Replica Rendezvous at Knotts - Are You Ready?

It may not seem like it, but Spring is just around the corner. The Knotts Berry Farm National Kit Car Show is just a few short weeks away. If you're planning to join all the Speedster and Spyder owners who are coming to Knotts, please make your plans now...that includes reserving hotel space and registering your car with the AHA folks.

All the info you need is available on the Replica Rendezvous Website (link is on the opening page of SpeedsterOwners.com - just click on the "Newest" tab above).

The Replica Rendezvous goodies are coming in from the suppliers! We've got great t-shirts, amazing baseball caps, and these beautiful stickers all with the RR logo in Guards Red! Take the time today to make your plans and be with us. It will be the biggest gathering of replica Speedsters and Spyders ever (or at least until Carlisle in May!).

To follow up my co-chair for Replica Rendezvous, The Oregon guy, (thats me), has ordered the trophies and I think they will meet with your approval. The special room rate at the Marriott expires on April 1 so don't be late. If you miss the April 1st cutoff you can still probably get a room at the Marriott but at a slightly higher rate.

The stickers look great on my car too. It is Guards Red,(Signal Red), and the Guards Red stickers look great. Nice part about them is there is no sticky crud left behind when you decide to pull them off, nothing but high tech for us!

Weather is getting nicer with each day so we can guarantee delux weather!

Jim,

The Court Yard kinda promised a hose and bucket for us guys. I'll be getting in around early afternoon on Thursday also. I am bringing a chamois and a sponge saturated with soap so hopefully with the bucket and water we should be OK. I am figuring on Friday morning for the car wash and afternoons, who knows! I will double check with the motel maintainence people on Thursday to insure we have afore mentioned hose and buckets available. I believe some of the Cobra guys are staying at the courtyard too, so I imagine they will want the same stuff we do!

Yes, the count down is on, I don't have a spare so not bringing a jack but several cans of insta-fix. I've used that stuff in the past and it seems to work well enough to get you to a tire store. I don't think gas stations even fix tires any more. Sell gas and twinkees!

I plan on a semi relaxed drive down also at 3000-3200 RPMs range. Are you only going to have one overnight? You will be hitting the longer days than I. One thing I'm going to do is apply a good coat of Rain-ex on the windshield and headlites. It is really effective over about 40MPH and sure helps cleaning splattered bugs off. I've never tried the wipers on the Speedster but they look mainly to pass state laws!

Bruce

It's 55 more days until the Rendezvous and only 52 until I light up the plugs, idle for 5 minutes then take a slow cruize through OKC to I40 at about 5 am.

Then I point it west, bringing the RPMs to a nice 32-3400 cruise and let the I40 car world pass me, while I watch the real world pass by. I'm just going to do a 65-70 mph run and baby my baby all the way to ABQ where I'll stop and have lunch with a friend. Then it's high desert cruising to Flagstaff for the night where I've called the local Fire Dept close to the Motel Row to park my baby for the night. I'll grab a duffle and make a quick jog back to the motel. (Credit for the idea of using the Fire Dept to park at comes from my wife... I think it's great. And they were very cooperative). Early Thursday, around pre-dawn light, I'll fire it up again and make a dash with the cool air on to our Courtyard Suites. I'll find a car wash after checking in and do a clean up and check out all the fittings for loose whatevers.

I write this as I have the car sitting on stands in the garage, with about umpteen mini projects going on... today? new wheel bearings.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Jim

Rain?? What rain? You guys - not unlike the Blues Brothers - are on a "mission from God!" It ain't gonna rain.

Bruce,
If you've never used your wipers, you might be in for a pleasant surprise. After driving on I-40 in a driving rain and later through Knoxville on Kingston Pike, I found that the wipers were the one component of the weather protection system that worked fairly well.

John L. and John H.

Of course there will be no rain and the Rain X is solely for easy bug removal, It is good to know that the wipers do work. I've been wondering where we can get replacement blades for them. They are little shorties. I've got the feeling that mine will be replaced by the sun and their rays rather than use in the rain!

