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Judy and I went to the 2023 National DeSoto Club Convention, in Chatham, Ontario, with our daughter Stacey, son-in-law Tim, and grandson Chris (former Ohio State practice lineman). We figured on driving to the the Convention on Thursday, but a shake-down cruise Wednesday evening removed all desire to driving the DeSoto, even that far. I had fixed a number of problems, but the car just did not seem happy on the highway. Good thing too, because something did "spring" up later, which would have made driving even worse. The backup plan was to rent a U-Haul trailer to transport the car. Early research resulted in Tim renting a 3/4 ton truck to haul the car-with-trailer, since his truck's rating was not quite high enough. Stacey would to drive their truck as the chase car. My research indicated that the platforms on the trailer were 6 inches longer than the wheelbase of the car. Thursday morning showed that I had not accounted for the enchroachment of the tiedown apparatus. So Tim and I took the trailer back, while Chris sourced a larger trailer, by internet, from a local enterpreneur. Cool. But winching the DeSoto onto the trailer removed the low-hanging mufler and pretzelized the tailppipe. We (the trucks, trailer and car, that is) got loaded, and we hit the border at Thursday rush hour. We spent a weekend getting off the Ambassador Bridge that evening. First order of business Friday was to have Midas reinstall the muffler - forget the taipipe for now. Get off the trailer, drive across contingent parking lots to the Midas. (Convenient, anyway.) Someting dripping - sprung a leak, antifreeze. Good thing I was only driving on and off the trailer and to the car show location. Good thing Friday night's rain forced a venue change from a beautiful, grassy ( but muddy) park to the parking lot at the hotel and Convention Centre. Short hop. Saturday was the car show. Afterwards, we loaded the DeSoto one last time. Saturday night was the banquet. First Class event. As throughout the event, we schmoozed with the car people. Despite the tribulations, it was fun. Some people attend for the fun but don't bring a car - fascinating concept. For next year, Tim is talking New Orelans (without the car.) Maybe the following year, trailer the car to Akron. We'll see, we'll see.

Thought everyone might enjoy a few pictures from the weekend. Every year residents of shawingan lake celebrate the area's heritage and as part of the goings-on there is a car show organised by Dpollo on this forum. The weather was perfect and it was a nice group of cars, a very enjoyable day. I'm sure it wasn't intentional but flathead engines seemed to be the order of the day.

well kids, I applied and was accepted to the local Concours show. FEF will be on of 20 vehicles in his class. I'll make sure to post pictures after the show this Sunday. I have to leave my house at 4AM to get to my load in time...erf! Funny thing is I bet I'll be one of the few that actually DRIVE to the show (lots of worry about "rig parking" in the literature)! Wish me luck, my first official judging!

I met up with Jim Yergin this Saturday at the Chesapeake City Car Show in eastern Maryland. Click on the link below for the picture story. PS... That's not Jim's car behind me. http://www.1948plymouth.info/1948p15/photo_gallery/Picture_Stories/CCCS-08232014.htm Cheers, Chet...

Seeing as it is only 20 some odd days away, anyone making the trek this year that isn't local? Davin? Dave? Tim? Merle? Keven? Paul? Hank?

I hope to go again this year, but of course the weather is listed as t-storms all weekend, Sunday listed as "severe" BOOOOO!!!! Anyone else maybe gonna make it?

I met up with Jim Yergin at the Chesapeake City Car Show. See link below for the Picture Story. Picture Story: http://www.chetscoins.com/1948p15/2013/08242013.htm Cheers Chet...

Anybody plan on attending the Ruby's car show in Whittier? It seems to be on every Friday this summer. Thought I would check it out. here's the flyer: http://www.americanstreetrodders.com/ -spdeluxe47