Had a few days and a last minute invite from my sister so took the 250 from Hermosa Beach California (Los Angeles) to Seattle Washington and back to Hermosa.
Could not convince any family member to join me – not sure why; unrestored 52 year old car, no A/C, en-route temperatures predicted to be over 104F (40C), about 2400 miles (3862 km) round trip, first two days needed to cover about 600 miles per day in order to get to my sister’s place on schedule - - - what’s not to like?
Took the fast highway 5 route north as I had a limited window in which to visit, so took off from Los Angeles area in the morning with a plan to stay the night in Redding California. A couple hours outside of LA, the weather got hot! The vehicle temperature showed normal so I kept going. Once past Sacramento, the weather got really hot – 108F (42C). I kept reaching into my ice cooler and putting Ice on my head and holding it in place with the cap, letting it melt down my face and neck at 70 miles an hour. The car temp was still normal. Made it to Redding California just at sundown. Good thing the hotel had the room already really cold. Hhhaaaaaaaah.
The next morning, after checking fluids on the car - all okay except for a couple of new oil drips. Headed north through beautiful Mount Shasta, and into Oregon, through Portland and up to Seattle, 600 miles later, arriving at about 19:00. Checked oil a few times on the way and it was fine, but clearly getting wetter underneath.
Spent 5 days in Seattle. Took half a day and checked the car over. The leaks looked like they were coming from the lower oil pan. Luckily, I had packed the long allen socket set and tightened up all oil pan bolts – they all felt a bit loose.
Now it was time to head south and the plan was to take the coast route through Oregon & California and not rush the return. I have driven this route before but it’s still impressive.
Took the coast down stopping many times. Once I got to San Francisco, the fires were really kicking up in Northern/Central California. I chose to continue taking the coast route not only for the scenery but also to avoid the 107F temperatures inland. The water route was a comfortable 75F. The roads looked clear but then the smoke from the fires and the flames moved west and they closed highway one 40 miles south of Big Sur! Had to turn back and retrace to head inland as they expected more than a day of closure. Decided to drive at night as the inland temperatures on highway 101 were insane during the day.
Made it back to Hermosa just after midnight.
Checking the car over, I am now working on rear brakes, as the pad wear is not even, so have removed the rear calipers and having them rebuilt. It was a bear getting the bent over locking tab washers flat in order to remove the caliper bolts. These appear to have never been removed. Will replace the oil pan gasket and a few other things I am sure.
It was a great trip, a bit insane (maybe a lot insane), but glad I did it. Only took a few photos - here they are in this and next post:
