"You can think about it....but don't do it"

Beer. That's how it started. It seems all great ideas come to us after a few. That was the case during Thanksgiving 2007 when Team Buford T. Justice was created. "Lets do the BABE Rally in May" we said. And do it we will.

BABE stands for Big Apple to Big Easy. You just have to get any car you can find for no more than $250 to get you from Staten Island NY to New Orleans LA. 1500 miles in 4 days in a $250 car. What could be more fun for a team of 3 brothers and dear old dad!?

Our ride of choice...a 1988 Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport Wagon and it is not without its issues. It marks its territory wherever you park it, the signal indicators are hit and miss and there is quite a bit of gunky sludge on the bottom of the engine block from the aforementioned fluid leaks. We'll leave that alone as it's quite possible it is acting as some sort of sealant.

Brakes--OK, Tranny--OK (we think), Engine (OK..well except for the paint shaker effect around 50 Mph). Interior door panels are shot, and if you fail to remember that not-so-minor point, you'll rip them off as you get in and try to close the door. Grabbing the window sill with your finger tips seems to be the door closing method of choice.

Radio works but unfortunately so does only one speaker. The A/C appeared to have some life in it but this was tested during the waning days of winter--hmm-- Memorial day weekend...deep south....not holding our breath for any power chillin A/C. Unfortunately only two of the windows will roll down, so maybe we will have to hold our breath.

She failed her first VA State Inspection due to improper latching of the drivers door --it sagged in the frame with a .5" gap btwn the top of the door and the frame. A little drill action on the frame to reposition the latching pin netted us a State inspection certificate of achievement.

More mx actions are required, although many will be left as is. Next priority is the 50 Mph Death Rattle.

Of course we'll need to get some more beer so we can figure that problem out.