Bruce

I agree with John on the wipers. I have a long story about heading home, topless, from a cruisin' night in a downpour, but suffice to say that the wipers work great, although mine send a stream from the drivers lower corner of the windshield, along the top of the door and out across the left rear cowl - never into the cockpit! Anything above 60mph and almost all rain goes entirely over the cockpit and to the rear - the carpet in the rear seat area only got lightly damp, and the only thing wetter than that were the outside corner of the headrests of my seats (!!!!).

Get it up over 70, though, and there's a back-draft that goes past your inside shoulder and puts a mist on the INSIDE of the windshield!! That may not happen if you have a quarter-tonneau, but mine wasn't in back then and the back-draft was substantial.

Gordon

Take a blade with you to a NAPA store - they have them in their catalog (but usually NOT in stock!) gn

The wash set up sounds to be just the ticket. A little time to clean them up and get aquainted! I'll bring some detail items to share. I'm taking you up on the rain-x advice. I have not been caught in a rain blast yet (made a overpass for cover once)and so Gordon's experience has me convinced... for sure!

I have a 54 Chevy 3100 1/2 Ton that I took 3-4 years to get on the road. Frame up, every nut and bolt, done right all the way. It's stock appearing except wide stock wheels/original caps, and wide rubber, plus lowered on rear mono leafs and a Must II front/ Ford 9" rear. But I retained the Stovebolt to be different and hooked it up to a built powerslide. Found Swap meet Fenton Headers, an Offy 2-1 set up, electronic ignition out of a Nova 250 6, a nice head job, custom cam, balanced and all that.... unique sound of a six up on revs. Anyway, my point. I retained the old vacumn wiper system before changing ignitions, and got caught in traffic with a heavy rain storm. Boy, trying to keep those wipers going and some sembalance of defrost, while reving in stop and go was an experience I swore to never repeat. Went right out and bought an electric set up and tightened up the defrost hoses. The funny part? When I was a kid, those vacumn assisted wipers on my 56 Belaire didn't stop me from driving like a banshee even though I couldn't see crap.

Jim

Jim,

Boy those old vacumn wipers were a joy especially going up a long grade in a heavy rain. Caught between a rock and a hard place, couldn't let up on the gas to let the wipers work becuse you'd lose all your momentum. Even back years ago I puzzled why they were used on cars from the 30's and 40's. Certain cars had electric wipers back then, even two speeds!

I love the sound of a built 6 cyl with duals. When I was at College in Illinois in 1957 a "townie" had a 46-48 Chev cpe with a built GMC. Nobody could touch that thing, even with a 55-57 Chevy. It sounded awesome.

Speaking of 6 cylinders, at the local rod and custom show last week I spotted a D Jag sitting outside the front entrance. It was black with the big white circular dots for racing numbers. Car was a driver, not a show car. Had a few stone dings and interior was worn. Turned out in Mondays Medford paper did an article on the car. A local fellow built the car from pieces he'd been collecting for many years. It had all the right pieces on it but not the serial number. One of my all time favorite cars. To be able to stand by it and touch it was a thrill. I would have paid $100 to get a ride in it for 10 minutes. It was RHD.

Looking forward to meeting you at Knotts Jim. I'll have the guards red JPS with tan interior. Blue and white Oregon Crater Lake plates.

