My 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Bumblebee
Discussion
Update:
A few weeks ago we had a return to Huddersfield for the annual Comic Con in the town. This time around we had a couple of Bumblebee cars, as well as the G1 Optimus Prime truck and some familiar costumers as well.
Chris Barrie, of Red Dwarf fame was at the event as one of the celebrity guests. I have met Chris before a couple of times and he’s a really nice guy to talk to - a fellow petrol head so we talked cars for a short while too as well as about his career and the fun of making Red Dwarf.
Also there once again was Mark Ryan, the voice of Bumblebee and Lockdown from the Transformers movies.
Mark Ryan with Travis in his Bumblebee costume.
It was nice to catchup with him as well, we talked about his future projects and family life. He also signed the dash of the other Camaro that was there. He also signed the photo that I had taken with him last time and subsequently printed out. I’m not sure what to do with the pictures just yet, but I’m thinking of some kind of celebrity photo wall if, over time, I get more people having pictures with the car. Thinking about it now, I’ve a photo of a wrestler who had her photo sat in the car a few years ago and I was talking to her at this event as well. I’ll get that one printed off incase I see her in the future too to add to the collection!
More recently…
I had a really fun day yesterday with the Camaro at Comic Con Loco in Guisborough…
With the UK’s official Bayverse Optimus Prime truck no longer in active use, my friend has created his own interpretation of the Autobot leader. This was its first outing to a convention of this sort, and the first time I’d see it beyond the artist mockup. Im pleased to say it looks absolutely incredible. Andy, the owner decided to add to artwork to the back of truck as well which is a real statement piece.
The car and truck look great together, with the bright colours popping in the sunlight.
At one stage, a young fellow came over with eyes wide and mouth open. He just stood in bewilderment, taking it all in and then shouted “This is absolutely aaaammmmmmaaaaazzzzzzing!!! I never thought I’d see these in real life!!”. Makes it all worthwhile.
Truck owner Andy, being the awesome ambassador that he is, gave away some comics to the younger children too.
We drove to the event and back in convoy, showboating along the motorway with me behind for the most part. The way back in particular was so much fun as the roads were quite busy. I can honestly say I’ve never seen so many people going past taking photos and videos. Plenty of surprised smiles continually as motorists would draw parallel to the car, slow down, then move next to the truck and do the same.
There is a Ferrari in the distance. Didn’t notice that though did you.
My guess is that transformers fans behind probably first spotted my car, then saw the mural on the truck in front and so knew what was coming up next… phones out! There must have been at least 50 phones that I spotted driving past.
The truck has enormous road presence, figuratively and literally. It’s massive, it’s bright, it’s famous and it’s got lights and horns all over it. It’s a rolling event all of its own, with Bumblebee acting as enhancement talent.
Made you look.
What a rush!
In other news…
Last night I received some pictures from the parent of one of the young ladies who I took to prom a few months ago. She has received the professional photos she had taken and sent me a couple as a momento. This reminded me that, as soon as I get some spare time I plan to produce a photo book that documents some of the many trips, events and memories that I’ve had with this car. My thinking is to do an oversized coffee table style book and include pictures not just of events but also people who have modelled with the car, the ladies and gents that I’ve taken to proms, celebrities who’ve had pictures with it along with friends and family, and anyone else out there in internetland who snapped selfies that might want to be included. My thinking is that for any future events that are indoors I could leave the book out for people to look at to see the journey so far.
My next event with the Camaro in two weeks time in York. More convoy fun to follow with Andy in his truck. We are also looking to get a video done of the car and truck together before the summer is out if we can get the timings sorted. But we are typical blokes, and as such can’t organise anything with our mates so we’ll have to see if telepathy can bring us all together….
Quick fuel stop. V-Power!
A few weeks ago we had a return to Huddersfield for the annual Comic Con in the town. This time around we had a couple of Bumblebee cars, as well as the G1 Optimus Prime truck and some familiar costumers as well.
Chris Barrie, of Red Dwarf fame was at the event as one of the celebrity guests. I have met Chris before a couple of times and he’s a really nice guy to talk to - a fellow petrol head so we talked cars for a short while too as well as about his career and the fun of making Red Dwarf.
Also there once again was Mark Ryan, the voice of Bumblebee and Lockdown from the Transformers movies.
Mark Ryan with Travis in his Bumblebee costume.
