BMS

In three weeks I'll be driving my SL55 from the Ann Arbor area to Sarasota, Florida. The original wheels are the 18 in. five-spokes that came with the car and also came stock on the SL500 Sport model. My car is not lowered because my summer wheels are Carlsson UL 1/16 20's. The car looks awesome with the Carlssons' but only O.K. with the 18's. I'm a little worried about pot holes, etc. but I'll be taking I 75 all the way down which should be pretty smooth. The 20's ride pretty smooth with the 255-35-20's on the front and 305-30-20's on the rear. The 18's have the Michelin Sport Pilots. My dilemna is that I want the car to look cool while I'm down there, but I have some concerns about theft as the car will be parked outside at a motel. I haven't made this drive in 30 years, but every year down there I wish I had the car with the top down instead of a rental. So here goes. Any opinions?

Xeron

stay at a hotel that has valet parking.

jmf003

Pack lots of sunscreen and enjoy the drive!!

150shot

I couldnt do it - park at a motel..this could easily kill your "enjoy" time as you would constantly worrying about your car- at least I would.

I face this almost every time I goto vegas. I'd love to have a nice ride there, but I've seen what happens, seen the valets trash cars even while getting tips ( not all the time) but does..or take my DD Accord. I just about always take my accord or rent. I park it anywhere, dont worry about the weather, valet who cares and so on...I can enjoy my vacation to the fullest.

nick 55

I say take it, enjoy the car for what it was meant for. Drive it down from chilly Ann Arbor, and in Kentucky, drop the top for the rest of the trip. Enjoy the drive, and wash the car once you arrive.

Nick

IngenereAMG

I have taken ALL of my cars on some long trips. I have stayed in great places and not so great, and have never had a problem. I take a cover, and throw it on and nobody touches things.

BMS

I like the idea of a cover. The condo I'm staying at has a covered canopy outside the back door. The kids from the beach are a worry at night while sleeping so I'm going to try the cover. Still wondering about which set of wheels, though I'm leaning towards the nice ones (Carlssons') even though they are 20's. Thanks for the ideas.

IngenereAMG

Enjoy the drive!

BMS

I will, and thanks for the heads up about the cover

Fantasm

Go with the Carlssons, you will be fine.
At least you aren't driving through Louisiana which has some really bad roads.

allenjdmb

That's a nice area. There are some really nice palces to stay there. Yes, some of I-75 (particularly, from south of the road construction in GA-about mile marker 75-- to Tampa/etc) is really nice. i just did it not long ago. Careful though, it's easy to run 85-95 with the traffic, and the FSP has a limited sense of humor. If you're going somewhere nice, I'd do it. If you're near Macon GA on I-75 stop--I'm at exit 167-- and I'll buy you a Starbucks (or reasonable substitute!).

BMS

I'll be stopping. Look for me on the second or 3rd of April and thanks for the info.

allenjdmb

Just PM me before you get out of town so I can look for you...That area is really nice this time of year, temps are great.