Hot Rod Power Tour and a "tough" decision

[timkustom]

We’re going to be heading out for the Birmingham to Mobile leg later this week. Anybody else considering getting out for this event?

Been beating our heads against the wall on this “tough” decision. To top or not to top?

A big part of our car’s uniqueness is the white hardtop. One of 7 per Dot’s site. In our opinion, the car is much more striking with the top on.

BUT... It’s a convertible and we want to be able to enjoy that aspect of it. Without the hardtop, it looks like any other triple black bird. Taking it off and “leaving it in the hotel room” isn’t really a good option and I don’t like the idea of having it “on the cart” somewhat unattended at the show.

What would y’all do?

[2K2BIRD]

Re: Hot Rod Power Tour and a "tough" decision

I'd go without the top, but then our hardtop hasn't been on in 6+ years because we like to be prepared for convertible mode at anytime.

While the black with white hardtop is a striking combination, very few folks are going to know that it is a rare combination.

Bottom line go with what makes you happy and know that others will be admiring the car either way!

[tbird6t4]

Re: Hot Rod Power Tour and a "tough" decision

I think I might do the full run next year and take my 95 Mark VIII. Just need some spiffy new wheels to modernize it just a little. It sounds like a guy's kind of road trip.

May as well go with a car with a trunk and back seat.

A friend is currently on the tour with his silver Riveria and is sending me daily pics and updates about the tour.....so far they have had great weather despite the warnings of rain for the first two days.

Gord

[LuvOurBird]

Re: Hot Rod Power Tour and a "tough" decision

Even in the convertible mode if it rains, you just drive faster. We have experienced this several times, but more recently with Paul Thomas on our way to Oklahoma after the Shacks.

[MerlotBlue]

Re: Hot Rod Power Tour and a "tough" decision

What would y’all do?

Honestly?


For me it wouldn't come down to this anyway.

I wouldn't take any late model car on this ride.

This one is calling out for something with an old school engine that produces the right sounds and feel.

You know.....High compression, a Holley carb, headers and that perfect sounding long duration/high lift cam that shakes the fenders at idle.

The old Corvette I'd be taking on the ride has T-tops.

To answer your question though....... leave the top at home unless you see yourself riding around with it on the car full time. This event is about being free to go and see the sights and sounds. You don't want to be worrying about where you left your top when it's not on the car and wondering if it's safe from theft or damage.

[Lindy]

Re: Hot Rod Power Tour and a "tough" decision

A big part of our car’s uniqueness is the white hardtop. One of 7 per Dot’s site. In our opinion, the car is much more striking with the top on.

I hear ya; my Torch Red '05 has a Performance White hard top, which makes the car appear quite stunning, if I say so myself. Still haven't decided as whether to take the port-holes off for the summer, or not. But then I do have the TB '02 with its' top already off. Of course, the black fabric tops are very rich looking also, if you get poor top-down weather.

[FritsB]

Re: Hot Rod Power Tour and a "tough" decision

Tim, I been to many, many shows and always went without the hardtop. I do bring an event panel with images of the car with the top. But I always feel that the car looks even better and more complete and the way it was designed with the top on. In your case, with a white top, I would definitely bring it along to the event. You will get a lot more positive comments and make soo much people happy that see that combo for the first time.

[PaulD]

Re: Hot Rod Power Tour and a "tough" decision

Can you locate a storage unit somewhere in the area where you can rent an area for a short time?

[justjon]

Re: Hot Rod Power Tour and a "tough" decision

I thought people who had white tops on colored cars just couldn't match their cars colors.....

[timkustom]

Re: Hot Rod Power Tour and a "tough" decision

Well the decision was no top. Figured we'd be riding with the top down most of the time anyway and that's just what we did.

It was only 95° here in Birmingham and it was a bit hotter in Mobile. We sweated a little but it was worth it.

This was my 3rd Power Tour since going on my first in 2000. The ratio of late models to old cars is pretty even now. Yeah, Hot Rod gives more "ink" to the old ones, but many of the "long haul" cars are newer Mustangs, Vettes, Camaros and now Challengers.

It would have been a no-brainer to bring my '68 Impala that I drove on the previous Tours, but it needs a bit of work to make it even "short hauler" worthy since it's been sitting up for while.

As far as any other birds on tour, saw a bronze '05 that cruised the grounds in Bham and a '57 Inca Gold that I think was a long hauler.

Got many pics, still sorting, will post soon.

[timkustom]

Re: Hot Rod Power Tour and a "tough" decision. Pics Added

Thought I’d post a few pics here.

Cars lined up for the drive to Mobile



My buddy shot this from my mom’s vette.



Cool Javelin at a gas stop.



Inca Gold ‘57 Bird Long Hauler in Downtown Mobile



Few cars left at the Battleship



Went to Gulf Shores afterward and was greeted by this.



Kinda tough pill to swallow since we just participated with all these “gas guzzlers.” But cars have always been a big part of my life and will continue to be until I die. But I hope this mess gets cleaned up as quickly as possible.

A ton more here:

http://public.fotki.com/TimKustom/re...wer-tour-2010/

[007Cruiser]

Re: Hot Rod Power Tour and a "tough" decision

Thanks for the pictures. Looks like a fun event.