knightfan26917

*nods* Thank you! I've definitely enjoyed reading your observations, too, Sixty8 ... very, very detailed...he he he. And...wow...sweet replies all around for sure! I'd love to reply to each, but I'd be here for a few days ... he he he. In general, though, it is interesting to see how each of us perceive some areas of the country differently ... he he he. I think part of it is where we grew up ... and what surroundings are "home" to us. Seems to me that surroundings that are like our "home" surroundings are more boring to us ... and thus, we each have a slightly different take on an area. And yet...even in our differences...we seem to have similar observations ... and experiences. He he he...so very cool ;).

A year ago today I was in Missouri and Kansas at the beginning of my western road trip; 2 months ago, I was in Pennsylvania in the middle of my eastern road trip. Both trips seem like they happened just yesterday ... and a lifetime ago. I learned quite a bit in those trips ... enjoying the company of new and old friends along the way. A "snapshot" of some of the things that I discovered during those trips.... Missouri & Kansas are not _that_ boring to drive through.... Colorado is absolutely gorgeous. Wyoming has beautiful formations. Utah has breathtaking views...even in rain with a rainbow for good measure. New Mexico does have rust-free cars. The guy who does the "voice work" for Rockford's 104.9, "The X" (rock) also does "voice work" for New Mexico's 105.1, "The Range" (Classic Country). Oklahoma does have character. Texas drivers take the speed limits as suggested limits. Hawaii does have license plates (saw one on a Ford Explorer in Texas). Arkansas does not take that long to drive through.... Sweet tea CAN be made incorrectly (had some bitter sweet tea in Memphis TN). It really IS "Sweet Home Alabama" (should've bought some souveniers or something). The Carolinas are hot'n'muggy. I-81 in VA is not as long as it seems.... Driving the PA Turnpike is less costly these days than actually filling up the car with gas to drive. Philly PA/NJ area has way too much traffic...even on Sunday. The Washington DC/Baltimore MD/Philadelphia PA corridor has too many baseball teams. Driving the "long way" (i.e. avoiding the PA Turnpike) from Alexandria VA to near Canton OH isn't that long of a drive & is quite scenic, especially through MD & the short distance in WV! I-90 & SR 2 are beautiful right along the lake in Ohio. The cruises before the official Friday/Saturday Woodward Dream Cruise feature just about as many cool cars! Watching old reruns of shows (The Dukes of Hazzard, Dallas, etc.) can be fun & relaxing. I want to own a 1975 Chevrolet Caprice Classic convertible.... I saw a white one for sale in TX; I saw a red one at the Wexford, PA, car show.... You never have enough time to visit with family & friends.... Strangers are friends you have yet to meet.... I'd rather be driving than working.... The longest drive is the one that leads you home. So...what have YOU learned during your travels? Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ "I wonder if it's too late" ... Nickelback ... 'Photograph'

Wow...that's quite a variety of vehicles you are considering for your new purchase...! I suggest test-driving them soon ... so you can go back and drive each again, if you deem that necessary before you order. I just test-drove the '06 impala earlier this week and was rather impressed ... I also drove the Colorado.... Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "I wanna drive" ... Trace Adkins ... '(Her Favorite Color Is) Chrome'

Some additional notes ... Received a suggestion to stop at the Mississippi Palasads Park at Sabula (Iowa side) to take some pictures of the cars ... hopefully with fall colors in the background.... Dinner in the Davenport/Moline (Quad Cities) area might be at Cheddars or Bud's Skyline Inn.... And, depending on time and interest, we might stop at the John Deere place/museum in the Quad Cities area.... Hope you consider joining us....

*raises eyebrow* Hmm.... Maybe I will show up after all ... we'll see....

