Cross Country trip

[fdnyguy]

More than likely, I will be taking a nice long trip across this Great Country in mid-February. The itinerary is to drive to Chicago, follow Route 66 to California (LA/Santa Monica), San Diego to see relatives, Yuma and Phoenix(possibly) to see friends, Texas (Dallas/Tyler area) to see more relatives, Florida for even more (big family..), possibly Chattanooga area, Maryland/ DC and home. Just had the 89 redone with a rebuilt engine and Giles IP (Thanks, Scott!!! AND Giles!!). It is getting some electrical work done and then exhaust and finally on the road. So I'm looking to take it on a nice long drive to break it in. Anyone along these roads I can call if I need mechanical help? Or meet for a beer? I have a few weeks off and always wanted to drive 66 with its great history.

Any info and suggestions appreciated.

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.

[8v-of-fury]

What did you decide on for the exhaust Jimmy, sounds like a killer roadtrip .

[Luckypabst]

I'm at about the turn-around point in Orange County, between Santa Monica and San Diego. Hit me up if you need help, beer, whatever.

I've done the X-country trip in my Caddy twice - you'll have a blast! Bring tire chains...

Chris

[bajacalal]

I'm between San Diego and Riverside off I-15 and have tools and a source for parts, including some diesel specific stuff...

Have a good trip and if you pass by, hit me up and we can meet for a beer and burger..

[fdnyguy]

What did you decide on for the exhaust Jimmy, sounds like a killer roadtrip .

Still undecided, my Boss at the firehouse has muffler shop connections. I have received a few good ones from members on here (Thank you), and I am seeing what his muffler shop connection here suggests and gives me the best $$ wise.

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.

[fdnyguy]

I'm at about the turn-around point in Orange County, between Santa Monica and San Diego. Hit me up if you need help, beer, whatever.

I've done the X-country trip in my Caddy twice - you'll have a blast! Bring tire chains...

Chris

Saw the snow the southwest got yesterday. One of the things on my list. Will PM you for that beer, I'll buy first round.

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.

[fdnyguy]

I'm between San Diego and Riverside off I-15 and have tools and a source for parts, including some diesel specific stuff...

Have a good trip and if you pass by, hit me up and we can meet for a beer and burger..

Thank you. Hopefully I will just need the beer and burger and no repairs.
Would love to meet some of the people on here. It's a great site.

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.

[CRSMP5]

well im off i80 on the ohio/pa border.. any issue you can reach out or if you need a place to crash for a night.. im probally a good day into your journey.. aka good break point..

[fdnyguy]

well im off i80 on the ohio/pa border.. any issue you can reach out or if you need a place to crash for a night.. im probally a good day into your journey.. aka good break point..

Just got an invite to Baldwinsville, NY outside Syracuse. So I may leave from my firehouse and head that way. But if I have any change in plans, I will drop you a pm on here. Many, many thanks for the invite. I'll be knocking with my elbows if I take you up.

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.

[fdnyguy]

Any of you California guys familiar with the Tijuana lifestyle? Can you still get a decent interior cheap?

Thinking about it. Over $2k here in NY. California as well, I bet.

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.

[bajacalal]

Any of you California guys familiar with the Tijuana lifestyle? Can you still get a decent interior cheap?

Thinking about it. Over $2k here in NY. California as well, I bet.

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.

Yeah, I used to spend a lot of time in Mexico, not so much anymore. I actually know of a good VW specialist down there and I had my car painted down there last year. It came out ok... it took longer than I wanted because the guy wouldn't work when it rained and because I had to bring him the materials from the US but it was only $400 including body work and a new windshield, I paid for the paint. I also know someone in Tecate but that's a lot farther.

The thing is, it's hard to find a shop down there that is trustworthy. Crossing the border is also a hassle. Auto shops in that part of the world seem to either be run by criminals or they drink on the job. A friend of mine with a GTI had his seats done at a shop in TJ, they look nice. I'm not sure if they're still in business though.

I would first look to see what the prices are in California, there are a lot of little upholstery shops around here. I know of a good one. I don't think it's as expensive as it is on the east coast. And, if you just want seats, I would try a junkyard. I still find nice mk2 interiors here.

