Take breaks. Easy to become fatigued driving long distances. Good reason to stop and eat. Avoid a heavy meal, eat light.
Well it's a matter of taking my only car. The other car I own is a 65 dart GT, and it doesn't run yet. That one was a full restore, and it needs finishing up. It doesn't run, it doesn't stop, and it doesn't have engine cooling.I have made multiple 1200 mile (one way) trips in my Barracudas, all I take is a basic tool bag, spare ballast and ignition module.
If I leave town in any of my vehicles I take the same tool bag along with a fire extinguisher.
If you are worrying about anything then you are taking the wrong car.
Alan
I have a brand new fire extinguisher sitting by the door, waiting to get thrown in the car with the rest of my traveling goodies.Cuda Al brings a valid point on the fire extinguisher. Probably the most often overlooked tool one should have in their classic cars. Forget the Ford's
Better off with your own.
If you do the math, renting a car might just be cheaper, the better mileage often covers the cost of the rental. It is the extra days that sometimes make it not practical.Well it's a matter of taking my only car. The other car I own is a 65 dart GT, and it doesn't run yet. That one was a full restore, and it needs finishing up. It doesn't run, it doesn't stop, and it doesn't have engine cooling.
If I borrowed a car from family, I have the choice of a 2017 F150 which is a total piece of kit, and a 2009 Escape which is a good car but has been abused to hell and never maintained.
Exactly, and make sure you plan your route carefully and watch the weather forecast. Make sure your wheel bearings are good and your lug nuts are tight. If it will role you can hobble along with little problems until you get to a safe place to work on them.these cars were meant to be driven. Americans crossed the fruited plains in these vehicles. Don't ask them to run with todays cars with 8 speed transmissions, high speeds and darting in and out of traffic and all. We travel in ours... thousands of miles. Never a hic-up yet (yet, i say ) If they run good, don't overheat, charge good, you are good. Road! Road! Road!
I treat a classic like any other car when preparing for a trip, with these exceptions:Exactly, and make sure you plan your route carefully and watch the weather forecast. Make sure your wheel bearings are good and your lug nuts are tight. If it will role you can hobble along with little problems until you get to a safe place to work on them.
The ballast is eliminated in my car because I installed the pertronix system, complete with coil. However, I have two ballasts, the original coil, and points all as a backup just in case.I treat a classic like any other car when preparing for a trip, with these exceptions:
- extra ballast
- extra fuel hose and clamps
- extra heater hose and clamps
- extra fan belt
- and sometimes and extra fuel pump ... sometimes, and that's only because sometimes them things are not on stock at a local auto parts store.
- ALL OF THESE items can fit in a small box
Don't fret over it. Get out there and enjoy it! I know we sure do....The ballast is eliminated in my car because I installed the pertronix system, complete with coil. However, I have two ballasts, the original coil, and points all as a backup just in case.
Fuel hose and clamps... check mark
Heater hose and clamps... check mark
Fan belt... I'll snag one on the way through town
Fuel pump is brand spanking new. If somehow it did fail, I would just band aid it with a clicky clacky fuel pump from o'napazone.
I don't fret. I play wind instrumentsDon't fret over it. Get out there and enjoy it! I know we sure do....
Shutty!I don't fret. I play wind instruments
us..... 1600 miles away from homeI don't fret. I play wind instruments
I'm going to be cruising right through the same general area that Steve has his grape farm. If the Roadkill fellas stop to help me out if I break down, I'll make sure to take a picture. I'm taking some rolls of Fuji 400 for the trip.If you are the overly worrying type, I would try to ontact RoadKills Dulchic and Friburger to take as ride alongs just in case. We have seen them do their roadside repair magic many times!!!!
Winter driving can be fun. The weather changes on a dime, sometimes just a few miles down the road.Don't sweat it .. go have fun.