The Go Go Bus Gets Dyno'd

Hey Gang,
I wanted to post this way back in the spring just now doing it. Always way to many irons in the fire.

Anyway... I had the carb rebuilt again on my '69 Xplorer A, better known as the Go-Go Bus.

The shop that did it asked if I wanted the Bus dyno'd to really find out how the thing is tuned. He was amazed by the results and I was like wow.

Before I tell you the results I was a bit upset because I believe the final numbers may be off. When he typed the weight of the vehicle on the machine he put 4,000 but the Go Go Bus weighs a tad over 4,800 pounds.

Here is the result: maximum power 108.2 @ 2093 RPM  / 33.9 MPH   -  WCF 112.4

                          maximum torque  288.2 @ 1575 RPM / 25.6 MPH    - WCF 298.9

Not bad for a lil slant six. Does anyone know if the lower weight he dialed in would affect the numbers in either direction?
Gotta GoGo,
Carey

What the Doctor Said

Hey Gang,
I was going to write about my eating experience during my trip to Cincinnati and more about the national convention for the Constitution Party but I want to back up about two weeks.

This event that happened actually goes along with what the Doctor told me during our talk after the meeting at the convention. The Doctor told me You know nothing is by chance, even our meeting. God has plans for all of us.

If you haven't read my last two posting do so it will make more sense.

Anyway.. I have a little saying of my own which sort of goes along with what the doctor said, it is this:

    Wherever I'm at - that's where I'm suppose to be.

At times I have to remind myself of this saying because I still get flustered when I am running late for a job or things don't go as planned whether for work or personal appointments.

 My getting upset was a wee bit evident when a job I had planned with someone else was running behind because of unforeseen problems with the machinery we rented. This issue cost us at least a day possible more so instead of being finished on Wednesday or at the latest Thursday we concluded the job on Friday

But now looking back it, thank God we ran a day late, it actually saved a persons life, literally!

I am going to repeat again what the doctor told me: You know nothing is by chance, even our meeting. God has plans for all of us. 

So the person who was helping me on the job was heading over to the store on Friday. He got stopped by a red light. He noticed that the car in front of him had a woman who was freaking out and slapping and shaking her female driver. He realized something wasn't right so he immediately called 911. He decided to get out of his car when the passenger of the car in front of him did also.

The lady was in hysterics screaming help me she's dieing. My friend swung the drivers door open, grabbed the woman who was now turning blue and threw her on the road right on the yellow line. He immediately started CPR when a woman across the street saw this she came running over telling them I am a nurse and almost at the same time another car stopped and a man came out and said I'm an EMT.

The three of them managed to get the ladies heart started before the paramedics arrived to take her to the hospital.

My friend found out the lady lived but if not for his quick acting she would not be here.

So the point is:
Nothing is by chance, God has plans for all of us. Or as I say
Wherever I'm at - that's where I'm suppose to be and this was never more evident than my friend being at the right place at the right time.  Our job may have ran late but there was a reason for it and now we know.

Gotta GoGo!!
Carey

A review I Received on Amazon

Hey Gang here is a review I received on Amazon.

Carey's book is such a joy to read, especially with all of the bad news we are deluged with every day. It will be loved by all who read it as he has the gift of writing that takes you right along on his adventurous journeys. It is for all ages. Perhaps the younger folks will realize what they are missing. If you have a friend or family member who is a shut in, this would surely delight them as they get to "ride right along" with Carey in his Go Go Bus. Enjoy folks.

 

    Gotta GoGo!!

       Carey

save the drive in's

Hey Gang the irony here is that this is sponsored by Honda who is trying to save an American icon. 

http://projectdrivein.com/

 

Only 380 left in the U.S.

Gotta GoGo!!

Carey

 

 

Carey’s Treasure Filled Weekend

Hey Gang,

What an interesting weekend of finding treasures.

  Saturday I went to the auction and arrived at my usual time of 10 pm.  This auction starts at 6 and has been known to go into the wee hours of the night.  One time it lasted till 4:30 am.  They stay until all items are gone or people stop buying.

Unfortunately this time I bought only one small box of junk for $1.00 before they said thanks for coming.  But there were a few things of merit in the small pile, scroll saw blades, an old lamp and a few other things.  I think I can make my buck back.

Before leaving I went to take a look at the unsold items and looked in a box of old car parts.  A gentleman came up to me and said I bought the box, took what I wanted and leaving it, you want it take it, the parts are for a 55 Ford.  I asked twice to make sure it was free.  I said I feel like I am steeling it.  He assured me I wasn’t so I loaded up the box.

