Hi brothers, Sorry I haven't posted on the purchase of the Bushmobile yet. Besides needing a plastic surgeon to remove the smile from my face, I'm battling a real bad sinus infection. First off, I want to thank Bushwacker for such a wonderful car... I still can't believe it's now mine. The car is way more than I expected Did I mention I can't believe it's mine? I knew the car was going to be great. And, based on what some of the brotherhood had told me about the car, I could have done the deal without going to see it - and been thrilled when it got here. It was pretty much agreed that Bush and I had a deal. All I had to do was get to Redondo Beach, where the car was being stored, and put my final stamp of approval on it. So, Thursday morning my good friend Allen and I got on a plane to L.A. and started the Bushmobile odyssey. As soon as we got outside of the terminal I was greeted by a large African American lady who was eager to get a donation for the homeless. Seeing as I dont carry cash I was unable to help. However, it must have been love at first sight for her because all I could understand is that she wanted a hug and to marry me. She also wanted to know what show I was on. Ive been mistaken as a celebrity before, so I gave her a big hug and told her to watch for the fall previews. What a line of crap huh. Allen and I hailed a cab and headed for Tillack & Co, a world class Ferrari restoration facility. When we arrived, we were greeted by two of Southern Californias cutest girls. We then met Craig Calder who took us to the building where the car was stored. As soon as he opened the shop door I knew the car was mine. After a quick test drive and general inspection, I couldnt hold on to the money anymore and the deal was official. A special thanks to Craig who took extra time out of his already busy schedule to give us a brief tour of the facility. Ok. Moneys gone. Cars mine. And home to Arizona we go. I know there are easier ways to get to the 10 east. But, I just couldnt resist going through the tunnel on Sepulveda. As we slowed traffic before the tunnel, Im sure we pissed off a few commuters. Once we got to the tunnel opening, I mashed the accelerator and all audio hell broke loose. I bet there are a few people who still have not regained all of their hearing. Next, a quick stop at Mobile for a fill up and its time to hit the 405 to the 10 East parking lot. Things started moving along on the 10 when suddenly we see brake lights, swerving cars, concrete dust and a Ford Explorer doing cartwheels along the retaining wall. Of course, Allen and I stop to render aid to those in the Explorer. Much to our supprise the three teenage occupants were in good shape having only minor cuts and bruises. Allen took traffic duty while I helped the kids in the Explorer. When the CHP finally arrived we asked them to stop traffic so we could get going with out driving through the debris field and damaging my car. So, here we are out of the goodness of our hearts helping at the accident scene and what happens next? You got it. The car wont start . Ah yes, the dreaded 348 hot start issue. Karma and the thought of deaf people from our tunnel stunt quickly came to mind. When the car cooled down and finally started, we were more than pleased to be on our way to the next traffic jam. It took us about three hours to get to riverside and from there it was smooth sailing. Or was it? After a much needed food stop in Banning, we were pummeled with hellacious cross winds, blowing dust and rain. So much for my freshly detailed car. Could this be more Karma from the Tunnel? There were a few really violent looking storm cells out in the distance and we doing our best to figure their direction and speed in order to out run them. The good news is that it was too windy for the CHP airplane to be out and we were able to haul a$$. Allen, a 355 owner, took over driving duty from 29 palms to Blythe. This was his first 348 driving experience and was very impressed with the car. After fueling up in Blythe, I took the wheel over again and the rest of the trip into Phoenix was uneventful. I couldnt have done this without the help of all of my 348/355 brothers. Thank you all!! Especially my copilot Allen.
Sounds like fun! Nice job on stopping to render aid, by the way. Makes the Brotherhood proud! Now go pull off the little black hose that goes to each of your two Fuel Pressure Regulators. Rub your finger on both ends of each hose and then smell your finger for fuel. Pressence of fuel in either black vacuum line means a bad FPR, which means that you will have the hot start issue until you replace said FPR.
Wow!! Awesome story John!! Congrats on the purchase mate!! It will take AGES before you lose that smile off your face!!
Great story !! Glad you are loving the car....watch out for that Karma I am sure you already know, but you are a special kind of ccelebrity to stop and render aid for those in that accident. I commend you! Enjoy the ride, we are only here for a short time Oh, Where the hell are the pictures? No, not the California's cutest girls....THE CAR!!!
