7 Days in Exile

Day 1 - Went to the bank, got the Bullitt serviced, went grocery shopping at Trader Joe's. Damn, I always hate going to Trader Joe's! I can never get out of there without spending less that 100 bucks. So, $187 later, I had at least, completed my shopping for the next couple of weeks. Then I headed home and unloaded all my 200 cubic feet of groceries into my 100 cubic foot of fridge. Met up with Frances, hooked up with Jennifer, and said good night to Frances. Walked her to her car and went back to the house, with Sammy and watched a couple of movies on DVD, drank a few beers, 9, Rolling Rock.
Day 2 - Woke up as Noon, had some cereal, coffee. Cleaned up the back yard, completed some admin shit from work. You see I'm in exile, but still receive work e-mails from my Blackberry. Found out that the big mouth time and attendance clerk knew about my exile and I am trying to get that remedied. I still don't know why she is my time and attendance clerk, but if I find out anyone else knows about my exile status, I am going to file on her faster than she runs out of the door at the end of her shift. Anyway, later, I am going to take my truck's battery to get it serviced or change it out. In the Bullitt, of course. Three days of exile to go.

Days 3, 4 - Had my daughter. We hung out and went to go see the film, "The Lovely Bones." A very emotionally stirring flick. The Chester, played by Stanley Tucci, plays the role a little too creepily well. Hum, I wonder? Never mind, nah. Very uneventful, anyway, the weekend turned out to be. I still had dinero, so I wasn't thinking about my days in exile too much.

Days 5, 6, and 7 - These days were almost a complete blur. Monday, I ran some errands and mailed some letters. Monday night I went by the Eagle's and had a few beers, went home and drank some more, and crashed out. Tuesday, I did some laundry, cleaned a little around the house. Later that evening went to get a bite, donated $20 to a local high school cheerleader fund raiser. I ran by the Eagle's and bought two squares for the Super Bowl pool. At about 7:30 went to this bar in Silverlake called, Cha Cha's. Met a couple of friends and we had a few drinks there, until we decided it was far too boring, and then two of us went across the street to the Red Lion. This bar was pretty cool. It was set up like a German beer garden and consisted of two levels, the upper level being the outdoor beer garden. I and a friend from work, proceeded to down a few hefeweizens at this place and found the karaoke guy. He was making his way around the bar, complete with 70's sunglasses and big blond hairdo wig. Later, I discovered that this guy was impersonating Heino, who even later I discovered was this 60's and 70's super-pop star in Germany. He wore the sunglasses all the time due to a medical eye problem he suffered from. Pretty cool affair at the Red Lion; I will definitely be back there. Got pretty tuned up over there at the Red Lion, so after I crawled across the street to the nearest taco truck and scarfed down a couple tacos, as hot as I could tolerate, which is pretty damn hot, and drank a Jarritos de naranjo. Went home, which is when I discovered who the hell Heino was, on YouTube, and went to sleep. Wednesday, caught up on my sleep and then some; woke up at 2:00 PM. Well, it was actually 5:00 PM by EST, so what to do? Drink! Got something to eat and got my stuff ready for the next day, back to the grind and then proceeded to put away some adult refreshments.

02/04/2010 - Back to work and glad to be here. Don't want to do that again, ever. Got my first, post-exile paycheck on 02/06; $1,332 net! Fuck, enough to pay the rent and about $30 left. Good thing I shopped already and had enough groceries until the next paycheck. Now, when the other shoe drops, it will be three days off of my paycheck. Can't wait to see that one. Like I said, never again.

To Speed. . .

Update to, "Fuel Pump."

