Hi

I did take the trip around the country from Florida to San Diego to Seattle to Bangor Maine to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and back home here in Good Old Knocksfull, Tennessee, 7,100 miles and 5-months. I finally got to get out of here in March 2003 to start the trip. The stock A14, 5-speed and 185-60-14 rear wheels got the 1200 up tp 65 MPG if I kept the speed around 45 to 50 MPH.

I had some major problems with the car for a long time before I left on the trip. I replaced everything replacable and it still overheated. It turned out to be the ignition switch going bad and it only let partial voltage to go through it. I have never had any thing harder to diagnose than this one, not even with these newer cars with computers.

I haven't driven the car in two years now. It is rusted so bad that it is dangerous. I have had some major medical problems and I doubt that I will be able to afford to fix it.

In January, I was diagnosed with colon cancer and 8 weeks ago, they removed my complete colon. I am now recovering from that and have a urinary track infection for my efforts.

I will be back on here a bit but since I am not using the 1200 anymore, it may be in vain to be here.

I am now driving a 1954 Ford Crestline. The chrome and door handles have been removed and the interior is good. It is a great driver. I love the way it drives and handles. It doesn't have power steering, it doesn't need it. It steers real well when I parallel park. The original 239 CI OHV motor, Ford's first OHV V8, decided to go south lasy May. I replaced it with a 1972 Mustang 302 CI 4-bbl V8. I am going to replace the Holly 650 carb with the original 225 CFM 3-bolt Stromburg 2-bbl carb and the original oil bath air breather. I also have a set of 351 heads that have smaller valves and lower compression that may help in getting better gas milage. Gas is up tp $2.80 gallon here now and that is cheap for America. Gas milage rules.

Mareo