Home » The First North Carolina Meetup Was A Success Because No One Kicked Us Out Of The Parking Lot We Had No Permission To Use: Cold Start

The First North Carolina Meetup Was A Success Because No One Kicked Us Out Of The Parking Lot We Had No Permission To Use: Cold Start

Cs Meetup Changli
ADVERTISEMENT

I’m quite tired, but also delighted, because the First North Carolina Autopian Meetup and Changli Rodeo happened, and it was, I think, a smashing success. For one thing, we did extremely minimal planning for this, and the parking lot in Changli-distance we used was not, how would you say, officially sanctioned. Because we didn’t actually ask anyone. But who needs asking when you have so many fantastic Autopians, driving their amazing cars to meet, look at cars, talk about cars, and, yes, maybe see my gross surgery scars!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Autopian (@theautopian)

Vidframe Min Top
Vidframe Min Bottom

Considering the short notice, we had a great turnout of people and cars, with members of the Triangle Rad group showing up with a number of fantastic, Rad-era cars, including a great Nissan 200SX, maybe the nicest (and fastest, since I was told this thing makes something like over 280 hp at the wheels!) Ford Escort GT! Img 9634 Large Img 9648 Large

The 200SX has some really delightfully ’80s-style taillights, too, with an integrated Venetian-blind/louvered effect on the upper tail/brake light section. Oh and there was also this amazing Subaru-powered VW Vanagon:

Img 9633 Large

ADVERTISEMENT

Those bumpers, by the way, are absolute battering rams.

Img 9641 Large

Oh, and this fantastic entire family showed up! I had the Changli out and available for anyone to take a little spin in, and they all piled in for a go. Then they showed me their incredible family car:

Img 9642 Large

Yes, that’s a JDM Toyota Land Cruiser Prado! This looks like a second-gen one. It’s smaller than a regular Land Cruiser, but still very capable and plenty roomy. It’s such a fantastic family car! Those kids have it good.

ADVERTISEMENT

 

Img 9645 Large

Look at this fantastic ’69 MGB! Three wipers and all!

Img 9643 Large

Look at all these car-loving car lovers out there, loving cars! My Pao is back there, too!

ADVERTISEMENT

Cs Meetup Group

Look at this fine-looking crew, braving the cold! What’s behind them?

Cs Stratus Pizza

Why, it’s our own Stephen Walter Gossin’s very own $225 Dodge Stratus, covered in pizzas! It’s like a dream, realized!

Img 9650 Large

ADVERTISEMENT

Also, did you realize just how incredibly well pizza boxes burn? They’re so well-soaked in grease, these babies go up like pressed napalm. But better-smelling!

It meant a lot to me that so many people showed up, and that so many had nice things to say to me regarding my still being alive after the aortic dissection. Generally, many seemed in favor of my continued living, which was a huge relief, since if my not being alive focus-grouped better, David might very well choose that path for me.

Seriously, though, thanks for coming to everyone. It was a blast, and we’ll do more!

 

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on whatsapp
WhatsApp
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on reddit
Reddit
Subscribe
Notify of
71 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Zorah
Zorah
8 months ago

Real sorry I couldn’t be there to see y’all. That tiny car is a proven crowd pleaser. Worth every penny!

PlatinumZJ
PlatinumZJ
8 months ago

Sorry I missed this one! Seems like all the best Autopian gatherings end with stuff being set on fire.

Captain Muppet
Captain Muppet
8 months ago

I did a horrible thing to some taillights once.

In the UK that S12 200SX would have been badged a Silvia, and mine was a 1.8 turbo. It cost me 700 quid, which is cheap enough that I could downholster it and strip it out for track use.

It wasn’t the car I really wanted though, I really wanted an R32 Skyline GTS-T, and what I really, really wanted was an FC RX7 turbo.

You know what those two cars have in common other than RWD chassis with standard fit LSDs and prices I couldn’t afford? They both have four round rear lights. The perfect number and shape of taillights.

The Nissan had the big blocky rectangular 80’s lamps as pictured above, and each side had a long rectangle of sidelight lit by two bulbs each side.

I pulled the bulb holders out, got some 2” diameter corrugated aluminium ducting and crammed it in the rear lights. Ten minutes of fettling later and I had four round taillights.

I loved that Silvia. I once pulled over to pick up a hitchhiker in the rain, and he took one look at the stripped out interior, with the race seat and harness on my side, and just the standard seat and belt on his side, and decided to walk instead.