It was nice to catchup with him as well, we talked about his future projects and family life. He also signed the dash of the other Camaro that was there. He also signed the photo that I had taken with him last time and subsequently printed out. I’m not sure what to do with the pictures just yet, but I’m thinking of some kind of celebrity photo wall if, over time, I get more people having pictures with the car. Thinking about it now, I’ve a photo of a wrestler who had her photo sat in the car a few years ago and I was talking to her at this event as well. I’ll get that one printed off incase I see her in the future too to add to the collection!
More recently…
I had a really fun day yesterday with the Camaro at Comic Con Loco in Guisborough…
With the UK’s official Bayverse Optimus Prime truck no longer in active use, my friend has created his own interpretation of the Autobot leader. This was its first outing to a convention of this sort, and the first time I’d see it beyond the artist mockup. Im pleased to say it looks absolutely incredible. Andy, the owner decided to add to artwork to the back of truck as well which is a real statement piece.
The car and truck look great together, with the bright colours popping in the sunlight.
At one stage, a young fellow came over with eyes wide and mouth open. He just stood in bewilderment, taking it all in and then shouted “This is absolutely aaaammmmmmaaaaazzzzzzing!!! I never thought I’d see these in real life!!”. Makes it all worthwhile.
Truck owner Andy, being the awesome ambassador that he is, gave away some comics to the younger children too.We drove to the event and back in convoy, showboating along the motorway with me behind for the most part. The way back in particular was so much fun as the roads were quite busy. I can honestly say I’ve never seen so many people going past taking photos and videos. Plenty of surprised smiles continually as motorists would draw parallel to the car, slow down, then move next to the truck and do the same.
There is a Ferrari in the distance. Didn’t notice that though did you.
My guess is that transformers fans behind probably first spotted my car, then saw the mural on the truck in front and so knew what was coming up next… phones out! There must have been at least 50 phones that I spotted driving past.
The truck has enormous road presence, figuratively and literally. It’s massive, it’s bright, it’s famous and it’s got lights and horns all over it. It’s a rolling event all of its own, with Bumblebee acting as enhancement talent.
Made you look.
What a rush!
In other news…
Last night I received some pictures from the parent of one of the young ladies who I took to prom a few months ago. She has received the professional photos she had taken and sent me a couple as a momento. This reminded me that, as soon as I get some spare time I plan to produce a photo book that documents some of the many trips, events and memories that I’ve had with this car. My thinking is to do an oversized coffee table style book and include pictures not just of events but also people who have modelled with the car, the ladies and gents that I’ve taken to proms, celebrities who’ve had pictures with it along with friends and family, and anyone else out there in internetland who snapped selfies that might want to be included. My thinking is that for any future events that are indoors I could leave the book out for people to look at to see the journey so far.
My next event with the Camaro in two weeks time in York. More convoy fun to follow with Andy in his truck. We are also looking to get a video done of the car and truck together before the summer is out if we can get the timings sorted. But we are typical blokes, and as such can’t organise anything with our mates so we’ll have to see if telepathy can bring us all together….
Quick fuel stop. V-Power!
Another fun event this weekend at the York Comic Con.
This is a big event, over 4 floors of the race course and is really well attended with loads of stalls and visitors making for a very lively atmosphere.
Sadly the rain came for a bit of it but it wasn’t cold and it went after an hour or so. A few of the regulars were there, including Vinny, a sweet shop owner who supplies me with my Doctor Pepper Zero addiction, and the Lupton brothers who own an American police car business. I haven’t seen them this year as they’ve been supplying cars to movie studios so have been away on set a lot.
It was great to catch-up and whilst there I made some new contacts too, some new avenues to explore!
I should probably take more photos of these events in general to give you an idea of what they are like. I get too busy socialising most of the time and I forget.
This is a big event, over 4 floors of the race course and is really well attended with loads of stalls and visitors making for a very lively atmosphere.
Sadly the rain came for a bit of it but it wasn’t cold and it went after an hour or so. A few of the regulars were there, including Vinny, a sweet shop owner who supplies me with my Doctor Pepper Zero addiction, and the Lupton brothers who own an American police car business. I haven’t seen them this year as they’ve been supplying cars to movie studios so have been away on set a lot.
It was great to catch-up and whilst there I made some new contacts too, some new avenues to explore!
I should probably take more photos of these events in general to give you an idea of what they are like. I get too busy socialising most of the time and I forget.
tallpaul26 said:
Do you have a calendar of events? My son (and I) would love to see both your Camaro and the truck!
