Topic: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

I've been trying to do a Lemons event for over a decade, and I finally have the perfect crappy car, and a job that'll allow me the time off!

I can't wait to drive for several days inan 89.escort.with manual steering, and no A/C in the middle of July!!

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

Did I see somewhere that this starts in Detroit, heads to Dayton then Pittsburgh all on day 1?

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

questforlemons wrote:

Did I see somewhere that this starts in Detroit, heads to Dayton then Pittsburgh all on day 1?

Starts in Detroit and ends in Dayton on Day 1
Dayton to Pitt on Day 2
Pitt to Buffalo on Day 3

45+x Loser.....You'd think I would learn......
5x I.O.E  Winner   1 Heroic Fix Winner   1 Org Choice Winner
2x  I Got Screwed Winner    2x Class C Winner
(Still a Class B driver in a Class A car)

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

Thanks! That a MUCH more reasonable drive on Day 1! Lmfao!

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

My first car was an 88 ford escort... Good luck!

I probably won't be able to make it so close to the summer races; but since I live en-route, I'll be happy to play an assistance role over the weekend. If anyone needs breakdown assistance or a place to stay in (sort of nearby) Columbus, I have essentially a full garage of tools and space to fix crapcans, guest bed(s) & bath available.

Can also put rally people up before or after if you're passing through on your way to Detroit or home from Buffalo.

1989 Merkur XR4Ti: Project Merkur Space Program - Wins: Class C - Colonel and the Sinkhole 2023 | "Heroic Fix" The Pitt Maneuver 2023 | "Halloween Meets Gasoline" The Pitt Maneuver 2022
1980 Dodge Challenger: Most Extreme eLemonAtion Challenger (Rust Belt Ramble 2021 Dishonorable Mention)

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

Thanks!  I'm excited to participate this year! 

This is my 3rd escort, and I'm familiar with Fords, but this one has sat for 10+ years in a garage, so I really need to go ALL through it.

I'm wide open and would love any tips, tricks, suggestions, must haves, etc!

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

I’m pretty sure that I’m going to make it to this, with an old friend, in the same 84 Corvette his parents owned since new until last year when I resurrected it after sitting for 20 years.

Chris from 3 Pedal Mafia

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

questforlemons wrote:

I'm wide open and would love any tips, tricks, suggestions, must haves, etc!

Ten years is nothing....the brakes and fuel system probably still work!

But yeah, it all depends on what condition it's in. Some cars deteriorate really quickly. some don't.

If the fuel system got moisture in it, you can have trouble, might need another tank. If the tank is still clean, you might just have to deal with gummy fuel residue at carb/injectors, possibly pump and filter, and possibly lines.

Brakes are good to have. Discs survive better than drums, and modern master cylinders with the rubber diaphragm under the lid are better than old ones with a vented cap. Make sure the brakes work, make sure the rear wheel cylinders are not sticking. If the hoses look flaky, replace them.

Check the radiator for crap in it, and if the water pump is at all suspect, put in a new one. Timing belt? if you don't know, put a new one on. Or be prepared to deal with it. Fan belts...might be ok, might not. Spares are cheap and easy to buy at home.

Have fun! neat cars, I had to work on a few 30 years ago.

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

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

When I found this one, the last owner had started to swap the water pump. So it has a new water pump, and timing belt.  He had just replaced the fuel tank and injector, but hasn't run it since replacement.  The tank does have old fuel in it, luckily is doesn't smell like shellac.

So I put 5 gallons in, and some stabilizer, but now that I have some more time, I'm just gonna pump it all out, run another 5 gallons through to clean it up.

Once I get it running, next step is brakes! Go go go, then stop!

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

sounds good!

Old gas can make intake valves stick, I avoid it.

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

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

Rust Belt Ramble starts in my area, and kiddo wants to do this one with me, so we'll likely be in this one.  After the Buffalo end, we might swing up to Niagara Falls.  I have a barrel that needs testing.

--Rudy

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

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

I went to Niagra last year, I highly recommend!

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

I haven't been to the Falls since I was three-ish years old. But with kiddo having started a new job a few weeks ago, I don't know if she'll have enough vacation time to take an extra day.

