Grumpy the Rally Van

[ihatemybike]

Played with Grumpy a little before the cold front came in yesterday. Pulled the engine cover, discovered a vacant mouse nest in front of the distributor and cleaned it out. Hooked up a fuel pressure gauge, 48 PSI ignition on (hence why it won't start without fluid), quickly bouncing 54-58 PSI while running, and first couple minutes after shut off 60 PSI and able to restart. So fuel pump replacement is forthcoming. This makes it official, every Astro I've driven has needed fuel pump replacement.

[midnighthunder89]

well at least you have good experience with it.

[ihatemybike]

Is it sad that I'm actually looking forward to trying Water Boy's ratchet strap trick to lower the tank?

[91AWDAstro]

Yuck I hate gas tanks! I feel for you. Keep posted the progress.

[Southern]

Aaron,

Wouldn't it be cheaper to install one of those primer bulbs (like the boats use) in line with your TBI, give it a few squeezes and your good to go.

[ihatemybike]

If only it was that easy.

[midnighthunder89]

so I was watching family guy tonight and it had an A-team theme in it. Made me think of grumpy so here it is http://www.sidereel.com/Family_Guy/_wat ... iewer/2564

[blake_sandman]

So how many people do you have making the trek with you?

[ihatemybike]

Currently, none. I have a few maybes, but I need to get things nailed down soon. I can't afford to go it alone. I might try to beg my way onto one of the teams leaving from Milwaukee and leave Grumpy behind.

Then again, I know of one person from the UK that is looking to fly in and out of the same airport, maybe Chicago will work for him.

[blake_sandman]

not including the fees, how much spending money would a trip like that require?

[ihatemybike]

Gas: Estimating $800 which should be on the high side even at $4 gallon.
Food: Maybe $280 for the seven days I plan on begin gone.
Lodging: This can vary, I hope to be sleeping in the van or on someone's hotel room floor most nights $200

Yeah, I know that doesn't look too bad, however our weekly money is a little tighter than what I would like right now.

I'm going to stop by a few tow truck companies tomorrow and see if they have any part time openings driving a boom truck. The driver that brought Grumpy home told me in Illinois you don't need a CDL to drive those. Could be fun, drive around, listen to music, and help people.

[blake_sandman]

I always wanted to do the Gumball rally but didn't think it would be possible cause I wasn't born rich. I live in a border city next to Michigan and the farthest i've gone in the US is to Cedar Point in Ohio. I think that rally would be a once in a lifetime chance. Can you put me down as a maybe?

[ihatemybike]

I sure can put you down as a maybe. Any idea on when you would know for sure?

[ihatemybike]

Hey midnighthunder89, what's your current thoughts on going? You know you want too.

[midnighthunder89]

I would love to............................... but I dont think it will happen for me for a while lots of school to worry about plus the long ass drive that I would have to make to get up here by Tuesday. I really dont know when I will get a chance to do it to bad it could not be in the summer :(. speaking of summer does grumpy have AC that works. and would you want to lose it possibly so i could have ac for the first summer in 5 years.. wow i guess i have made it that long with this thing why not just wait it out. Sorry for not being able to come but look for me in future years.