Hi Paul, the show season tends to close around October time, so we are coming to the end of the season. That said, I’ve got one confirmed with both me and the truck which is Leeds Unleashed Comic Con at the Royal Armouries on 20th October. Be sure to say hello if you come!
I’ve also been asked to attend a charity event in Scun.thorpe next weekend, which is a strongman event where they will be pulling Optimus Prime four miles to the town (Google Chalkie White charity truck pull). I’m not sure what my role with the Camaro be in that however as I was only contacted last night.
Cheers!
Paul
Today’s event was a fun one. My friend Andy, who I’ve mentioned before (but for those skim reading, he owns the Optimus Prime trucks as seen in the pictures) asked me if i could attend a charity event that he was doing, to add more of the transformers theme to the event. Not that it needed it, that truck is truly a rolling show and spectacle all of its own, but I was happy to go along and help out, and so we made it a family visit and travelled over to meet him on the outskirts of Scun.thorpe. As soon as we arrived at the meet point, people were coming over and chatting to us, taking photos of our vehicles, which is always an uplifting experience.
We convoyed over the short distance to the start of the event, which was a sponsored truck pull. A group of volunteers were to pull this ten ton truck a distance of four miles to raise money for the Lindsay Lodge hospice.
The event was organised by a retired, local strong man Chalkie White MBE ( News article here). I had the privilege of driving him for part of the distance and getting a little of the history of his days as a strongman alongside the likes of Geoff Capes. A really nice guy, organising an event for a really great cause.
Above: Chalkie heading over to my car just after the pull began.
The team did really well and it made the local news too….
Telly fame for the ‘bee too (just!
).
Link to the BBC news story: iPlayer Link
We convoyed over the short distance to the start of the event, which was a sponsored truck pull. A group of volunteers were to pull this ten ton truck a distance of four miles to raise money for the Lindsay Lodge hospice.
The event was organised by a retired, local strong man Chalkie White MBE ( News article here). I had the privilege of driving him for part of the distance and getting a little of the history of his days as a strongman alongside the likes of Geoff Capes. A really nice guy, organising an event for a really great cause.
Above: Chalkie heading over to my car just after the pull began.
The team did really well and it made the local news too….
Telly fame for the ‘bee too (just!
).Link to the BBC news story: iPlayer Link
Nice car. I like the Camaro SS a lot. I hired the current model when I was in Texas and was very impressed (it was yellow as well).
It does seem though, that every yellow Camaro in the UK has been turned into a Transfomers clone. It would be nice to see a yellow one without the transformers badges on the side. I saw 5 at my last car show! ALL transformers clones!
It does seem though, that every yellow Camaro in the UK has been turned into a Transfomers clone. It would be nice to see a yellow one without the transformers badges on the side. I saw 5 at my last car show! ALL transformers clones!
UK_Scat_Pack said:
Nice car. I like the Camaro SS a lot. I hired the current model when I was in Texas and was very impressed (it was yellow as well).
It does seem though, that every yellow Camaro in the UK has been turned into a Transfomers clone. It would be nice to see a yellow one without the transformers badges on the side. I saw 5 at my last car show! ALL transformers clones!
I suspect it’s because there are a very limited number of Camaros in the uk, and so the ones that are purchased in yellow are more likely to be transformers fans. Plus it’s easy to do. Mine used to have magnetic autobot badges on the side so that could be just a regular Camaro outside of shows, but one got nicked, so now they are permanent.It does seem though, that every yellow Camaro in the UK has been turned into a Transfomers clone. It would be nice to see a yellow one without the transformers badges on the side. I saw 5 at my last car show! ALL transformers clones!
I do know of one near me that is yellow and isnt a transformers copy - so they are out there, but rare.
If I was to choose one just for being a Camaro, rather than the movie link, I’d have a white one with black stripes. I think they look really cool in white.
Another event attended last weekend which was great fun, this time at the Leeds Royal Armories, and the last event for me this season.
The event scene tends to draw to a close around this time so that’ll probably be it until next year now.
I don’t have any events booked yet for next year (that usually comes around Feb time), but I‘m expecting less events for 2025 than this year.
But I’ve got some plans for some other things with the car, mainly some photo and video shoots with the truck when the weather gets nicer.
The drive home from the event was as exhilarating as usual, with people taking videos everywhere we went.
The scale of the truck can be seen in this picture, It’s quite the spectacle.
