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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Wish me luck. I'm driving the Alien
Posted by: rick 918-S Apr 14 2005, 10:31 PM
Well, Looks like I'm driving the Alien out this time. Oldest son was driving the Mother Ship tonight and the pinion gear somehow just broke all by it's self. Imagine that... 9000 miles on the odometer. Ya right........ So considering it's friday and I have to leave by sunday night or cancel, I guess I'm driving out.
Wish me luck. How long does it take to get AAA?
I'm really depressed 
On a lighter note. I started the Alien up for the first time since last fall. It ran Great!
Posted by: Howard Apr 14 2005, 10:34 PM
So, other than that, how's your year going? 
Where's the closest caravan meet up?
Posted by: rick 918-S Apr 14 2005, 10:40 PM
As the steam rolls out of my ears..... I was told by mom, if I don't have anything nice to say...
Vegas. I'm Stopping by Mike Ginters house in Denver for a nap if I make it that far.
BTW: Aric had a class mate die today. He was in school yesterday and they were laughing and talking about a weather web site Aric was going to re-design for him. I guess he had pemonia (sp) and had heart failure! So My life is what it is. I'm not happy but things can always be worse.
Posted by: Jeff Bowlsby Apr 14 2005, 10:43 PM
Ya BaBahhhhh!
Let the 914 Games Begin.... 
We are about to be invadad.....
Posted by: ThinAir914 Apr 15 2005, 01:20 AM
It sounds like you won't be matching up with the caravan until after they leave Flagstaff, but if that changes, there will definitely be room for one more for lunch. If you need anything on your way through AZ, you can call me. PM me for phone numbers if you want.
Posted by: neo914-6 Apr 15 2005, 01:42 AM
| QUOTE (rick 918-S @ Apr 14 2005, 08:31 PM) |
| Wish me luck. How long does it take to get AAA? |
I just signed up but found out the 100 mile tow doesn't become active until a year of membership.
Good luck Rich, I am amazed you are driving such a distance. I'm towing ~350 miles.
Posted by: Elliot Cannon Apr 15 2005, 02:22 AM
Come on out Rick. You can make it. When you do We'll help you forget your troubles at least for a few days.
Cheers, Elliot
Posted by: Racer Chris Apr 15 2005, 05:01 AM
May the force be with you Rick!
Posted by: skline Apr 15 2005, 05:18 AM
Good luck on the drive. It shows your dedication and trust in your own craftmanship. I think you will make it with no problem. I will be rooting for you and waiting there for you too. See you next week.
Posted by: scott thacher Apr 15 2005, 05:42 AM
rick, i know how you feel i am doing 6 k round trip on the suby install. as of right now it has about 150 miles on it, no trouble yet.
Posted by: Joe Ricard Apr 15 2005, 06:03 AM
Looks like my record is in jepardy.
3499 miles 3 days. Well at least I have the furthest in the OLDEST teener.
Posted by: Jeroen Apr 15 2005, 06:24 AM
Have a safe trip man!
Posted by: rick 918-S Apr 15 2005, 07:03 AM
| QUOTE (scott thacher @ Apr 15 2005, 03:42 AM) |
| rick, i know how you feel i am doing 6 k round trip on the suby install. as of right now it has about 150 miles on it, no trouble yet. |
Scott,
Make sure you stop and check the axle bolts, engine and transaxle adapter plate and mount bolts. Also check you hose clamps along the way.
After a day of driving last year at the WCC I got lucky and discovered my axle flang bolts loosened up.
I got up early Saturday morning for the FFC and discovered two 1 3/4" hose clamps were loose and coolant was dripping under the car. Be sure to stop along the way and check stuff like that.
I'm going to wish I had spent some time working to install a heater.....
Posted by: CptTripps Apr 15 2005, 07:06 AM
Good luck man. If you need to stay awake, or someone to talk to, call my cell. I'm always good to chat with someone driving.
