Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives
Posted By: Goonz SVT SZ Preparation! - 04/27/06 08:03 PM
2 weeks left! Just wanted everyone to post some usefull ideas and pointers to those new to the caravan on what to take along and how to prep the car for this 13 hour journey..thanks
Posted By: frenchblueC2_dup1 Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/27/06 08:35 PM
hydration is the most important thing.
Gatorade type drinks for sure.
A little bit of water when you're sick of the gatorade.
Try to do as little caffinated sodas as possible.
You will dehydrate and you will get a headache.
Trust me on this.
We make pitstops for peeing and stuff, so if you don't want to bring a cooler, you can just buy drinks along the way.

Every year that we do one of these trips, I'm able to do less soda and still stay awake, and avoid the [censored] headache that I used to get on the first few trips.
Having a copilot REALLY helps to stay awake. For both discussion and to switch off on driving duties for naps.
I have no clue how Elky and Brapple drive it every year.
They crazy.

Huge variety of tunage is important.
Mike has a 12 disc player. We pop in a broad selection of cds and put it on random. Or just burn yourself a bunch of mix cd's.
If all you listen to is wordless trance or club music the whole way, you'll fall asleep. The rhythmic beats lull you to sleep. You gotta switch it up and get some vocals in there.
We also use Dennis Leary's standup cds as backup for when we're dragging. It makes for good laughs.

Laughing is probably the best thing for staying awake.
Be a perverted, sophomoric retard and make fun of the town names and such.
Get on the two-way radio and make the retarded comments. Just don't tell minute long stories like Jsmith.

It will rain during the drive. It always does. Your front bumper will collect bugs, the car will arrive to SZ dirty. You can't avoid it. Clean and wax the crap outta your car before leaving.
Bring your car care products and towels.
There are car washes, so you could even do a full wash if you're that filthy, but for the most part, you can get away with quick detailer spray and be show-worthy.

Check fluids and all that good stuff too.
I think we usually end up doing an oil change after the trip. It depends on the last time you've done the oil change.
The mileage adds up to roughly 1,800, round-trip, but I can doublecheck on that.



Posted By: BrApple_dup1 Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/27/06 08:49 PM
Originally posted by frenchblueC2:

Having a copilot REALLY helps to stay awake. For both discussion and to switch off on driving duties for naps.
I have no clue how Elky and Brapple drive it every year.
They crazy.







wait a minute I don't recal you and mike switching off while driving out there or back last year

I have to because my Jess doesn't drive a standard, at least not yet, I offer to teach every so often


yeah last year I drank alot of red bull on the way back and after about an hour I needed anther one to stay awake, first year out wasn't that bad ...

just make sure you check everything and it is all up to snuff and you should be good to go

I second the radios and having some drink/snacks along for the ride
Posted By: Goonz SVT Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/27/06 09:45 PM
Originally posted by frenchblueC2:

If all you listen to is wordless trance or club music the whole way, you'll fall asleep. The rhythmic beats lull you to sleep. You gotta switch it up and get some vocals in there.









haha thats funny cause trance keeps me awake, its the other stuff that puts me to sleep. But its ok, all my trance is like mixed with vocal and regular..each track is like 2 hours with 20 songs mixed, I should have my hands full

I was going to bring my friend as a co-pilot but thinking ahead as to getting to SZ, I know he will be bored and hating every minute so its just not worth it IMO..
Posted By: frenchblueC2_dup1 Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 12:05 AM
I did drive, but I drove a lot less than in years past.
Mike was pretty pumped up, so he didn't need me to drive as often. Plus it's his baby.

I also forgot about snacks. Bring both sweet or salty for those between pitstop cravings.

Other things you might want to bring: basic tools for little mishaps, fold up chairs if you've got 'em.
Oh and if you like liquor, buy it before you leave. Good lord is it expensive out there!
Beer prices are typical, but the hard stuff - fuhgetaboutit!
(yeah I know you're not 21 yet, Haroon).

