hardtuned's 2010 California Melee XIV

James offered up his drivers seat - I drove from "the Triangle" to this gas station, and was impressed by the generally balanced dynamics of the V8 Cortina - it was very much like mine with a lot more go, and only slightly heavier front end. And with the same type of steering box wear - so it was easy to figure out. All in all, I'd call it brilliant.

James back behind the wheel and me riding shotgun, giving questionable advice.

Uh, oh. Chris' 912 found the uneven (crazy) dip at speed and bottomed out. Jason and I are assessing the situation on the ground.

Meanwhile, Christine was checking out the road conditions - check out that hole!

After some futzing around, we decided to coast the 912 down to the flats for a less dangerous spot to try to rig something up.

Down on the flat, we were in the same predicament only dirtier.

Contrary to Jason's shirt, access to the rear of the 912 was hella not EASY. Jason and Matt did most of the dirty work.... Once it was running (albeit a bit leaky) Jason attempted to pick up John Britton's 100+ piece tool kit. We heard a whoosh of tools, not unlike the sound a tipping trailer of concrete makes as it dumps a yard into the street. Chris and Jessica idled off with the leaking 912 while several helpers played a game of "tool chest - square peg round hole." The "fix" (bolting an external oil filter housing back onto the case after it had been knocked loose) didn't last as long as we thought it might - not even to Honeydew. They did manage to get to a phone, and were flatbedded up to Eureka - where they stayed at a disgusting hotel, found a mechanic with the right gasket and were then pseudo-fixed enough to limp home on Monday.