California or Bust

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 7:55 am

On the road again for a grand adventure.
Sam Atkinson and I left St. Louis this morning at 5:30 am for a 4000 mile round trip with my roadster.
Our first stop is Sullivan, MO for breakfast at Cracker Barrel
Wish us luck and stay tuned for updates

Post by **Dollisdad** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 9:08 am

Go-Man-Go! You know your having a good time when you don’t know what day it is - and you don’t care!!! Good luck and have a great trip.

Norman Kling · Post by **Norman Kling** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 10:43 am

Are you coming to San Diego? I'll be looking for you. I have a 22 Runabout but mine will be home I will have a 26 Touring on the tour.
Norm

Post by **DHort** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 7:32 pm

Looks like you need to take the Roadster off the trailer first.

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 10:19 pm

Went from 18.5 mpg to 11.1 ouch
It is almost 1900 miles for us to go. Stopped in Oklahoma and met someone trailering a ‘51 Crestline to his nieces wedding in Fort Worth.
Then a stop for chili dogs in Tulsa
Overnighting in Amarillo and skipped the Big Texan. (Over an hour wait time) so we found an Italian place that sounded good. It has been an uneventful trip so far other than the pouring rain we are in now.

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 10:22 pm

Norm,
we look forward to meeting you

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 11:25 pm

Seeing the stop in Sullivan reminded me that it was a stop on my last trip east. Of course I was on old 66, not I-44. Driving a 100+ year-old car, you stay off of interstates.

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 11:45 pm

I wish I could take the time to drive it all the way, but a two week kitchen pass was all I could manage!
I settle for the interstate and 75 mph so that there is enough time to enjoy San Diego and a couple of side trips on the way home.

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 12:42 am

Yes, as much as I dislike being so old, retirement has allowed me to enjoy Model T travel. That's one of the privileges of age.

Post by **George House** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 6:38 am

Turn your roadster’s upper windshield horizontal. It’ll make you think you’re a tiny bit more aerodynamic and might save it from a bird or a rock. Safe trip !!

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 7:00 am

I hadn’t thought of that George, It makes sense though.
So we are getting ready to leave Amarillo in an hour or so. I have a good friend in ABQ that we are going to visit with today and he is going to put us up for the night so not much westbound movement today for Sam and I, but hopefully an adventure or two awaits us. I think we will unload and visit a few Route 66 places today. It’s probably the only chance I will have to have the car here so I better take advantage of the opportunity.

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 8:41 am

Aerodynamics engaged

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 9:19 am

Too muddy after last nights storm to walk out to the cars, but we visited the Cadillac Ranch this AM

Post by **JohnM** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 9:47 am

Scott and Sam, safe travels! Thanks for sharing your adventure.

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 10:17 am

Made it to The Land of Enchantment

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 3:35 pm

Visiting with an old friend in the ABQ area
He has a few cool cars

Post by **ChrisB** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 3:39 pm

Quote "Our first stop is Sullivan, MO for breakfast at Cracker Barrel"

It's all about the eating when Model Ts are involved.

We are part way there, in Las Vegas, head out Saturday am.

Chris & Rose

Norman Kling · Post by **Norman Kling** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 4:48 pm

Should be OK if you leave Vegas in the morning, but if later in the day, many weekend people will be on the Road headed for Los Angeles and San Diego and places nearby.
Go south on I-15. Follow local maps to Sycuan. East of El Cajon
Norm

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 6:29 pm

So we got roped into helping get this thing for its first public appearance since at least 1987
Mopars in the Park in ABQ

Farmer J · Post by **Farmer J** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 11:18 pm

Sounds like you two are following in our footsteps. We left on June 6 and I’ve been in California for a couple days now. Our plan is to be at the casino on Saturday early afternoon. We were able to see the planted Cadillacs on our last trip out here. It’s amazing how thick the spray can applied paint is on those cars Yesterday we were able to go to the Regan presidential library, it was one of our bucket list items and well worth the effort to get there. Safe travels to everyone.will see you on Sunday.

