Revell Bites the Bullitt

It was shortly after my Bullitt acquisition, that I began looking for die cast models of the 2008 Bullitt. I could not find a one, so I suppose it takes the toy industry a little while to catch. However, recently, I found a couple of sites, for us die cast collectors and model builders alike. The first site I found: http://www.revell.com/catalog/products/85-4234.html, is a 1/25 scale plastic model. Upon first inspection, the green hue of this Bullitt seems a little bit light, but I guess it is the Light Highland Green version. It might just be the artist's interpretation, I don't know, but I haven't seen one so light before. Having not built a plastic model since high school, I wasn't so keen on getting back into piecing together and painting this version. So, on went the Web surfing. I then found another site ,which featured a DIE CAST Bullitt, all be it, the 1968 Bullitt Mustang, but a die cast Bullitt, none the less. The site: http://www.mintmodels.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5918, even has a display stand, name plate, and complete with Steve McQueen's signature on the trunk. Going for $195.00, it is not your impulse buy, but it looks like it has very good collectors value, as it was limited to 6,800 issues, World-wide. Get it, 68, as in 1968 and the year the Bullitt was made? The die cast model is Franklin Mint issue, so you know the quality is impeccable. Now, I know there are many die cast models out there of the 1968 Bulllitt, but none as high quality and holding its collectors value as the Franklin Mint edition. I will definitely make this purchase in the not too distant future. I have even included the Franklin Mint web site, as well: http://www.franklinmint.com/product1.aspx?SID=2&Product_ID=9678. E-Bay even has them in auction, but they also are going for $195.00. I haven't checked with the Franklin Mint to verify stock, but they may be out of stock of these green, miniature beauties.

Yet, another site I found, http://www.danburymint.com/diecast/prod/Bullitt--1968-Ford-Mustang-GT_11409.aspx, is the Danbury Mint version of the 1968 classic. This site does not specify how many issues were minted, but the detail on this Bullitt model is outstanding. The price for this model, $149, seems a little bit easier to stomach. However, the availability is still the question. One site I saw the Franklin Mint 1968 Bullitt listed for $235.00. Oh, well, won't know until I sit down to actually order the car. if anyone has already ordered any of these or found out they are unavailable, let me know, so I can seek elsewhere. I might be headed for
E-Bay.

To Speed. . .

It's All About the Gas

I have now seen that the octane value really does seem to make a difference in the engine performance of my Bullitt. I started using 87, as advised by the dealer and by Ford, however, I immediately noticed problems. As I have referenced in my previous blogs, I experienced power loss, stalling, poor starting, and seemingly, clogged fuel injectors. When analyzed, the dealer could find no problem with the fuel injectors or related problems. At that point, I began using 91 and 93 only, which seemed to do the job. My next service visit I need to have my IAC, (Idle Air Control Valve), checked to see if that is bad. Ruling that out, it would seem to come back to the fuel. I was told, by a friend, that Union 76 sells 100 octane at a select few of their station in and around L.A. I'm told that the 100 octane is good to fill up with every once in a while, in order to, "cleanse," the fuel injectors. We shall see?

To Speed. . .

Can't Wait!

9 days and counting! Already, I can feel the excitement, as we approach the 2009 Spring Training schedule. As every season past, I am eternally hopeful of the Tigers' prospects this year and am hoping for a healthy, successful season for, "The Boys," I have really been encouraged by the new additions to the bullpen, such as the acquisition of Lyons from the D-Backs and the health reports on Bonderman and Zumaya.

Let's hope the hype lives up to the actual play on the field.

Bless you Boys!

To Speed. . . and baseball. . .

It was Just Gas

Follow up from my last post, in which I queried about fuel injection problems. I took the Green Goblin, 2700 miles, to the Ford dealer for regular servicing and to check the possible fuel injection problem I had. The diagnostic was negative for any problems and the service rep said that the cause was probably the octane level of the gas I was using. The service rep indicated that if I was cruising the Bullitt at "grandpa" speeds, 87 was fine. However, if I would be, kicking it into overdrive, very now and again I would need 89 or 91. I was even informed that Union 76 carries 100 octane at some of their So. Cal. stations. This was recommended as a, "once in a while," choice to clean out the fuel injectors of any built-up gunk. So far, so good. Today, I ran it almost empty and replaced the empty tank with 89 from Union 76. The next fill-up, I will find that 100 octane and give her a good gas enema.

To speed. . .