Bruce

Man, you guys make this trip sound GREAT! I somehow got caught in a jam, and have to be at a meeting in San Francisco on Thursday. I don't know how long it will take, but I'm going to try to get my speedster near by so maybe I can head south when the meeting is over. But there still is a chance I won't be able to make the trip. But I'm sure as hell gonna try. Will keep you posted. Eddie

Bruce,
Is there a chance that if there is a common "schedule" of stopovers for Wednesday and Thursday enroute to Knotts via I-5 that you could share? Where in Tracy are you overnighting? Where is the rest stop for Thursday AM meet before driving to the Magic Mountain area overnighter and what motel are people staying at there? The reason for my questions is that I'm planning to leave B.C. very early Wednesday morning and push 12-15 hours to reach Redding or beyond, that night, then make it through to the Thursday night stop at wherever everyone else is planning to stay, then drive into L.A. with the group on Friday AM.
Thanks, Rick

Ric,

I haven't made reservations yet in Tracy but I have stayed at the Best Western last year. It is new and clean and there is a good resturant next door. I will be making reservations there in a week or two. As far as the rest stop at Tracy, it is right south of there, just south of the junction of I-5 and the spur Interstate coming from San Jose, think it is I-580. You'll see it on the map.

I will put out schedule of sorts for the trip down, but remember that will just be for people on my schedule. Tough for everybody to be on the same page schedule wise. I plan on making it from Tracy to the Marriott on Thursday. Thinking it would take about 6-7 hours from Tracy and if we leave at 6-6:30 am we should be in LA around noon-200 PM. Should have a window of no gridlock, but no guarantees. Just have to take it as it comes. I've found that if you try and out guess traffic, you never win!

From BC to Redding or beyond is pretty ambitious in a tub, must be younger than I am. If you think you could make it down to Tracy,(long drive), then you could stay with me at the Best Western. I would guess from Redding to Tracy would be 4 plus hours. It looks like Dale Bates and his IM will be hooking up there on Thursday morning, maybe others from NoCal.

As we get a few weeks from "K" day I'll publish as rough schedule here. Maybe we can drive together from Medford,Or to Tracy on Wendsday. I fugure it is about 6 1/2 hoiurs from Medford to Tracy so I wouldn't have to leave super early on Wed. Pretty drive on I-5 from about Roseburg, OR to Redding, after that a flatliner!

Keep in touch, Bruce

Bruce,
I'm thinking I might leave Tuesday night and get Sea-Tac behind me, then get an early start Wednesday and maybe catch up with you and do the Tracy deal. I don't have a room at the Marriott for Thursday but could likely get one if this works out. I don't mind doing seat time in the Speedster for 10-12 hours at a crack. This is going to be a great time! I'll bring lots of Molson Canadian eh!
Rick

Ric,

That definatly sounds more doable for you! If you get thru Tacoma, down around Olympia, from there south ain't bad at all! The Molson sounds good. Watch out you hosers the tubs are on a roll!

We'll keep in touch Rick. Any other Southbound tubs are welcome to join in the wagon train!

Bruce

It's getting close guys! Put new plugs, hoses, clamps, plug wires, did the valves, oil, checked wheel bearings, brakes, and a host of other things yesterday. I have my ER bag packed with tools and parts, the carpet recut & lined for the hood after cutting for the bigger tank, and Monday I go down and get new tires. My son bought the chrome stems and logo valve caps from Tweeks for my birthday and so those go on too. Got my RR decals on a suitcase and the windshield... and just a few more chores and she will be ready other than detailing.

It's not long now. I am excited... our 1ST Club RR... making history.

Jim

Jim,

Sounds good, It is nice here today so the Speedster goes out for a wash job and detailing also, realizing that the 725 mile trip to Knotts will crud it up again. Going to put on some wax after the wash.
I used the McGuires #7 glaze on my fiber glass Avanti with Urathane paint. It looked great, thinking that it would look great on the tub too since it is the same combination. Don't forget the Rain X for the windshield, not only does it work good on the rain but it makes the bugs you'll pick up slide off easier. I'll be coming down the Central Valley in CA and driving between orchards and feed lots. I am assured to pick up some kind of record for bug collection.

We'll compare bug collections on Thursday and Friday before 86ing them! I've got a fresh oil change and valve adjustment also so hoping the tub really gets broken in on the trip. I've got about 1100 miles on it now and by the time I'm back I'll probably put about 2200 more on it.Lets all remember to 0 out the trip odometer when leaving so we can register the miles at Knotts.

