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Portland to Phoenix wrap-up

To: spitfires@autox.team.net
Subject: Portland to Phoenix wrap-up
From: HD883HUGGR@aol.com
Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 13:13:26 EDT
Hi List.  We're baaaaaack!
    Due to the crackerjack update skills of my junior correspondents Rob & 
Peter, you have all been kept pretty well updated on our progress into 
central Calif.  I'm happy to report that there were no mishaps beyond 
that...in fact, much of the remainder of the trip was pretty boring.
    Reset the timing to about 4 btdc, since Rob said his 74 was running 10 
btdc and we seemed pretty sluggish off the line and incapable of breaking 
70mph at 0-2 atdc.  Car ran great all the way home and I even sneaked up past 
80mph a couple of times.  Seems to be eating more than its share of oil, but 
I didn't notice blue smoke.  Will check with PO John about whether rings were 
done when he messed with the head, and will also change to a "real" oil 
(Castrol GTX 20w-50) since 10w-30 doesn't cut it in Phoenix and see how 
normal driving conditions and heavier oil affect consumption.
    Obviously kudos to Rob the Savior, and special hat tipo to Peter and his 
hospitality.  Other than a 50/50 mixture of cappuccino & coffee at 100-mile 
intervals (gotta love am/pm markets), didn't do any doping... and am looking 
forward to sharing Peter's "Ficklin Vineyards" 10-yr old Tawny Port for a 
romantic dinner with the wife next week to reward her for her patience and 
understanding.  Sorry I had to blast past Scott Kohl, Bill J and Mark Gardner 
without saying "hi" but the downtime on Monday and my passenger's schedule 
kinda screwed things up a bit.
    Full-blown magazine article chronicling my adventure will be available 
upon request... contact me off-list.  Hope to have it done late next week and 
will start searching for magazines who may be interested in looking at it... 
even if it doesn't sell, at least I can write off my trip!
    Initial observation after driving 1500 miles in Rufio: runs very well 
(62K orig miles), integrity is pretty good.  Numerous minor electrical 
glitches to chase down (lights are either all on or all off; cigarette 
lighter caught fire, etc).  Dash has been redone & doors are good... rest of 
interior needs to be done.  Reasonable amount of tiny dents but nothing too 
bad... rear suspension looks pretty weak even after removing passenger, 
luggage & spare parts; other than that, appears to be no major mechanical 
stuff needed... 
    So including the cost of the car, airfare, motels & meals, I've spent 
about $1300 thus far.  I think I made out pretty well thus far...!
    More to follow!  Thanks again to everyone who covered my back on this 
adventure!
    Scott
    77 Spit "Hobbs" - daily driver
    75 Spit "Rufio" - tired from long trip and ready for continued restoration

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