1 Topic by Despiracy (edited by Despiracy 2022-02-07 12:33 PM)

  • Registered: 2022-02-07
  • Posts: 3

Topic: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

My wife and I are planning on doing the rocky mountain breakdown this year and have a few questions.

Car: We don't actually have a truly terrible car, but we do have the "worst car in the history of the world". Would anybody except for Journalists, Youtubers, internet fanboys, Jeremy Clarkson, and the Lambo crowd be offended by a 2003 SC430?

Navigation: The car is still using the original DVD navigation disc that was made in 2002 and is basically guessing at this point (it can not find our 50 year old house). Since the SC430 was almost exclusively purchased by older men trading in their mid life crisis Corvette, we wanted to pay tribute to those brave men and only use the built in Nav system and not ask for directions or use something that actually works. Is this a survivable decision (we know it's not a good decision)?

Route: Looks like the route from Flagstaff to Moab will cross through the Diné (Navajo) reservation. I used to teach there at Navajo Mountain High School. It happens to be one of the most remote schools in the continental US. It's only about a 100 mile detour (80 of which is a 40 mile road that dead ends into the school) and I would like to swing by. Are we able to make our own route so I can stop by my old stomping ground? Though it would be incredible I do not recommend making it an official stop. Once you get onto the road headed to the mountain there is no stores of any kind, it's very curvy, on the edge of a canyon with minimal guard rails and has a hill that's about a mile long with a 30 percent grade, but the views are simply spectacular.

Route 2: Looks like the official route will probably take us through Blanding Utah. I hope there is a stop there as well since the San Juan School Board based there fired me the same week I was given an award by the Navajo Nation. Both the firing and the award was for the same reason. Long story, but it is hilarious.

Theme: We are big time supporters of the American Heart Association's Go Red campaign (wife is cardiologist). We are thinking of doing a Go Red theme. We plan on wearing all red and we want to put a pair of CPR manikins in the back seats with faces of the organizers. We will also be giving out some Go Red swag and teaching anybody who wants to learn compression only CPR. I am sure somebody will want to break the ribs of their favorite simulated organizer while learning a life saving skill. Is this a reasonable theme? We do not want to do too much to the car itself as we want to keep using it after the rally.

Theme 2: Anybody know where to get some head shots of the organizers so we can tape them to the manikins?

Thanks for your time all.

Edit: We are not affiliated with the American Heart Association.

  • From: Seattle, WA
  • Registered: 2009-10-28
  • Posts: 2,120

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

Despiracy wrote:

Would anybody except for Journalists, Youtubers, internet fanboys, Jeremy Clarkson, and the Lambo crowd be offended by a 2003 SC430?

At a guess I'll say no.


Despiracy wrote:

...we wanted to pay tribute to those brave men and only use the built in Nav system and not ask for directions or use something that actually works. Is this a survivable decision (we know it's not a good decision)?

Personally I'd bring a set of maps, too.


Despiracy wrote:

It's only about a 100 mile detour (80 of which is a 40 mile road that dead ends into the school) and I would like to swing by. Are we able to make our own route so I can stop by my old stomping ground?

This sort of behavior is actively encouraged and is a good way to get extra points.


Despiracy wrote:

I hope there is a stop there as well since the San Juan School Board based there fired me the same week I was given an award by the Navajo Nation. Both the firing and the award was for the same reason. Long story, but it is hilarious.

Bring along the award and the termination letter. Post a photo of yourself at that spot holding both. Points galore!


Despiracy wrote:

...I am sure somebody will want to break the ribs of their favorite simulated organizer while learning a life saving skill. Is this a reasonable theme?

Seems reasonable to me.


Despiracy wrote:

Anybody know where to get some head shots of the organizers so we can tape them to the manikins?

No, but something of exceptionally poor resolution stolen from the Interwebs would work just fine.