Here’s me arriving, you can see all the lights on Optimus as its still dawn time…
The event scene tends to draw to a close around this time so that’ll probably be it until next year now.
I don’t have any events booked yet for next year (that usually comes around Feb time), but I‘m expecting less events for 2025 than this year.
But I’ve got some plans for some other things with the car, mainly some photo and video shoots with the truck when the weather gets nicer.
The drive home from the event was as exhilarating as usual, with people taking videos everywhere we went.
The scale of the truck can be seen in this picture, It’s quite the spectacle.
Here’s me arriving, you can see all the lights on Optimus as its still dawn time…
With the car season drawing to a close as we head into the winter, I thought I’d put together a short video looking back at our summer of 2024 with some of my cars and my friends.
It has been fun year with lots of events, from Comic Cons and charity events to prom rides and car shows, meeting new friends and talking to people involved in the TV, movie and social media business, including meeting Mark Ryan (the voice of bumblebee in the Transformers movies) who kindly signed my Camaro.
We also purchased a new car for summer (Ferrari 360), so it has been quite a journey this year.
Hope you like it!
And here is one from the earlier this year when I was convoying about with my mates in the Optimus Prime replica trucks….
It has been fun year with lots of events, from Comic Cons and charity events to prom rides and car shows, meeting new friends and talking to people involved in the TV, movie and social media business, including meeting Mark Ryan (the voice of bumblebee in the Transformers movies) who kindly signed my Camaro.
We also purchased a new car for summer (Ferrari 360), so it has been quite a journey this year.
Hope you like it!
And here is one from the earlier this year when I was convoying about with my mates in the Optimus Prime replica trucks….
Edited by Cloudy147 on Thursday 14th November 21:26
Last weekend was probably the final drive in the Camaro for 2024. The weather is pretty rubbish now with late sunrises and early sunsets and as much drizzle as you could wish for, so not a lot of gaps for enjoyable motoring really.
But chatting to Andy and he’d been approached by the organisers of the fabulous Stars and Cars event that we attended earlier this year to do a drive through Chorley as a bit of a promo event for them and Derian House, the children’s hospice which the event supports. With an unusually quiet weekend ahead of me, I offered my services as well to go along as a pair with Andy in Optimus and they were delighted to have me along.
So off we went on a mini tour again! It’s great fun convoying along watching reactions of people. We were held up on the motorway due to an accident but once moving again we did a short stop at Birch services where we were to meet a young boy and his family. We have met them before at other events (Andy more than I) and I’d say he’s definitely one of Transformers biggest fans. He hasn’t yet seen Andy’s new truck, so it was a nice surprise for him and he loved it. Andy had brought him some Christmas presents too.
After a brief chat, we were back on the road to Chorley and once there, we headed along a pre-advertised route where people could see us driving past. Plenty of smiles and waves from people who had come out to see the vehicles and take some pictures. After a short stop at Derian House for a photo, we finished off our day at the local Tesco superstore, where Colin rather kindly bought us coffees and chocolate. Feeling very satisfied with this, I concluded we are both cheap dates.
Here’s a video:
We all had a fun afternoon and then Andy and I headed back. I couldn’t believe it was dark by 3.30pm, but Optimus was lighting up the road like a giant Christmas tree.
Merry Christmas everyone, and a happy new year.
But chatting to Andy and he’d been approached by the organisers of the fabulous Stars and Cars event that we attended earlier this year to do a drive through Chorley as a bit of a promo event for them and Derian House, the children’s hospice which the event supports. With an unusually quiet weekend ahead of me, I offered my services as well to go along as a pair with Andy in Optimus and they were delighted to have me along.
So off we went on a mini tour again! It’s great fun convoying along watching reactions of people. We were held up on the motorway due to an accident but once moving again we did a short stop at Birch services where we were to meet a young boy and his family. We have met them before at other events (Andy more than I) and I’d say he’s definitely one of Transformers biggest fans. He hasn’t yet seen Andy’s new truck, so it was a nice surprise for him and he loved it. Andy had brought him some Christmas presents too.
After a brief chat, we were back on the road to Chorley and once there, we headed along a pre-advertised route where people could see us driving past. Plenty of smiles and waves from people who had come out to see the vehicles and take some pictures. After a short stop at Derian House for a photo, we finished off our day at the local Tesco superstore, where Colin rather kindly bought us coffees and chocolate. Feeling very satisfied with this, I concluded we are both cheap dates.