It happened again, DAMN IT! About two weeks ago, while tooling around with my daughter, the Green Goblin sputtered out again. This time, I was at a little less then a quarter tank of gas, so I thought it might have been a malfunction in the fuel gauge, from my last fuel pump replacement. So, I went to the nearest gas station and put a couple of dollars in, just so I could get to a 76, Mobile, or Chevron. However, it still would turn over and I did what I have become very familiar with and that is calling Ford Road-Side assistance. They came and towed her away to the dealer again. After having the car there for about a week and a half, the Service Rep called me and told me it was now the, "Fuel Pump Module." He stated that the Service Manager was giving the car a final test drive and would come to a final conclusion soon. A couple of days later, he followed-up with a call that my Bullitt was ready for pick up and that, "you will never have this problem again." I won't hold my breath, however. Still, I can't wait to be reunited with my Green, V-8 dream. This car has been like a relationship with a hot, temperamental woman. Off and on, with a lot of drama and pain, but well worth the ride. Wish us luck.

To Speed. . .

Fuel Pump

to follow up from my last, it was in fact the fuel pump for the series of stalls my Bullitt was suffering from. Since receiving her back from the Ford Dealership, I have not had any further stalls. Mind you, it hasn't quite been a week yet, so I am not out of the woods yet. I hope that this will be the fix. I don't want to have to impose the, "three strikes," stipulation in the Calif Lemon Law regs. I have never been in love with a car like I am with the Green Goblin and hope to have her around for many, many more miles to come. I will keep you updated.

To Speed. . .

Narrowing it Down

It happened again; the stall. My Bullitt died out on me again a couple of times a few weeks ago. Once on a side street and then once on the 91 Fwy in the middle of traffic. Both times, I waited a few minutes and she restarted, felt like she blew some clog out of the injectors and started right back up. The next day I took the Goblin to the dealer I have been dealing with for quite some time. I had taken her there prior and they could find nothing wrong. This time they kept her for over a week, made some repairs to some wiring, which was not grounded properly and installed a, "Black Box," in her. The box is a flat, square box, with a cord and joy stick attached to it. I was instructed that when she died out I was to just click the button on the joystick and the box would record exactly what the engine was doing at that exact moment. Then, when I took her in to the dealer, they would download the stall info onto a computer and transmit it to Dearborn, MI. There, the powers that be, would diagnose the problem and submit a solution. Well, for one week no stalling, she was running like a champ. Then, on the 4th of July, as I was about to take my daughter to her Aunt's for dinner and fireworks, the most unexpected thing happened, or should I say, did not happen. She wouldn't even turn over. The engined cranked, but no spark. Immediately, I had roadside service tow her to the dealer, where, after five days of examination, they found that the fuel pump and fuel lines needed to be replaced. In addition, for good measure, they also dropped the fuel tank and gave that a once over, without finding any thing wrong.

I am hoping that second time is a charm, cause if we experience a 3rd time, then the Calif. Lemon Law comes into play and I take the Green Goblin back from whence she came. I hope it won't come to this, but there would be no other choice. I have seen very few other Bullitt owners complain of this particular problem, so I am hoping that it is just a glitch in the fuel pump/fuel line and not a production problem. I would hate to have gotten a nearly one-of-a-kind classic, that turns out to be practically an Edsel.

To Speed. . .

Hog Wild

Well, it is finally here!

I don't mean to make light of biblical prophecies, but it seems like the plagues are coming. Wow, talk about cutting into my drive time with the Green Goblin. This is like a black cloud out of nowhere! How small the orb of Earth seems when perceived through the eye of a virus, huh? But, not to worry; just keep washing those hands, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and keep administering the normal dosages of alcohol. Stay clean, as Motorhead would say.

To speed. . .

A Great Conversation Starter

Never before, in my short life-span, have I ever had a car which can spark conversation from the clear blue sky. Recently, when tooling around in my Bullitt, I have received some very interesting comments. This past Saturday, in Pasadena, a bus driver, idling next to me, yelled out, "is that a Bullitt?" I have never had a bus driver speak to me, while not as a passenger in the bus at the time. This guy was awe-struck by my Green Goblin and commented that it was beautiful. Sometime later in the day a gentleman approached the car, while I was parking, and asked if it was a Bullitt. He also commented on how nice he thought it was, but in addition, also asked if I would rev the engine. Do you think I would pass up a moment to display the classic musical sounds of this beauty? Needless to say, he was impressed and that stretch of block I was on, was much cooler. Looks and stares abound, as most people have never seen the green shade of my Mustang. Even if they have never heard of the Mustang Bullitt, Mustang Fastback, the movie, Bullitt, they still seem to be struck by its, "one of a kind," look. I will, no doubt, own many more cars in the future, but never will I own one such as unique.

