M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

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Sbeaud
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M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by Sbeaud »

I’m new to the forum and not sure where to post this (or even if it’s appropriate), but I’ll throw it out there and see if it needs to move. I recently bought a 1988 M6, but it’s clear across the country from me and I need to pick it up. Bought it from John Bennett of Hubbard’s German Auto in Eureka, California, and he’s generous enough to hold the car until spring.

My wife and I plan to make a road trip out of it, and driving down California’s Hwy 1 seems like a good place to take a M6. I imagine more than a few 6er fans have taken this route, so I’m looking for feedback/suggestions. We’ll pick the car up in Eureka, and we need to finish in Sacramento where we can leave the vehicle with relatives to be picked up and transported back to Detroit. Thinking we’ll drive down to Cayucos or Morro Bay then turn around, or go inland to head back up to Sacramento.

We will arrive in Eureka 03May and leave the next day. Maybe spend 5 days going down the coast. Any thoughts on places to visit - especially car related? Looks like we’ll miss the Trans Am Speedfest at Laguna Seca. Anything else?

Thanks!
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by mjeb69 »

I'm pretty familiar with the north coast as I live in Sonoma.

You'll have to do some planning coming down from Eureka - not a lot of amenities along the way.

When you get to Sonoma County I would recommend a stop at Bodega Bay. Drive out to the point for a pretty bracing view (bring a windbreaker). For breakfast or lunch I'd recommend Ginochio's kitchen. Not fancy but really great. If you stay in Bodega Bay I would go to Lucas Wharf restaurant instead of Inn at the Tides.

Further down, before you get to Inverness is Nick's Cove. Really great lunch or dinner. Seafood. Oysters. They have a little hut at the end of their pier where you can have your cocktail.

When you get down to Marin it is well worth taking a little detour to the top of Mount Tamalpais. Depending on weather you can see most of the upper Bay Area -the Golden Gate, San Francisco, etc.

If you're planning on staying in San Francisco let me know as I have a raft of recommendations. Same thing for Sonoma Valley if you want to do the wine thing.

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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by 88m6 »

I and a few other e24 enthusiasts are at the end of your trip along central coast. Maybe meet up. There will be no cell till you exit big sur and approach Hearst castle .
The last leg of your trip from Carmel south is going to be a blast!
Can meet up before you head inland to 5 n up to Sacramento .
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by Sbeaud »

Thanks so much for the response! The plan is coming together...

mjeb69 - Bodega Bay will be put on the list - really appreciate the recommendations. Do you recommend visiting, or staying? My initial plan was to visit. We were planning on a couple of days in San Francisco. One recommendation was to stay in Pacifica and day trip into SF. But I'm not sold on that - you have guidance? We're not wine drinkers, so no strong allure to Sonoma Valley.

My plan so far:
Eureka to Mendocino (overnight): Redwoods/Avenue of the Giants
Mendocino to SF (2-3 nights): Pt Arena, Goat Rock, Bodega Bay, Pt Reyes, Mount Tamalpais. SF: Golden Gate park, Presidio, ????
SF to Monterey/Carmel (overnight, or two...): Santa Cruz, Point Lobos, Fisherman's Warf, 17-mile Drive, Carmel Mission
Monterey to Morro Bay (overnight): Big Sur, San Simeon
After that I'm not sure. Either turn north to the relatives in Sacramento, or I'm considering taking another couple days... Maybe some time in LA, or take a long loop through Yosemite?

88m6 - Thanks for the invite - I'll email as the date approaches and see if our schedules align.
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by Steve M6 »

I have lived in Monterey since 1971 and know the area very well. If you plan to spend a couple of days here, there is plenty to do. Paul is right about the drive down Coast Highway 1. As the time gets closer, let us know about your schedule. This is somewhat reminiscent of 2006 when I found a M6 in Portland, OR. My mechanic knew the car because the owner lived locally before moving to Portland. We bought 1-way plane tickets and drove the car home.
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by mjeb69 »

I would visit Bodega Bay rather than stay. If you need a break in the trip on the north coast I would swing into Santa Rosa for cheaper accommodations and far wider food options, and much, much lower fuel costs. I was at BB last week and the sole gas station offered almost $5 per gallon.

San Francisco: First option would be to stay downtown near Union Square (not the financial district, which is dead at night). You can sometimes find rates around $200-$300, but often it is far higher. You'll also spend another $50 for parking. Second option is to stay at a motel on Lombard Street in the Marina District, which is what most international travelers do. There, you are close to the Golden Gate, Marina Green, and yes, Fisherman's Wharf. Short, simple bus ride to North Beach, Chinatown, and downtown. If you go this route let me know and I will make bar and restaurant recs.

I usually, to no avail, wave people off of Fisherman's Wharf. There are only a small handful of things I would do there: Musee Mechanique, Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista, ferry to Alacatraz (worth doing but book ahead). The cable car line there is the most crowded one - I would do California Street line instead.

Cable Car barn is near Chinatown and worth a visit. Chinatown is great for a cheap, good meal. North Beach is fading a bit, but good Italian restaurants.