Post by **SurfCityGene** » Sat Jun 15, 2024 12:34 am

Sure glad and excited to hear about some of you "Out of Towners" coming to the National tour ! If you want to explore a cool spot is the drive to Point Loma. It's high up and overlooks the Sub base and North Island and the downtown area!

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Sat Jun 15, 2024 12:55 am

It has been great catching up with old friends here in ABQ. after helping with the 70 Cuda we went and had a great dinner and swapped more lies.
The interesting thing I learned about the AAR Cuda today was that it has been in my friends uncles possession since 1987. If was a complete basket case then. It has been slowly put back together as other projects always got in the way.
Funny how that happens…
So this was the second time that the car has been in the sunlight under its own power in close to four decades.
He is putting us up for the night and we are heading west tomorrow morning looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.

Scott and Sam

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Sat Jun 15, 2024 11:20 am

So, if the radiator leaks, now it will head to the Pacific!

Norman Kling · Post by **Norman Kling** » Sat Jun 15, 2024 3:18 pm

I hope you don't bend the rear axle housing. I like to strap from the axle right where it is connected to the shackle to the trailer corner on the same side and also strap from the same location to the center of the trailer. Same for both axles. Then it won't bend anything and will not pull out the wishbone ball joint.
Your car looks like a later one than me. My 22 has a low radiator with straight windshield. There was a change made about the end of the year and some look like yours and others look like mine. It even seems to make a difference which assembly plant and also how the state where first registered. Whether they dated by year model or date first sold. A little different from how it is these days.
Norm

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Sat Jun 15, 2024 3:57 pm

Checked off a bucket list item today
Found out that 90° and 6000 feet in elevation is not something the car likes much.
But it was great fun driving through Petrified National Forest. 52 miles and a million smiles later we are back on the road

Norman Kling · Post by **Norman Kling** » Sat Jun 15, 2024 5:23 pm

If you come down to Interstate 8 you can come right into Alpine. Exit at Tavern Road and drive south to Dehesa Rd, about 2 or 3 miles turn right and drive down about 5 miles to Sycuan on your left. Whichever way you come, fill up your tank in Arizona. The gas prices are lower than California.
Norm

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Sat Jun 15, 2024 9:57 pm

We hope CA is cooler than Phoenix
Sam and I hope to be at the hotel around 12-1 tomorrow
I’m looking forward to meeting everyone

Scott

Daisy Mae · Post by **Daisy Mae** » Sat Jun 15, 2024 11:12 pm

Another suggestion for open towing, I buy a sheet of foam board home insulation and tape a couple layers to the windshield and headlights. All it takes is one rock, and at freeway speeds the airstream is moving that pebble up and over the top of your car right in the path of your towed car's windshield.
I've also at times completely removed the windshields of my T or A and stored them in the back seat area of my truck...
Made a big difference in mileage on my 2.7L F150....

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Sun Jun 16, 2024 2:26 pm

150 miles to go

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Sun Jun 16, 2024 5:04 pm

1860 miles
We made it

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Sun Jun 16, 2024 11:30 pm

The fourth floor garage just got a little bit more interesting here at the hotel
We finished meeting everyone at the Ice cream social and headed out to see what everyone had brought to the event.
All I can say, is WOW. this is my first event outside of the local St. Louis club outings where we generally 6-12 cars in attendance.

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Mon Jun 17, 2024 3:58 pm

I forgot to pull the gas can off the running board today.
This helps a bit

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Mon Jun 17, 2024 4:10 pm

You guys will get to meet Norm. I hope to do that while both of us are still kicking. I think he's even older than I am.

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Mon Jun 17, 2024 6:14 pm

Steve,
I met him this morning.
I hope to meet you as well someday
I cannot say enough good about the first day here. I am in charge of the St. Louis spring and fall tours. I have a new standard to attain on the written directions.
Meeting new friends while enjoying old cars is why I’m here
According to the mapping program I use we did 51 miles in 2 hrs and 20 mins
I also learned that my October of ‘21 serial number that is stamped onto a 26/27 engine, with a title that says 1922, is wrapped in a 1925 body today.
I’m not sure if I should stop saying I have a 100 year old car!!