I think Brapple wrote a pretty good checklist in the past. I'm gonna go dig it up and see what I'm forgetting.
Posted By: frenchblueC2_dup1 Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 12:18 AM
oh and don't forget battery chargers for cell phone, cameras and two-ways.

btw, here's last year's meet up plan (modified a bit)

Originally posted by Cobra:

1. Elky (and Haroon), we will meet at the Chelmsford rest area at 3:15am Thursday morning.

2. CT people, we will meet at the rest area after exit 3 on I-90 (Mass Pike) in Blanford MA at 5:00am. Its actually the 2nd rest stop after I-91. It has a McDonalds. The first doesn't have any facilities.

3. NY people, we will meet at the Angola (mile marker 447)rest stop on I-90 (NY Thruway) at 11:30-noon.

If anyone needs my cell phone please PM me.




Capitol CEG folks are considering meeting up in the Cleveland area, so I'm going to look up the best stop for that.
Posted By: Goonz SVT Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 12:24 AM
Originally posted by frenchblueC2:

(yeah I know you're not 21 yet, Haroon).







Posted By: Pudmunkie Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 12:26 AM
Props to the NE duders, you guys are some crazy mofuggaz!

Ill be eating some wendys and bringing A gatorade. I mean its only like 4 hours drive from here
Posted By: BrApple_dup1 Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 01:09 AM
Originally posted by frenchblueC2:


I think Brapple wrote a pretty good checklist in the past. I'm gonna go dig it up and see what I'm forgetting.





I did hmm .... maybe I did ...

two way radios
snacks
drinks
maps
basic tools
sun screen
sun glasses
music
chairs
detailing supplies

before leaving check your
fluid
tire pressures
spare tire pressure
window cleaner


please everyone add more
Posted By: Goonz SVT Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 01:11 AM
black touch up paint for the mirko


are we getting gas cards?
Posted By: BrApple_dup1 Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 01:30 AM
Originally posted by Goonz SVT:



are we getting gas cards?





I think Mike and Kim would as I believe they are driving the farthest, unless that guy from Maine is still going ....

maybe if your nice they will share
Posted By: Goonz SVT Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 01:40 AM
Originally posted by BrApple:
Originally posted by Goonz SVT:



are we getting gas cards?





I think Mike and Kim would as I believe they are driving the farthest, unless that guy from Maine is still going ....

maybe if your nice they will share




I am always nice

but how many times we fill up on the way there?
Posted By: Pudmunkie Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 01:46 AM
im going to guess 5 times! roflcopter
Posted By: frenchblueC2_dup1 Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 02:00 AM
It's 910 miles from our house in NH.
Expect to fill up about 3 times.
(sometimes we just top off even if not close to empty - it depends on breaks and such).

Expect to pay a little over $100 in gas each way, based on current gas costs and a 15 gallon tank running 28 mpg (these are all rough estimates based on last year's trip).

The truck has a 38 gallon tank and gets about 10 mpg towing.
lol!
Posted By: rouar Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 02:56 AM
I have two spare two-ways if you guys need some.

Good luck on the trip, guys! You've every idea how much I want to go - perhaps things will fall in place better next year.
Posted By: RawBurt Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 01:07 PM
Here is some advice, if the hotel leaves there towel room open, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT!!!!!!!!!!



Posted By: ElKy Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 01:22 PM
yeah, we should have taken advantage of the towel room.


staying awake can be very hard...but roadhead in every state helps with that. I highly recommend everybody get some!


dang..i got a lot of work to do in two weeks.
LCAs...alignment...SFCs...oil change...cosmetic mods...
blah...
Posted By: BrApple_dup1 Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 01:27 PM
Originally posted by ElKy da Stalker:

dang..i got a lot of work to do in two weeks.
LCAs...alignment...SFCs...oil change...cosmetic mods...
blah...




