Things have been kind of hectic this spring.Getting Dog Spit finished, doing both Detroit Autorama and the Toronto show, not to mention a ton of work around the house.So it’s time for a road trip.
On April 22, my friend Randy and I hopped in the motor home and headed west.Our first stop of course was the duty free at Sarnia loading up with beer for the gruelling trip across the mid-west.Next was a quick trip down the road to Almont to D&D, suppliers of my engine components.Needed a couple of dip sticks, I know, we already had two driving the motorhome.From there we headed towards Chicago where we parked in Jolliet for the night.The following morning as we approached Iowa, Randy mentioned, I think Antique Archeology, home of the American Pickers is around here somewhere.Well, we found ourselves in Le Claire Iowa and in their parking lot, well actually on the street in front because the place is small and would never accommodate a motorhome.Randy is a collector of signs, pumps, oil cans and probably just about anything else so we figured it might be worth a look.
Have I mentioned that I am building a new car, A 32 Bantam coupe bodied Altered powered by an inline 261.This car will run vintage class so I am building it as close to a 50’s early 60’s drag car as possible.In February I found a mention by an inliner of his having a cam for a 235.Well I now own a new in the box McGurk roller cam assembly fresh from California.A nice surprise when I received it was a collection of books written by McGurk and others on hopping up the 235/261.Well I digress.We walked in the store and were suitably impressed by the available collectibles.I started walking ahead when I tipped over my jaw.I could barely speak trying to call Randy.There in front of me was a race built 235 quietly sitting on an engine stand.After several hours of negotiation, I am now the proud owner of said engine.I wasn’t necessarily interested in the block, but the reworked head, the Wayne valve cover and side cover, the triple intake with the three Rochester carbs, the original Fenton headers and a few other external pieces were really what I was after.The engine has been strapped to a pallet and will be waiting at Wellesley Island for me when I get home.We drove the rest of the day and spent the night in the parking lot of Campers World in Omaha Nebraska.I thought my hot water heater had failed and was about to install a new one when the service manager informed me that while being winterized the bypass valve had been turned on thus keeping Water from the heated.Paid for the engine with that saving.We then headed down to Lincoln to Speedway.We wanted to do the museum, but were too early.To kill some time, we went over to the tractor testing museum at Nebraska University.This testing facility was created in the early 1900’s because farmers were getting ripped off by dealers selling junk tractors.The museum is small but quite interesting in presenting the history of the farm and implements used on it.
It was Friday afternoon and the museum tour was slated to start at 2:00.What do you do when you’re at Speedway and have an hour to kill, ask your wife, she knows, you shop of course.I bought stuff I needed and a few filler items.Now it was time to head over to the museum.I had been there before but I could go back to this place a dozen times and still not see everything properly.Two and a half hours of guided tour and we headed back to the motorhome parked in the lot.Suddenly cars started rolling in and we realized we were in the middle of a cruise, might as well stay.We moved the motorhome out of the way and joined the fun.Speedway gave us permission to park in the lot overnight and the morning brought a swap meet just outside our door.After about an hour of wandering, we decided it was time to move on.We headed north and that night and slept in a Flying J parking lot.Up early Sunday morning, we crossed the border at Portal ND and proceeded up through Regina and Saskatoon and arrived in Edmonton that evening.
The real reason for this trip was because I had promised my daughter and her husband that I would renovate their living room and kitchen.I did the rest of the house two years ago.This was a complete tear out.We have been here three weeks and the kitchen cabinets were delivered today (Friday).Two weeks ago on Saturday, we went down to Red Deer to an amazing Swap meet, last Saturday we spent a good part of the day in Spruce Grove at SoCal. I was looking for a remote oil filter for the 261 and didn’t they have the most beautiful unit that they had salvaged.We then went for a walk around the property and in one of the shops, they were firing up a 1954 Cadillac Baritz convertible with a 572 big block.It was black on black on black and absolutely gorgeous.You might remember Murray sold 650 vintage cars at auction in his yard.