Here are a few more pics from Lindo Lake Park

Post by **NoelChico** » Mon Jun 17, 2024 6:41 pm

Scott, We hope to meet you while we are at the tour. Teresa and I had an enjoyable day as guests of Deloris and Norm Kling in the back of their '26 Touring. We didn't bring a T and will drive modern if we don't catch rides with others at the tour. Not pulling a trailer still took over 26 hours of windshield time from South Dakota.

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Mon Jun 17, 2024 7:05 pm

Noel,
You can call or text me
636-544-775zero

Norman Kling · Post by **Norman Kling** » Mon Jun 17, 2024 9:08 pm

Noel and Teresa rode with us in today's tour. We had Rubio's Fish Taco's for lunch.
Norm

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Tue Jun 18, 2024 1:56 pm

We made it to the Olympic training center

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Tue Jun 18, 2024 7:41 pm

A few more from today. Lots of hills and low pedal!

Norman Kling · Post by **Norman Kling** » Tue Jun 18, 2024 10:26 pm

I'm sure I met Steve at some time in the past. Might have been on one of the Canyonlands tours in Utah or at the Bakersfield Swap Meet.
Norm

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Tue Jun 18, 2024 11:24 pm

I've never been to Canyonlands, at least by T, but I went to Bakersfield once. More likely we've both been on the forum so long it feels like we've met in person.

Norman Kling · Post by **Norman Kling** » Wed Jun 19, 2024 12:56 am

Ours is the right hand car in the picture at Lindo Lake. Dolores and me in it. Whoever took the picture focused on us.
Norm

Wayne Sheldon · Post by **Wayne Sheldon** » Wed Jun 19, 2024 3:15 am

How many cars are on this tour?
Just curious.

Norman Kling · Post by **Norman Kling** » Wed Jun 19, 2024 10:47 am

There were 63 signed up with a dozen or so locals who might come some days but not others. Also a few modern cars following us. So I would guess about 50 T's each day.
Norm

Post by **George House** » Wed Jun 19, 2024 11:26 am

Alright let’s pick apart that ‘25 RPU with 21” wires and brass rim lights/lamps with an Iowa license plate. Who does he think he is ?

Thanks for the pictures and descriptions.

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Wed Jun 19, 2024 7:44 pm

Today was off to the historic town of Julian. They rolled out the red carpet for us. We had one side of Main Street for all the cars. I unfortunately had a cantankerous car to day and arrived late, so I was in the overflow lot. There were probably 10 or so cars where we were at. My car decided to start having fuel supply issues, and I had adjusted the Rockies a bit to tight so there were a couple of stops to work on the brakes on the trip to Julian. I thought that the day would smooth out, then the carb float seat started sticking. After figuring out a rap or two on the carb wood set it loose, we made it back without issue ( only 3 stops required to get the fuel flowing again). The first time though I started at the fuel tank and worked my way forward.

It was a beautiful route to get there and back and i clocked it at 96 miles total

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Thu Jun 20, 2024 12:15 am

My reasoning for the trip is that my brother lives here in San Diego and when this tour was announced, I said in passing to my wife, I should go see him.
To my surprise she agreed!
So I was finally able to see my brother and nephew tonight, my niece wasn't able to come though. The tour has been great, but giving Dan, who is 12 a ride, is certainly a highlight.I tried to give him a driving lesson, but he wasn’t having any of that.

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Thu Jun 20, 2024 6:44 pm

Today was the last of the Trails Less Traveled tour. I recorded 86.6 miles today. We visited the Pacific Southwest RR museum in Campo, something I have wanted to do for a long time. A short train ride and a picnic lunch was provided to us and all who were brave enough to wear vintage dress go into the first group photo. Way too hot for me, and if i would need to venture under the cantankerous beast again, I didn’t want to ruin my clothes. It didn’t w=run as well as i hoped for, but better than yesterdays trip. A new set of plugs seemed to help it. The return trip it ran even better, but I was sure glad to get it back onto the trailer for the long drive back to STL.

