FFO is growing near...

[mdrburchette]

and I'm starting to get excited. Can't wait to see my buddies Alvon, Ron, Mike and Dave...and all the new fellas planning to show. It's my only vacation without the kids (they go to camp for a week). It's just a great time to get together with other Fiat fanatics. All I have to do is wash and wax my 72 and have a trophy stand built so all of you can enjoy the trophy you helped me get at Italian Carfest. If the X19 is still in my stable, it'll be coming along too...and Ron's Harley so he can play with us. What do you guys have to do to get ready for the big event?

[ventura ace]

Yeh, I'm pretty stroked to see all you folks again, or for the first time, too!

Radiator needs fixing. I took it out and left at the shop 3 days ago, but they still haven't got to it! Maybe I shouldn't have told him that I'd rather he take the time to do his best on it, than to rush the job. Hope to get it tomorrow, so I can put it in and test drive it to the Fiat gathering this weekend.

Then I need to carefully figure out what might quit working in the long drive over there to PA, and bring spare parts and proper tools. We're driving far enough, that we'll need 2 oil changes before we finally get home!

Alvon

[Spiddy]

It sucks!
Back in the UK as soon as the sun shines, classic car events pop up everywhere and you can't beat that feeling when people show genuine interest in your pride and joy
But here in Spain as far as I know; nada That is one thing I really miss. (apart from decent fish and chips of course) So you can all have a good cry for me.
Life's a bitch!

[baltobernie]

We'll hoist one in your direction, Spiddy! And I'll park next to a red one so at least your colors will be represented.

[mbouse]

Spiddy....sorry about your luck.

Denise....I've totally destroyed one of the door panels getting ready to build my own. So, there is no going back from here on out. Just finding all the bits is a real pain. Unless you want a gross, it is not possible to get the correct size grommet for the door handle spindle opening. No one knows what a rivet is anymore..NO! I don't mean pop-rivet... I struck out finding some chrome kick plates, gonna have to improvise there.

I think once i get these new door panels made, i am just gonna go into maintain mode until it is time to leave. I've had enough wrenching for a while.

Really looking forward to seeing old friends again. Especially looking forward to the new acquaintances that have promised to be there.

[mdrburchette]

Those grommets are attainable, Mike. You just gotta know where to look! I had to buy a minimum order and I have a few left if you're interested in purchasing some. As far as the kick panels, what's wrong with yours or don't you have any? I may have some but I didn't offer since you wanted them in great shape. The plastic studs were off of mine but that 3M doublesided tape is some awsome stuff. They haven't fallen off or loosened in over 4 years.

[mbouse]

just placed an order for two dozen grommets, from McMaster Carr. So i should have a few to help out others as well.

yeah, for new panels i really wanted some great shape kick plates. I'll prolly be doing a stitching pattern of some sort.

the 79+ dropped the chrome in favor of the same shape panel made from a piece of corn-row carpeting. Since my corn-row carpeting was replaced with something of my own variety years ago, and no scraps kept.... i won't be putting carpeting on my door panel.

[baltobernie]

Then I need to carefully figure out what might quit working in the long drive over there to PA, and bring spare parts and proper tools. We're driving far enough, that we'll need 2 oil changes before we finally get home!
Alvon

You're driving your Spider from Ventura to PA (and back!)?

[So Cal Mark]

Alvon, I can imagine your wife accepting the fact you're "stoked", but I'm not sure how she'd fell about "stroked"

[ventura ace]

Yep, Bernie, we're traveling from Ventura to the Poconos, via Tucson, El Paso, Odessa, Dallas, Birmingham, Altanta, Clemson (SC), Moorsville (NC), and Reading (PA). Then heading to Oregon 2008 (Howard Prairre Lake) via Dayton, Chicago, Omaha, & Salt Lake City (caravaning with the new Fiat 500 for most of it). Then straight down I-5 back to home. I wish we could take 4 - 6 weeks, rather than the rushed 2.5 weeks.

If anybody along this route would like a (quick) visit, then contact me and I'll let you know our schedule.

Oops, Mark - - yes, it's stoked. I'm stoked now. Maureen will be once we get going (from all the heat), but the stroked thing, I can't talk about! Only with Maureen's approval. ;>)

Alvon

[baltobernie]

Two and a half weeks to circumnavigate the country! Well, there goes the "Manly Driver" award I was vying for ...

[racydave]

Alvon, I was under the impression that Jim was coming thru Indpls on the way west. And He did not say anything about Oregon. He has Indianapolis decal on the 500. Supposed to stop at the track and museum for a quick photo op. But, I would not be suprised if he did not. Sure would like to entertain here! Guess we will see? Anyone else coming thru town please contact me, Dave

[ventura ace]

Let me clarify. I do not know Jim's plans after FFO. I understood that he would be headed to Oregon, as am I. His planned path could be very different than what I threw out there (and mine is not set in stone). I would hope that we can caravan together a good bit, so we'll have to compare plans when we get a chance.

Alvon

[Nick]

I'm planning on heading down there for just the first day with one of my friends from school. Its only about a 4 hour drive from my place!

[ga.spyder]

I will be there w/ my son Geoff.We will get there on Thurs.To get ready I am putting as many miles on the car as time allows! I may have to put some gas in ,but thats it. I wrenched all winter and dont plan on touching a tool until next winter.Looking forward to meeting everyone!
Craig