Last night was a cruise and again another good one tonight.Next Tuesday, our wives are heading out from Ontario to join us.Randy and his wife will take a leisurely trip back home while my wife and I will head up to Skagway Alaska.I think there are a few adventures ahead so this post will be updated as we go.We expect this trip to last until the end of July.
Warren
When time allows over the next few days, I will edit this posting and add pictures, unfortunately Speedway museum makes it very clear you can take pictures but they cannot be posted to the web.
-- Edited by wuga on Wednesday 27th of May 2015 09:33:59 PM
-- Edited by wuga on Saturday 27th of June 2015 01:59:15 AM
We are only going as far as Skagway and then catching the ferry to Prince Rupert. Unfortunately, we will not be taking the railroad but will be checking out all the other recommendations. We will be in Queen Charlotte until about July 3 so hopefully the fires in PG are out or under control.
There is a ferry from Prince Rupert to Vancouver Island. That also saves a lot of driving.
If you take that one and stop by here, I'll take everyone out for fish and chips at Rock Cod Café in Cowichan Bay.
I'll take everyone out for fish and chips at Rock Cod Café in Cowichan Bay.
Now that is a deal you do not want to miss Warren. My wife and I stopped there a couple of years ago and the food was awesome. The view ain't bad either.
If you are not in a hurry, you can take the ferry from Prince Rupert to Vancouver Island and turn west at Parksville and go to Pacific Rim Park on the west side of the Island. On #4 West at Coombs you can stop and see "Goats on the Roof". Then stop in Cathedral Grove and walk among the big trees. Carry on through Port Alberni to Ucluelet and Tofino on the coast. Something everyone should see.
Do a search on all these places.
By the end of the fourth week, our wives showed up and Randy and his wife left to do some touring and return home. A week later Diane and I left for the North Country. We headed out to Dawson Creek and beyond. At this point I would like to say thank you for all the recommendations, I wasn’t a cinnamon eater but I am converted. The sign post Forest is overwhelming, unfortunately I didn’t have anything to add to it. They say they are at 70,000 signs. In Fort Nelson the little museum was awesome. I started to walk around and found the gentleman who started it working in a shed. We talked for three hours and he took me on a private tour of areas that most don’t see. It is most unfortunate that they have to scrounge to keep it open. It is truly a slice of the past. I found out while I was there that the grandfather of my sister’s husband was the chief surveyor on one of the preliminary travels up to Alaska in 1933 to build the Alaska highway. I could have spent several days there.
We spent two days in Whitehorse and supped at the Klondike Rib and Salmon, ribs were awesome but Diane had to send her Salmon back. When we left Whitehorse, we travelled over the area containing the White Pass. I have no idea how they managed to build a railroad through there, at the Alaska end, the highway drop is 3500 feet in 15 miles. You could really smell the brakes on the motorhome.
Skagway is the Disney Land of the north. The town is owned by the cruise lines and they hawk souvenirs in your face at every turn.
Was glad to get on the ferry. The ferry trip to Prince Rupert is spectacular and every port (7) along the way has its own character. Two days in Prince Rupert and on the ferry to Haida Gwai.
Now for the real purpose of the trip.
The Bantam
I had purchased a tube bender from Speedway and sent it out last year so when I got there the frame rails were done and most of the cage was bent and welded. Today we have a rolling chassis. The Model A axle was mounted, the 9” was installed, steering was completed with a mock-up tie rod and steering link. The steering box from a 1942 Chev 5 ton was installed, actually for the first time since we found it new a Minaker’s. Some flooring and the seat were installed and the 5 point harness was installed. A wilwood brake pedal and M/C were modified for a hand brake and tada, we had a rolling chassis.
We took a break earlier in the week and went out on Keith’s schooner Salmon fishing. The trip was cut short by a sick dog, a seasick wife and rain blowing in but we did catch 2 Cohoe and one 30 pound Spring salmon which have now been smoked and canned and/or eaten. Salmon steaks are also in the freezer.