We are getting ready for the banquet now, but here are a few pics of todays trip

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Thu Jun 20, 2024 6:46 pm

A few more

This was my first tour, I had a great time meeting new friends and putting faces with names here on the forum

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Fri Jun 21, 2024 12:59 am

So A shade over 300 miles over four days is what I clocked. Tonight was the farewell banquet. As i said before, so many new friendships were formed.
So, I won the longest distance traveled west of the Mississippi. I certainly didn’t expect it, but it was pretty cool to win it. It might not fit my wife’s decor, but it is going on display at home!

Post by **JohnM** » Fri Jun 21, 2024 9:07 am

Congrats Scott and Sam! Safe travels home.

Post by **JTT3** » Fri Jun 21, 2024 9:16 am

Scott thank you for taking the time to chronicle your adventure. Many of us live vicariously through other members adventures because at the time we are unable to do those things we use to. I truly appreciate the pictures & commentary though we all know a picture paints a 1000 words. Safe travel home & hope to meet y’all in the future.
Best John

John Codman · Post by **John Codman** » Fri Jun 21, 2024 1:07 pm

I know this is heresy, but as much as I love it, my T would be gone if I could afford that '57 Buick Caballero. One of my fantasy cars.

Post by **KeithG** » Fri Jun 21, 2024 4:51 pm

John Codman, I agree! The '57 Buick Caballero is one beautiful car, and they really go too!!!

Keith

ryanpad · Post by **ryanpad** » Fri Jun 21, 2024 7:30 pm

It sure was fun even though my car is still on jack stands.
We talked a couple times, once in Julian just before the museum, we were having lunch at Fat Anthony’s. So glad you had a good time. Safe travels back home!
Vincent

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Fri Jun 21, 2024 9:17 pm

Thank you for the replies and kind words. The trip isn’t over we are in Kingman AZ. The plan was to send pics from the top of Pikes Peak. Im not sure that I’ll have the chance to get it this far west again.
An errant rock to the radiator took it out of the game though.
I’ll have to see if I can get another kitchen pass in the future!!
Sam and I have had a great time, and, as I said before meeting new friends was great.

Next time I’ll protect the radiator.

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Fri Jun 21, 2024 10:58 pm

According to the Buick owner, everything is for sale. This is his favorite at the moment, so it might take deep pockets to get him to sell it. BTW it has around 5000 documented miles on it. Original paint, glass, chrome, interior etc….

Norman Kling · Post by **Norman Kling** » Sat Jun 22, 2024 12:23 am

I was lucky. The only thing I had hit my radiator was a few bees and bugs. In fact the car is still so clean, I will take it down to the museum tomorrow afternoon just as it is. The last Saturday every month I take one of my T's to the Alpine Historical museum. Too bad the tour didn't stop here. Of course the parking is not big enough for that many cars. We have a buggy I helped restore and many other things from Alpine's past. This town started as a stage stop on the way to Julian. We had passengers in the back seat all but the final day of the tour. A couple things I noticed. 1. With 4 people I had to use Ruckstell a lot more than with just 2. Even when I am by myself I can climb hills in High I have to shift down with Dolores. The second thing was sometimes the noises of the engine seemed to smooth out and get quieter. Then my ears would pop and the noises were back! Last evening at the banquet Dolores got very tired. The oxygen machine wasn't working. I thought I had brought the wrong battery. When we got to the car we plugged it in to the charger and for some reason it started working and the battery was full! Guess when we installed it, it must not have made a good connection. She washed a week's clothes and went shopping today so she seems to be OK.
Norm

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Sat Jun 22, 2024 9:32 am

Norm,
We are glad to hear Delores is doing well
It was nice to meet you and her

Post by **Original Smith** » Sat Jun 22, 2024 12:20 pm

I hope you find a spare tire carrier! The tour was fun. I had a good time with a couple of issues.

