I've just returned to the office after two weeks and about 2,500 miles in a topless '32 roadster (thanks Roy) sharing driving duties with Jim Aust cruising to Lincoln with a group of like-minded hot rodders for the Americruise. Monday morning after we had fulfilled all of our weekend work duties we took off by ourselves and headed to Louisville for the NSRA Nationals. At least 80 percent of the miles were traveled over two-lane highways through towns that had been by-passed by the main thoroughfares.
Driving anywhere in the end of July and first week of August is bound to be hot but we followed a heat wave from SoCal east. If you've ever wondered what it is like to drive a topless roadster in over 110-degree heat - take a hair dryer, set it on high-heat, switch it on, and hold it out in front of your face. Hold it there for a couple of hours. If you really want the entire effect have a friend swat you on the side of the head every few seconds with a rolled up newspaper. As bad as that sounds it's something every hot rodder should do at least once.
Having spent this time behind the wheel I have come to a few conclusions about taking such a trip.
You'll be asked at least three times a day, "How fast will it go?"
If somebody's selling a cowboy hat for less than $5, Jim will not only buy it, he'll wear it every chance he gets.
Someone will have some sort of a mechanical problem along the way.
There'll be no shortage of help to repair the mechanical problem.
It'll rain at least once.
Taking old two-lane highways is much better than taking freeways.
There are still a lot of old towns with 100-year-old town squares.
The main street through these towns is actually called Main Street.
Rolling into these towns with a couple of hot rods will draw attention.
Locals are very friendly.
The vintage tin that was once lying in plain sight is now gone.
You'll need lots of sunscreen.
A long sleeve shirt will help but it'll start to get a little ripe after a week of use.
Take a couple of hats 'cause you'll lose at least one.
Brizio builds a great driving hot rod.
Eating in small town cafes is a lot more memorable than eating at a chain restaurant.
Harper's Caf and Auto Repair doesn't have menus or lettuce or tomatoes but they do have peach cobbler.
There's a lot of corn growing in Middle America.
At Americruise, the guys taking part in the Autocross and Go-and-Whoa had a blast.
Most guys missed out and just wanted to sit in the shade.