Here’s a video:
We all had a fun afternoon and then Andy and I headed back. I couldn’t believe it was dark by 3.30pm, but Optimus was lighting up the road like a giant Christmas tree.
Merry Christmas everyone, and a happy new year.
MOT time again this month…
Passed with no advisories.
I did just under 1,700 miles last year, which is the most in a year I’ve done with the Camaro, reflecting a higher number of shows and fun stuff that we did.
Let’s hope we get a good spring and summer to do more of the same this year!
Passed with no advisories.
I did just under 1,700 miles last year, which is the most in a year I’ve done with the Camaro, reflecting a higher number of shows and fun stuff that we did.
Let’s hope we get a good spring and summer to do more of the same this year!
Camaro update
We’ve been on the road again! Here are a couple of pictures from last weekend’s event at York race course for the Unleashed Comic Con.
They look like toys don’t they!
This time we had another truck with us. This is a family who are running an events business, children’s parties and suchlike, and use the truck as a promotional vehicle as part of those events. The artwork is amazing. It’s not a wrap, it has all been airbrushed by hand. I didn’t get any pictures inside, but the whole interior has been re-trimmed white, with black superhero artwork all over the interior. It looks very special, with the artist spending around 200 creating this masterpiece!
Bumblebee Costumer posing with the car and truck:
This is a really big event, and the photos don’t do it justice - I never seem to get the time to do some good filming! If you are a fan of comic, toys and film memorabilia there are three floors to go at with the York event, along with special guests and loads of costumers.
A short video of just a few cars and props on display.
I also thought I’d have a go at an AI video, given it’s all the rage currently. I asked it to make the characters from the thumbnail above move, and here are the results!
AI sorcery!
In other news Meadowhall shopping centre contacted me to ask if I’d like to be part of a movie car display as part of their motor fest event in a few months time. This is a charity event, raising money for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice. Coincidentally, and unbeknown to the current organisers at the time, this event was actually a brainchild of mine and my previous business partner Adam many years ago. We called it the Supercar Experience back then, and you can see pictures and videos of this event further back in this running report. It ran for several years after I’d stepped away from the business and has continued to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the hospice. This year Meadowhall and Bluebell are taking the reins. I explained my former involvement and said I’d be happy to help out wherever I can. I’ll post more info when I know more!
For now, my next event will be near Durham in a couple of weeks time. Somewhere new for me, it should be a fun trip!
We’ve been on the road again! Here are a couple of pictures from last weekend’s event at York race course for the Unleashed Comic Con.
They look like toys don’t they!
This time we had another truck with us. This is a family who are running an events business, children’s parties and suchlike, and use the truck as a promotional vehicle as part of those events. The artwork is amazing. It’s not a wrap, it has all been airbrushed by hand. I didn’t get any pictures inside, but the whole interior has been re-trimmed white, with black superhero artwork all over the interior. It looks very special, with the artist spending around 200 creating this masterpiece!
Bumblebee Costumer posing with the car and truck:
This is a really big event, and the photos don’t do it justice - I never seem to get the time to do some good filming! If you are a fan of comic, toys and film memorabilia there are three floors to go at with the York event, along with special guests and loads of costumers.
A short video of just a few cars and props on display.
I also thought I’d have a go at an AI video, given it’s all the rage currently. I asked it to make the characters from the thumbnail above move, and here are the results!
AI sorcery!
In other news Meadowhall shopping centre contacted me to ask if I’d like to be part of a movie car display as part of their motor fest event in a few months time. This is a charity event, raising money for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice. Coincidentally, and unbeknown to the current organisers at the time, this event was actually a brainchild of mine and my previous business partner Adam many years ago. We called it the Supercar Experience back then, and you can see pictures and videos of this event further back in this running report. It ran for several years after I’d stepped away from the business and has continued to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the hospice. This year Meadowhall and Bluebell are taking the reins. I explained my former involvement and said I’d be happy to help out wherever I can. I’ll post more info when I know more!
For now, my next event will be near Durham in a couple of weeks time. Somewhere new for me, it should be a fun trip!
The most recent outing for the Camaro was a couple of weeks ago, for a comic con in Durham. An easy motorway drive with my friend Andy in his Optimus Prime truck again.
Not a lot of photos or footage of this one, so here’s a short video instead…
Next event is tomorrow in Guisborough.