1982 MG Metro 1300: IOE 2015 Pacific Northworst GP, Longest Distance 2010 Cd'L Box Wine Country Classic
1980 KV Mini 1: Worst of Show and Fright Pig Supremo 2009 Concours d'Lemons
1978 H Special: Second-Round Elimination 2010 Lemons Pinewood Derby at Sears Pointless
1967 SAAB 96: IOE 2012 Pacific Northworst GP, Organizer's Choice 2022 Hell on Wheels California Rally
  • From: Chicago-ish
  • Registered: 2010-04-19
  • Posts: 3,547

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

Long story short: We talked to the Navajo Nation about traversing their reservation and they basically don't care what we do as long as we aren't conducting commercial business on their land. Since the highways through the res are state property, we're clear with them to use the through-roads. We can't officially send people anywhere off the state-owned roads onto the reservation, but any side trip like you've described falls outside of what we are doing on the rally. It's probably a (small) gray area, but since it's not part of the rally, I doubt it's actually a problem. You're doing your own thing—which we always are fine with so long as you're doing legal things—and as long as you aren't making trouble on the reservation, it shouldn't be an issue.

SC430 is a fine Lemons Rally car. You probably won't win the rally unless you get arrested for active warrants on the car's previous owners—that's more of an SC400/LS400 thing—but you'll have a good time in relative comfort. Theming is always good.

Other than that, mharrell has it pretty well covered and he's a Defending Rally Champion so (allegedly) knows what he's talking about.

If you've got more questions about the Reservation stuff, shoot an email to me and to Rally@24HoursOfLemons.com.

-Eric

Eric Rood
Everything Bagel, 24 Hours of Lemons
eric@24hoursoflemons.com

therood's Website

  • From: Seattle, WA
  • Registered: 2009-10-28
  • Posts: 2,120

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

therood wrote:

...he's a Defending Rally Champion so (allegedly) knows what he's talking about. -Eric

Looks like it's time to add that, in its entirety, to my CV.

Or replace my CV, in its entirety, with that.

1982 MG Metro 1300: IOE 2015 Pacific Northworst GP, Longest Distance 2010 Cd'L Box Wine Country Classic
1980 KV Mini 1: Worst of Show and Fright Pig Supremo 2009 Concours d'Lemons
1978 H Special: Second-Round Elimination 2010 Lemons Pinewood Derby at Sears Pointless
1967 SAAB 96: IOE 2012 Pacific Northworst GP, Organizer's Choice 2022 Hell on Wheels California Rally
  • Registered: 2022-02-07
  • Posts: 3

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

therood wrote:

Long story short: We talked to the Navajo Nation about traversing their reservation and they basically don't care what we do as long as we aren't conducting commercial business on their land. Since the highways through the res are state property, we're clear with them to use the through-roads. We can't officially send people anywhere off the state-owned roads onto the reservation, but any side trip like you've described falls outside of what we are doing on the rally. It's probably a (small) gray area, but since it's not part of the rally, I doubt it's actually a problem. You're doing your own thing—which we always are fine with so long as you're doing legal things—and as long as you aren't making trouble on the reservation, it shouldn't be an issue.

So taking a solo trip out to the mountain is perfectly fine.

SC430 is a fine Lemons Rally car. You probably won't win the rally unless you get arrested for active warrants on the car's previous owners—that's more of an SC400/LS400 thing—but you'll have a good time in relative comfort. Theming is always good.

Our goal is fun and not winning. Doing a car rally is something we have always wanted to do, but until we found you guys all we could find were groups who just wanted to show off how much money/clout they have. I really hope this is not a competitive rally where winning is the whole point. We just want to goof off and have a good time. 

On a side note: Most people will take US160 on their way to Moab. In Kayenta I recommend eating at the Burger King. Just trust me on that one. After leaving the most surprising Burger King on earth take US163 North (Waze will probably want to keep you on US160) up to Forrest Gump point. After that it's just a small detour on State roads and a short hike to the House on Fire (ancient Anasazi ruins).