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Sat Jun 22, 2024 2:26 pm

Spent the night in Kingman AZ,
Now lunch in Winslow AZ.
It might not be coming off the trailer, but I (we) still answer lots of questions at every stop.

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Sat Jun 22, 2024 2:29 pm

I am looking for a spare tire carrier, it was the best I could do before traveling almost 2000 miles to do this tour. If you happen to have one for sale ….

Jerry Sherman · Post by **Jerry Sherman** » Sat Jun 22, 2024 3:45 pm

Scott, nice speaking with you on the tour. I wish you would have mentioned the spare tire carrier. I have one in San Diego, turn around. Congrats on the trophy.
Jerry

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Sat Jun 22, 2024 4:15 pm

So,
Jerry,
I’m interested, but my wife and Sam’s wife might not like us turning around. That is unless you have room for us to stay
How much do you want for your mount?

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Sun Jun 23, 2024 1:40 am

Sam and I DO NOT RECCOMMEND TRAVEL THRU EASTERN NEW MEXICO on highway 40. They have miles of traffic barrels set up in both directions and not a piece of equipment or a soul in sight. It was an absolute cluster out there. We rolled into Amarillo a 12:30 am.

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Sun Jun 23, 2024 12:40 pm

A short night in Amarillo and we are east bound again
Glorious sunrise today light breeze and 76°
Enjoy it while you can

Jerry Sherman · Post by **Jerry Sherman** » Sun Jun 23, 2024 2:11 pm

Scott, 40 bucks for a spare tire holder. I'll text you a picture when I dig it out. Jerry

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Sun Jun 23, 2024 8:53 pm

Vincent, I too wish we had had more time to talk. Maybe next time

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Sun Jun 23, 2024 9:08 pm

A big heart felt thank you to everyone for following along here, and to new friendships that were made while enjoying this opportunity to join in on the fun

Sam and I are both home now and glad to see our wives our own beds, and no more eating out.
We drove for just at 65 hours of windshield time, 3743 miles plus the 50 it will take to get the car to its home, 300 gallons of gas in the truck at 12.4 mpg. I guess I had a tailwind on the way home! Back to work tomorrow, but I have to get the radiator repaired befor the July 4th parade, as we are going to parade the cars across the Eads Bridge here in St. Louis for its 150th birthday.

Thank you to everyone in San Diego for all of the hard work you put into making this a great experience!

ryanpad · Post by **ryanpad** » Sun Jun 23, 2024 11:35 pm

Happy to see that you made it home.

Norman Kling · Post by **Norman Kling** » Mon Jun 24, 2024 12:26 am

Glad you made it home. Hope you enjoyed the tour. It got very hot yesterday and today. We just missed the heat wave. I guess you had a hot drive home too.
Norm

Post by **George House** » Mon Jun 24, 2024 7:06 am

Welcome home guys ! You made us feel like we took an enjoyable trip/tour with you… and it was indeed fun

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Mon Jun 24, 2024 11:42 am

Norm,
It was smoking hot on the trip home
I took this reading while fueling up in Needles, AZ, and this was in the shade of the canopy

Post by **SurfCityGene** » Mon Jun 24, 2024 6:16 pm

Thanks for all the postings of your trip!
You should tell the story of Sam and Dave Seiler meeting on the tour again after years. By Luck since it was their first meeting at a wedding for Dave's family Sam had brought a T and they met again on the Tour out here in SD.!!

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Mon Jun 24, 2024 8:52 pm

I’ll let Sam tell the story since it is his to tell. The look on his face while eating lunch in Julian was great though, and he talked about it several times on the way home!

Post by **KirkieP** » Mon Jun 24, 2024 9:09 pm

Scott and Sam
I enjoyed reading your posts about your Travels to and back from San Diego via rt66 or reasonable facsimile. I like the pictures of the Cuda with the Sandias as a backdrop and the "Amarillo by Morning" featuring the Runabout.