I bet my round taillights looked amazing as I drove off.

Rust Buckets
Rust Buckets
8 months ago
Reply to  Captain Muppet

Hitchhiker story is gold

Double Wide Harvey Park
Double Wide Harvey Park
8 months ago
Reply to  Captain Muppet

> They both have four round rear lights. The perfect number and shape of taillights.

Jean Luc Picard agrees.

TriangleRAD
TriangleRAD
8 months ago

This was a great gathering and the first of what I hope will be many more in the area.

We were proud to be able to bring in a little convoy from TriangleRAD and it was so much fun to meet such passionate Autopians.

The warmth of the community definitely helped counteract the chill in the air!

TriangleRAD
TriangleRAD
8 months ago
Reply to  TriangleRAD

Oh and thanks for the pics and comments on my 200SX! I always thought the taillights on the Mk I S12 (’84-’86) were cooler than the ’87-’88 Mk II lights, but you could only get the V6 model for ’87-’88 so I stand by my choice.

Steven Jones
Steven Jones
8 months ago

I couldn’t stay long, but it was a great meet-up that made me determined to find more car people events. I am never not surprised that people are interested in the MGB, but so happy to talk about it.

JShaawbaru
JShaawbaru
8 months ago

Looks like I missed a great meetup! Glad it went so well.

I’m be back down that way on Friday most likely to pick the Saab up from its failure point in West Virginia, and pay a $1600 repair bill ????(wheel bearing, knuckle, axle, and some brake parts)

Really should have just driven the Prius, but alas, I made the fun choice instead of the practical one.

TOSSABL
TOSSABL
8 months ago

Did you guys get to Marshal?

Stephen Walter Gossin
Stephen Walter Gossin
8 months ago
Reply to  TOSSABL

The Marshall is now moving under it’s own power, just like its lovable owner.

Score one for The Good Guys!

Mechjaz
Mechjaz
8 months ago

That was a great time. I even half-accidentally cornered DT to talk about my (suspension) problems, but he and everyone else were just so gracious and kind and even offered a lightly used rag to wipe pizza grease off our hands.

There were also offerings of wire to appease the Changli, lest it become a burnt offering itself.

Sid Bridge
Sid Bridge
8 months ago

I was so tempted to try and steer my wife into letting this be our anniversary weekend trip, but the Eastern Shore won. If you do one in NC again, I’m in!

OFFLINE
OFFLINE
8 months ago

Great folks, fun conversation, cool cars. It was a blast!

Mr E
Mr E
8 months ago

I don’t have any cool/unique cars like y’all, but if I still lived in the Triangle area, I would’ve loved to have been there.

Especially for the pizza. I work in the car business. Pizza is almost part of my pay plan.

TOSSABL
TOSSABL
8 months ago
Reply to  Mr E

There were cool cars there—but also plain everyday drivers. Just come!

Mr E
Mr E
8 months ago
Reply to  TOSSABL

Well, I live in NJ now. It would be a great excuse to see all my NC friends, though.

TOSSABL
TOSSABL
8 months ago
Reply to  Mr E

I get it: I’ve passed up several because of the long drive. This was just 5&1/2 hours round trip for me. Only stayed 2 hours because David was checking the weather and said that realistically, they only had until sunset to pull work on Marshal: “So, we’ve got till 7, right?” I told him it was at 5:30–and that was my cue to depart

10001010
10001010
8 months ago

I don’t want to speak for the whole group but I think the majority of us seem to be in favor of your continued living.

Double Wide Harvey Park
Double Wide Harvey Park
8 months ago
Reply to  10001010

+1

Adam Al-Asmar
Adam Al-Asmar
8 months ago

i didn’t think i’d ever experience these levels of FOMO but i’m really glad you’re back on your feet Torch. that pentastar oil cooler got in the way of me attending but i’ll definitely be out at the next one!