  • From: Seattle, WA
  • Registered: 2009-10-28
  • Posts: 2,120

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

Despiracy wrote:

I really hope this is not a competitive rally where winning is the whole point.

As a Defending Rally Champion©®™ my point is to use the rallies as an excuse to drive places and see things I otherwise might not ever experience. I'm pretty sure the only reason our team racked up enough points to win one is that we were stupid enough to start the rally in a RHD belt-driven Dutch Volvo and, upon losing a belt, stubborn enough to limp home on the remaining belt for a vehicle swap in order to complete the rally in a RHD Austin Allegro. So, you know, a combination of pity points and a gnawing fear on the part of the organizers that we might very well be dangerously unhinged.

Despiracy wrote:

We just want to goof off and have a good time.

You've definitely found the right rally, then.

Despiracy wrote:

...I recommend eating at the Burger King. Just trust me on that one.

Yes, very definitely the right rally.

1982 MG Metro 1300: IOE 2015 Pacific Northworst GP, Longest Distance 2010 Cd'L Box Wine Country Classic
1980 KV Mini 1: Worst of Show and Fright Pig Supremo 2009 Concours d'Lemons
1978 H Special: Second-Round Elimination 2010 Lemons Pinewood Derby at Sears Pointless
1967 SAAB 96: IOE 2012 Pacific Northworst GP, Organizer's Choice 2022 Hell on Wheels California Rally
  • From: Sierra Vista, AZ
  • Registered: 2016-04-27
  • Posts: 208

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

I've  taken some really crappy cars on rallys and got a lot of points...but I also did one rally with my wife, in an exceedingly boring and well functioning car, and it was also fun. Don't sweat that part of it.

All of your ideas sound fine to me, as well.

As for pictures for the mannequins....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdjA7b-KLm8

I Survived Hell on Wheels, Car Weeeak, Route Sucky Suck, etc.

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  • From: Cleveland, OH
  • Registered: 2011-09-03
  • Posts: 2,229

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

Agreed, these are just good excuses for taking a road trip. You can drive whatever you like. Hell they post the damn rally notes on Instagram so you know.....If you want a trophy I guess you pay the $500?

Mistake By The Lake Racing (MBTL)
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2018 Route Sucky-Suck Rally Miata, 2019 World Tour Of Texas 64 Newport

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  • From: Columbus, MI (not ohio)
  • Registered: 2021-05-25
  • Posts: 18

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

There is no "wrong way" to do a Lemons Rally, because there is no "right way" to do a Lemons Rally.

Have fun.  See this great country. It's that simple.

Jim T, Chief Check Writer @Granny Motorsports (@granny_motorsports on the instagram machine)

'77 Ford Granada (Have you driven a Ford lately?)
28th place-'22 Rust Belt Ramble
  • From: Austin
  • Registered: 2010-09-13
  • Posts: 1,481

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

Side trips are great.

We showed up in a press car a few years back with the express goal of being as terrible as possible, and I still haven't been kicked out yet. You'll be fine.

Porschelump!
Org. Choice, Gator-O-Rama '11 / IOE, Button Turrible '17
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  • From: Phoenix, AZ
  • Registered: 2011-07-23
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Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

Ran the first rally with my wife, in a completely drama free Jaguar XJ-8. We had a great time. I think your plan is a good one. We took our own route on Death Valley Day, chiefly because I’m of a mind that when you’re driving a 4100 lb car with low ground clearance and sketchy ball joints, you don’t go overlanding if it can be avoided. We went to see the Bonnie and Clyde Ford in some casino instead.

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  • From: Saint Clair Shores, MI
  • Registered: 2021-05-27
  • Posts: 108

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

I may be joining the Rocky Mountain Breakdown as well, as it passes through my favorite Goin' Out West destinations all in one loop.