*nods* Yes, yes they did. For me ... insurance premiums paid ... a longer warrantee period (say at least 5 years, preferably 10) ... free oil changes/maintenance for a year or so ... all would find me in a Chevrolet dealer purchasing an impala or a Colorado....pronto. Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "I wonder if it's too late" ... Nickelback ... 'Photograph'

*rolls eyes* Yet another "Camaro is coming" thread. Right. Show me the realness. Show me the Camaro lines. Show me the RWD. Show me the V8. Show me that very car IN MY DRIVEWAY, ready for a testdrive. Then I'll believe and talk new Camaro is here..... Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "How much longer will they be around?" ... Don Williams ... 'Old Coyote Town'

*chuckles devilishly* Yep, it sure does happen ... and it appears that a certain car company (no names mentioned, of course) has mastered the ability to write something off differently than what it is.... Heh....irony rocks ;).

This is still about 2 weeks away, but an update: I'm currently looking at eating places in the Moline area. Cheddars in Davenport IA is a possibility ... or somewhere in Moline. Since lunch is tentatively at Culver's (more or less a "fast food" place), I figured we could eat dinner at a "sit down" establishment. So, if you have any suggestions for Davenport IA or Moline IL ... share them with me. Remember, if gas prices are giving you pause, we can always figure out some "carpools" of sorts so people can share gas expenses...and have some company along the travels as well. And, as I mentioned before, you don't have to join us for the entire event/cruise ... you can join us for a meal ... or drive part of the way with us ... or a combination of both.... And, yes, this will be rain or shine ... you do not have to drive an older car to participate :).

*raises eyebrow in horror* Oh good night shirt tail ... I hadn't made that connection ... and wish I still hadn't...he he he. Nice catch, TC...!

*nods* You are welcome!

Thank you for posting those for Ted! I _knew_ they were over there at mymonte.com, but unfortunately, I didn't have time to dig 'em up before I left for the wedding in central IL. A couple other quick notes: The John Moss concept is cool to see in person ... have seen it at several MC Nationals. But, it needs the emblem and the bodylines to be perfect. Ocnblu ... bite thy tongue about the '95-'99 roughline evoking images of the 1st gens. But, I can't say much ... because the '00-present rear evokes images of the 1st gens moreso...he he he. Irony rocks ;). And, yes, Sixty8 and ocnblu ... absolutely needs RWD ;). Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "How much longer will they be around?" ... Don Williams ... 'Old Coyote Town'

Somehow, this doesn't surprise me. Chevrolet claims they are currently making the impala, malibu and monte carlo ... but I don't see them available in RWD. Chevrolet also claims, on their website, that the 3rd generation MC is 1978-1988. Yet, the 1981 Chevrolet Monte Carlo brochure indicates a "new generation" of MC ... beginning, of course, in 1981. *shrugs* But, seriously, guys ... what's with all of the back'n'forth jabs? I'm sorry, but if we're frustrated, shouldn't we be taking it out on the COMPANY ... not each other individually? And, for the record, I've "settled" twice before ... and considering doing it a third time ... only because I can't see myself driving anything but a Chevrolet (let alone anything but a Monte Carlo, even though I've owned 2 non-MCs) and I can't stand the thought of subjecting my '87 MC LS to winter (aka RUST) for a 3rd winter. It is NOT (contrary to popular opinion/belief) due to the fact that it is RWD. *sighs* Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "You've made a fool of everyone" ... Jet ... 'Look What You've Done'

Grr...wish I had a little more time to do some searching for ya, but I'm heading out of town for a friends' wedding here in a few minutes.... BUT...wanted to let you know I know exactly what you are wanting.... I saw that concept car at the Chicago Auto Show the year it debuted.... I liked the concept, but as you know, wasn't thrilled about the "final product".... At any rate, I remember seeing information about that concept car on mymonte.com (the 5th gen mc board). Unfortunately, I don't remember _exactly_ where it is on that site, but I do remember seeing it. If you don't find it in the next couple days, I'll either search for it or ask someone about where that info might be stored.... Again, sorry I don't have more time to help you out right now.... Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "How much longer will they be around?" ... Don Williams ... 'Old Coyote Town'

*raises eyebrow* Don't stop now ... your ramblings make sense, actually..... Hmmmm..... carman...cool thread. Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "I can’t take anymore" ... 3rd Eye Blind ... 'How's It Going To Be'

Hmmm...I'm not so sure about this. I think that the '06 monte carlo is re-styled just enough that, coupled with the V8 engine option, it will sell plenty in '06. It may drop off excitement in succeeding years, but I think the "temptation" will be too great for most buyers. Guess we'll see, eh? BTW, I agree about the onstar and power seat options....