Yeah John, where are the pics? you can throw in a few of California's or Arizona's cutest girls too! Don't forget your 'Brotherly' duty to get some pics with the 'Brotherhood' cap as well. I knew I was passing the keys to a cool guy but stopping to render aid to the kids takes it to a whole other level / Karma. Good for you, you make us proud. Welcome to the 'Brotherhood'. The 'Bushmobile' has only brought happiness and miles of smiles to me as it will you / good Karma. NoDoubt, I told john that the hot start problem had only happened to me once in the entire time I owned the 348. Interesting, is heat the major culprit in the FPR issue? I'll have to read the entire thread.
Congrats on the purchase. I guess the car is now called the "Coptermobile" correct? Interesting read. It always seems to be an interesting experience when you go to a different city, pick up your car and drive back home. Lesson for those who like to get their cars shipped to them - DONT! Drive it home - its a lot more fun that way!
Copterjohn, You drove right by my house. I live in Yucaipa next to Banning, you could have looked at my car first and saved a trip to Los Angeles. I don't have the dreaded hot start problem as is mentioned quite frequently by the brotherhood. I am happy that you got what you wanted. Congrats, Darryl
WOW!!! You bought it !!!! Copter John was not messing around.............. I agree it should be renamed the "coptermobile" !!!! Congratulations on your new purchase!!! As for that hot start issue, I think there is a 40amp relay that Pap installed on his starter motor in case it is not the FPRs.......... Now get to those pics... !!!
Jon: I don't know how you managed to get through the airport.....what for all those adoring fans! I almost asked for an aurograph at coffee yesterday! But seriously......great looking car. You will enjoy it. I think that I have the record for a Orange County to 24th/Camelback trip. After picking up the F40........3hours/20 minutes! Have fun and be safe!
Dino, I've got a autographed glossy waiting for ya babe. I had a great time with everyone yesterday and look forward to the next time we can all get together.
John thanks for the great trip. I love the car too (I'm not ready to trady my 355 though)! What made the trip most fun was good company. John, I noticed in your profile that you currently claim to be a "bush pilot" - please define exactly what "bush" you're referring to. For some reason "bush" brings back memories of our dinner for 7 last night where the young lady across from us had a real nice short skirt on, no panties, and was apparently never taught to sit with her lengs together. God bless that young woman!
Allen, I think you answered your own question. However, I really prefer flying over smooth terrain. I'm glad you enjoyed the "see food" last night. We should make that place a weekly event.
Yes, I was at cars and coffee this past weekend. Mine was the Red TB with the 355 tail light conversion. A little later towards the end a yellow TS showed up. Cary, you made me proud with the F1 repair. I hope everything went well for your sons birthday party and you were able to show off your new toy a little bit.
Hey guys, It's been a week since my big adventure with the Bushmobile and I couldn't leave well enough alone. Yesterday I placed an order with Riacmbi http://www.ricambiamerica.com for some aluminum guage rings and an aluminum dead pedal. I haven't got to drive the car as much as I would like to do to my still nagging sinus infection. I reckon I'll be out quite a bit in it this weekend and promise to post some pictures of my drive. I've had a couple of inquiries on my 355 taillight conversion after I mentioned that I would probably be getting rid of it first thing after taking ownership. Well, I put my foot in my mouth on that one. I really like the way it looks and will probably keep it... at least for now.
Congrats, you dog! I was gonna call you to find out the status since I had not heard anything form you. Wish you woulda called so I could have met you at Tillack, er, Speedwhatevertheirnameisnow... Had I known, I woulda gotten up earlier and ran to C&C. Oh well, the important thing is ya bought it and you are finally right where you belong.
Hey guys, While deleting some images from my camera I came across a few pictures that were taken by my daughter when I pulled up to my house after the journey home. Funny how I'm always the last person to know these things. I figured I would post 'em since the go with my story. These are the first pictures of the Bushmobile with me as the new owner. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Here are a few photos of my car that I lifted from the Arizona section. The first one was at the monthly cars & coffee in Scottsdale a few weeks back. The second one was this past weekend at a Scottsdale Exotic Car Club show that was hosted by Juan Jaimes Tacos & Tequila in Chandler. Credit for the photos go to F-chatter DinoScuderia....nice job. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks, I'm digging 'em too. Here's a shot of them rolling into the SECC show on Saturday. Credit for this photo goes to F-chatter blk. The Carparazzi are alive and well in Az. Image Unavailable, Please Login