I would highly recommend three really classic restaurants: John's Grill, Tadich Grill, or Sam's (my favorite), all downtown vicinity. Also Cafe Claude. That said, I could give you a list of fifty places without breaking a sweat or pulling up a list.

If you don't go to Mount Tamalpais in Marin, drive up Twin Peaks for the view. SFMOMA is great.
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by Sbeaud »

The latest plan:
Staying in:
Eureka Friday 03May- pick up the car Saturday
Mendocino Saturday- 1 night
SF Sun/Mon/Tues- Union Square - 3 nights
Carmel Wed - 1 night
Pismo Beach? Thur - 1 night
Yosemite Fri/Sat - 2 nights
Sacramento Sun?

Thanks for the recommendations. We’re not fixed on Fisherman’s Wharf, so your other recommendations are appreciated. Both Mount Tamalpais and Twin Peaks look great.

Scott
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by 88m6 »

If u do go to wharf,
Scoma's Scoma's Scoma's
House of prime rib on van ness for beef.
Make reservations for both NOW. REALLY
I'm jealous..n hungry now :x

We shall c about meeting in pismo, or preferably Paso Robles on your way to pismo down the road.
Maybe some wine tasting?
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by LarryM »

Any visit to CA isn't complete without a trip to In 'n Out. If you visit Paso Robles, take Route 46 east out of town to Route 41. Where the 41 meets the I-5, there's an In 'n Out that's a popular stopping-off point for travelers heading north and south. (This is the Kettleman City exit off the I-5). Once in August we stopped there to find a caravan of perhaps 25 or more Ferraris and Lambos (complete with police escort) heading to Monterey. It's a very busy place though, so find a safe spot to park away from the scrum. There's also a nice restaurant and gift shop called Bravo Farms. Buy a T-shirt!
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by DrTwincam »

4th generation California Native here. 1 night in San Francisco will suffice these days.. Mendocino on night one is an excellent choice. North Coast Brewery in Ft Bragg is an excellent choice for food and, well, great beer. They also have an outstanding Jazz scene if you are into that. The view from the Presidio in San Francisco is nice as is Golden Gate Park. Hop on a Cable car there just to say you dunnit. Peir 39 if you want to blend in with every other tourist. A bowl of clam chowder out of a true extra sour dough bowl is a must. Were it up to me, leave SF, don't even spend the night. The drive on 1 south to Half Moon Bay (roughly and hour) is a must and best enjoyed in daylight. Stay in HMB instead of SF. Take the next day and drive through Santa Cruz. Ben Lomond and Felton are nice placed to see the redwoods on the way. Great local food in Santa Cruz. Carmel is around 50 miles south of Santa Cruz. Carmel and Monterrey are both dead at night. The Monterrey Bay Aquarium is pretty cool with lots of great eats right outside of Cannery Row. Visit Ventana restaurant on your way south for the view and a glass of wine if nothing else heading south from Carmel to Big Sur. I would not miss Big Sur on this drive. Take the time to visit Hearst Castle in Cambria heading south towards SLO. The rest of your trip sounds great. Mendocino and Big Sur are majestic. Henry Cowell State Park for the Redwoods. The drive from the coast over to Yosemite is a nice one that will allow those 24 valves to breath. In case you didn't catch my drift, San Francisco is not what it used to be. It's filthy, it stinks and people relieve themselves on the sidewalk now. It's just a shame. California got a lot of rain this year and is especially beautiful right now. Enjoy, Steve
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by Sbeaud »

It's started! Picked up the car from John Bennett at Hubbards German Auto in Eureka. Already through Avenue of the Giants (spectacular redwoods) and Mendocino. The M6 is running fantastic. I have to pinch myself regularly to make sure it isn't a dream. Incredible roads in an awesome car. Arrived in San Francisco last night. Working on posting pictures. I read the instructions, but I'm still a little confused. And there's a 256k size limit?
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by AlexTheBeaner »

Sbeaud wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2019 11:39 pm I’m new to the forum and not sure where to post this (or even if it’s appropriate), but I’ll throw it out there and see if it needs to move. I recently bought a 1988 M6, but it’s clear across the country from me and I need to pick it up. Bought it from John Bennett of Hubbard’s German Auto in Eureka, California, and he’s generous enough to hold the car until spring.

My wife and I plan to make a road trip out of it, and driving down California’s Hwy 1 seems like a good place to take a M6. I imagine more than a few 6er fans have taken this route, so I’m looking for feedback/suggestions. We’ll pick the car up in Eureka, and we need to finish in Sacramento where we can leave the vehicle with relatives to be picked up and transported back to Detroit. Thinking we’ll drive down to Cayucos or Morro Bay then turn around, or go inland to head back up to Sacramento.

We will arrive in Eureka 03May and leave the next day. Maybe spend 5 days going down the coast. Any thoughts on places to visit - especially car related? Looks like we’ll miss the Trans Am Speedfest at Laguna Seca. Anything else?

Thanks!

