Monday, June 4, 2007

The Nifty 50s & Psychedelic 60s Car Show

As I mentioned in my last post, about this time last year I attended a new car show that was being started by the Kansas Oil Museum in El Dorado Kansas. It is called the "Nifty 50s & Psychedelic 60s Car Show". When they found out I had a '63 Land Rover they just had to have it in the show - so I got invited.

There were over 40 vehicles present along with several that were from the '10s, '20s, '30s, & '40s. They were there because the event organizers were afraid not enough cars would show up.

Anyway, that day would mark the first time I'd take on a longer than normal trip. It ended up being around 120+ miles round trip. My wife, Annette, followed me in her car just in case I had a breakdown or something and so we could also go to lunch later.

We were both impressed with how well Grover did. At one point I decided to see if Grover could keep up with the rest of the traffic. Couldn't believe it - we were able to do it! I cruised along at about 65 MPH for a few minutes and then took him back down to a reasonable speed. We were amazed that the temp stayed right at around 168!

As soon as we arrived at the show site I pulled up to my assigned spot and started to dust Grover down. When I got to the back side it looked like someone had taken a spray bottle filled with oil and sprayed the back end. From the X-member to the sun shield - not a spot was without the oily spray.

Great, Grover had sprung a leak. So, I crawled underneath and saw that the rear differential oil seal had blown. Oh well, there was nothing that could be done about it at the moment, so the wife and I decided to enjoy the show.

Grover had someone looking at him all the time. It was very difficult to get any pictures with just the Rover and the cars around him. Within the first hour several guys ask me about the oil spray. We talked about it and came up with an easy solution - extra heavy weight gear oil! So, during our lunch break we went to the nearby O'Reilly's and bought the oil.

After the show, I drove Grover next door to the park, found a safe place, and replaced the gear oil. Needless to say, Grover & I went home a lot slower than we did to get there. I guess pushing the envelope at 65 MPH caused the seal to blow. It was probably Grover's way of telling me to take it easy too!

All-in-all, it was a great day and the Rover was a HUGE hit. I received my invitation to this year's show last Friday, but I doubt we'll be going - I still have a house to paint!

Anyway, following are some pics of the show - enjoy!









Annette with my father at the motorcycle tent.



My mother even turned out!







Ain't he handsome.





The Corvette won 'Best of Show'.

However, the best story involves the black car on the other side. There was kind of a 'hush' over the crowd as it pulled in. It was completely shrouded in a black, gauzy, material to protect it from dirt & dust while it was being driven. The part covering the windows was a weird, clear gauze. When they pulled up and parked, an elderly couple (yes - I said elderly - in their 70s at least) got out and removed the covering.

I had never seen anything like it.

And here we are - Grover & I.

Well, till next time...

Cheers!
Larry ~

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