Have satelite radio? I've got a spare Sirius receiver I could lend you for the trip. If you have an aux-in on your receiver, you can just hook it right up! PM me if you want to borrow it.
Posted by: CptTripps Apr 15 2005, 07:09 AM
BTW: AAA-Plus is $94 a year, and you get up to 4 100mi tows per year.
From the AAA web site..." (Your AAA PLUS emergency roadside benefits are in effect upon receipt of your permanent membership card.) " They'll FedEX it to you for $10. Sign up today, and you'll have it tomorrow. WELL worth the $100 IMHO.
Posted by: rick 918-S Apr 15 2005, 07:14 AM
| QUOTE (CptTripps @ Apr 15 2005, 05:09 AM) |
| BTW: AAA-Plus is $94 a year, and you get up to 4 100mi tows per year. From the AAA web site..." (Your AAA PLUS emergency roadside benefits are in effect upon receipt of your permanent membership card.) " They'll FedEX it to you for $10. Sign up today, and you'll have it tomorrow. WELL worth the $100 IMHO. |
I went to the web site. I did a search and discovered we have a local AAA office here intown. I'm going there today to sign up.
Posted by: John2kx Apr 15 2005, 09:25 AM
| QUOTE (rick 918-S @ Apr 15 2005, 05:03 AM) |
| I'm going to wish I had spent some time working to install a heater..... |
You should get enough heat from leakage between front compartment and cabin to make things tolerable if you have not sealed everything up.
My car had a underdash a/c with heater core built in. I hooked up the a/c but found removing two pieces of foam sealing the two compartments provided adequate heat to cabin. Not as good as the real deal but should get you there.
Good luck,
John
Posted by: Dave-O Apr 15 2005, 09:32 AM
Good luck Rick!!!
Wish I could be your wingman...maybe next year 
.
Have a save trip.
David
P.S. MAC autocross season opener on May 1. Hopefully the "yellowjacket" will be ready to play! 
Posted by: VegasRacer Apr 15 2005, 09:36 AM
Don't ask Qarl for a list of what you need to bring on the trip.
He will have you towing a trailer filled with all kinds of crap.
Posted by: Travis Neff Apr 15 2005, 10:35 AM
Sometimes things happen for a reason (mother ship), the 914 gods prevail!
Posted by: GWN7 Apr 15 2005, 10:40 AM
Covered under warrenty?
Tell the dealer your going on holidays and want a loner.
Posted by: rhodyguy Apr 15 2005, 11:08 AM
test of fate and faith rich. if you take the time to set up your emergency contact list for your drive across our great nation, you know you will not have to make a single panic call. a long drive gives you "seat time" and you notice subtle things about your car. going down last year i drove quite a bit with the stereo off. just listened to the car talk.
k
Posted by: rick 918-S Apr 15 2005, 11:54 AM
Man, There's some funny stuff posted here! 
Specially the Qarl thing, thanks John! I was eating peaches, I'm now wearing them!
Some great suggestions, I thought I'd press the dealer a little on the loaner thing but I think a tow vehicle is pushing it. We'll see.
The good news is I am now a member of AAA! 
Hope I don't need it. 
Thanks all, and keep an ear to the ground for that low rumble.... 
Posted by: spare time toys Apr 15 2005, 02:57 PM
Have fun and enjoy the open road.Watch out for the speed traps ( Sammy Hagar I cant drive 55 smiley goes here) 
Posted by: Scott Schroeder Apr 15 2005, 04:17 PM
Rick -
If you hit Gints you have to let us Colorado guys know! We would love to see the car!
Safe travels!
Scott S IN COLORADO - 30 minutes from Gint
Posted by: rick 918-S Apr 15 2005, 04:54 PM
| QUOTE (Scott Schroeder @ Apr 15 2005, 02:17 PM) |
| Rick - If you hit Gints you have to let us Colorado guys know! We would love to see the car! Safe travels! Scott S IN COLORADO - 30 minutes from Gint |
Posted by: SpecialK Apr 15 2005, 05:20 PM
| QUOTE (rick 918-S @ Apr 15 2005, 02:54 PM) | ||
|
Hopefully the "chain law" won't be in effect heading through the mountains Rick
.....didn't they just get like 24" of snow or some sh*t!Have an uneventful and safe trip Rick! If I can get something "dependable" running by next year, I might just make the journey with ya'll. Looks like a blast!
Posted by: Toast Apr 15 2005, 05:43 PM
You are a brave man!
AAA responds pretty fast, unless of course you are in the middle of nowhere. 
Then they take a few hours.
Actually, I am really excited to see the Alien again! That care just rocks!
Good luck Rick!
Posted by: iamchappy Apr 15 2005, 05:50 PM
Rick you are a brave soul not only do you have to drive there, you gotta make it back.
Posted by: Duffster Apr 15 2005, 09:04 PM
Looook! Looook! Trust the Force Looook!
South to I 70? further south to I 40? Please don't take I 80. (ask me how I know)
Posted by: Gint Apr 15 2005, 09:55 PM
| QUOTE (Special_K @ Apr 15 2005, 05:20 PM) | ||||
Hopefully the "chain law" won't be in effect heading through the mountains Rick .....didn't they just get like 24" of snow or some sh*t!Have an uneventful and safe trip Rick! If I can get something "dependable" running by next year, I might just make the journey with ya'll. Looks like a blast! |
Several things here.
I'll let the local guys know when your scheduled to arrive in case they want to get together and check out the alien and maybe have dinner.
This time of year, even in the mountains if we get some snow, it melts as quickly as it comes down. The snow from Monday morning (way over a foot in my front yard) was completely gone and nothing but a memory by Wednesday afternoon.
I'm off work until Thursday and I have a truck, trailer and lift in the garage, so let me know if you break down or something Rick. You have my cell number.
Good luck man!
Posted by: rick 918-S Apr 16 2005, 07:06 AM
| QUOTE (Gint @ Apr 15 2005, 07:55 PM) | ||||||
Several things here. I'll let the local guys know when your scheduled to arrive in case they want to get together and check out the alien and maybe have dinner. This time of year, even in the mountains if we get some snow, it melts as quickly as it comes down. The snow from Monday morning (way over a foot in my front yard) was completely gone and nothing but a memory by Wednesday afternoon. I'm off work until Thursday and I have a truck, trailer and lift in the garage, so let me know if you break down or something Rick. You have my cell number. Good luck man! |
I'm back at it. Developed a gremlin with the fuel pump. Spent about 3 hours trying to figure that out instead of repairing the damage on the back of the car. But I think I have a solution now. I went out and got some portable tools and stuff last night. I checked the big belt and coolant. I'm going to add a backup manual switch for the cooling fans. I still need to fix the damage on the rear of the car.
work, work, work, 
Posted by: rick 918-S Apr 18 2005, 07:38 AM
Well, I'm packing up the car. Weather looks like crap all the way to Denver..... 
I'll keep you posted. 
See ya all there! 
Posted by: Gint Apr 18 2005, 08:25 AM
| QUOTE (rick 918-S @ Apr 18 2005, 07:38 AM) |
| Well, I'm packing up the car. Weather looks like crap all the way to Denver..... I'll keep you posted. :type: See ya all there! |
Good luck Rick. Shar and I are somewhere 90 miles west of Flagstaff AZ., but we'll be home tonight around midnight. Rusty and Pam are in Vegas now and should be at my house around lunchtime tomorrow and should be around for the afternoon. He says he's got an oil leak, nothing to stop travel, but he'd like to have a look. So timing ahould work out pretty damn well as long as you don't have any issues.