Thanks for sharing your adventure.

Post by **SamInStL** » Mon Jun 24, 2024 10:46 pm

This story has only a little to do with the "Trails Less Traveled" tour in San Diego but as you read farther you'll see the connection.
In about 2006 or 2008 Dave Seiler from California contacted Dick Lodge, the Greater St. Louis Chapter newsletter editor at the time, inquiring about getting 2 Model T touring cars to take his nephew's wedding party from the church to the reception. Dick contacted me and a few days later we trailered to the designated parking spot near where the reception was to be held. After 'attending' the service the wedding party filed into Dick's '24, my '22 and Dave's (unknown year) touring cars. Keep in mind that throughout all this we barely saw Dave because he was busy being the out-of-town uncle and other wedding stuff. He had introduced himself to us briefly but I immediately forgot his name.
Fast forward to June 19, 2024 when the San Diego tour was visiting Julian California. It was lunchtime and we had our name on a waiting list at a restaurant. We requested a table for 2 but three other people from the tour were also waiting in line so we changed our request from a table for 2 to a table for 5. As we ate lunch (a hamburger where the patty is infused with apples) one of the random other people who had joined us at our table, which turned out to be Dave Seiler, saw that we were from St. Louis and started to tell about contacting our chapter to get 2 touring cars for his Nephew's wedding--he wasn't even finished with his story and I said "That was me!!" What a strange coincidence that a man who had hired me years earlier and whose name I had forgotten immediately was now sitting directly across from me in a restaurant 1900 miles west of our first meeting. Dave and I both had a good laugh that day and I'm still smiling about it.

Post by **KeithG** » Mon Jun 24, 2024 10:54 pm

Great story, Sam! It's stories like that and the T connection in them that help make it good.

Cheers,
Keith

Norman Kling · Post by **Norman Kling** » Tue Jun 25, 2024 11:24 am

We had a similar experience, except we knew who the people were with whom we sat. We were waiting for a seat when someone asked the Archers from Northern California if we could sit with them. We knew who they were but not well. We also had different members sitting in our rear seat on each of the first 3 days of the tour. We were usually one of the last cars to arrive. The engine is completely stock including the bore and stroke and head. It will pull hills pretty well if we can keep up the speed, but always seems one or more slower cars ahead so we have to slow down and use lower gears. The last day we were much faster because only two of us!
Norm

Post by **South Park Zephyr** » Thu Jun 27, 2024 4:00 pm

Dave Seiler sent these pictures to me from the wedding album. I thought it fitting to add them to the thread. Miles apart, years distant, and yet stories are intertwined. How many of our cars are in old dusty forgotten picture albums showing happy people we don’t know?

As I said in a different thread where someone is looking to buy a car, we are only the current caretakers of our cars. My car has 4 decades of history before I was born. I wonder how long it will be around after I’m no longer its keeper.

Post by **SurfCityGene** » Fri Jun 28, 2024 5:36 pm

Thanks, Scott and Dave for posting the cars in the wedding pictures. I have sent this story off to others and added some of my own experiences I've had with other Forum members.

I really think before you go on a vacation or travel to some new location, you can really enhance your trip by searching and contacting other members there. I have done this several times and have made lasting friendships and got to drive a Model T while on my trip! Thru this Forum we have contacts world wide right at your fingertips.

Glad you had a safe trip back home!

My next trip back home to Iowa for a class Reunion I'll be looking up some new guys and hoping to stop in again to say Hi to Dean Yoder if he's not out driving the countryside.

Norman Kling · Post by **Norman Kling** » Fri Jun 28, 2024 8:21 pm

The timing of the tour was great! This week it has been much hotter in Julian and Campo and the mountains. We took along our air conditioner on the tour. It is a spray bottle of water and works quite well to spray on yourself or others as long as the wind is blowing in on you.
Norm