A Test

[Tom Bahner]

Well, we woke up to a beautiful, warm day for this time of year here in NE Ks. yesterday. The wife said it would be " a good day to test the Caddie".

This is  in prep for a little adventure we're planning to take the end of March first part of April. We're going to drive the Ks, Ok. and maybe Texas stretch of Route 66. What better way of doing it than in a '63 Sedan DeVille.

 I said what the h..., temp in the 40's-50's, sunshine, threw a few tools in the trunk and headed towards the W. side of KC. I figured we would be back before evening when snow/rain mix was supposed to blow in

Filled up the tank to the brim before we left  to check the fuel gauge and see if I fixed the gas seep after dropping the tank. Everything working as it should.

Since we live close to Hwy 24, we took the 2-lane for a more leisurely drive instead of the interstate. Ended up at a nice brewery for lunch, had an excellent Oatmeal Stout after the old girl performed flawlessly. Oh, the Caddie ran good too. Stopped for a few minutes at a casino to see if the wife could win our lunch money back, but no joy in Mudville there.

When we left KC, I noticed the wind had changed to coming out of the north. About 10 miles from home the first snowflake hit the windshield. Ran though a little band of snow blowing like heck across the road. Luckily it only lasted a few miles and made it home without even getting the car dirty.

Drove about 180  mi., filled up when we got back and got 15.6 mpg. This was running at 55-70 mph. I was very pleasantly surprised. Didn't notice any new noises or anything I need to fix so all is good so far.

Life does not suck when you have days like this.

OK,,,, done boring you now.

Tom B

[Tom Bahner]

Thanks for the comments guys. I echo the fact that these rigs are a hoot to drive. Everyone's your friend going down the road with the waves, honks, thumbs up..

You Florida guys are making me jealous. Snowing here right now but only 4-6 in. predicted. My sympathy to all those back eastwith all that snow! Joe, we flew to Fla. a few years ago and drove to Key West. It was kinda freaky for an old flatlander like me to have all that water around me. But it wasn't as bad as entering the tunnel in the middle of the Chesapeak Bay bridge!

As Robert said, ENJOY THE RIDE!

Tom B

 

[Tony and Ginny 429]

OH YEA , the weather in central Florida ,will the in the 80's ,at the beginning of next week ,and my 64 will be out and about
Need I say more

[Tony and Ginny 429]

It is hard to explain to most people ,the fun you can have just taking our cars for a ride around town ,unless you own one of these cars
This is heavy duty ,all American heavy metal
Cadillacs reputation for excellence from year one , up until the cars they presently have on the show room floor is truly on hell of a legacy
Like the song says, " We are driving Cadillacs in our dreams "
Owning my 64 Beacon Blue convertible ,in my family from day one , is one of my own dreams come true
The fun I have had in this car over 50 years is truly --PRICELESS !!!
The cars are truly , a Car Guy , kind of Antique machine
Jason ,Russ and many more of us here ,have a lot of joy parked outside , to enjoy at a moments notice
Repair them and keep them rolling ,just for the FUN of it
We are luck ,talented individuals ,who choose to restore one of the cars on this site

[Joe DiIaconi]

Wow Tom that truly sounds like a grate day, it reminds me of a drive I had a couple of years ago. My car was in a shop for 18 months ( yes I having some very dark thoughts about the shop owner) when I got it back I took a 4 hour drive from my home in Tamarac Florida to Key West and had lunch at the Hogs Breath Saloon. Nothing like cruising over those bridges, good cigar cup of coffee, Beethoven on the Radio :) 

[Russ Austin]

Yes indeed, a good cruise it was.

[Robert Alan Shannon]

Hey Tom ,you stole my idea . Someday the Mrs. and I  hope to do the same thing in my 63 SDV too. Life's put some bumps in our road, but I hope to have mine back out enjoying this year, the sooner the better. I'm about 60 miles south of OKC  so  not too far from  Rt 66. Enjoyed your post and congrats  for all of your work on the car paying off . Enjoy your ride!

[Jason Edge]

Tom, That was indeed a good day, and sounds like you will be ready for that big adventure next month!  Your story makes me think of those times I have had my 64 CDV on the road and it is just running great.  There is no describing that exhilarating feeling!  Your story will inspire us all to get our Caddies out when the weather improves. We hardly ever get snow here in NC, but have had our 3rd snow in 2 weeks.  Just enough to make a mushy mess during the day and a glazed over slick ice sheet at night when temps dip back down below freezing!