Grass doesn’t grow under Keith’s feet. He is currently finishing a full fendered 1928 Model A pickup with a 4.3 V6. Waiting in the wings is a 1929 Model A roadster which I tried to conceal under my coat but he caught me. He also has a 1932 Hupmobile roadster which he says if I can get it home, I can have. His Daily driver is a 1953 1 ton Chev pickup with a 292. His shop is littered with engines, suspension pieces from a list of models and every tool imaginable. He is primarily a welder building boats, repairing logging equipment and just about anything else people call about.
The garage is overwhelmed right now, especially with the Bantam project going on, but as soon as I move out the pickup will be back in it's rightful place. The pickup was to be our ride to Bonneville this year, but Keith sacrificed that so that I could get on with the Bantam, so we will be taking the new Toyota pickup.
I have probably forgotten a million things, so if you have questions or comments, feel free.
Until the next time
Warren
-- Edited by wuga on Tuesday 30th of June 2015 05:20:06 PM
We mocked up the body Saturday and it is beginning to excite us. All body work will be done when I get back to Ontario.
Took a couple of days break and went up to North Beach. Couldn’t imagine a more tranquille, serene and beautiful place. On the way, we stopped at Port Clements for the mud bog races. When you get stuck, this is how they get you out. Bucket through the roof.
In the middle of this picture, you might be able to see the southern tip of Alaska.
North beach
-- Edited by wuga on Tuesday 30th of June 2015 05:36:04 PM
Well, it’s time to leave and start the journey home. We catch the ferry to the mainland tonight and get off in the morning. Barb and Keith have been the most incredible hosts, showing us parts of Canada you can’t imagine exist, feeding us tons of local foods, introducing us to the Haida culture and last but not least The Bantam. This is from their front yard at low tide and high tide, a change of 20 some feet.
The Bantam has been dismantled and loaded on the trailer.
The trailer will be loaded separately, attached and we will pull it off the ferry in the morning
The body is an American Austin Bantam Coupe. If you don't know, I'm partial to Tudor sedans and the Bantam is like you took your best wool sweater and washed it in hot water. It is a very tiny version of a Tudor.
This is what I bought back in 1962
This is what we started with last year after the car had gone through a few hands and 50 years
Before boarding the ferry, we attended a traditional Haida meal prepared by Roberta, one of the influentials in the local band. It mostly consisted of various types of fish cooked or smoked (9 to be exact). As well, baked and smoked kelp, fish chouder, various vegetables, potatoes and a local dessert with berries and biscuit.
We arrived in Price Rupert Saturday morning, did some shopping and headed to our next camp site located on the K’San reservation under the 7 sisters mountain range.
One night there and we proceeded to Prince George where my sister and her husband have joined us for a few days. Prince George is a hotbed of hot rodding. I had heard that a local club of about 40 members meet for breakfast on Hwy 16 every Saturday. Unfortunately we were too late but through the Canadian Rodders site, I contacted Keith Robinson who this afternoon, took me on a local tour. You wouldn’t believe the rod and specialty car collections guys have around here. Unfortunately, my camera was dead and I have no photographic proof but my heartfelt thanks to Keith.
-- Edited by wuga on Tuesday 7th of July 2015 12:21:04 AM
there's a really good bunch of guys from P.G. that I met on the 2007 tour and the '10 tour. Lots of fun and a little bit of drinking. If you run into the Blacktopppers you'll find them.
We left PG Tuesday morning and drove over to Valemount where we stayed in an RV park that was new with no trees. Like camping in the dessert. Uneventful day. Wednesday we headed into Jasper and stayed in a gorgeous wilderness campground with no hookups. Had an opportunity to catch up with an old friend who lives in Jasper. While we were sitting in the bar, we looked south and noticed that the mountain was on fire, up to 5000 hectares now. At the campground, no generators allowed, no hookups and 35 degrees made for a warm stay. Stayed two days and then headed down the Icefields Parkway where we found another wilderness campground on the edge of Waterfowl Lake. A great place to relax with a few wobbly pops.
