1000 mile shake down and oh what a ride!
Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2023 2:39 pm
So I finally got about 1000 miles on the car since completing the restoration in March of this year. Though I was registered for Solvang, I didn't have enough miles on it for a 400+ mile run and I'm glad I didn't as it was burning oil big time! about 3 quarts to the first 300 miles. ALL of the Tesla drivers behind me were frowning!
In May, I packed the house and moved cross country to East Tennessee, making my escape from an ever cost oppressive state. It took some time to get settled but did manage an inaugural ride through the Smoky Mountains taking both cars out on an epic ride of just under 150 miles.
At around 700 miles, the speedo went wonky (end of August) so I pulled it and had it sent off for repair as reported in a separate thread, which I got back last month.
The weather here in East Tennessee is mild and allows for rides with the top down even now in late December. The only other major problem until yesterday was a broken door hinge stopper retainer - the little piece of sandwiched metal the stopper passes thru busted off the A pillar, and the stopper fell into the A pillar cavity.
Yesterday, I took a ride on a stretch called "Tail of the Dragon" - about a 39 mile ride from home to Deal's Gap on the Tennessee / North Carolina boarder on hiway 129 - a very fun road indeed. I noticed my brake pedal feeling really hard, but there was plenty of stopping power... I noticed, when I'd back up and tap the brakes, the pedal softened (maybe just my imagination) - at the gas station and after a few stops and starts in traffic. by the end of the ride up the dragon, I was smelling burning brakes like they were dragging slightly.
there's no cell service up there...
being the Friday afternoon before Christmas, I pretty much had the road to myself. If I got stuck, I'd be waiting some time for someone to come by, so I figured I'd take it easy going home. The Dragon is an 11 mile stretch with 318 turns. about 7 or 8 turns in on the first slight down hill, the brake pedal went to the floor and the helpful little red "B" light came on informing me "my brakes are done".
I had no choice but to limp it along in 2nd and 3rd mostly at low speeds (posted speed limit is 30 - enthusiasts might manage 50 at best before eating it) mostly driving without using the brakes and occasionally using the hand brake. I managed to get to mile marker 9 to the one and only scenic overlook, had a signal and called the tow truck. Upon inspection, I noted no loss of brake fluid, and a weird crusty blue/clear residue on the splitter. I did have some minor weeping from these lines but it almost felt like the plunger in the splitter finally broke free (was totally stuck when I attempted to rebuild it). While the pedal was super spongy, there was a hint of brakes as the pedal neared the floor. probably had 10% of braking power.
Haven't had a chance to explore it yet, but there's no puddles of brake fluid on the garage floor, and I am grateful I was able to get it home without stacking it up. Of all places to loose brakes, that road wouldn't be my first choice.
But, on the positive, I'm not burning as much oil, and running the B cam, Solex, and JT's 2" stainless exhaust - this thing is a blast to drive!
Merry Christmas all! If you decide to run the Dragon, give me a buzz. I'm just around the corner (400 or so) from it.
In May, I packed the house and moved cross country to East Tennessee, making my escape from an ever cost oppressive state. It took some time to get settled but did manage an inaugural ride through the Smoky Mountains taking both cars out on an epic ride of just under 150 miles.
At around 700 miles, the speedo went wonky (end of August) so I pulled it and had it sent off for repair as reported in a separate thread, which I got back last month.
The weather here in East Tennessee is mild and allows for rides with the top down even now in late December. The only other major problem until yesterday was a broken door hinge stopper retainer - the little piece of sandwiched metal the stopper passes thru busted off the A pillar, and the stopper fell into the A pillar cavity.
Yesterday, I took a ride on a stretch called "Tail of the Dragon" - about a 39 mile ride from home to Deal's Gap on the Tennessee / North Carolina boarder on hiway 129 - a very fun road indeed. I noticed my brake pedal feeling really hard, but there was plenty of stopping power... I noticed, when I'd back up and tap the brakes, the pedal softened (maybe just my imagination) - at the gas station and after a few stops and starts in traffic. by the end of the ride up the dragon, I was smelling burning brakes like they were dragging slightly.
there's no cell service up there...
being the Friday afternoon before Christmas, I pretty much had the road to myself. If I got stuck, I'd be waiting some time for someone to come by, so I figured I'd take it easy going home. The Dragon is an 11 mile stretch with 318 turns. about 7 or 8 turns in on the first slight down hill, the brake pedal went to the floor and the helpful little red "B" light came on informing me "my brakes are done".
I had no choice but to limp it along in 2nd and 3rd mostly at low speeds (posted speed limit is 30 - enthusiasts might manage 50 at best before eating it) mostly driving without using the brakes and occasionally using the hand brake. I managed to get to mile marker 9 to the one and only scenic overlook, had a signal and called the tow truck. Upon inspection, I noted no loss of brake fluid, and a weird crusty blue/clear residue on the splitter. I did have some minor weeping from these lines but it almost felt like the plunger in the splitter finally broke free (was totally stuck when I attempted to rebuild it). While the pedal was super spongy, there was a hint of brakes as the pedal neared the floor. probably had 10% of braking power.
Haven't had a chance to explore it yet, but there's no puddles of brake fluid on the garage floor, and I am grateful I was able to get it home without stacking it up. Of all places to loose brakes, that road wouldn't be my first choice.
But, on the positive, I'm not burning as much oil, and running the B cam, Solex, and JT's 2" stainless exhaust - this thing is a blast to drive!
Merry Christmas all! If you decide to run the Dragon, give me a buzz. I'm just around the corner (400 or so) from it.