2025 Kick The Tires

Like every ranch, this one also has horses – but these horses don’t run in pastures or sleep in barns. They roar on the road and rest in garages. Once again, Grant and Karon generously opened the doors of their home and shop for the annual “Kick the Tires” reunion on May 3rd. To welcome us a warm gathering took place, with hot coffee, sweets, and, of course, car stories that lasted about an hour. Around 10 a.m., the “Kick the Tires” session officially began!
As you may know by now, this reunion is all about checking whether your Oldsmobile is healthy enough for the long drive to the Zone Show. Started a few years back, “Kick the Tires” has always been a great event – and this year was no exception. Several cars went up on the lift for their annual check-up. As last year, Dave Walter’s Omega was the first one to be inspected. Then a Cutlass, a Toronado, we even saw a Subaru up there (?!?). Art’s 50 Olds was the last one to be up the lift. Brakes, suspension, exhaust, steering, engine and transmission, rear end, and driveshaft are all carefully checked. Oil leaks (which Oldsmobiles are known for) were traced back to their source. Anything that moves was shaken, turned, pushed, or pulled during a detailed inspection. Loose wires were investigated, major bolts were tightened, and tires and coolant were topped off if needed.
All the cars that came to the reunion were inspected – and sometimes repaired – with great care and professional expertise by our most knowledgeable club members. Well done, team!
As always, Karon and Grant made everyone feel very welcome. After lunch, inspections resumed
for the rest of the afternoon, with Art’s car being the last one to go up. Once again, Karon and Grant opened their home and hearts to all the members with true generosity.
It was a warm and friendly reunion, tires were kicked, and everyone went home happy and assured that their cars would make the trip to the 39th Annual Pacific Southwest Zone Show in Pismo Beach during the weekend of May 16th and 17th.