On the way home I went to Annabelle’s Dinner to see who was left from the cruise in.  John and Tom were still hanging out so I told them about the free box of parts.  We went through it and found an old Ford Wonder Bar radio.  I was informed by Tom it was worth $200 or more.  I searched online and sure enough it’s worth that.

Then on Sunday I was going through box after box of OLD stuff I had pack ratted away from years of collecting and when I ran an antique shop back in the mid 90’s.  The mice did quite a job of chewing and I lost hundreds of dollars.  Old TV guides from the ‘50’s chewed, old books, clothes from the early 1900’s chewed.

In one box I pulled out a 1950’s box camera called the Rocket Camera.  I went to open it and noticed it had film.  I quickly closed it.  So today will be heading to the camera shop to see if they can develop what’s in there.  Anxious to find out.

OH the reason I am cleaning out the garage. 

This coming Thursday through Sunday? will be having a garage sale.  Mom is also clearing out some very nice old items.  It’s not your typical garage sale.  If you’re local come on out.

Pass on the word for me.  If I can will post some photos.

  Gotta GoGo!!

    Carey

memorial day, corn and pepper picking

Hey Gang,

YES Malinda and I will be holding a Memorial Day picnic.  Place will probably be in the metro parks.  Stay tuned.

Today I went shopping at Save A Lot.  It should be called Save A Little as even groceries in this store are starting to get expensive.  At one time the store in Euclid had a nice meat department.  Over time it has gotten smaller because of the cost of meats.  4 burger patties now a buck a piece at a cheap discount store.

But that's not what I wanted to write about.  I was checking out and the male cashier maybe early 20's mumbled something.  I thought he asked the price of the ears of corn I had.  So I told him 3 for a dollar.  He looked puzzled and then said in a manner a little more understandable what are dese?  Corn.  He still looked lost so he asked another cashier.  The other cashier said just type in 512 it should come up.  Is this what it has come to in America?  A person doesn't even know what corn looks like?

Friends who live close by and who are planning on planting a garden.  In about 10 days I will be going back to a farm right here in Kirkland.  I never noticed it before.  Gee its only been there for 55 years.  I was at other nursery's looking for vegetables to plant.  Most of the places look like their stock comes from some corporate farm and the prices reflect it, expensive.  Some tomato plants are now at $3.50 each.   Well when I stumbled upon this place I lit up and felt so good.  The man had an accent that reminded me of years ago.  Rural and almost sounding southern.  Its getting harder and harder to find the old time farmer up north.  This farm has quite a variety priced right.  I bought 9 tomato plants, 3 pepper plants and one flower for $8.50.

He asked if I liked hot peppers.  I replied yes that's why I got the hot banana peppers.  He replied them ain't hot.  He gave me a paper that listed his hot peppers.  The paper is titled Welcome to NE Ohio's Hottest Garden.  There are almost 200 kinds.  Names like Moruga Red, Scotch Bonnet, Scorpion Trinidad.

Anyone want to join me in about 10 days?  Heading back there to get the rest of my garden. 

3. Labor Day weekend, Africans, Buddnark and More

I met up with Walt at his reunion. Everyone Walt talked to he would introduce me this way: This is Carey, my wife couldn't make it so he is my date. I had enough of that real quick so I went over to where you signed in and lo and behold just what I was looking for a name tag, Gary Buddnark, that should work.


I slapped it on and rejoined Walt. Hey Gary I remember you, you use to wrestle. I did? I was into science. Oh come on you wrestled. Well one time I wrestled the teacher. Are you guys trippin? You were pretty good at wrestling. I'm sorry I had brain damage and don't remember much maybe I wrestled.

Another lady thought I was sick because she remembered Gary as being taller and heavier. And then she blurted out OH YOU ARE NOT GAR BUDDNARK! Yes I am. You know why I know? Because that's his best friend right there he told me. I walked over to this guy who was just laughing at me and said hey best friend so glad to meet you. They showed me Gary's photo in the year book and said you know I guess you could sort of pass for him. After some small talk and info on Gary and I ran with it.

Next person who came up to me I made a routine up. Hi remember me, I use to wrestle, my brothers did to, I was sick that's why I am thinner. It was a riot. The best was a lady who earlier in the night Walt introduced me to but before I wore the name tag. She saw us again and said hi to Walt and noticed my name tag. Gary Buddnark??? Now I am confused. You are Gary? Yes I am Gary. Huh? Was your brother here? Yep and he looks just like me. OK now that makes sense.

I even took a few photos for their school reunion with the name tag on. I wonder if it will make the booklet?

About an hour later the lady sitting with Gary's best best friend ran up to me and said give me the name tag, the real Gary is here. OUCH! I think its time to go. No come with me and you can meet him. When Gary saw me he made a fist like he wanted to knock me out. But my wit beat him. I hope I did you well, I told everyone I was an excellent wrestler. They even took our photo together.

