So my wife and I have been looking forward to Octobervettes. I've done some work on the car all year and we're psyched, ready for the first road trip!

The 'Vette does wonderfully, engine purrs, handles well, a/c works, stereo is loud, big smiles on our faces as we pull in to the motel.

After I check us in and we start up and pull out to go to the room, Murphy strikes...

Rear bearings on the passenger side let go.

Its Friday night, so I'm screwed. No cruise, can't show the car, and I have no idea how it will get fixed. Eckler's was there but said they couldn't get me parts until Tuesday. Big help. Thanks guys.

After much mingling with the other 'Vette owners I find one local 'Vette owner (a '54 no less!) who says she knows a guy that's open on Saturday. So I give her all the info and phone number to reach me and proceed to have a good time at the party.

I never heard from her again.

Now I'm panicing. I call these Mobile Mechanics guys and they quote me $300 to fix it. I jump all over that. They came to me, with all the parts, and away we go. The spindle was in good shape, except that Bubba got there before us and trashed the threads on it. A billion phone calls later I find a used spindle for 50 bucks, but we're done for the day, we gotta stay in Florida one more night.

The next day they go to get the spindle. At 4 pm they get back. Hell, if I'd known he was that far away, they coulda gone to Eckler's.

Old spindle out, new spindle in, everything in spec. then the brake line breaks

So 1 hour later they get back with a new brake line. We bleed the brakes, run out of brake fluid, get more, finish up. What a fun trip.

The mechanics were great guys and we met quite a few people while we were sitting there. For two extra days. I was surprised that we didn't get more help from all the 'Vette owners that were there. Oh well, we got back home anyway.

 

Sounds like it was a tough trip. I am taking mine on its longest trip since I have redone everything. Wish me luck. Glad to hear you got it all back together and home safely.

 

May Murphy stay far away from you!

Have a great trip!

 

Ahhhhh The joys of Vette ownership!!!!!

 

That Murphy sure knows how to get around. I wonder how he can to so many places without ever breaking down himself. You see, shortly after he paid you a visit, he paid me a visit.

What a swell guy! He managed to shear a spring post in my HEI distributor. The part should cost 25 cents at best. Try to find one of these bad boys and you'll quickly understand Murphy's discriminating choice of parts.

I consider myself lucky, it only cost me $150 for a new distributor and an additional $19.99 for overnight delivery! Why, I'm so lucky, I should run out and buy a lottery ticket.