Hey all, I'm planing a road trip for a week up to San Fran and then over to Yosemite for a bit of final time with my mother before I leave for the Marines.

I'm ridiculously excited and want to try and make this the best it can possibly be.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Currently the plan is to go up to LA then cut over to the CA-1 for the scenic ride all the way up to either Carmel or Monterey before continuing up to San Fran. Then spend a few days there checking out the new science center and just relaxing. Then after a bit of leisure we'll head over to Yosemite and hopefully spend a day or two camping there.

I realize that this will be a light packed trip and I'm really good at that but my mother, well not so much so I will be mediating her pack rat habits.

I also need to change my clutch and brakes before this trip and am wondering if anyone in Tucson would be willing to donate an afternoon or two to helping me out with the clutch. I am sure I can do the brakes myself seeing as I only need pads. By donate I mean I will buy lunch/dinner and all the beer necessary to make it through this. I assume it is a relatively simply thing to do but since I have not I would love a knowing hand.

There will definitely be pictures and commentary to go along with it either as a daily/bi daily update or at the end depending on if my mother decides on technologically deficient B&B's.

 

The clutch replacement sucks bawls. Takes a decent amount of time and a lot of getting dirty - I believe most shops charge $600-$1000 to do it.

 

damn. ball suckage is not a good first reaction for this

 

How long are you staying in L.A.? Have either of you ever been?

 

hehe, L.A. is not a stop unfortunately. I might actually want to make it a stop on second thought, cause I just realized that I will be missing most of the scenic drive if I try and make it in the afternoon evening due to well lets see, night. so maybe making the pit stop in L.A. would be best.
I have family in Manhattan beach and have spent a few weeks chillin and diving in the area with my uncle (master diver).
But if you'll be free Sunday or whenever I'm going through there, more likely Sunday night or Monday morning I'd be way into meeting and getting a bite to eat.

 

The reason I ask is because a drive to L.A. is about 7.5 - 8 hours on average. Like you said, you'll probably miss most of the sightseeing if you didn't stay. Anyone would be tired after that too. Mind you, it can be done but why rush when you're trying to enjoy your trip with her. Stay a night in L.A. or in Manhattan beach like you said and do some sightseeing at night and in the morning before you leave for S.F.. - From L.A. to S.F., it's about 5.5 - 6 hours with no traffic at normal speeds and that's on the 5 north without much scenery. The chance of you not hitting traffic during the day is slim to none in California. You would or could eventually cut over from the inland area to the coast to make your drive easier and still enjoy a coastline drive. If you want to drive completely up the coastline, it'll take longer but worth the extra time. Just plan your trip and drive time accordingly. Your mom will appreciate it.

I'm actually in AZ now but you should post in the SoCal section and ask/setup a meet. BTW, good luck on your tour!

 

You could also go to San Diego/La Jolla for the day and drive up to Manhattan Beach as your stop off point for that night. Enjoy L.A. in the morning on the next day and then drive up to S.F..

 

I have done 2 of them and did not find the install very enjoyable. Is your clutch on the way out or are you installing an aftermarket piece?

 

my clutch is on the way out. so I think I'm just gona get a shop to do it. the one I trust and go to all the time just quoted me 1350 anyone else have a recomendation?

 

ouch, 1350?

i have never changed a clutch on a S2000, but for that much it must suck.