--Rudy

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

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

It's only a 30 minute drive from Buffalo.  If nothing else, not a bad Detour!

I'm starting to accumulate supplies to build my ice cooled air chiller...the Deathscort doesn't have AC, so wanna keep my drinks cool and myself at the same time! Lol

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

We did the RBR last year in a '77 Granada with no A/C.  Spent a LOT of time building an "air chiller" and we didn't use it. That being said, it was relatively mild. And, my kids don't talk to me any more.

Look forward to seeing you there.

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

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

The Hooptie Garage wrote:

I haven't been to the Falls since I was three-ish years old. But with kiddo having started a new job a few weeks ago, I don't know if she'll have enough vacation time to take an extra day.

If you both have passport cards, just hit the falls quick and zip across Canada back to Detroit.

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

Jimnayzum wrote:

We did the RBR last year in a '77 Granada with no A/C.  Spent a LOT of time building an "air chiller" and we didn't use it. That being said, it was relatively mild. And, my kids don't talk to me any more.

The Foxbody Mustang didn't have any AC, either.  We were windows-down the entire trip.

18 (edited by The Hooptie Garage 2022-03-19 05:50 PM)

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

puttcharlie wrote:
The Hooptie Garage wrote:

I haven't been to the Falls since I was three-ish years old. But with kiddo having started a new job a few weeks ago, I don't know if she'll have enough vacation time to take an extra day.

If you both have passport cards, just hit the falls quick and zip across Canada back to Detroit.

No passports or enhanced licenses here yet.  I'd planned to do our passports back in March of 2020 (our city clerk's office handles it, including the photographs), but the world decided to take a poop instead. It's one of those things we keep putting off and/or forgetting about.

Then again, the way the border crossings are these days, the (theoretically) slower 100km/h speeds in Canada combined with the delay going over the Bluewater Bridge is probably not much different from traveling the south side of Lake Erie at 75-80 MPH (keeping up with traffic).

--Rudy

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

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

The Hooptie Garage wrote:
puttcharlie wrote:
The Hooptie Garage wrote:

I haven't been to the Falls since I was three-ish years old. But with kiddo having started a new job a few weeks ago, I don't know if she'll have enough vacation time to take an extra day.

If you both have passport cards, just hit the falls quick and zip across Canada back to Detroit.

No passports or enhanced licenses here yet.  I'd planned to do our passports back in March of 2020 (our city clerk's office handles it, including the photographs), but the world decided to take a poop instead. It's one of those things we keep putting off and/or forgetting about.

Then again, the way the border crossings are these days, the (theoretically) slower 100km/h speeds in Canada combined with the delay going over the Bluewater Bridge is probably not much different from traveling the south side of Lake Erie at 75-80 MPH (keeping up with traffic).

Only in theory. The stretch from Sarnia, ON to Hamilton, ON is a freaking drag strip.

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

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

Lining up my hotel rooms for RBR 2022. 

The recommended hotels, alas, are too spendy--the only way I can budget this is to save a few dollars on rooms, especially with gas prices soaring. Can't guarantee 100% I'll be joining the rally (I won't know until a week or two beforehand, thanks to the work schedule and an uncertain family situation) but at least I'll have rooms set already, and I have a couple of months to prepare one of two suitable hoopties for safe-ish travels. Grinding, welding, drywall screws and and *cough* custom painting *cough* may be involved on the older hooptie...provided it's still safe to attempt to drive.  hmm 

So far, the Red Roof Dayton - Moraine/U of Dayton has the best rates in the area, $122, including taxes, and it's close to the suggested Courtyard which is $228 before taxes.  I normally avoid Red Roof, but this one appears to be brand new and unsullied. At least, until I get there and throw a TV through a window, or write "REDRUM" on the bathroom mirror in Crest toothpaste, or something.

Downtown Pittsburgh is surprisingly pricey in mid July.  I've booked the Clarion Hotel up in Cranberry Twp., about 25 minutes north of downtown for $103, including taxes.  (AAA rate includes free cancellation.)  I'll still try to get to Klavon's, barring any incoming travel issues.

