| Author | Message | ||
| WMontgomery (Fiorano1999)
New member Username: Fiorano1999 Post Number: 10 Registered: 11-2002 |
Not slamming Texas - they started the NFL cheerleader craze afterall! But then again they have Enron. Hmmmm. Just kidding. Just sooooo long to get across. Even in a F it becomes mundane and you just wish you could beam me up Scotty to the other side. Similar to Buffalo down to NYC in mid-Feb. Please let this drive be over - unless you've Jenny Lopez with you I suppose. Will | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
New member Username: Kaz Post Number: 25 Registered: 11-2002 |
OK - Just printed out your route and I'll plug it into a Rand McNally PC program I have on a lap top...Your right, the only thing I'm concerned about is Flagstaff and ABQ...hey I'm a florida boy and dig out the sweaters when it drops under 75...speaking of which there is a major cold front heading this way tonight... The last thing in the world I want to happen is have a first time car and test the slide characteristics on "black ice". With past cars I wait for a rainy Sunday and head for a mall, lock them up in a slight turn to feel the counter steer and overall response to side G's. OK - gonna go work on the garage for a while to get her new home ready.. thanks everyone! | ||
| V.Z. (Ama328)
New member Username: Ama328 Post Number: 10 Registered: 11-2002 |
Don't go slammin' TEXAS toooo much, it ain't always bad...any rate, Frank, i live in top part of TX and used to have a travelin' job around the U.S., flew a lot, then started driving parts of it, so am familiar with the route(s) you might take...suggestions, if you wanna fly out/drive back... * Be sure there's no snow in Flagstaff/Albuquerque/Amarillo, then try this route: * After playtime in SFO, head south on I-5 past the hiway 58 cutoff that goes to Bakerfield(another 20-30 mi. if memory serves), then cut over east on hiway 223, which goes thru a little speck of a town called Arvin. This allows you to bypass Bakersfield, and get a rather nice drive up into the mountains(did this route many times, NEVER saw cops). Top off tank in Arvin. * Then, hook up w/hiway 58 into Mohave, catch the scenic desert, notice the 'airline graveyard' south of Mohave where surplus airline jets are stored, and hook up with I-40 East into Barstow... * From there, you can end day 1 of trip by either cutting north a bit from Kingman to Vegas & winnin' your trip costs at the tables, or skip this and go into Flagstaff, which does have decent hotels/restaurants. This looks like a lonnng day, kinda is, but you can make very good time all the way, once you get out of SFO onto I-5. * Day 2, either leisurely go thru ABQ, spend nite in Amarillo(about 4 hrs from Flagstaff to ABQ, 3.5 to AMA; watch out for mucho cops last 30 miles into AMA), or if you're feeling spunky, go another 3.5 into OK City. Btw, the I-40 route avoids the sand blasting effect of going the southern route. Only thing to watch is weather/snow. * From here, just go I-40 East until you find a spot where you wanna turn right and drop down to the southerly zones. * I used to drive to Atlanta a lot, and the best route is I-40 into Chattanooga, then onto ATL via I-75, which also drops down into Florida. I drove to Orlando once, took the southern route(NEVER again), by the time I hit Pensacola I though hey, i'z gettin' close...HA, that was my intro to FL geography, is a lonnng was from Pen. to Orlando...wish i'd taken the I-40/I-75 route. You could do this trip in 4 days without killing yourself too much. On the other hand, there's sumpin' to be said about the post below suggestion of driving down to L.A., shipping car from there and flying LAX to MCO;probably get a cheap airline tkt on that route. | ||
| Jeff (Jeff_m)
New member Username: Jeff_m Post Number: 20 Registered: 9-2002 |
Congrats on the purchase Frank, I know exactly how you feel, I got a 96 red/tan spider a few months back that I needed shipped down from Wisconsin and the wait was agonizing.It gives you plenty of time to read up though. I would have them fed-ex you all the books and you will know all by the time it arrives! Its funny you mention the Zaino and the Artexture, I got the wax and the new Keith Collins mats piped in red with the crest. Awesome looking. Good luck. | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
New member Username: Kaz Post Number: 24 Registered: 11-2002 |
Will - You really got me thinking about this now. Hell, why not? I don't work anymore and have the time. OK OK here's the deal...I'll keep my on on the weather channel...if it does not hit freezing and Joey Heatherton's schedule is open ..I'll do it. You might get some e-mails from me on the road..."Does the button on the left work the heater or roof?" Good choice on the passport..I have the 8500 and it is the best...period. | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
