Grapevine in CA on I5

[bgreene30]

Has anyone had experience going from Nor Cal to So Cal over the grapevine in a 280SL auto pagoda? if so how did it do? Any issues, tips? I will be tacking it tomorrow with a 69 280SL auto I am taking possession of tomorrow. Not sure whether to take 101 back or the 5 up and over the grapevine. The I5 route is about 40 miles shorter but the grade has me a bit concerned in a new, non tested car although meticulously maintained and all fluids changed. Engine, trans, coolant, brakes.

Thanks  in advance!
Cheers from Nor Cal


Moderator addition: Grapevine is a town and a section of a road that goes to and from northern California.
Grapevine is about 75 miles north of Los Angeles. The Grapevine section involves many twists and turns at relatively high elevation.

[Nate]

My suggestion would be to take the 101 back. It's a prettier drive back and you won't have as meni 18 wheelers kicking up rocks to deal with.  A little longer drive but probably best to avoid the Grapevine in a car that you may not yet have entire confidence in the mechanicals. Keep in mind  that tomorrow is a Sunday and most mechanics will be closed, not that any of them have experience with our cars.

[DaveB]

I would agree with that. I've driven the grapevine twice, out and back from LA to SF in an F350 to collect my 230sl. The return climb was hard on the truck and I had to stop to cool a few times. Though I guess the weathers not so hot there right now. Anyway, maybe you've already completed the trip - most likely with no problems at all. Congratulations on your new car!

[49er]

Made that trip both ways many times back when the car was young and before Interstate 5 was built (Hwy 99 was just 4 lane divided road back then). Wouldn't attempt it now in my SL for love nor money. Too many cars and trucks and the people drive like fools going DOWN the grades. Let us know how things went and enjoy your "new" car.

John

[douglas dees]

So now I know what the line in "Hot Rod Lincoln" means when it sings about "We pulled out of San Pedro late one night, the moon and the stars were shining bright, going up Grape Vine Hill and we were passing cars like they were standing still".

I always wondered where that was or if it really existed. Great song
 I drove my 69 280SL through the Rockies, Mohave Desert and over the continetal divide with no overheating in the engine or the brakes. How steep is Grapevine Huill ?
Doug Dees

[lurtch]

I have driven this route many times while my son was at Long Beach State. The grade is not really that steep, but it is long and unrelenting. I would suggest leaving LA at the crack of dawn, that way you will have the road mostly to yourself. The air temperature at that will also be very favorable for a fast transit (55-65 deg F).

Regards, Larry in CA

[49er]

The trip north reaches a grade of about 5% near the summit of the Tehachapi Mountains then down into the San Joaquin Valley at over 6%. Like Larry says it is unrelenting. The pass closes periodically for hours at a time in the winter months when snow accumulates at the summit which is about 4000ft (1200m). Since it is the main artery linking northern and southern California, it becomes a true nightmare when closed for any length of time.

John

[bgreene30]

Thanks for the info everyone. Just to know the 69 280 conquered the wee grade without a hitch. After 350 miles of 70-75 mile per hour driving from Nor Cal I approached the grade at dusk with some concern. Needless to say the little sl easily made the grade and at one point, behind a slower driver down shifted to 3rd, changed lanes, and the car easily climbed it at 45-4600 rpm and over the crest. The temp gauge sat just above 180 degrees F for the ride down from nor cal on the 5 and at the hottest on the grade right at 190. It just goes to show us that our cars were good from coast to coast travel back when new and quite frankly, based on my american muscle car experience, if the US manufacturers cars of the 60's can still get me 2000 miles away and back, these engineering marvels should be able to do it twice!

Cheers and have peace of mind in a well cared for machine.

I posted a pic of the son of the original owner handing me the keys. George is a wonderful man and his mom owned this car since new in 69 until she died about 5 years ago. The car has all the original docs and equipment so if anyone needs details on items for reference let me know and I can snap a photo and send it over including the orignal spare with the curb rib and notations " For US Cars Only" I removed the original west german trunk light this morning and replaced it with one for a 67 Camaro.
BG

[49er]

Hi BG, glad to hear you made it down to So CA OK. Looks like you have made a great purchase and it will certainaly be a fine addition to your "stable" of other cars. You have quite a collection!  Your 280 looks to be in great shape. Had it been restored or is it still all original?

John

[thelews]

With a stable like that, how did you ever get to a Pagoda?  I would have had no concerns with a steep grade.  As you said, 4000 - 5000, keeping the revs up and she'll pull all day long.

BTW, another SL addition to my stable.

[bgreene30]

Hi John,

The car is original except for one repaint 15 years ago as it was caught in a sandstorm on Interstate 5 in central California. All original documents and service records, components etc. I feel very blessed and as many times happens, i originally found the car on a bus. trip to Northern CA and it was sitting in front of an industrial building.

Cheers
Bob

[bgreene30]

With a stable like that, how did you ever get to a Pagoda?  I would have had no concerns with a steep grade.  As you said, 4000 - 5000, keeping the revs up and she'll pull all day long.

BTW, another SL addition to my stable.

I have always been captivated by the design of the car and last year felt like it was time to start adding some european cars. They (in general) are more advanced than any similar period American cars. They may not have the torque and horsepower but they are a blast to drive and more civilized.

[thelews]

I have always been captivated by the design of the car and last year felt like it was time to start adding some european cars. They (in general) are more advanced than any similar period American cars. They may not have the torque and horsepower but they are a blast to drive and more civilized.

Try the later Porsche 356C or early 911.

[fmen3366]

Congratulations, Bob!

Small world. I know George and saw the car one evening last year parked in front of his house. His wife hosted dinner for a few friends and employees. You almost didn't get the opportunity to buy that SL. I was going to make George an offer if and when he decides to sell but my wife intervened. No need for 2 SLs in the garage.

That's a nice original (save of course for the paint). Where in So Cal are you? Where you the individual who approached George and Salud (his wife) wanting the car for his girlfriend or wife?

Andy

Andy