Posted by: 914MF Apr 18 2005, 09:23 AM
Rick I have a very good, already black, rear trunk lid you can have if you did not have the time to fix your car. I will bring it over to Gint's if you need it. 
Posted by: CptTripps Apr 18 2005, 09:34 AM
I just got off the phone with Rick...He'll be good to go! Said if he could find a rust-free trunk lid, he'd leave this one in the desert.
I'll call him periodicly and post how far along he is...I'm going to do the same with Scott Thatcher too...just to make sure everyone gets there in one piece.
Posted by: Porsche Rescue Apr 18 2005, 09:53 AM
Doug, how about starting a new thread for their progress reports?
Posted by: skline Apr 18 2005, 09:55 AM
That is an excellent idea Jim, I think a east to west travel thread would be a good way for everyone to see where they are and how things are going.
Posted by: Gint Apr 19 2005, 12:29 AM
I just got home an hour ago. Rick called an hour before that. He was in Grand Island Nebraska and going to stop and sleep. Says the alien is doing fine. He'll be in Denver at my place in the morning.
Posted by: seanery Apr 19 2005, 12:51 AM
snow report from Park City, UT...what's his route? 80?
I don't know if it was accumulating or not, but my friend told me it was snowing at her house this evening in Park City...she can see the freeway from her back deck.
Be safe Rick.
Posted by: SpecialK Apr 19 2005, 12:53 AM
Friggin' Rick's an animal!!
I don't think he's missed a 914club event yet, and I mean nationwide!!
Posted by: VegasRacer Apr 19 2005, 01:18 AM
| QUOTE (seanery @ Apr 18 2005, 10:51 PM) |
| snow report from Park City, UT...what's his route? 80? |
If Rick is gonna be in Denver on Tuesday and in Vegas on Wednesday, I figure he will prolly take I-70. It is a much more direct route.
Attached image(s)
Posted by: Toast Apr 19 2005, 01:51 AM
I-70 is very long with NO SERVICES every 50 miles or so. 
(this is the road I take to my moms).
Be careful. If you have Verizon Wireless, you will be covered most of the way! However, if you have Cingular, you will Not have service for about 98% of I-70!! 
Dont ask me how I know...
But hey, 70 is beautiful!
Posted by: CptTripps Apr 19 2005, 05:34 AM
He's on Sprint...
I'm going to call in an hour or so and get a progress report from him.
Posted by: rhodyguy Apr 19 2005, 06:43 AM
GO RICK!!! you know he'll be tempted to "this thing's running so good, let's how fast it will...".
k
Posted by: BMartin914 Apr 19 2005, 06:49 AM
| QUOTE |
| He's on Sprint... |
He still won't have service, at least not through the mtns w/out a booster.
Posted by: Joe Ricard Apr 19 2005, 07:07 AM
Got to be the coolest road trip. A Porsche 914 with that big ass Euro V-8 as a pusher. Red line for that motor is like 6700 so it's gotta be good for 150 MPH cruisin speed.
that premium gas is going to get spendy but still cheaper that the tow vehicle. Plus the Alien has a valid shot at the title. Furthest driven, fastest time, all Porsche 914. even though it is modified (a little). Just not the oldest.
Posted by: rhodyguy Apr 19 2005, 07:17 AM
screw the gas milage and the prices.
k
Posted by: rick 918-S Apr 19 2005, 07:57 AM
Hey All!
Checking in from North Platte. I got a room last night. I was ahead of schedule. No issues with the car yet other than I need an "H" gear and My back is killing me. Temp is steady at 165 deg.
My phone went dead. So don't panic if you can't reach me this morning. I'll get it charged as I'm driving. Internet in my room didn't work. I'm in the sales office at the hotel. Starting out to Denver now. Here's goes nothing.