Before I left I walked over to Gary's best friend and said I feel sad, I feel like I just lost my best friend.

Hey memories were made. Who knows at the next reunion, maybe I will get an invite or fill in for Gary if he can't. At least they will have something else to talk about... remember the two Gary's at our last reunion.

bus has rot and rally and my foot

Hey Gang,
With all the changes going on in our crazy country and world there is still one thing that makes people smile. The GoGo Bus. OK OK maybe it's a bit of a conceited and an over the top statement but heck it sure seems that way.

The poor GoGo Bus is now in surgery to repair some dreaded rot. It was such a hard decision to whether I should repair it, just drive it as is and let time take

its toll or try selling the ole girl. Lets face it, the days of reasonably priced let alone cheap gas days are over. At these prices and the rate of the hyper inflation for everything else it was a tough financial decision to make. But after I got the Bus started and drove it around and the thumbs up and shouts of what is that thing - WOW, I decided to whip it into shape one more time.

I was just at the top of my street getting gas when a man came over and said when you are done can you pull over to the bar parking lot, me and my friend never saw one of these and want to take a look. I said sure. I finished pumping and drove across the street. Waiting for me were three people. They were Maureen and Mike. I asked who is the other gentleman? OH I am not with them, I am the beer distributor but had to take a look. And so it goes.... After owning the GoGo Bus since 1997 it never gets old when people see it for the first time. It makes me feel good and its always an opportunity to make new friends. As I say I am never alone when I drive the Bus.

I am excited for the week of august third to attend a vintage camp out. I haven't been to one of these since 2001. That rally was for the club Lost Highways. I wrote the club numerous times with no reply, no sure if the owner was still upset at me or if they disbanded. Why would he be upset? I met the owner at the Carlisle Chrysler show in 2001 when I won Best of Show. He invited me to his rally up in St. Ignace, Michigan held at Tiki campground. I drive all that way and he asked for club dues. I said HUH, first rally, you didn't tell me about dues and that's no way to spring it on someone. I think that's why he avoided me after that.

Anyway... it was still a blast at that rally. Most people had their rigs set up for the year their RV was built. They were like traveling museums. Fun time. I just hope my Bus is done in time for the Jimco Rally. Here is the info:


NE Ohio Classic RV Rally aka Jimco Jamboree
August 3 - 9
Thompson,Ohio 44086
Hosts Lydia and Jimco
Free
Many 15 and 30 Amp campsites 6 with water.
Located at my 30 acre tree farm.
Fishing. Swimming.
Pets welcome.
Meet other members.Have some fun!
Saturday night share a dish buffet dinner and large bonfire.
Wow! A chance to enjoy a wonderful vintage rally on our member, Jimcos family farm. Does it get any better??!! Gotta go to this one folks!! Pat.


So I have my work cut out for me to get the Bus ready, can I do it? I think so.

One more fun road story for you. Anyone who has driven with me knows that I am a VERY relaxed and good driver. It just comes naturally, set my coffee on a little box between the seats, turn the key, cross my legs and go. And I never use a travel mug, only coffee cups, that's what you use to drink from. Not those plastic mugs with child like sipping covers,YUCK! I also like to drive with my one foot up on the side view mirror. Hey its comfortable.

So there I was on Rt 90 heading home driving with my foot out the window when two giggling laughing ladies pass me. They slow downed when they got close to me and then sped off. I gave them the peace sign. Then they slowed down and I passed them. They caught up to me and did some hand signals and showed me their cam. They wanted to take my picture. I nodded yes go ahead its no big deal. I just thought it was funny. Doesn't everyone drive with one foot out the window in a Chevy Astro? Guess not.


Gotta GoGo!!
Carey
www.gogobus.cc

Flashback to 2006 Madison, Wisconsin - my account of seeing the capitol

Hey Gang,
Since Madison, Wisconsin has been dominating the news I thought I would dig up an old story and resend it about when Dov, Rich and I were in Madison Wisconsin.

Its a shame from what I heard the Union Thugs and Mob have done to the place. I wonder if its part of the Unions new contract that they have to clean up the place on their time. Now I am really dreaming, it will be us the tax payers paying for it.
Well enjoy this flashback from 206.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hey Gang,
Its Labor Day weekend, about 2 weeks since the Wisconsin trip and here I am still writing about it. In the last segment I ended it with ...the Man at the bottom of the 14 steps. That man is OJ, his job - greeting people about to walk the last 14 steps to the observation deck and answering questions they may have about the Capitol building of Madison, Wisconsin or anything else you care to ask.