Dang it though...I know Moab is always expensive but they've jumped quite a bit since the last time I stayed there.  Even the Wyndham points have doubled at my favorite Moab lodging.

Anyway, I may have a rally car ready by then.  I could use my comfy, trusty daily driver, but, what fun is that? I want to take the old "winter beater" with almost 250k miles on it, and already have some parrots on the way.  (Don't ask.)  But I need to do some engine work before it hits the open road--she's burning a lot of oil and the only thing left are piston rings and cylinder honing, which I have to try to do in March.  Outdoors.  In the Mitten State.  Between the rain and snow and soggy weather.  That said, I probably could use the daily driver if I really want to do this rally...just wouldn't be as much fun. Maybe I'll load up my socket sets and Milwaukee toys to help the less fortunate?

If I can't make the Breakdown, I'll be doing the Rust Belt Ramble since it starts here in my area.  And if I can afford the time off, the Great River Road rally might be a Great Road Trip....

--Rudy

Driver of soul-sucking appliances in the Rust Belt.
Instagramz: @thehooptiegarage

The Hooptie Garage's Website

  • From: Sierra Vista, AZ
  • Registered: 2016-04-27
  • Posts: 208

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

define "a lot of oil". Less than a jug a day is acceptable. More than a jug a day is worth some points if you have good video.

And bring some Whitworth stuff, in case I make it that far.

I Survived Hell on Wheels, Car Weeeak, Route Sucky Suck, etc.

squirrel's Website

  • From: Saint Clair Shores, MI
  • Registered: 2021-05-27
  • Posts: 108

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

My main issue is that it will foul the catalytic converter, and they aren't cheap in this car since it is part of the exhaust manifold, located inside the engine bay.  I already had to replace it once since the original manifold had a crack in it, and it cannot easily be welded.  (Also--I am not a welder. Yet.)  It also prevents fabricating a test pipe to bypass it. 

It's going through at least a quart of oil with every tankful of gas.  So at least three quarts per 1,000 miles.  Two quarts more than "acceptable per most manufacturers' standard for oil consumption."  Or to put it another way, it gets a self-automated oil change every 1,250 miles.  The smoke out the back isn't all that noticeable--only upon acceleration.  Not like it was back in the day with every old Chevy Vega I used to see, which were usually followed by huge plumes of blue smoke.

We bought this in a rush back in 2014 when our previous (and favorite) car got drowned in a flood during a freak 100-year rain event. Fairly good condition but we have no clue as to how good the previous owners were with maintenance. 

What's a Whitworth?  (And don't say, "five bucks and change." ;o) )

--Rudy

Driver of soul-sucking appliances in the Rust Belt.
Instagramz: @thehooptiegarage

The Hooptie Garage's Website

  • From: Sierra Vista, AZ
  • Registered: 2016-04-27
  • Posts: 208

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

Whitworth invented standardized nuts and bolts...and if you have an old British car, you need the oddball size wrenches that were named for him, and later changed to British Standard.

I don't know about this catalytic converter fad....old cars seem to not have them. But 300 miles on a quart is perfectly normal, as far as my Rally cars have been. The Corvair, LaSalle, Hudson, and Wedge were all about there. The MG probably leaks that much, after it's overhaul. But they didn't take oil sealing to seriously on them, there is no rear main seal, and there's a rope seal the front of the crankshaft.

I Survived Hell on Wheels, Car Weeeak, Route Sucky Suck, etc.

squirrel's Website

  • From: Saint Clair Shores, MI
  • Registered: 2021-05-27
  • Posts: 108

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

Yep, that's a little outside my paygrade there, and my older hoopties are all part of the catalytic coverter era, using those new-fangled metric thingies to hold the whole mess together.  Well, that and the occasional zip tie and hose clamp.

Truth be told, if I had the means, I'd be the one traveling in a clapped-out mid 60s Buick or Caddy. We're taking it easy on funds right now, and I have nowhere to work on or store an older car right now anyway.

