First Long Drive Coming Up - Roadside Assistance?

[BritCars]

I recently dug my '66 Monza out of its snow cage, pulled off the coil wire, cranked it until the oil light went off, and then fired it up for the first time since January. A tappet rattle went away after a few minutes of idling and it runs great. I put the car on a lift at the island garage, filled the transaxle and steering box, greased it up, checked the suspension pieces, and found only a weeping front wheel cylinder as a problem. The parts came from Clark's yesterday.

So naturally I"m going to tempt fate by using it on Sunday for a work trip from Maine to southwestern Connecticut this Sunday, March 29. I'll be driving over I-495 to Sturbridge, MA, then down I-84, I-91 and then the Merritt Parkway in CT.

If I were to need roadside assistance, would willing members PM me with phone numbers that I could call in an emergency?

Much appreciated,

Jeff

[bbodie52]

WOW! That must be one of the most isolated places in the United States!

You must own a Corvair in one of the toughest locations in America! I would love to see pictures of your Corvair in Vinalhaven!

Vinalhaven is a town located on the larger of the two Fox Islands in Knox County, Maine, United States. Vinalhaven is also used to refer to the Island itself. The population was 1,165 at the 2010 census. It is home to a thriving lobster fishery and hosts a summer colony. Since there is no bridge to the island, Vinalhaven is accessible from Rockland via an approximately hour-and-fifteen-minute ferry ride across West Penobscot Bay, or by air taxi from Knox County Regional Airport.

I don't live in New England (I kinda wish I did... I was stationed at Hanscom AFB, near Boston, from 1978-1980 and loved it there!) In any case, you might consider exploring these New England CORSA chapter websites and perhaps contacting some of their leadership and members to explore the possibilities of emergency support with these regional Corvair owners.

Dirigo Corvairs, Maine
http://www.dirigocorvairs.com/

Central New Hampshire Corvairs
http://www.corvair.org/chapters/chapter032/

Bay State Corvairs, Massachusetts/Rhode Island
http://www.corvair.org/chapters/chapter017/

Colonial Corvair Club, Massachusetts
http://www.corvair.org/chapters/chapter019/

CT Corsa, Connecticut
http://www.corvair.org/chapters/chapter068/

I wish you success, and hope you will document your trip and post some pictures here on the Corvair Forum!

[BritCars]

Brad, I'm the webmaster and editor of the Dirigo Corvairs website and newsletter, and yes, I' know I can contact members of the other New England clubs. That's one reason I went on this forum was to expand the reach into central MA and CT.

Vinalhaven is 15 miles or so off the coast of Maine, accessible by a 1 hr 20 minute ferry ride [daytime only] or when a seat is available, a tiny air taxi/mail plane service. The island has about 1,100 year round residents, a number that increases to over 3,000 come summertime. Most everyone here works in the commercial fishing industry. We are somewhat remote so we learn to do a lot for ourselves and neighbors on our own :).

Jeff

[BritCars]

I just returned from the 700 mile trip from Maine to southwestern Connecticut, made without incident. The trip was largely on interstate or two-lane, 55 mph roads. I kept the speed from 70 - 75 mph and 28 - 29 mpg on premium fuel. The only minor issue was that it used a quart of oil over the 700 miles at those speeds. At no time did the car feel topped out in terms of power, either.

And the number of thumbs-up from 20-somethings, priceless :).

Jeff

[bbodie52]

I think that Corvair reliability and the attention they draw when on the road is almost legendary. It is good to hear that your trip went well.

[BritCars]

Leaving the island today for a 140 mile trip, first northeast to Belfast, and then back southwest to Portland, preparing for an early morning flight tomorrow morning. And yes, I'm counting on the Corvair :).

Jeff

[flat6_musik]

Way to go! One thing in your favor, and that is the current seasonal temps. I shudder to think of all the new corvair owners who have taken their corvairs out on a road trip with a 50 year blanket of accumulated dirt, dust, hair, leaves etc. laying on top of all the cooling fins and oil cooler.......in the middle of summer.

[4carbcorvair]