We found out about Madison from Casha the Polish girl who's here on a work visa. None of the locals told us about it. She said you have to go there, its such a beautiful city and surrounded by lakes, the two that surround the downtown area are lake Mendota and Monona. Taking the main road in to downtown you can see a magnificent structure in the distance and as you get closer it gets more impressive.

We parked our car at a meter and after a short walk Dov and Rich headed back to the car bypassing the Capitol building. Not me I had to investigate it and boy am I glad I did. All it took was one quick glance through the massive doors and I was completely wowed. I yelled at Dov & Rich to come on the doors are open but only Rich came. It was kind of funny watching Rich run in, maybe he was concerned with the meter, not sure. Have you ever seen one of those mazes where they let a mouse in, it scurries all over, finds the cheese and heads out another opening? Well that's what Rich looked like.

We walked in together, I went to the right and he went to the left and in a hurry. I stopped and watched him thinking we should be enjoying this together but maybe he knows another way to the top floors. Well I got to the second level and still no Rich. So I said to myself forget him and continued on alone looking in doors and walking every floor. The Supreme Court room was something to behold. It made you feel like you entered something sacred.

You just have to see this building, the large badgers above the arches, the marble floors, even the door knobs were engraved. The dome is the 4th largest in the WORLD! The statue adorning the top of the dome is called Wisconsin and the figures for her are equally as impressive. The gilded bronze statue is 15 feet tall and weighs over 3 tons!

OJ filled me on all this and more. He is an avid collector of old gas station memorabilia and has traveled the fabled route 66 and other routes in search of merchandise, photos and information about them. An upcoming show on PBS wants to interview him and show some of his collection. I didn't take a photo of OJ but he promises me that he will send one of himself and a few of his collection to be placed on www.gogobus.cc. Right OJ, I'm still waiting.

After about a 20 minute or more talk I left to find Rich and Dov. They both jumped at me. I said hey I met this fascinating guy and did you see the Supreme Court Room, the Observation Deck? Rich replied no I went in saw what I wanted to, took a few pictures and left - and what did I tell you Dov why Carey was taking so long, he met someone.

But of course did they expect me not to!

Your Friend Always,
Carey
Gotta Go Go!!
www.gogobus.cc

Hey Gang,
Continuing on.......
Another memorable time that won't be forgotten any time soon was the night out with Walt and his family at the Painesville (Ohio) Speedway. I am not much into racing. Its fun the first couple of races but then I get bored. But Walt kept telling me about this special race that I just had to attend. What kind of race.... hold on I am getting to it.
The Painesville Speedway is a small oval track, 1/5 of a mile, so the action is quick. Everything keeps changing but this lil speedway is a constant, from its size, closeness of the wooden stands to the track, enthusiasm from the crowd which holds a lot of families, its a real throwback. It has been in continuous operation since the early 50’s!
So what kind of race was it? A Figure 8 race. For those who don't know or who never witnessed such an event the cars speed through the track in a figure 8 and yes crashes can and do happen. They even water the track some to slow the speeds of the cars down. Even then on such a small track there is plenty of near misses and an occasional WIPE OUT! Its the most exciting feature of the night. But there was more to this figure 8 race then just cars. What was it?
The figure 8 trailer pull. YES you read it correctly. All the cars had to be pulling something. Some cars were a disappointment with what they were hauling behind them and got booed. One had nothing more than just a little trailer towing a small lawn tractor and a lawn chair. Others came towing a car behind. The funniest to me was the pop up trailer being pulled, it was fully erected with the canvas sides blowing and swaying. But the best were the 3 travel trailers. One was a full size trailer, maybe at least a 20 foot job. That was a sight to see.
Walt laughed through the whole race. It was hilarious some of the set ups. And then one wreck after another. One wreck was so bad the trailer flipped the car over. You couldn't see much in the melee from all the smoke, just a tangled mess. One word kept coming to me - carnage. They kept having to stop the race to clear the mess. Out came the front end loader, pushed the debris aside and off the cars & trailers went again.
The most incredible thing about it the entire race was the full size trailer. It made it through 3/4 of the race untouched. All the other vehicles were driving on blown tires or dragging mangled metal. Not the full size trailer, it still looked as good as when it started. And then BAM, it got nailed and exploded into pieces. But wait, whats that? Its still going.. The top was gone, all four sides blown away, but the platform and the toilet was still sitting erect and the car trailer hookup was still driving. How funny.
Unfortunately there was no winner.. During the last clear out of the track the sky let loose a biblical monsoon that ended the night. To bad, I was hoping the large trailer was going to win it all, oh well.
OKKKKKKKK enjoy the photos. Two days till the Texas take off. I think I can finish this. One more installment, I think?

Gotta GoGo!!
Carey