New member Username: Kaz Post Number: 23 Registered: 11-2002 |
Thnx for the good word of F of SFO. I know they are select about their cars and the affiliation with the factory is a big plus. As Tom Petty said "The Waiting is the hardest part" | ||
| WMontgomery (Fiorano1999)
New member Username: Fiorano1999 Post Number: 8 Registered: 11-2002 |
Yeah, you really should fly out to get it Frank. Pick it up in the morning, drive up the Sonoma side of the valley take the goat path over to Napa side, some lunch, then across th Golden Gate with the top down. Talk about perfect. Plus cheaper than trucking probably or at least close. I have used Passport exclusive and they have never failed me. But what about Texas? ••••. Well, pick it up. Have some fun out on the left coast with it. Have the truck pick up at your hotel in Santa Monica - LeMeritage comes to mind - and then hop a flight out of LAX ten mins away. Can't be doing Texas. | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
New member Username: Kaz Post Number: 22 Registered: 11-2002 |
Before I moved here I lived in Hawaii and had a P car. Shipped on boat to LA then drove to MIA trying to hit small roads to "discover America". Texas had a sand storm to bad that I pulled over to check if the nose got sand blasted..Just cracked the door to get out, the wind picked it up so hard it snapped one bolt of the hinge. In Mississippi I stoped for gas in a town where the population was about 50 and the gas attendent asked me if this was the "new vette" they just came out with. In Georgia I hit a tornando and pulled into FL two days after Hurrican Andrew! I think I'll wait till spring....... | ||
| Noelrp (Noelrp)
Junior Member Username: Noelrp Post Number: 111 Registered: 8-2001 |
Frank, I know what you mean. I purchased my car from FoSF as well & had to wait 2 weeks for the 30k service to be done (free too). It's worth every minute of wait. FoSF is a good dealership. Their asking price on pre-owned Ferraris are far-off lower than other nearby dealerships. They have a 512M that I wanna see (just to admire). Hang in there. Your first drive will be 2x sweeter. | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
New member Username: Kaz Post Number: 21 Registered: 11-2002 |
Will - so your the guy? They said they had someone who expressed interest also..hummmm I thought about driving..was worried about hitting snow...plus I read the threads about "The First Time You Drove Your Car"..I'm the guy who will drive it like it's made of glass...and until I read and study the owners manual...I don't know... I grew up in LA and am going to do a coast to coast in April for Easter...be fun to do it all the way with the top down....uuuugh...I can feel it now!!!!!!!!! | ||
| WMontgomery (Fiorano1999)
New member Username: Fiorano1999 Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2002 |
Great idea, I'd steer clear of the Rockies after the last few weeks. Take 1 down past Pebble, cruise BH and Bel Air, hit Santa Fe, but God, what do you do about TExas? Throw Napa in of course - hit the Laundry, or Bouchon. Hmmm, that has appeal. Always wanted to do that on a bike when I was a kid. Even take it up the Alaskan Highway. That feel through and someone else married Joey Heatherton as well. Damn. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 582 Registered: 12-2001 |
I bought my first ferrari from the west coast, had it shipped east by Horseless, and had all the service done by an east coast dealer. But,if you have the time, why not fly out to SF, pick up the car, and drive it home. It will give you an unparalled opportunity to test the car, perhaps taking a southerly route to avoid weather, and you could plan the trip with F dealer/service locations in mind, should you run into problems on the way. If Yates could make the trip in 33 hours in a 71 Daytona, you would not have to push that hard, and still be back in time for the holidays... | ||
| WMontgomery (Fiorano1999)
New member Username: Fiorano1999 Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2002 |
Frank, I have dealt with FoSF long distance and face to face and found them to be first class. They seemed to lack the FNA attitude that most of us has seen from time to time and they were extremely willing to deal with service, etc on a 456GT much as they were with you. Plus you gotta love their showroom. I recall calling Sean Harris once on a car and started a negotiation process and he simply said "we believe the car is priced fairly for today's market and there is no need for negotiation" - so there! Last time I talk to those guys. Congratulations! The hunt is a great deal of the pleasure of owning these things and I hope she keeps you loyal in the long run. Will | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