A scary thing happened on our way down the parkway. We were on a very remote part of the road when a passing motorist signaled for me to pull over. The bolt that held the ball on the trailer hitch had backed off and the trailer was towing on the chains on its skid plate. Nothing was damaged but I needed a hitch to continue. I flagged down about 5 trucks not towing anything in hopes they had a hitch they could sell me. Finally, a man who was camping nearby stopped and had a ball which sort of worked. I didn’t want to travel too far but there was a service center about 30 kms down the road. We hooked up the trailer and he followed me down the road to make sure everything was OK. There were plenty of tourists there and after several inquiries, I managed to find the correct hitch which I bought from the gentleman and everything was back to normal. And then it was on to Waterfowl Lake.
We’re in Rocky Mountain House now, signs of forest fires everywhere on the way over.Will relax here today and head back up to Edmonton tomorrow.Have a little reno work left to do and I want to visit Wadson’s Hot Rods, LG Customs and George Moir model A parts, all in Edmonton.
This is probably getting a little boring but I have to finish the trip. We went to Edmonton where I visited George Moir but they were out of stock on both things I wanted, Wadson’s was closed and LG Customs were out of business. I spent four days finishing the trim at my daughters house and then we headed East. Stayed in the Gordie Howe campground in Saskatoon last night and we are in Menndosa Manitoba this evening. Both municipal camp sites and both beautiful.
Just did a little figuring of gas mileage which I was afraid to do before. Driving this 14000 lb motorhome towing a small trailer, for 860 kms I locked it in on cruise at 100km/h (2700 rpm) for about 95% of the trip. We were travelling east with a strong crosswind on the prairies and our mileage was 25L/100 kms or 10.75 mpg. I thought that was pretty decent although we have driven over 10000 kms and that has eaten a lot of gas. Thank god for this summer’s low gas prices.
Headed into Northern Ontario tomorrow for lots of ‘rocks and trees, trees and rocks’
Warren
Endless rocks and trees , rivers and lakes...... Surely heaven will be a disappointment after living here.... Dam I forgot , no need for me to compare....
Crossing Manitoba was a nightmare.I’m sure the minefields in Afghanistan are nicer to drive on.The roads were so rough that they actually shook apart my speaker bar, my backup camera and two cupboards.They seem to be trying to do something about it as about half the roads are under severe reconstruction requiring pilot vehicles every 10 to 20 miles.The roads in Northern Ontario were like riding on a cloud in comparison.Some major bridge rebuilding but no major delays.Spent a night in Kenora, the next in Thunder Bay followed by a night in Marathon.We are currently in the Sault and heading to Sudbury tomorrow for two days.The weather has been awesome but I think it is time to go home.
Bidding fond adieu to my daughter and her family.
It’s going to take one big Easter bunny to deliver this egg.
For you handy guys, you might want to contact this fellow for plans to his two story RV trailer.
We left Sudbury and headed down to Toronto. Went to a good show 'n shine put on by the Back Alley Cruisers and some Corp. sponsorship. Met up with a bunch of people I haven't seen forever and then headed back to a buddy's place for Thai and wobbly pops. Camped in the Rouge and my other daughter got off work and came for a visit. Great time. Back in 'The County' today but because we rented our house out, we are camping at Quinte's Isle for a bit. Gives me time to catch up with Don (Don), Bob (RWW), Neil (Candyman), a few other friends to see how their projects are coming and pick up a re-worked piece for my blower drive. I dropped the trailer with Bantam off at Randy's, the bodyman who did Dog Spit, to iron out a few wrinkles.
Thank you for bearing with me. It has been a great adventure with more to come. I will start a Bantam build thread soon. Hopefully see many of you at events around Ontario in the coming months.
Dam I forgot , no need for me to compare....