--Rudy

Driver of soul-sucking appliances in the Rust Belt.
Instagramz: @thehooptiegarage

The Hooptie Garage's Website

17 Reply by The Hooptie Garage (edited by The Hooptie Garage 2022-02-27 03:22 PM)

  • From: Saint Clair Shores, MI
  • Registered: 2021-05-27
  • Posts: 108

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

Travel plans!

Moab rates during high season are near $300/night (before taxes) with my AAA discount at the La Quinta; I wasn't going to spend all 30,000 of my Wyndham points to stay here (as I may be back for my annual trip a few months later).  It's was a nice hotel last time I stayed there in 2019.  The Sleep Inn is a few dollars less; $278 with AAA or AARP discounts before taxes, and also highly rated.

However, I believe there are about a half dozen rooms left at the Adventure Inn in Moab, which sort of plays on the "kitschy motel" theme a bit, and with taxes it will run about $240/night ($210 prior to taxes).  It also gets high ratings from Trip Advisor (4-1/2 magic bubbles) and other sites.  They do have their own online booking, and the price through their own site was substantially less than any of the 3rd party travel booking sites (one of which had a deal that was prepay-only...and still cost more).

The only recommended hotel I passed on was the Elev8 in Flagstaff--it looks like a warmed-over Rodeway Inn (which it was, in a former life).  I used some of my points to get a discount at a nearly new La Quinta just down the road.  I'm going for the waffles.

The Silver Saddle looks like a lot of fun, and there is a sort of museum/art space (?) within walking distance called Meow Wolf, open until 8pm.  I'm going to try to make it over there before they close.

--Rudy

Driver of soul-sucking appliances in the Rust Belt.
Instagramz: @thehooptiegarage

The Hooptie Garage's Website

  • Registered: 2022-03-14
  • Posts: 10

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

Fellow Lemons newbie here. I'm registered for the Rocky Mountain Breakdown as well. Bringing my recently acquired Contour and my brother (provided I can't rope any buddies into joining). Looking forwards to meeting you out there.

Question for the veterans: does anyone camp out on these rallies (this one in particular)? There's a good chance I will in Moab just because I'm a tight-ass.

Was planning on doing something based on the British cop car livery since the Mondeo (the Contour's nearly identical UK cousin) was used as a patrol vehicle there. That's not set in stone, and am open to suggestions if anyone has them.

  • From: Sierra Vista, AZ
  • Registered: 2016-04-27
  • Posts: 208

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

blue and yellow checkerboard? cool

Not many campers, it's enough work just to check into a hotel room after a long day of driving crap. But since you'll be in a nice car, you might have some energy left at the end of the day.

You won't be able to get me for speeding, assuming the MG TD makes it there, and does the rally. It don't go fast.

see you there!

I Survived Hell on Wheels, Car Weeeak, Route Sucky Suck, etc.

squirrel's Website

  • From: Saint Clair Shores, MI
  • Registered: 2021-05-27
  • Posts: 108

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

DeepBarney wrote:

Question for the veterans: does anyone camp out on these rallies (this one in particular)? There's a good chance I will in Moab just because I'm a tight-ass.

Was planning on doing something based on the British cop car livery since the Mondeo (the Contour's nearly identical UK cousin) was used as a patrol vehicle there. That's not set in stone, and am open to suggestions if anyone has them.

I like the patrol car idea.

Good idea to camp in Moab, despite the circumstances of the rally. Hotels are incredibly expensive during high season.  My only other suggestion is to blow past Moab and stay in Grand Junction or Fruita, CO, as it's about 110 miles (1 hr. 45 mins.) past Moab and a lot less expensive. But that might require doubling back in the morning in case there are checkpoints that might be missed along the way. Green River might also have something but ehhhh...I spent a week there one night, and don't care to return.