Posted by: rhodyguy Apr 19 2005, 08:02 AM
rick and scott. a couple of motorvating dudes 
. sort of humbles the trailer set.
k
Posted by: Gint Apr 19 2005, 08:29 AM
| QUOTE (rick 918-S @ Apr 19 2005, 07:57 AM) |
| Hey All! Checking in from North Platte. I got a room last night. I was ahead of schedule. No issues with the car yet other than I need an "H" gear and My back is killing me. Temp is steady at 165 deg. My phone went dead. So don't panic if you can't reach me this morning. I'll get it charged as I'm driving. Internet in my room didn't work. I'm in the sales office at the hotel. Starting out to Denver now. Here's goes nothing. |
Cool. I'm glad you took the opportunity to get a good night's rest. And I have a report to do for work that will take several hours this morning anyway. According to MapQuest, your 256 miles away. 3 hours or so down 76. Easy cruise.
I expect to hear from Rusty and Pam any minute now.
Posted by: ! Apr 19 2005, 08:38 AM
Safe driving....hey I know of an H gear trans with an LSD.... 
Posted by: seanery Apr 19 2005, 09:00 AM
| QUOTE ("Z" @ Apr 19 2005, 09:38 AM) |
| Safe driving....hey I know of an H gear trans with an LSD.... |
He'll need you to crack it open to verify that it is indeed an H gear AND an LSD.
Posted by: ! Apr 19 2005, 09:13 AM
That's OK...I have a non invasive Trans crack test as well....
Posted by: CptTripps Apr 19 2005, 09:27 AM
| QUOTE |
| He'll need you to crack it open to verify that it is indeed an H gear AND an LSD. |
...and then tell you to shove it up your ass!
...and then Z will have us all calling Rick calling him an asshole.
...sounds like a party!
Posted by: ! Apr 19 2005, 09:34 AM
Triple post numbnutz.... 
Posted by: SpecialK Apr 19 2005, 09:46 AM
| QUOTE ("Z" @ Apr 19 2005, 07:13 AM) |
| That's OK...I have a non invasive Trans crack test as well.... |
Eeewww Mike! Must be one of those CA things....huh. Better than finding out when you get back to the hotel I guess.
Rick and all of the "west-bounders", have a safe trip!!
Posted by: seanery Apr 19 2005, 09:48 AM
| QUOTE ("Z" @ Apr 19 2005, 07:13 AM) |
| That's OK...I have a non invasive Trans crack test as well.... |
...been hangin' out in West Hollywood lately, mikey?
Posted by: Gint Apr 19 2005, 03:32 PM
Rick made it this far. The alien is on the lift as I type. No real issues or anything, just torqueing and chacking bolts and oil leaks.
We had a nice lunch with Mark (914mf), Pam, Rusty, Rick my wife Sharon and myself. Rysty and Pam are on the their way back to Kansas.
Posted by: Series9 Apr 19 2005, 03:41 PM
Unbelievable! Nice job Rick.
Scott and Teri are due about 5pm MDT.
You guys are my motivation to drive the RS, but I'll have support if I break.
The two of you get the huge brass balls award for the WCC05.
Posted by: CptTripps Apr 19 2005, 04:44 PM
Just got off with Rick...he and Gint are at the hardware store getting some odds and ends.
Says the fastest he's had it is 80mph..."It's REALLY singing at that speed...I need a taller 5th."
Z: Said he can't afford the tranny AND the trip.
Posted by: 914MF Apr 19 2005, 05:35 PM
Had a wonderful time meeting Rusty, Pam, and Rick. Got a short ride in the Alien. WOW. I hope that they continue to have good luck on their trips.
Posted by: Gint Apr 19 2005, 07:19 PM
Hey Mark, Rick said he really owes you for the deck lid. We swapped the lids out and Rick is washing up the alien now.
Posted by: 914MF Apr 19 2005, 08:05 PM
I am just happy to have helped the Alien asimilate more parts
Posted by: rick 918-S Apr 19 2005, 08:44 PM
| QUOTE (914MF @ Apr 19 2005, 06:05 PM) |
| I am just happy to have helped the Alien asimilate more parts |
Hey thanks again! We rubbed some hand glaze on it and it's good to go!