I need to change the oil on my car also and I am going to change the lower control arms too this weekend, don't think that I will get the subframe connectors in before SZ though, have a few other things to work on too, got to see about getting my AC fixed also


and to add to my list a torque wrench would be good to have, more so for those with aftermarket wheels when you need to check that out
Posted By: ElKy Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 01:39 PM
i will have my torque wrench with me.
i retorque my lugs at every stop.
Posted By: Goonz SVT Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 03:24 PM
Originally posted by ElKy da Stalker:

i retorque my lugs at every stop.






word! I need to bring a whole can of that invisible glass cleaner..lol

we never get stuck in traffic now do we?
Posted By: ElKy Re: SZ Preperation! - 04/28/06 03:28 PM
we will now that you asked that!
Posted By: Goonz SVT Re: SZ Preperation! - 05/03/06 04:58 AM
15 days left till we leave
Posted By: Goonz SVT Re: SZ Preperation! - 05/10/06 01:41 AM
the count down has begun! ya'll ready!

btw im gonna hafta borrow someones 2-way..mine are like somewhere..i think i trashed them LOL


im planning on wearing my native pakistani cloths with the arab hat on top..haha..pass a cop and he sees me inside! HAHAHA priceless..
Posted By: frenchblueC2_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 01:45 AM
Originally posted by Goonz SVT:

im planning on wearing my native pakistani clothes with the arab hat on top..



omg I will love you forever if you do that!
You're lucky it's not in MI this year - we usually drive through Canada to get there. LMAO!

I should have a spare set of 2-ways from my dad.
Posted By: BrApple_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 01:59 AM
just an fyi, I will be leaving for Pittsburgh Sunday morning to catch the cook out after my brothers graduation which is as noon, figured I wouldn't be able to make that but have to make the cook at after at least, so I will not be driving back with everyone else this year, but I will drive back with my parents that monday, think we are taking RT80 back and then up to 84
Posted By: frenchblueC2_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 02:08 AM
edit: nevermind, I'm stoopid.

btw, it's a 7 hour drive from Ft Wayne to Pittsburgh PA.
Posted By: Goonz SVT Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 03:31 AM
Originally posted by frenchblueC2:
Originally posted by Goonz SVT:

im planning on wearing my native pakistani clothes with the arab hat on top..



omg I will love you forever if you do that!
You're lucky it's not in MI this year - we usually drive through Canada to get there. LMAO!






you want me to do it?
Posted By: rouar Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 03:40 AM
I think it'd be hilarious if you did that Goonz! Definitely do it!

I am sooo close to skipping my graduation to attend this .. sounds like it's going to be such a blast this year.
Posted By: BrApple_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 03:50 AM
Originally posted by frenchblueC2:
edit: nevermind, I'm stoopid.

btw, it's a 7 hour drive from Ft Wayne to Pittsburgh PA.






yeah I know, that is why I am not going to try to make the graduation at noon and just go for the cook out around 3
Posted By: Goonz SVT Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 03:59 AM
Originally posted by Rouar:
I think it'd be hilarious if you did that Goonz! Definitely do it!

I am sooo close to skipping my graduation to attend this .. sounds like it's going to be such a blast this year.




i think im doing it..although i know it wont last that long cause it gets uncomfy
Posted By: Cobra_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 11:04 AM
We got the trailer ramps all set. They ended up being over 8 feet long, but they fit in the bed of the truck if we angle them from corner to corner. I figured my rear has a lower approach angle which trig-ed out to 13.5�°. But the SVT goes right up with out any creaking, unlike the set-up we used for the Cougar 2 years ago!

I washed the SVT yesterday (in the rain) and pulled her in the garage to dry her off. Then I need to start the detailing (Zainoing).

1. Z6
2. Z5
3. Let sit for 24 hours.
4. Wipe off with white 100% cotton towel.
5. Z6 again.
6. Z2
7. Let Sit for 24 hours, because I have the old Z2, not Z2 Pro yet.
8. Wipe off with white 100% cotton towel.
9. Z6 again.
10. Z9 & Z10
11. Z12
12. Z14
13. Z16

And the truck needs detailing.
Posted By: ElKy Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 11:41 AM
i blacked out my b-pillars last night.
tomorrow i will be taking the SVT to Jess' brother in laws dealership to do the LCAs on a lift and get an alignment right after.
that means i have to charge the battery tonihgt (again).
and i guess i will wash the car next week.