--Rudy

Driver of soul-sucking appliances in the Rust Belt.
Instagramz: @thehooptiegarage

The Hooptie Garage's Website

21 Reply by squirrel (edited by squirrel 2022-03-15 07:12 AM)

  • From: Sierra Vista, AZ
  • Registered: 2016-04-27
  • Posts: 208

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

you don't have to get checkpoints on any particular day, you can drive ahead if you want.

I did this on the fall rally in California...we were supposed to end up in San Diego one night, but I went up a couple towns, so I could get an early start the next day...and make it to Vegas in time to see the Stones play. It was fantastic!

I Survived Hell on Wheels, Car Weeeak, Route Sucky Suck, etc.

squirrel's Website

  • Registered: 2022-03-14
  • Posts: 10

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

squirrel wrote:

blue and yellow checkerboard? cool

Not many campers, it's enough work just to check into a hotel room after a long day of driving crap. But since you'll be in a nice car, you might have some energy left at the end of the day.

You won't be able to get me for speeding, assuming the MG TD makes it there, and does the rally. It don't go fast.

see you there!

Not sure I'd call it nice, especially if I don't get around to cleaning the interior (pretty sure it was being driven by an alcoholic who spilled booze and his guts all over the inside). But after I drained the extra gallon of oil out of it's actually drivable. It's only for 85k miles on it and all the signs it's was originally someone's winter car, so we'll see if it can't manage to surprise us despite its apparent reliability.  Still got a lot of little crap to fix up, but we should be mostly ready to cruise in advance of the deadline.

I may not get you for speeding, but I'll be keeping a sharp eye you aren't under the minimum either. Lol

  • Registered: 2022-03-14
  • Posts: 10

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

The Hooptie Garage wrote:
DeepBarney wrote:

Question for the veterans: does anyone camp out on these rallies (this one in particular)? There's a good chance I will in Moab just because I'm a tight-ass.

Was planning on doing something based on the British cop car livery since the Mondeo (the Contour's nearly identical UK cousin) was used as a patrol vehicle there. That's not set in stone, and am open to suggestions if anyone has them.

I like the patrol car idea.

Good idea to camp in Moab, despite the circumstances of the rally. Hotels are incredibly expensive during high season.  My only other suggestion is to blow past Moab and stay in Grand Junction or Fruita, CO, as it's about 110 miles (1 hr. 45 mins.) past Moab and a lot less expensive. But that might require doubling back in the morning in case there are checkpoints that might be missed along the way. Green River might also have something but ehhhh...I spent a week there one night, and don't care to return.

Good info, thanks! I've got an app that I used while logging an old Land Rover around Australia that allowed to find camping spots (paid and unpaid) so I'll be adding the US maps and scanning it too. Camping won't be more than parking, setting up the tent and crawling in to sleeping bags. The seats also recline to nearly flat so sleeping there is also a backup solution.

  • Registered: 2022-03-14
  • Posts: 10

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

squirrel wrote:

you don't have to get checkpoints on any particular day, you can drive ahead if you want.

I did this on the fall rally in California...we were supposed to end up in San Diego one night, but I went up a couple towns, so I could get an early start the next day...and make it to Vegas in time to see the Stones play. It was fantastic!

Great info thanks. Also is there a way to add multiple quotes? I hate to clog a thread with a ton of response posts

  • From: Sierra Vista, AZ
  • Registered: 2016-04-27
  • Posts: 208

Re: New people here with questions about car, theme, blah blah blah.

DeepBarney wrote:

Also is there a way to add multiple quotes? I hate to clog a thread with a ton of response posts

I expect if you are skilled using a text editor such as notepad (windows) in whatever device you are using to post here, you could add multiple quotes. Or open another tab, get the quote into the reply box, copy that text and paste it into the reply box on the tab with the other quote(s).

I Survived Hell on Wheels, Car Weeeak, Route Sucky Suck, etc.

squirrel's Website