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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by Sbeaud »

On the way from Mendocino to San Francisco.
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by AlexTheBeaner »

Sbeaud wrote: Tue May 07, 2019 4:09 am On the way from Mendocino to San Francisco.
Just saw that you will be passing to Yosemite. I'm actually between Pismo and Yosemite. You're more than welcome to come by!
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by AlexTheBeaner »

AlexTheBeaner wrote: Tue May 07, 2019 2:09 pm
Sbeaud wrote: Tue May 07, 2019 4:09 am On the way from Mendocino to San Francisco.
Just saw that you will be passing to Yosemite. I'm actually between Pismo and Yosemite. You're more than welcome to come by!

EDIT that will be the case if you are taking HWY 41, which most likely you will.
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by Sbeaud »

Thanks so much for the tips and advice. We didn't have time to take them all up, but we had a great time. Some pictures below. The car ran great - thanks to John Bennett at Hubbard's German Auto for sorting it out before hand. The car was shipped and is now with us in Michigan.

A few minor issues to deal with now. The glove box is stuck closed (will try to unscrew the hinge this weekend to attempt to open), and the passenger/right outside rear view mirror is loose on it's pivot. Saw a string here in Big Coupe with responses by Ron and Brucey that suggest it is easier to replace than to repair - that's very disappointing...

Thanks again for the input - it was really helpful.
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by GRNSHRK »

Wow, she's a beaut =D>

Great story, hopefully you enjoyed our lovely state [-o<

Regarding the loose mirror pivot, IIRC, take a look at the underside, there "should" be a plastic plug of sorts that can be removed, revealing the spanner nut that can be turned to snug things up :-k

Been a long time since I had to do this, so the memory is a bit on the fuzzy side #-o
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by Sbeaud »

I enjoyed your state very much! The perfect drive in the perfect car in my opinion. Early May with great temperatures and flowers blooming. I'll have to find a way to do it again. Hmmm. Can't afford to buy a car every time though.

You mention a spanner wrench? Actually the passenger (right) mirror had lost it's cap so it's already open. (picture below looking up from below the mirror) I stuck a allen wrench up and could not feel much. I think the only thing holding the mirror on is the wiring. If someone knows what type of wrench is correct, or if there is a special tool that would really help.

If a spanner type of wrench would work (not sure how that is with the wiring through the middle), maybe a large flat blade screwdriver? I would very much like to tighten this versus replace it.

Scott
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by dlvad »

Scott, Are you referring to Brucey’s “Mirror Mangulation” Thread Possibly?
viewtopic.php?t=4875

Bobbo is referring to the Spring Loaded Hollow Bolt that the mirror control wiring passes through I believe.
F1ADBAA6-38D8-4429-AB39-58E18A37528F.jpeg
F1ADBAA6-38D8-4429-AB39-58E18A37528F.jpeg (152.5 KiB) Viewed 12792 times
Proceed With Caution - You need to remove the control wiring to tighten/adjust this bolt properly OR You can rotate the mirror housing forward, then carefully insert a proper flat blade (size matters) into the hollow bolt recess. Hold your flat blade static while incrementaly rotating the mirror housing to its folded inward position towards door window, remove the flat blade all the while using extreme care as to avoid damaging the control wiring as it may or may not be brittle. Buggering/Distorting the internal ridges of the bolt should be averted as well.
Repeat incrementally to achieve the desired folding preload/tension. Avoid over tightening. Your mirror bolt may not have backed out much to create the “Flop”

In the event your bolt is stripped or sheared you’ll know straightaway. The bottom pivot cover remains available from Maximillian/Mobile Traditions or Dealer even EBay.

I did this on both mirrors on my 88 Dinan S3 M6 without issue back in 2004. In my case this was due to a countless number of folding cycles from installing/removing the cover while garaged.
Never experienced this on any other 6ers mirrors which is somewhat odd 🤔...
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by 86_6series »

Would like to add my road trips but on a bike. Some day I would like to do it in my 6.

Hope you'll enjoy reading, these were the write ups for my workplace newsletter at the time.
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Re: M6 Roadtrip Down California Hwy 1 - Suggestions?

Post by Sbeaud »

dlvad -

Actually I did not see Brucey's thread when I did my initial search - thanks very much for highlighting. It's an awesome thread.

While I found I could rotate the hollow bolt with a screwdriver while the mirror was on the vehicle, to make better progress I removed the mirror from the car. I could actually rotate the hollow bolt pretty easily with a large flat head screwdriver. But no matter how I positioned the mirror relative to the pivot/mount there was no engagement of the thread in the mirror after numerous rotations. So, I believe either the mirror housing or hollow bolt threads are stripped. I can see a portion of the bolt threads (between the pivot/base and the mirror housing), and they look fine.

But per Brucey's thread the hollow bolt is spring loaded in the pivot/base. I tried to push the hollow bolt upward (against spring pressure?), but it did not seem to move, so I assume I was using the entire amount of thread available for engagement (threaded portion extending above the pivot/base). Am i thinking about the spring force correctly?

If the mirror housing threads are stripped, then do I replace the entire assembly, or just the parts? If it is a housing/shroud issue then it seems like replacing the entire assembly is the way to go.

Thanks very much for your feedback, and thanks Brucey for the great thread.

Scott
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