Posted By: Cobra_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 12:03 PM
Oh yeah. Would you like me to bring my battery charger for the trip? I'm going to bring everything to rebuild a car on the side of the thruway! hahah I only wish my tonneau cover was more secure so I don't have to lug all that crap into the hotel room!
Posted By: bishop375_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 12:06 PM
Hope you guys have an absolute blast!! Unfortunately, with the trip to Vegas in June, I had to pick and choose my vacation wisely... my job sucks.

Posted By: ElKy Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 12:19 PM
no worries mike.
i will be bringing my charger and jump pack.

i must have a draw on my car somewhere, but i cant find it!
Posted By: CSVT1214 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 01:36 PM
I didn't get to order the Zaino products like I wanted to.

Ran out of time and cash. Looks like I'll be using Meguires over the weekend.
Posted By: Goonz SVT Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 03:13 PM
Originally posted by CSVT1214:
I didn't get to order the Zaino products like I wanted to.

Ran out of time and cash. Looks like I'll be using Meguires over the weekend.




Hey man meguiars is legit..does the job on our black cars..
Posted By: frenchblueC2_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 04:07 PM
NXT works awesome.
Posted By: Goonz SVT Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 04:33 PM
Originally posted by frenchblueC2:
NXT works awesome.





it tends to leave powdery dust after buffing..
Posted By: frenchblueC2_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 04:35 PM
you just suck at buffing.
j/k
Posted By: BrApple_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 04:41 PM
Originally posted by Goonz SVT:
Originally posted by frenchblueC2:
NXT works awesome.





it tends to leave powdery dust after buffing..




the cleaner wax does I don't recall this of the NXT

on topic I got the lower control arms changed last weekend and just need an alignment now, maybe some detailing over the weekend or next weds, or I might get the A/C fixed over the weekend.
Posted By: Goonz SVT Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 06:13 PM
looking at the weather..it sais its gonna rain for a week straight!!
Posted By: MxRacer Re: SZ Preparation-H! - 05/10/06 06:15 PM
i may actually wash my car for this event.
Posted By: frenchblueC2_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 06:30 PM
Originally posted by Goonz SVT:
looking at the weather..it sais its gonna rain for a week straight!!



don't you start cursing us with your weather report!
Don't watch the weather.
It's gonna be kick arse!
Posted By: todras_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/10/06 06:34 PM
It should rain and get it out of it's system so it's nice as it is every year!
Posted By: ElKy Re: SZ Preparation-H! - 05/10/06 11:57 PM
Originally posted by MxRacer:
i may actually wash my car for this event.



i havent actually washed my car in over two years.
the most i have done is quick detailer and some wax.
Posted By: frenchblueC2_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/11/06 02:34 PM
We might have an expensive setback now with the truck.
Discovered a slit in one of the tires.
Mike is getting it looked at this afternoon to see how serious it is and how wise it is to drive so far on them.

Could be time for new tires for the truck - sooner than we wanted, but oh well.
There are some cool BFG's we've been eyeing for a while.
Mike's bro and my dad both have them on their trucks.
Posted By: BrApple_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/11/06 02:47 PM
well that is shity news, but it happens right?

i still remmeber going to Carlisle years ago and we found alot of good Boss Mustang parts, pay a decent amount for em and when we got home we found that the front tires on my father contour had worn almost all the way through on the inner edges, time for a set of new tires there ...
Posted By: 69Boss302_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/11/06 10:51 PM
Take a look at tiresavings.com
Posted By: frenchblueC2_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/11/06 11:00 PM
we ended up doing the usual: hit up tirerack for the prices, then went to Town Fair Tire and had them do a price match.
The BFG's should be to us by Tuesday.
yeesh, that's frickin Elky type last minute shiz.
Posted By: Goonz SVT Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/11/06 11:46 PM
SWEET!

even i got my car somewhat in running condition now!

all that is left is to put in my new axle, then im golden
Posted By: cruises8_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/12/06 01:13 PM
Hope you guys have a great time. Looks like it will be a good turn out. Hopefully the weather is good!