NC_Motorist
NC_Motorist
8 months ago
Reply to  Adam Al-Asmar

Ahh, the dreaded Mopar oil cooler failure. That was my first attempt to work on the pentastar block, now I have mental scars. Another year and I might feel comfortable working on our Pacifica van again…

Adam Al-Asmar
Adam Al-Asmar
8 months ago
Reply to  NC_Motorist

this was at least a client’s 2015 Grand Cherokee so access wasnt a *huge* pain, but my garage is starting to get cramped (one client’s e30 m50 turbo build, one w140 resto, my x5d, my wife’s GL350, my daughter’s power wheels and scooters).

what i really need is S P A C E but commercial real estate in/around my ZIP is prohibitive so i’ll just continue being the neighborhood mechanic by eve and a Quality Engineer by day

Mechjaz
Mechjaz
8 months ago
Reply to  Adam Al-Asmar

> what i really need is S P A C E but commercial real estate in/around my ZIP is prohibitive so i’ll just continue being the neighborhood mechanic by eve and a Quality Engineer by day

Are .. are you me?

Adam Al-Asmar
Adam Al-Asmar
8 months ago
Reply to  Mechjaz

…po-…possibly? are you also bald?

Mechjaz
Mechjaz
8 months ago
Reply to  Adam Al-Asmar

So close! I have so many hairs. It’d make getting in and out of the motorcycle helmet a million times easier though.

Adam Al-Asmar
Adam Al-Asmar
8 months ago
Reply to  Mechjaz

i have lots of hairs on the bottom and sides of my face. even some above my eyes. but the big round part at the top is bald. and i have an occasional cut or two from all my wrenching endeavors. ah well, so long, almost long lost twin.

Space
Space
8 months ago
Reply to  Adam Al-Asmar

Well I’m here, not sure how I can help with the price of land.
Maybe a motivational quote:
“hang in there, you’ll save up enough to move away someday.”

Adam Al-Asmar
Adam Al-Asmar
8 months ago
Reply to  Space

some day isn’t soon enough, Space. I need my 60×60 warehouse six months ago.

or a home on two acres where i can build a shop to my liking. then youre welcome to be part of my life.

Chronometric
Chronometric
8 months ago

You missed an opportunity for a wheelbarrow of shrimp, no ice required! Looks like a great time. I’ll try to make the next one.

MikeInTheWoods
MikeInTheWoods
8 months ago

Not sure if the site has the bandwidth, but a photo of every Autopian fan’s vehicle that showed up would be fun. A bunch of those that I spied in the photos would be dream garage ones for me. Perhaps an idea for next time?

Toecutter
Toecutter
8 months ago

I’m glad to hear that you are well and the Changli is running. I eagerly await hearing back from David with regard to the gift he is presenting you.

And that 3-wiper MGB is awesome.

10001010
10001010
8 months ago
Reply to  Toecutter

After my HS car died I ended up with a 3-wiper B which was a PTSD inducing nightmare of a purchase but it had the cleanest windshield of any car I’ve owned since. Of course the convertible roof didn’t seal at all so every drop of rain those 3 wipers moved ended up in my lap but at least I could see where I was going.

Toecutter
Toecutter
8 months ago
Reply to  10001010

All the more reason I prefer the MGB GT to the normal MGB convertible. I have something even smaller, more streamlined, and faster: a Triumph GT6.

Dar Khorse
Dar Khorse
8 months ago

That looks like a ton of fun! Thanks for the post and pics. I realize you’d have to trailer the Changli, or check it as baggage, but if there’s ever a Denver area meetup, I’ll be there!

PS- So glad you’re still not not-alive! Also, did anyone do surgery on the Changli to fix its electrical plumbing problem?

Last edited 8 months ago by Dar Khorse
Canopysaurus
Canopysaurus
8 months ago

Wish I could’ve made the trip up, but I had to spend the day under the house dealing with a cold-induced plumbing dissection of my own. Good to see that you’re out and about and that a great time was had by all. Maybe next meet up.

LBA Oak
LBA Oak
8 months ago

It was great meeting so many people yesterday, and seeing Torch for the first time in 30+ years since the wrestling match. I wish I could have stayed longer but had a lot on my to do list. Also the family in the JDM Toyota Land Cruiser Prado live in my neighborhood and it was nice to finally talk to them after being mesmerized by their truck everytime I pass their house.

Tim Farrell
Tim Farrell
8 months ago

I didn’t know but if I did I would have brought my Suzuki Every Joypop Kei van or my 80 RX-7. I wish we could post pics.

TriangleRAD
TriangleRAD
8 months ago
Reply to  Tim Farrell

Those sound like two cars that would be very welcome at the next TriangleRAD event.

Arthur T. Rollin
Arthur T. Rollin
8 months ago

Just recently my wife expressed some interest in moving to the Durham, NC – a place that is completely foreign to me. I wasn’t enthusiastic, to say the least, UNTIL I saw this post! A rag-tag bunch of local rad era car enthusiasts surreptitiously gathering to eat pizza and talk about cars??? My people! I’m freaking IN!

