Road trip

[Mr.Hyde]

Hey all, an idea has been brought up for when I'm done my build a road trip from winnipeg to California, considering this will be a 4500km/2800mile trip I need to prep for every situation I can really. I'm thinking a cooler with ice water food for sure. Tool kit not sure what to bring yet on that subject and what spare parts to bring. Also running the 283 w/ tott trans no clue what my gas mileage will be, speed capable of is there a break in period I should allow prior to driving this far? Keep in mind I will be trying to set this up like a service truck so I want a tailgate mounted vice a good tool box anyways.

Thanks for any advice,
Wes

[BADAZ chevy guy]

Money for the bus... just in case. lol

[Mr.Hyde]

Ha well hopefully that isn't the case. Considering you guys have parts stores everywhere And parts seem a bit cheap I was thinking stopping somewhere when we enter the states get a fuel pump, plugs, coolant, wires, fuel filter etc but I don't wanna buy too much. Just necessities. An again that's why I'm thinking a break in period so we know she's road worthy.

[JointTech]

duct tape. lots of duct tape.

[donthekawguy]

Tools, couple of gallons of anti-freeze, case of oil, jump box with an air compressor, extra credit card for tow or if you blow the motor, lap top so you can find members of this site that are close enough and willing to help you make repairs , LOTS of music. Have a good time!

[Mr.Hyde]

Cool I hope I don't blow the motor it was just machined and rebuilt that's why I'm kind of throwin that break in period idea up in the air

[donthekawguy]

Assuming the cam was broken in properly, you should put 1000-1500 miles on it before a road trip like that. With that many miles on it you will find out any issues and it will be broken in real good. Make sure to change the oil a couple of times during that first 1500 miles.

[trac209]

Get your gas card ready you're gonna need it. To give you an idea I'd say you'll be doing good if you can get 12-14 mpg. So that will give you an idea of gas budget.

[Mr.Hyde]

ugh thats another thing which would be good to find out which i guess will come when i do the break in. lots to figure out and i appreciate the advice. what i will probably do is take a tool box, a cooler, some coolant, few extra bits and pieces then see what happens. im a list guy so chances are i will make a safety double check list before i go anywhere.

[Cape Codder]

Instead of bringing a bunch of new spare parts just put them on before you go. All the things you have listed should last over 50,000 miles except plugs and points. Make sure to repack the front wheel bearings before you go. Make sure your hoses and belts are good,if you replace belts put the old ones under the seat. I have drivin 60's cars on road trips for years without a bunch of spares. Proper maintainence before leaving is more important.

[BowTieRookie]

Originally Posted by Cape Codder

Instead of bringing a bunch of new spare parts just put them on before you go. All the things you have listed should last over 50,000 miles except plugs and points. Make sure to repack the front wheel bearings before you go. Make sure your hoses and belts are good,if you replace belts put the old ones under the seat. I have drivin 60's cars on road trips for years without a bunch of spares. Proper maintainence before leaving is more important.

x2 on the wheel bearings! Did a cross country trip last year and didn't even think about bearings and wouldn't you know it, had one go out on the highway doing about 65. Wasn't a pleasant sound at all!

[Mr.Hyde]

i guess what else would people do back in the 60's with a road trip, they would just drive. and thats a good point on bringing too many spare parts, ii guess after 2000miles ill know about any problems i have to deal with.