See ya soon, Bruce

Jim, it sounds like you are "greased and ready to kick ass". I still would like to exchange ideas on some of your mods. Did you go with the same size tire or a different size, and what brand? I was really hoping to be able to make Knott's this year, but as it comes closer it doesen't look too good for me. Maybe next year. Looking foward to hear about your trek. Eddie

Bruce,
Must be nice to just get your car cleaned up. I still have to get my new heads finished up at the machine shop before this weekend so the engine builder can complete assembly. The 2110 that was in the car when I bought it last spring was a mix of good, fair and ugly parts so I replaced the crank, rods, cam, heads plus the usual rebuild parts as well as going through the transaxle and installing a .77 fourth gear plus general fixing up mechanical works for the trip to Knotts. Wow, between business and this car, time is running out! Gotta get out to the shop and get to work. Still thinking I will catch up with you on the Wed AM and drive to Tracy etc. I did get my room advanced to include Thursday as well. What time would you leave home(latest) for Tracy on Wednesday? Can you give me the motel phone number in Tracy so I can get a room?
Rick

Hi Rick,

The Best Western toll free number is 1-800-780-7234, guess just specify the Best Western in Tracy. I got a single room for $59. I got thru on their web site, guess the phone number would give the same rate but I'd make a point to tell them. I made my reservations today with no problem.

I don't plan on leaving super early from the Medford area on Wendsday morning. It would be about a 6-7 hour drive to Tracy. If we could miss the Sacramento evening rush hour that would be nice. How does 9 AM sound to you. I could be talked into a little later if necessary, don't know where you'll be coming from. There is a rest area just south of Medford, about milepost 23 or 24 I believe. It is the last rest stop in Oregon. If you want to eat some breakfest I could meet you at a family restaurant at exit 33, Central Point. Your call, I am flexible.

Drop me a line off line and we'll set it up,

Bruce, tutw@aol.com

Eddie... meeting you was a big part of this gathering. I am sorry you are unable to attend. Some of the stuff that we need to compare notes on will be in an e-mail I'll try and peck out Sunday eve. Man, sure wish you could be there... I want to check out some of those great mods you have made.

Jim

Thanks for the kind words Jim, your car was my model when I ordered mine. It's still interesting to me how many of the same up grades we want, or have done. Meeting you was one of the big reasons I was going too. There is still a very small chance, we'll see. Thanks for taking the time to email me with the mods. Talk to you soon. Eddie

Could one of the LA experts repost the info on getting into LA from the north vis Hwy 1 or 101 ? I believe there was something here re getting back over to 1 before LA as the 101 south traffic is ugly at most times. I'm still thinkin of the hwy 1 route south.
thanks - my happy face has been ordered....

Dale,
While on 101 south you will pass through Ventura County,
There will be at least 2 turn-offs for Hiway 1 (See a map
to know exactly where they are), you can almost see the coast from
the 101.....extremely scenic, hugs the coast lotsa vegtable fields, curvy road, goes through Malibu etc...Picks up the freeway (10)in
Santa Monica or you can continue through to Marina Del ray and
take the freeway (90) to the 405 South, Then East on the 105
to the 110 South to the 91 East, to Knotts....
You can see the Parachute ride at Knotts from the 91 Freeway....
Sounds complicated, but it is extremely easy, and worth the extra
time for the coast ride.........See ya at Knotts

Vince,

Didn't see you mention the Slausen cutoff! LOL

Bruce

Never ask for directions on April Fools day.

Dale,

Coming South on the 101 through Ventura and then Oxnard, take the Rice Avenue Exit in Oxnard, head South on Rice (right) which will magically turn into US 1. You'll pass Point Mugu Naval Air Station and curve around the big rocks at Point Mugu where you will see the blue Pacific Ocean. Highway 1 goes a long way South along the coast from there.