Mechjaz
Mechjaz
8 months ago

It was pretty cool. I’m hoping that Autopian is the grain of sand that reforms pearls of car-community around it.

It was also really pleasant to feel like everyone has/had a place as long as they’re into cars. There’s the funky stuff from the pictures, but I saw an overlanding-looking Lexus that I loved and there was a Hyundai .. Elantra? Sonata? In the mix.

TriangleRAD
TriangleRAD
8 months ago

The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill car scene is eclectic, fun, and active year-round. Our largest local Cars and Coffee brings in 3000-4000 cars every month. At that event, I once photographed a $2,000,000 1-of-29 Porsche 959S parked next to a dealer-clean 1994 Toyota Tercel. Now that’s eclectic.

Icouldntfindaclevername
Icouldntfindaclevername
8 months ago

Sorry, I couldn’t make it. Just too far to drive a round trip on a Sunday. Glad everything worked out and the mini van made it?

Scott W.
Scott W.
8 months ago

damn it!!! how did I miss this??? sigh. How were the BLTs – I’ve heard they’re fantastic. definitely need to attend the next one.
Kudos on a blast of a gather during your recovery!
:scott in durhamtown:

James Kohler
James Kohler
8 months ago

Nice! One day I’d love to attend : )

MaximillianMeen
MaximillianMeen
8 months ago

Is the owner of the Escort GT a member? Because I, for one, would be interested in a “Members Rides” article on a 280 HP 90’s Escort.

Outofstep
Outofstep
8 months ago

My thoughts exactly. I need to know the build info and also would like some dyno receipts.

Notwearingpants
Notwearingpants
8 months ago
Reply to  Outofstep

As it is said, license registration and dyno sheet please. Not the best picture but it gets the point across. Essentially it’s just a built Miata engine with a turbo.

Outofstep
Outofstep
8 months ago

Nice! It must’ve been quite an experience the first time you sent it.

TOSSABL
TOSSABL
8 months ago

That Escort is stealth cool! The turbo plumbing and front-mount intercooler installation is quite well done. He was quite casual about it, but I can only imagine it’s a bit of a handful when the boost comes on.

Toecutter
Toecutter
8 months ago
Reply to  TOSSABL

Torque steer in that thing is going to be more than a handful I would think…

Notwearingpants
Notwearingpants
8 months ago
Reply to  Toecutter

It isn’t as much of a handful as my friends’ 1.8 turbo swapped Festiva but the Escort is certainly a two hands on the wheel while accelerating experience

Notwearingpants
Notwearingpants
8 months ago

I am now! If any of the staff or readers want a ride, all they need to do is be in the Raleigh area and ask nicely.

Mr. Asa
Mr. Asa
8 months ago

Now do Florida. How many charging stops will the Chang Li require for that?

TOSSABL
TOSSABL
8 months ago
Reply to  Mr. Asa

Fun fact about the Changli: if you’re not paying attention and forget to take the parking brake off, the readout optimistically shows your speed even while motionless. For a split second, I thought I had broken it

FloridaNative
FloridaNative
8 months ago
Reply to  Mr. Asa

All of them

Mr E
Mr E
8 months ago
Reply to  Mr. Asa

None.

If towed. Which I most certainly would.

Actually, it’d probably fit in the bed of an F150.

Last edited 8 months ago by Mr E
Mechjaz
Mechjaz
8 months ago
Reply to  Mr E

I can’t tell if I’m poking fun at the trucks or the Changli, but at this point it might well fit in the cab

Amberturnsignalsarebetter
Amberturnsignalsarebetter
8 months ago
Reply to  Mr E

We know it fits in the bed of a J10.

Last edited 8 months ago by Amberturnsignalsarebetter
Chartreuse Bison
Chartreuse Bison
8 months ago
Reply to  Mr E

They could get a press truck with an outlet in the bed and charge it too

TriangleRAD
TriangleRAD
8 months ago
Reply to  Mr. Asa

By the time the Changli reaches Florida, the entire power grid will have transitioned to nuclear fusion.

EXL500
EXL500
8 months ago
Reply to  Mr. Asa

Yes. I’ll put in a vote for neighboring Clearwater. Although our VFW 2550 in Dunedin does a great Cars and Coffee first Saturdays.

71
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x