Since I live just north of Detroit in a lazy lakeside bungalow-burb, the "room" is free.  big_smile  Think I'll try to grab a room near Niagara Falls for Sunday night, and see if they still rent barrels for the Falls...

--Rudy

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

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

Nice!  I just booked my rooms as well!  Booked Detroit, Dayton and Pittsburgh!  Work has me in Nashville on Monday, so I'm going to leave the Rally, and Fly to Nashville, then fly back to Buffalo and drive back the following weekend.  I can only imagine the looks this car is going to get sitting in an airport parking lot for a week!  LOL

I was luck on the hotels and had enough points to get my night in Pittsburgh for free.  I too was surprised by the high cost of the hotels, but figured I might as well just suck it up, if this is my big expense for the year, I can spend an extra $100 a night "For the experience"

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

We haven't traveled here at the Hooptie Garage since 2019, so it's like we're making up for lost time this year.  I did the Rocky Mountain Breakdown, will 95% most likely do the Rust Belt Ramble, and may do one other this year (maybe Great River Road or Fall Fail-iage).  I'm headed to Asheville over Memorial Day weekend, and will probably be back in Utah and Colorado in early August.  So, long story short, I'm trying to save as much as I can on hotel rooms. 

For now, I grabbed a room in Niagara Falls for Sunday night, as I don't feel like driving 6½ hours to get home after the finish line. My youngest was thinking about going, but she wants to save up her time off for a longer road trip next year.  So I'll probably doing RBR solo.  Only this time, I need to make amends with Jeff:  "Next time, bring a shittier car."  Maybe not completely turd-worthy, but I have time to do up a proper theme, and am exploring the possibility of using Con-Tact paper as a temporary wrap for either of the hoopties I'll choose to bring...

--Rudy

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

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

I'm sticking with my tried -and-true plan of getting rooms as I go, since it worked (mostly) flawlessly for me during RFM.  I'll try my best to make the daily meetups, but the rest of the time will be free-form driving, sightseeing, and sleeping as time permits.  I do have a free place to sleep just outside of Pittsburgh, so there's that.  Still working on getting a co-driver, but after RFM (and after seeing Jim Forbes rock RMB alone in an MG), I have no qualms about doing rallies by myself.  I may post here and/or on Facebook about seeing if someone wants to ride along with me closer to the rally.

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

I'll probably have to do all my rallies solo (nobody else I know is interested enough to do it, or can't take off time to do it), and having done RMB on my own, it has its ups and downs. The biggest drawback is not having someone to do the research while I'm driving--the first day is tough because I don't have the luxury of an evening in the hotel room to plot the next day's stops.  And I'm sure my schedule won't line up with anyone else's--I like the independence to leave as early as I can, make no unnecessary stops, and find food I can live with.  (Let's just put it out there that if I were to stop at a fast food restaurant, many more stops at restrooms along the way would be required. big_smile

However, it would be more fun to have someone ride along, and good to have someone riding in the drinker's seat to make sure I stay awake.  (At least on our crappy Michigan roads, no worries about falling asleep since we're too busy dodging car-eating potholes or orange construction barrels.)

There were three of us that I know of on RMB that were solo--JIm, myself, and the Fiat.  We all finished!

--Rudy

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

Re: So excited for the Rustbelt Ramble 2022

The other pain is not having someone to post on Instagram while you're driving. I lost so much damn time on Rt-66 having to do all the work at every checkpoint. Another set of eyes helps too to reduce unnecessary trips around the block looking for stuff.

By contrast the Texas rally the next year with a friend was a lot easier and allowed us a lot more time to build and execute a plan of attack/subversion.

Mistake By The Lake Racing (MBTL)
88 Thunderbird "THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO!", Ex Astris, Rubigo / Semper Fracti
A&D: 2014 Sebrings at Sebring (NSF), 2014 NJMP2 Jurassic Park (SpeedyCop), 2012 Summit Point J30 (PiNuts)
2018 Route Sucky-Suck Rally Miata, 2019 World Tour Of Texas 64 Newport