*nods* I agree here, actually. I thought about test driving an HHR, but for whatever reason, I don't like the dashboard layout...so I didn't even test drive it. I suppose I should, because you do never know.... Still...well, we'll see. I do, however, like the looks of it ... and cringe whenever I hear about how it looks like the PT Cruiser. Well, it might...but having seen the old Suburban cues on which it is based ... I'd say the similarities are striking and obvious....and because of that, I see less and less of the PT Cruiser in it.... Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "How much longer will they be around?" ... Don Williams ... 'Old Coyote Town'

So....is anyone interested? If you want to join us for only part of the trip, that is fine ... participating in the entire trip is not mandatory ;). I just thought this would be a neat way to "close out" the season, more or less.... Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ "Get the word out" ... Collective Soul ... 'Feeling Better Now'

*grins* On this, we agree ;). You are welcome!

Hmm....I was told that for the LS (or whatever the lowest model is), I could get the impala without the 6-way power seat.... hmm.....

Key words in that phrase: "have only heard of" So...I'm not going to believe any of this until I actually see 'em in the Chevrolet/Pontiac/Buick dealerships.... Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "You've made a fool of everyone" ... Jet ... 'Look What You've Done'

Hmmm.... I'm not so sure that $5/gallon gas will kill RWD platforms. Why? Do you honestly think no more trucks will be produced even if gas prices reach that high?

Yes, choice is good ... but very confusing, apparently. My goodness ... I didn't realize the woodgrain could be ordered with the black interior ... interesting. *shrugs* The impalas I was offered ... could only be had with the 6-way power seat (which I don't want or need) and Onstar (which I don't want or need). Ah, well. Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "I see our time has gotten stale" ... Eve 6 ... 'Inside Out'

*nods* Yep, HarleyEarl, that was part of the switch, as ocnblu has already confirmed for you. Maybe, as you noted, GM is a genious for sticking with mainly FWD vehicles. But, as ocnblu noted, I, too, don't see any reason why RWD cars wouldn't have as good as gas mileage as their FWD counterparts. For the record, I've never _hated_ anything from Chevrolet. What I have a slight disdain for is Chevy's nack for using older names on formerly RWD vehicles...and slapping them on FWD vehicles to make sales. I understand the business side of it ... makes perfect sense. But, to me, an enthusiast, it is not exactly pleasing. AFAIK, it started with the "nova" of the 1980s, with the monte carlo nomenclature on FWD coming in 1995, followed 2 years by the malibu and then followed a few years later with the impala. *shrugs*

If you want to meet other C&Gers and do some cruising on some scenic Illinois and Iowa roadways, join us, Saturday, October 22. The tentative schedule: * 8:45a ... meet at Meijer/Menards, NE corner of Randall & Bose Rds, Elgin IL * 9a ... depart for Galena IL, via RT 20 W (scenic) * noonish ... arrive in Galena for lunch/gas stop (lunch tentatively at Culver's) ... perhaps stop at the lookout tower * 2pmish ... leave Galena, taking RT 20 W over to Dubuque IA * Follow scenic RT 52 S * Cross back over into IL at I-80 * 5pmish (or earlier) ... arrive in Moline IL for dinner * 6:30pmish ... leave Moline, taking scenic RT 84 N back to RT 20 (OR) find a local cruise, stay overnight somewhere & head north Sunday morning I'm extending this invitation to several groups. If people wish, we could arrange "carpools" to have company and save some money on gas. If you plan to attend, be sure to let me know so I can share my cell ph# with you so we can be in touch. Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ "The life I love is making music with my friends" ... Willie Nelson ... 'On The Road Again'