After that Andy and I will be visiting a Children’s Hospice near Sheffield to visit the children and their families and get some promo pictures together for a larger motoring event which we’ll be attending, to raise money for them too.
Watch this space!
Not a lot of photos or footage of this one, so here’s a short video instead…
Next event is tomorrow in Guisborough.
After that Andy and I will be visiting a Children’s Hospice near Sheffield to visit the children and their families and get some promo pictures together for a larger motoring event which we’ll be attending, to raise money for them too.
Watch this space!
Yesterdays antics…
A ninety minute drive to Guisborough, and the weather was really nice and clear for the journey. The roads to Guisborough are really nice, sweeping lanes and fields all around, it’s lovely.
The event is in its second year, so still quite new but seemed fairly well attended.
On the way home we passed a Police car, as Andy got closer with the truck they wound down the window and gave him the universally recognised sign “blow the air horn”. Andy duly obliged and received thumbs up. Made me laugh.
Aaah, the silliness.
It was great to get out and about again and talk to people. You meet a mix, fans of trucks, of cars, of engines and of course fans of the franchise. Always makes for an interesting day!
A ninety minute drive to Guisborough, and the weather was really nice and clear for the journey. The roads to Guisborough are really nice, sweeping lanes and fields all around, it’s lovely.
The event is in its second year, so still quite new but seemed fairly well attended.
On the way home we passed a Police car, as Andy got closer with the truck they wound down the window and gave him the universally recognised sign “blow the air horn”.
Andy duly obliged and received thumbs up. Made me laugh. Aaah, the silliness.
It was great to get out and about again and talk to people. You meet a mix, fans of trucks, of cars, of engines and of course fans of the franchise. Always makes for an interesting day!
I couldn’t put it off any longer. It was new tyre time. The ones on the Camaro have been on since it was imported more than a decade ago and they were in plan to replace them. They were fine from a tread perspective but age suggests to get some new ones. But the key motivation was a massive bolt that I found sticking out of the tyre!
I looked at various options, and I wanted tyres that were the same on the front and back and given they will last me another ten years all being well. With such a long lifespan I t made sense to invest in some decent branded tyres. But equally I don’t drive this car particularly fast so I don’t need the latest and greatest in on the limit cornering technology. In the end I went for Bridgestone Potenza sports which are A rated for the wet, and available for both sizes of front-back tyres that I needed. Tyres ordered.
Then something bizarre happened.
I initially ordered these via a chain of Autocentres, but on arrival for fitment a few days later, I was told by the fitter that they wouldn’t touch it. I asked why and the response was “That’s too expensive mate. It’s too nice, I wouldn’t be comfortable touching that incase something goes wrong”.
Probably the greatest backhanded car compliment ever, so it was hard to be annoyed but equally it meant I had to find another fitter, and get my money back from them. Getting a refund surprisingly wasn’t an issue, so I tried a local garage who was recommended by a neighbour. A similar story there: “our machine goes to maximum 20inch wheels, so it’s on the limit and I don’t want to risk damaging your wheels”.
This is frustrating. In the end I booked in through Halfords who fitted them without a fuss. But even then wasn’t straightforward, I had to choose a booking time, I went for 10.30am and arrived on time only to be told they were busy and they don’t know when it’ll be done. What’s the point of a booking system then? I got it back at 4.30pm and was on my way.
Everything was good until the following day when the tyre pressure monitoring sensor reported that it was now dead. Curious timing indeed there and I’ll need to buy a new one and find someone (else) to fit it.
It would be great to find a good tyre shop, in the same way we all have a good mechanic that we know and trust. But given the infrequent and transactional nature of tyre fitting I think that’s going to be tricky. A bit of a worry as my Ferrari is next up for tyres, shortly followed by the Jaguar.
Anyway, that’s my moan of the day. Onto happier stuff! The car is all working, on new rubber and looking fabulous.
Gladiators Ready!!
The Cloudy household are massive, massive fans of the Gladiators TV show. I loved it as a kid, and now with the reboot our daughter is getting to enjoy it too. It’s fantastic, inspirational and motivational fitness TV.
So when I heard that our daughter’s favourite Gladiator, Bionic, was going to be at Truckfest we had to get tickets. Andy was going to be there with his Optimus Prime trucks along with his driver Simon who takes the trucks when Andy isn’t able to - in this case, taking a truck each to the show.