Posted by: Gint Apr 20 2005, 05:24 AM
I just sent Rick off in the alien. It fired right up. Looked great too in the dim street light after the wash job the night before.
Posted by: Series9 Apr 20 2005, 07:00 AM
The eastern caravan departs ABQ in one hour....
Posted by: neo914-6 Apr 20 2005, 08:32 AM
Bon Voyage!
Posted by: Ferg Apr 20 2005, 08:43 AM
Happy trails, Rick!
Wish I could of made it out, but those dark clouds made me turn back.
Have i mentioned how jealous i am of everyone going to wcc this year, I had such a good time last year, and you can bet i'll be at 2006's.
Ferg.
Posted by: Scott Schroeder Apr 20 2005, 11:18 AM
It was nice to meet you rick.
Cooooooooool ride.
Safe travels - will we see you on the return trip?
Scott S
Posted by: MJHanna Apr 20 2005, 11:44 AM
This is kind of a where is Waldo (Rick) thread.
Posted by: aircooledboy Apr 20 2005, 11:48 AM
| QUOTE (rick 918-S @ Apr 19 2005, 08:44 PM) |
| Hey thanks again! We rubbed some hand glaze on it and it's good to go! |
Is that like the hair gel in "Something about Mary"?
Posted by: neo914-6 Apr 20 2005, 04:12 PM
| QUOTE (rick 918-S @ Apr 15 2005, 05:14 AM) | ||
I went to the web site. I did a search and discovered we have a local AAA office here intown. I'm going there today to sign up. |
Did you get the 100 mile service? In Cali the rules are:
Eligibility
1. You must be a CSAA Member for one year or more.
2. You may only upgrade at the time of renewal.
3. No more than 4 Emergency Road Service calls for your household in the past 12 months.
4. No towing services used by your household in the past 12 months.
Posted by: ! Apr 20 2005, 04:17 PM
It's 4 tows per CARD....I always use the wife's card first....her car never breaks down....I average 6 tows a year with my heaps and whatever I buy that's not running.....
Posted by: VegasRacer Apr 20 2005, 05:25 PM
| QUOTE (MJHanna @ Apr 20 2005, 09:44 AM) |
| This is kind of a where is Waldo (Rick) thread. |
** Update ** News Flash ** I talked to Rick about an hour ago. He is on I-15 heading south. He should be in Vegas soon. Said his cell phone battery is going dead. ** End of Report **
Posted by: Gint Apr 20 2005, 06:46 PM
Wow. I wonder what held him up. Must be sight seeing. LOL He should have been there 2 hours ago even at the speed limit.
Posted by: CptTripps Apr 20 2005, 09:48 PM
| QUOTE ("Z" @ Apr 20 2005, 05:17 PM) |
| It's 4 tows per CARD....I always use the wife's card first....her car never breaks down....I average 6 tows a year with my heaps and whatever I buy that's not running..... |
I thought I was the first genius to thik of that! I used hers to get the Junkster here from Columbus. I've got 3 left before I have to breeak into mine...she's got an '05 Saab...and BETTER not need it!
I made a 'backup' copy of her card number with my name...the beauty of owning a gift card network, is LOTS of card-printing machines and assorted cards.
Posted by: neo914-6 Apr 20 2005, 11:12 PM
| QUOTE ("Z" @ Apr 20 2005, 02:17 PM) |
| It's 4 tows per CARD....I always use the wife's card first....her car never breaks down....I average 6 tows a year with my heaps and whatever I buy that's not running..... |
hmmm, didn't think to pay the extra $15 for her card...
Posted by: VegasRacer Apr 21 2005, 03:22 AM
Rick and the Alien are in Vegas.
See the Eastern Cravan & Hofbrauhaus threads for updates.
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