun. Stopped for gas and the wind ripped the door out of my hand and SMASHED the door and stainless trim. Rats!!!! Looks like it's going to the body shop when I get home. I'm still planning to get to Solvang even if the car is wounded. (I can hardly bring myself to look at it).

Dropped off the frame for my SR20 to the metal fabricator in Overgaard Arizona. He has two other roadsters in his garage. One is his Dad's; a 69 2000 that he's owned since high school (traded a 65 1500 for it), and his own Solex powered 2000. I think it's in good hands.

Hooked my 69 2000 up to the tow bar and gave it a rest after the first 300 miles. I should be in the Inland Empire by tomorrow afternoon.

I hope to catch you guys at Riverside.

Shannon

[FergO2k]

Good for you Shannon!
With the winds that whipped thru here last nite / yesterday afternoon, you did well to get thru with only the damage to the door. (although I know that must hurt)

I think one of the tricks employed to lessen the top flapping roar (other than adjusting the rear loop as much as possible) is to wrap towels around the top frame bars right above / behind your head, which takes up a little more of the slack.
(and that comes from someone who drives all the time in earplugs, with no stereo, so total value may be less than .02)

look forward to seeing you in Solvang.