Bionic was accompanied by the ever popular Sabre and they were doing a meet and greet. We got some great pictures with them, and daughter had made a t-shirt saying “Team Bionic”, which he signed for her.
Simon had arranged for the Gladiators to get a few photos with the Optimus trucks and after the meet and greet. Our daughter didn’t want to move from the trucks incase she missed seeing them (for a second time), and sure enough when they came out her face lit up. It was a quick few photos, but Andy was used to doing the celebrity fast-photography thing, but whilst he was snapping away, he asked if Isabelle could get in the pictures as well! Impromptu cheered on by me, the Mrs and co-trucker Simon in agreement, their security let her jump into the pictures and we got some more great photos in front of the truck. She was absolutely over the moon and I was mega grateful to Andy for making it happen in-the-moment, as well as to Simon for teeing the whole thing up in the first place. Great mates!
Here’s a picture of Bionic and Sabre with Andy’s G1 Optimus, a replica from the Rise of the Beasts movie.
And here’s a few of the mega trucks that were at the event. It was a great day out, recommended if you fancy something different but still motoring related!
Next up….
I attended an event in Magna in Rotherham last weekend. It was a beautiful day, so Optimus Andy and I sat outside getting casually toasted by all of this lovely sunshine we are having.
It was a great day and a lot of people had their photos taken with the car and truck, and we handed out Transformers comics, stickers and posters to the kids who were really into the franchise. We then convoyed down the motorway on our way home and enjoyed seeing some of the reactions of passers by on the way as usual.
I asked my daughter last week which car she’d like to be picked up in from school and she chose Bumblebee, so another few casual runs out with the family.
We are all set for our next event, which will be a charity day called “Motorfest” at Meadowhall, Sheffield on 1st June.
Maybe see you there?
I looked at various options, and I wanted tyres that were the same on the front and back and given they will last me another ten years all being well. With such a long lifespan I t made sense to invest in some decent branded tyres. But equally I don’t drive this car particularly fast so I don’t need the latest and greatest in on the limit cornering technology. In the end I went for Bridgestone Potenza sports which are A rated for the wet, and available for both sizes of front-back tyres that I needed. Tyres ordered.
Then something bizarre happened.
I initially ordered these via a chain of Autocentres, but on arrival for fitment a few days later, I was told by the fitter that they wouldn’t touch it. I asked why and the response was “That’s too expensive mate. It’s too nice, I wouldn’t be comfortable touching that incase something goes wrong”.
Probably the greatest backhanded car compliment ever, so it was hard to be annoyed but equally it meant I had to find another fitter, and get my money back from them. Getting a refund surprisingly wasn’t an issue, so I tried a local garage who was recommended by a neighbour. A similar story there: “our machine goes to maximum 20inch wheels, so it’s on the limit and I don’t want to risk damaging your wheels”.
This is frustrating. In the end I booked in through Halfords who fitted them without a fuss. But even then wasn’t straightforward, I had to choose a booking time, I went for 10.30am and arrived on time only to be told they were busy and they don’t know when it’ll be done. What’s the point of a booking system then? I got it back at 4.30pm and was on my way.
Everything was good until the following day when the tyre pressure monitoring sensor reported that it was now dead. Curious timing indeed there and I’ll need to buy a new one and find someone (else) to fit it.
It would be great to find a good tyre shop, in the same way we all have a good mechanic that we know and trust. But given the infrequent and transactional nature of tyre fitting I think that’s going to be tricky. A bit of a worry as my Ferrari is next up for tyres, shortly followed by the Jaguar.
Anyway, that’s my moan of the day. Onto happier stuff! The car is all working, on new rubber and looking fabulous.
Gladiators Ready!!
The Cloudy household are massive, massive fans of the Gladiators TV show. I loved it as a kid, and now with the reboot our daughter is getting to enjoy it too. It’s fantastic, inspirational and motivational fitness TV.
So when I heard that our daughter’s favourite Gladiator, Bionic, was going to be at Truckfest we had to get tickets. Andy was going to be there with his Optimus Prime trucks along with his driver Simon who takes the trucks when Andy isn’t able to - in this case, taking a truck each to the show.
Bionic was accompanied by the ever popular Sabre and they were doing a meet and greet. We got some great pictures with them, and daughter had made a t-shirt saying “Team Bionic”, which he signed for her.
