I'm home! (So is the Q.)

[Jesda]

This summer I put about 8,000 miles on the Q, and its been absolutely fantastic. Unfortunately, those miles were without air conditioning. I broke the compressor because I failed to properly oil the system, so I replaced the compressor before heading back, but still need to properly evac the system and replace the receiver to make any use of it. I was short on time and had to register for classes before Monday, so I never got a chance to do that.

Anyway, it felt rock SOLID at 110-150mph through Montana. And going a bit slower through the mountains of Idaho and Wyoming it gripped beautifully and hugged each winding, twisting curve the way a proper touring car should.

It doesn't matter when your kids were born, when you won the lottery, or when you married your wife. The best moments in life are those spent at WOT.

Unfortunately, in South Dakota on I-90 we ran into a really nasty storm (twister warnings, hail, sheets of ridiculous rain) so when we couldnt go 30mph my brother and I stopped on the side of the road and watched DVDs. ["Arrested Development" is a freaking hilarious show, as is "Undeclared"]

One gripe: I wish the seats were softer. My padding is almost 14 years old though. My back felt pretty good with almost no fatigue. I even slept in the Q at a rest area for six hours and woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed. My suggestion to anyone who takes temporary residence in their Q: Bring a few extra pillows.

I wish I had more money to properly keep up with maintenance, but unfortunately as a full time college kid I don't so its time to let it go (Wes has dibs). I spend my summers on the open road, and cant imagine anything more perfect.

I received one speeding ticket for going 10mph in South Dakota on the way to Washington. I was doing about 95, but the trooper only clocked me at 85 and showed his radar reading to me. Only $78 for 10mph over the limit (even after I told him I was doing "probably 92"). We had a nice chat about the Q and my travel plans and he quickly got my paperwork filled out; nice cop.

Travel time from Missouri to Washington: 27 hours.Travel time from Washington to Missouri: 35 hours. Damn thunderstorm.

Tidbits:The sacrificial anode on the coolant line from the radiator had a hole in it from rubbing up on the pulley. We used JB Weld to seal it shut and picked up a screw at Ace Hardware to properly hold it against the engine and keep it from sagging on the pulley.My MAF was acting up due to the connector I haphazardly swapped, so my friend soldered new wires directly from the MAF circuit board to the black connector (not the white connector). Problem solved. I'll post pics of the FrankenMAF later.

[Jesda]

North Idaho

[lino]

Travel time from Missouri to Washington: 27 hours.Travel time from Washington to Missouri: 35 hours. Damn thunderstorm.

Sounds like a great trip with some rough patches to give the story some character courtesy of the weather : . Good thing you got a ticket for going only 10mph over the limit as opposed to 70mph over the limit : :.

This summer I put about 8,000 miles on the Q, and its been absolutely fantastic.I wish I had more money to properly keep up with maintenance, but unfortunately as a full time college kid I don't so its time to let it go (Wes has dibs). I spend my summers on the open road, and cant imagine anything more perfect.

I hope you still intend to come to the forum :. It feels weird thinking of you without a Q. It's because of you and Wes that I'm so excited about having a Q and wish you were able to keep it. Then again, if Wes gets it, it stays in the family and it will be in goo hands :

[96Qowner]

"THIS is what the Q was meant to do" huh?

It's an Autobahn machine, definately, in its element and Master of it, at anything over 70 mph. Until you've spent all day in it and covered 1000 miles, you'll never know its true character. A true asphalt eater. Mph!

I'll be leaving for another 1500 mile trip to Atlanta tomorrow, with a quick afternoon at T-3 for new front motor mounts. I still have a little shudder going through 2250 rpm, even after replacing the rear (transmission) mount, and I'm tired of it. This month I installed Tokico blues in the rear as well as new brakes and rotors. We carefully inspected the entire suspension and it looks like my rubber bushings are still in pretty good shape. Fresh tire rotation and balance. I'm good to go, with the suspension in the best condition since I've owned it.

I can't wait - it's going to be a great ride!
Modified by 96Qowner at 8:38 AM 8/29/2005

[gniknave]

Jesda how did your tires holdup through the trip? Did you notice any difference in them before the trip and after?

[redmanfx]

What do you mean Wes has dibs? I'm trying to get my friend to buy it right now. I'll be in St.Louis(St.Peters) on monday and will be there until the 31st. I was hoping to get a look at the Q and say hello in person. I did not know that Wes had first crack at her. Want me to bring a JWT TCU for you to play with?

I'M A VICTIM!

[elwesso]

Excellent post Jesda..... good pictures...!

[Jesda]

Jesda how did your tires holdup through the trip? Did you notice any difference in them before the trip and after?

Alignment got a little bit worse I noticed during the drive home, so I need to get that taken care of. Otherwise, its all good!

What do you mean Wes has dibs? I'm trying to get my friend to buy it right now. I'll be in St.Louis(St.Peters) on monday and will be there until the 31st. I was hoping to get a look at the Q and say hello in person. I did not know that Wes had first crack at her. Want me to bring a JWT TCU for you to play with?

I cant actually let it go until I get another car (friend's Maxima back in Washington) so I need to find a 4-day opening this fall to fly out there and pick it up. Plus, it'll be about a month until I get my scholarship money to buy it and such. I say 2-3 mos before I can let the Q go. Wes made the first offer (AIM is fast, what can I say?) so unless he changes his mind, its his when I'm ready to sell.

I look forward to seeing you; bring the TCU!

[Rex]

Great pics/nice little write up, nothing less should be expected from a man with such nice pants.

I really would like to take a cross country "leisure" drive. Too often I'm making a mad dash single day run from OH to South GA or Balt.

[maxnix]

Driving out West is Eden for the Q. Memories of such moments last a lifetime.

Escort 8500x50 or Valentine 1 mandatory for open highway free expresion of Q45 greatness.