[fdnyguy]

Any of you California guys familiar with the Tijuana lifestyle? Can you still get a decent interior cheap?

Thinking about it. Over $2k here in NY. California as well, I bet.

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.

Yeah, I used to spend a lot of time in Mexico, not so much anymore. I actually know of a good VW specialist down there and I had my car painted down there last year. It came out ok... it took longer than I wanted because the guy wouldn't work when it rained and because I had to bring him the materials from the US but it was only $400 including body work and a new windshield, I paid for the paint. I also know someone in Tecate but that's a lot farther.

The thing is, it's hard to find a shop down there that is trustworthy. Crossing the border is also a hassle. Auto shops in that part of the world seem to either be run by criminals or they drink on the job. A friend of mine with a GTI had his seats done at a shop in TJ, they look nice. I'm not sure if they're still in business though.

I would first look to see what the prices are in California, there are a lot of little upholstery shops around here. I know of a good one. I don't think it's as expensive as it is on the east coast. And, if you just want seats, I would try a junkyard. I still find nice mk2 interiors here.

No biggie, actually after SD, I am heading east and Tecate would be on the way. Any recommendations in the SD area are welcomed. I have been chatting with a guy who has a shop in TJ and San Fran. Seems like a decent price I got, but like a Dr., I would like a second opinion. As for the seats, they are Recaro's, but they are done in maroon,red,white and gray vinyl and I would like another color with new carpeting to match the car. Places in NY want $1500-$2500 to do the seats, and carpet (obviously, cloth is the lower price). So it would be kind of nice to get leather for the price of cloth, hence the TJ question. As for the bodywork, I need new fenders, the piece underneath the bumper (sort of a lower engine shield? Can't find it anywhere),my windshield was leaking are as well a few spots of rust and a ding or two. I was surprised to see the floor pans rusted out, yet the undercoating by the fuel tank is still intact after 23 years. The floorpans have to be done before I drive it, and I found parts on the net for a decent price. Obviously, the painting and prepping (if done) may take a day or 4, so I can find a motel and wait it out, if need be. Let me know your connections, please, and I'll see what the deal is. And now the first 2 rounds of beers are on me.

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.

[bajacalal]

That part under the engine/bumper is called a "valance panel." Germanautoparts.com has them. I've had little luck at finding any in junkyards that aren't already dented. I have a local source for things like fenders but they're from China but I think they're inferior to the used German ones in the junkyards.

By "took too long" I meant I dropped the car off just before Thanksgiving (of 2010) and picked it up around Valentines day (of 2011) despite being promised that I would have it back by Christmas. He did a lot of work to it though, a lot of rust repair and he also completely welded closed the depression where those weird "jack flaps" used to go in the rear, and that came out real nice, it looks much more modern. In Mexico, it's like nothing ever happens when it's supposed to happen. I got a good deal but I just wish he would have paid a little more attention to detail in certain areas so I'm not sure I would go back, if the guy is in fact, still operating at the same location.

I do know a guy who will do minor body work around here, small jobs, and paints things like single panels for pretty cheap so it makes less sense for me to go to Mexico for those things. I'll also try to look up the upholstery shop.

[theman53]

The Amish around here get stuff done. They work fairly cheaply, but do great work. All of the buggys that they ride in one of the buggy shops made. All the seats and what not are sewn. I have a guy that will work on anything if he isn't busy. The guy that used to do it sold out and is making pigeon carrier/home supplies, but before he sold out he did the entire interior of an F150 for my neighbor. I don't know what the charge would be but usually the Amish are cheaper than Mexicans.

[fdnyguy]

The Amish around here get stuff done. They work fairly cheaply, but do great work. All of the buggys that they ride in one of the buggy shops made. All the seats and what not are sewn. I have a guy that will work on anything if he isn't busy. The guy that used to do it sold out and is making pigeon carrier/home supplies, but before he sold out he did the entire interior of an F150 for my neighbor. I don't know what the charge would be but usually the Amish are cheaper than Mexicans.

Amazing, never in my mind (what little I have) would I ever put Amish and car in the same sentence. Well, I am heading to Cincinnati after Canada, so if have any info you could get hold of, it will just be another beer owed in my tab of life.. . And no doubt it is safe in Amish land than Tijuana..


Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.