By the way, Dale, the e-mail address you have listed does not work. I've sent you a couple of e-mails that have bounced back as "undeliverable."

Hope to see you at Knotts.
--
JL

18 Days, turn the key, idle 5 minutes, back down the drive, work my way from the north side of OKCs burbs to I-40, point it west at predawn, put on the shades at daybreak and drive with thr sunrise chasing my 6.

The car is ready.

So am I.

Yes.

Jim,

Ditto here, Car is ready I hope. I have a list of everything I can think of, some of it laid out waiting to be loaded aboard. I am positive I'll forget something, but hope it isn't my credit cards.

Looks like I'll have an road buddy from Medford to Tracy and points south. Rick Davis from B.C. is going to join in. It is possible that Dale Bates and others will join us at the rest stop right south of Tracy on I-5 for the run into Knotts.

John Leader has added a 10 day weather icon to the Replica Rendezvous site. If you want to check the latest and greatest in weather for our travels it is pretty cool. Thanks John.

Jim, I assume we'll be rolling into the Marriott sometime Thursday afternoon, depending on gridlock on the freeways. I am afraid to ask what gas prices will be in the Golden State but they are $1.83 a gallon in Southern Oregon. I've heard rumors of .50 cents more in CA. Guess fill up to the tippy top before entering CA. Yikes.

Happy Trails, Bruce

Gas is definetly more thatn that about $2.13 per gl here for regular
Have a good trip

Yikes.... I'm paying $1.79 for 92 Octane here. Here comes price shock! Especially with my 16 gallon tank.

Jim
OKC

Jim, First of all if I wanted 92 octane I'd probably have to go
to the Airport....ours is 91 for the good stuff and in Orange County
it could cost you 2.58 for a precious gallon (Not Canadian)
be glad your stay is a short one..........

Gas in Canada is US$2.75 a gallon right now, and that's for 89 octane. Want 92? That's about US$3.05 a gallon. We don't want to hear any complaining from the bros down South!

My car is 'sposed to be done Tuesday. I don't know if the torque bar will arrive in time for install. The body & fender guy sort of f'ed up and while he wants to buff out some scratches his bonehead did while repairing the stereo dude's damage, there is no time left. I got new tires to mount,laundry to do and an escrow sign up Wednesday afternoon...folks gettin' their first house have to take priority over my fun and games, I promised them I'd make certain the paperwork was right!

Gadfree! Is it next week already? Let's see, that leaves Wednesday night to rip around a bit and see if the engine & tranny stay put.
Oh shit, Thursday A.M. ought to be interesting!?!?
P.

Hey Paul,

Sounds like you'll be joining us Thursday AM at the Tracy Rest area.
That will work! I've got a radar detector if you want to be point with your monster. Dale says he knows all the fast food places on I-5. Hope he knows where the cheaper gas is too. I just drove by our local cutrate here a few minutes ago. 87 is at 1.99.9, Yikes, a couple of weeks ago it was about 1.67, what changed in the world to cause this, Oh, that's right it is getting to be driving season. How would you like to be herding a big 40' motorhome down the road. Talk about taking out a bank loan for gas. Thank goodness our tubs are pretty decent on gas.

Bruce

Okay you gas-paying whiners..lets see if I can whine louder. My 1970 single cab, with the Porsche motor has some stupid/high compression ratio, so I have to run 94 octane. Costs me over $4.00 per gallon (Can), which is 3,069.66 Cambodian Riel, should I ever need gas while driving through Phnom Penh.
Ron

Paul,

If you get delayed for any reason on Thursday, I'll be heading out Friday 0400 from Sacto.

I plan on 99 South to Stockton, '4' over to '5' Then South.

I'd probably be near that rest stop by 0530ish...

It's gonna be a cold morning....

Brian.

Brian, is that a cough I hear? Are you getting sick? Perhaps you should call in sick on Thursday! Looking forward to seeing you at Knott's.