To speed. . .

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. . .

Anyone had this problem with their Bullitt?

A couple of weeks ago, while cruising on the freeway, I had a sudden drop in acceleration in the Green Goblin. I was traveling about 65 or 70, with the cruise control engaged, when suddenly the speed dropped and I lost acceleration. I down-shifted and hit the gas, but lost more power, so I down-shifted yet again and lost more power. I clicked on the emergency blinkers and started to move over to the shoulder, not wanting to think I was going to have my first major mechanical disaster in the new Green Goblin. As I was pulling over, I shifted up and hit the gas. This time I fell a slight shudder, as if the fuel injection kicked in or spit out something and just as suddenly as the problem began, I was up to full speed again. I ten proceeded about 15 miles back home, with no subsequent problem. I have not driven it since then and have made an appointment with the dealer. However, I have heard that Ford has had a reputation for faulty/bad fuel injection systems in their vehicles. Can anyone confirm this? I hope this is just a simple repair, covered by warranty and I can continue the love affair.

To speed. . .

A Verified Bullitt Sighting

12/08/2008, at approxamately 9:00 PM, while traveling on the 110, Pasadena Fwy, I actually spotted another Highland Green Bullitt! Like one seeing bigfoot, or the loch ness monster, the rare sight of another one of these classic rides was unbelienvably in front of me, heading toward the 5 fwy on ramp. The driver, a male in his late forties, looked quite contented, as any owner of the Bullitt should be. This was certainly a rare, rare experience.

04/20/2009, at 08:00 AM. I was on my way to work and saw another Bullitt, traveling on Broadway, in the Chinatown area of Los Angeles. It was behind me but I was able to verify the highland green color, as well as the Bullitt, faux gas cap.

08/11/2009, at 1210 PM. Seen traveling South on Soto St., crossing Whittier Blvd, in Boyle Heights, CA. I could barely believe my eyes; another Bullitt in the, "hood."

01/18/2010, 1150 AM. Seen on 4th St, in front of Hollenbeck Park, Boyle Heights, CA. I had my first sighting of a 2001 Bullitt. Second Bullitt sighting in Boyle Heights. Go figure?

To speed. . .

My First Disappointment, Hopefully, one of the Few

Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, MI 48126

December 04, 2008

I recently purchased a 2008, Mustang Bullitt, at Advantage Ford, in Duarte, CA. Thus far, I have been very happy with my purchase. However, I did have a bad experience in your Montebello, CA Ford service center. The problem was when my new Mustang had a large bolt pierce the rear, left tire. I utilized the Ford Motors, provided roadside assistance program, but when preparing for the service to arrive, I received my first surprise. There was no spare tire in the spare tire well, but only a self-sealing compressor pump. The explanation I received from Alfredo Vergara, Montebello Ford service center agent, was that that was done by Ford in order to save space and weight. Well thank you Ford Motor Corporation for that added benefit. What weight are you saving me and what space? The weight of a spare tire is minimal and the space is already there and I certainly don’t use the spare tire well for anything else, other than for the SPARE TIRE! While at the Montebello location, I was told that the tire’s steel belting was ruined and could not be patched, therefore I would have to purchase a new tire, at a cost of $200. How convenient for Ford Motor’s profit margin. I get a flat tire, and have to come into Ford. I can’t place a spare tire temporarily, until I can price similar tires and shop for the lowest priced tire, but must buy from Ford. Now, that the bolt has been removed from my tire, I can’t move my vehicle until the tire is replaced and this dealership claims not to have any spare tire, which could be used temporarily, until I shop for a tire. So, pretty much, I am trapped into having to buy the Ford tire. During my long wait, about four hours total, I called to the Advantage Ford dealership and was told by Mr. Dave Kalmus that BF Goodrich could provide a warranty for the replacement of my tire, if there was minimal mileage on my tire. However, this was incorrect, as the puncture was not due to a manufacturer defect.