Simon had arranged for the Gladiators to get a few photos with the Optimus trucks and after the meet and greet. Our daughter didn’t want to move from the trucks incase she missed seeing them (for a second time
), and sure enough when they came out her face lit up. It was a quick few photos, but Andy was used to doing the celebrity fast-photography thing, but whilst he was snapping away, he asked if Isabelle could get in the pictures as well! Impromptu cheered on by me, the Mrs and co-trucker Simon in agreement, their security let her jump into the pictures and we got some more great photos in front of the truck. She was absolutely over the moon and I was mega grateful to Andy for making it happen in-the-moment, as well as to Simon for teeing the whole thing up in the first place. Great mates!Here’s a picture of Bionic and Sabre with Andy’s G1 Optimus, a replica from the Rise of the Beasts movie.
And here’s a few of the mega trucks that were at the event. It was a great day out, recommended if you fancy something different but still motoring related!
Next up….
I attended an event in Magna in Rotherham last weekend. It was a beautiful day, so Optimus Andy and I sat outside getting casually toasted by all of this lovely sunshine we are having.
It was a great day and a lot of people had their photos taken with the car and truck, and we handed out Transformers comics, stickers and posters to the kids who were really into the franchise. We then convoyed down the motorway on our way home and enjoyed seeing some of the reactions of passers by on the way as usual.
I asked my daughter last week which car she’d like to be picked up in from school and she chose Bumblebee, so another few casual runs out with the family.
We are all set for our next event, which will be a charity day called “Motorfest” at Meadowhall, Sheffield on 1st June.
Maybe see you there?
Great update. Some fantastic machinery there.
Your tyre situation - funnily enough I had very similar. Turned up to a local reputable tyre fitter in my S197 Mustang, with brand new Shelby Razor wheels. Absolutely not interested in fitting them whatsoever!
Lots of good shows coming up - but everything I want to go to is top far away. Not much going on around Bedfordshire (unless I'm just missing them all)
Your tyre situation - funnily enough I had very similar. Turned up to a local reputable tyre fitter in my S197 Mustang, with brand new Shelby Razor wheels. Absolutely not interested in fitting them whatsoever!
Lots of good shows coming up - but everything I want to go to is top far away. Not much going on around Bedfordshire (unless I'm just missing them all)
Rusty_ said:
Great update. Some fantastic machinery there.
Your tyre situation - funnily enough I had very similar. Turned up to a local reputable tyre fitter in my S197 Mustang, with brand new Shelby Razor wheels. Absolutely not interested in fitting them whatsoever!
Glad to know it’s at least not just me they don’t like the look of! Your tyre situation - funnily enough I had very similar. Turned up to a local reputable tyre fitter in my S197 Mustang, with brand new Shelby Razor wheels. Absolutely not interested in fitting them whatsoever!
I’ve purchased a new TPMS sensor, an official GM one but was disappointed to see that’s its black in colour, whereas all my others are silver to match the wheels. So I’ve ordered another one which is a better match.
Now to find someone to fit it. Given the experience so far of other fitters I thought I’d try Kwik Fit, but they said no. They only fit them if the supply them, and they can’t supply them. FFS.
Thankfully John, my mechanic, is hopefully to the rescue on this one. There is a tyre shop on his industrial unit and I think they might have fitted my last lot when I first got the car.
Fingers crossed! It’s in for the service next week with him. I’ve ordered the filters in readiness as these can be tricky to get from regular UK suppliers as, naturally, they aren’t just kept on the shelf.
I ordered the parts from Rock Auto, and they send collectible magnets as part of the packages too! Cool!
The next event I’ll be attending at Meadowhall along with the Optimus Prime trucks, along with Bumblebee and Prime costumers. So we’ll have ourselves a little Transformers display going on. Checked to make sure I’ve got my stash of comics ready to give out to young transformers fans.
My mate Andy also gave me a bunch of lanyards as well. These are great to give away, but lacking in something at the bottom, so I spoke to my brother in law who has got a 3D printer and he’s created these as samples for me. Think I’ll get a bunch of these to go along with our comics, stickers, posters and other stuff.
I have just found this thread, and apt as someone driving one like yours waved at me as I was in mine a few weeks ago. Camaro drivers need to stick together.
I love the shape of yours: its become fussier in later models. I can also see the clear evolution from my 1969 version, after many years of being lost.
Following with interest!
I love the shape of yours: its become fussier in later models. I can also see the clear evolution from my 1969 version, after many years of being lost.
Following with interest!
Edited by Harry Flashman on Wednesday 28th May 23:38
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