Karen and I will be thinking of you as we are sipping on our frozen drinks on the beach in Jamaica! We are heading down on the 18th. Man, this bext week cannot go by quick enough.

Be Safe!
Posted By: frenchblueC2_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/12/06 01:15 PM
Originally posted by cruises8:
Hope you guys have a great time. Looks like it will be a good turn out. Hopefully the weather is good!

Karen and I will be thinking of you as we are sipping on our frozen drinks on the beach in Jamaica! We are heading down on the 18th.



The weather WILL be good.
and I call b/s that you'll be thinking about us.
Posted By: CSVT1214 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/12/06 01:41 PM
I'm running pretty low on cash right now for SZ after having to replace my wheels and tires. I'll have enough to go and what not, but no extras.

Looks like I need to borrow someones 2 way radio. Didn't get to grab a set like I wanted to.

Anyone have some extras?
Posted By: BrApple_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/12/06 01:44 PM
Originally posted by CSVT1214:
I'm running pretty low on cash right now for SZ after having to replace my wheels and tires. I'll have enough to go and what not, but no extras.

Looks like I need to borrow someones 2 way radio. Didn't get to grab a set like I wanted to.

Anyone have some extras?




I have a set so I am sure you can use one of them if needed.
Posted By: frenchblueC2_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/12/06 02:07 PM
Mike and I should have 4 total.

credit card is your friend
Posted By: Goonz SVT Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/12/06 02:08 PM
Originally posted by frenchblueC2:
Mike and I should have 4 total.

credit card is your friend




yea I need one 2-way as well..

lol I have no money so Im going to town with my cc
Posted By: Ex-Mean'Tour Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/12/06 02:12 PM
Originally posted by Goonz SVT:
Originally posted by frenchblueC2:
Mike and I should have 4 total.

credit card is your friend




lol I have no money so Im going to town with my cc




Watch out! Credit cards SUCK!!! My wife and I both had some when we got married 8 years ago. We are still trying to pay them off!
Posted By: Goonz SVT Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/12/06 02:21 PM
Originally posted by Bicycle commuter :
Originally posted by Goonz SVT:
Originally posted by frenchblueC2:
Mike and I should have 4 total.

credit card is your friend




lol I have no money so Im going to town with my cc




Watch out! Credit cards SUCK!!! My wife and I both had some when we got married 8 years ago. We are still trying to pay them off!




Oh trust me i know! but I have no choice at the moment, thats how badly i wanna go!
Posted By: ElKy Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/12/06 02:21 PM
last minute elky stuff...whats that?
hehehe

cc can help but they can suck.

<===has over $25k in credit card debt!



thank you Mass for not giiving me financial aid!
Posted By: BrApple_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/12/06 02:32 PM
Originally posted by Bicycle commuter :
Originally posted by Goonz SVT:
Originally posted by frenchblueC2:
Mike and I should have 4 total.

credit card is your friend




lol I have no money so Im going to town with my cc




Watch out! Credit cards SUCK!!! My wife and I both had some when we got married 8 years ago. We are still trying to pay them off!




yeah, I have gotten alittle out of hand recently as I just charge everything, so now that I have to buy groceries and other stuff of the like recently I have a decent bill, but at least I have always been able to pay it off every month ...
Posted By: frenchblueC2_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/12/06 03:16 PM
Yeah you definitely gotta be careful how you use them.
It beats the pants off paying with cash, IMO. I hate carrying cash.
We use our credit cards almost exclusively.
Posted By: cruises8_dup1 Re: SZ Preparation! - 05/12/06 04:12 PM
Originally posted by frenchblueC2:
Originally posted by cruises8:
Hope you guys have a great time. Looks like it will be a good turn out. Hopefully the weather is good!

Karen and I will be thinking of you as we are sipping on our frozen drinks on the beach in Jamaica! We are heading down on the 18th.



The weather WILL be good.
and I call b/s that you'll be thinking about us.





You may be right! A thought might pass through my mind, but I won't be thinking about much!
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