New member Username: Kaz Post Number: 17 Registered: 11-2002 |
Way Cool car DB...just say your profile.. Palm Beach is still a little too north..the reefs and fishing get better as you go south.. re: getting sick...also makes for good chum | ||
| D B (Threesixty)
Junior Member Username: Threesixty Post Number: 93 Registered: 8-2002 |
Congratulations!!! Can't wait to see the car! Last time I was in West Palm Beach and went deep sea fishing we weren't very successful, alot of people got sick and we caight one fish between 3 boats...haha. Oh well... | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
New member Username: Kaz Post Number: 16 Registered: 11-2002 |
Thanks Martin - Because we are so close and wanted to hook up with anyway. Exotic quoted me a very good rate, about $300 less than Horseless, but the sale rep at SFO said he would get me the company discount. I'll wait till he gives me the rate..He may be pushing Horseless due to a commission. Don't think I'll make Dec 7..actually they have to do a 10 hour service for the warranty that includes stuff not done on the 30K service like roof operation, window operation, etc. Then they start the 30K Service and we have Thanksgiving in there also....Best case would be ready to ship Monday Dec 2 and Exotic said 3 day notice to pick up and 10 days to ship... Hey...as long as it's here before Xmas! Also I'm going to tweak the garage...gonna lay done some tile and do some better lighting... I'll hang on to your number. I don't work anymore so have lot's of spare time.  | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 566 Registered: 8-2002 |
Congradulations!!! Many more sleepless nights to follow!! Driving that is... m | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 3222 Registered: 5-2001 |
Frank, congratulations. Did you consider Exotic Car Transport, they are based out of Orlando and have better ways to get the car in and out quick. Cheaper too... Call me if you want to talk: 305-867-7676 Miami also make sure to be there for the December 7 and 8th for the rally in MIA. See you and again congrats | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
New member Username: Kaz Post Number: 15 Registered: 11-2002 |
TUVM Jerry - You guys are the only ones to know. Family, neighbors, friends don't know a thing...I'm gonna wait till the truck pulls up to the house... Zaino & Artexture will be here before the car..but I promise not to bring up the "W" or "M" topic.. | ||
| Jerry W. (Tork1966)
Member Username: Tork1966 Post Number: 301 Registered: 7-2001 |
That's awesome Frank! I for one am extremely happy for you and know the anticipation of waiting for the car. Believe me, the feeling will never subside too much! Cheers, Jerry | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
New member Username: Kaz Post Number: 12 Registered: 11-2002 |
After a long nationwide search, I purchased my first F-Car yesterday. I purchased a pristine 97 355 Spider Red / Tan from F of San Francisco. One owner, sold, serviced and traded in at one dealer. Car fax / books & records all substantiate same. After several PPI�s and many disappointments, I learned that you only get what you pay for and a good car still commands high dollar. GOOD News = I was able to negotiate 10% of f �asking� price and got them to include a fresh 30K service (5 yrs up for belts) and a one year (No mile limit) factory warranty good at any FNA dealer nationwide, at no charge. Incidentally, SFO is the only remaining factory owned dealer - the other two, Bev Hills and Orange County, have been turned over to private hands . BAD News = I won�t have her for about 3 weeks. Monday they start the service (5-7 days) then Horseless Carriage said 10-14 days�.Can�t sleep�can�t eat�got the fever!. What a great site! I want to thank everyone on this site for their valuable contributions. I have been on the site daily researching current and archived threads for info on 355�s and general F -Car info. The information provided by members was critical in knowing what to look for and ask what questions to ask - In fact, I knew more than most of the sales people I spoke to. As soon as she gets here I�ll post her on my profile and I�m sure I�ll have a lot of questions. Great forum and thanks to Martin - Bruno - Doody - Magoo and all other�s who tolerated my newbie questions. Special Thanks to TomD of NY who took his valuable time to go to a dealer to inspect a car for me, a total stranger�that speaks volumes to me and shows the character of people associated with this site and the passion for the car. Tom - if you make it down here, it would be my pleasure to take you on the boat and do some serious fishing off of Bimini as a token of my appreciation. Sorry for running on�. |