Bottom line was that I was very displeased with my service experience with your Montebello Ford service center and with the incorrect information I received from Mr. Kalmus at the Duarte sales office. I felt that Mr. Kalmus was simply trying to brush me off or get rid of me, by giving me incorrect information. Further, I am absolutely flabbergasted that I am paying a total of about $40,000 in principal and interest on this vehicle and your corporation does not find it necessary to provide a spare tire? What if I rip the sidewall or sustain a sever gash on the tread? The compressor/sealer won’t fix that and if it is past the warranty period I may not have roadside assistance. What do I do then, punt? This is a gouging scheme of your company’s doing, but it is also a safety issue, as well. Thank you for consideration and I look forward to your response.

Yes, I succumb to the, "spare tire," scam. Granted, I cannot prove a scam exists, but what else can one believe, when the circumstances glaringly point in that direction? I know, maybe I could have waited, shopped for a new tire, then taken it to the dealer to have them do the work, or had the tire place do the work. I am also leery about the warranty validity if I have outside work done. The letter, which I also drafted another to B.F. Goodrich, was very much warranted and might net me a discount. The might of the pen, at times, far surpasses that of the sword. I just can't believe that Ford has stooped to such depths and seems to be angling for any type of way to get more and more money out of its customers. I am probably preaching to the choir, but I feel that if I am going to pay that kind of money for a vehicle, then I want some quality. Not just a quality work product, but a quality purchase experience, as well as a quality follow-up service experience. When will they get it through their heads that a little bit of up front manufacturer courtesy gets long term customer loyalty and repeat business. I can only hope that this is my last, wishful thinking, bad experience with Ford.

To speed. . .

Oops!

I can't believe it! Not even two months and I have my first need of repair to the Green Goblin, G.G. Last night, while driving home, I got the, "low tire pressure," warning on my heads-up display. I stopped and put air, but soon thereafter, the warning came up again. I, again, stopped and put air, but the warning would not go off. Well, I was close enough to home and no tires were flat, so I just cruised home and parked. This morning, to my surprise and horror, I found that the rear, left tire was flat. I must have picked up a nail somewhere. Great, now I have to hope that the nail is on the tread and not the sidewall, so I can plug it. I did a visual and didn't see any offending nail or other object, but now I have to inflate it with the compressor and get it to the dealer. At least it is probably a minor thing, but a pain none the less. I wanted to stop driving it so much anyway, so here's my excuse to do that. I most likely will take it to my nearby tire shop, llanteria, as the locals call it, and do the job there.

Speaking of servicing, I need to make a service call to the dealer for her brakes. I already hear a little bit of scratching, like the rotor is scrapping. Oh well, better get the most of my 50,000 mi warranty.

To speed. . .

Can't Wait Until Tomorrow

It is with the utmost anticipation that I wait for tomorrow; Friday is the day and I have decided to drive the Green Goblin to work. I plan to wake at 5:00 AM, eat shower, dress, feed my Bulldog Sammy, then venture out to the driveway. First, I slip into the driver's seat and feel that cool chill of the leather caress of the bucket seat on my back. Insert the key, push the clutch pedal and WOW, the engine will come to life. I then move out of the Goblin and back to my other vehicle, start it and move it to the street, with nary a second glance. I will return to the purring Goblin and again resume the position behind the wheel and slowly put her into gear, easing out of the driveway, out onto the street. Carefully edging to the curb and quickly returning to the other vehicle, whereby I mechanically place it back to its new position. Again, with not even as much as a, "see ya." I will then go back to the dream, the 315 horsepower angel on four wheels, settle in, adjusting the radio, satellite radio tuned to AC/DC, head off to work. As I look forward to this ritual, a homage to vintage speed, I lament the fact that I am not there now.

Well, 12:55. Only 4 more hours until take off. God night Goblin.

To Speed. . .