Cross country…or Bust? Long trip for C10..

[turp mcspray]

Back in the early 90's, I bought a 68 chevelle project. I had it tore apart about as far as you could, without removing it from the frame. I replaced the full floor pan, and decided to put it together and drive it. With a used engine and trans, that was supposedly rebuilt, my wife and I took off for Reno from Watertown S.D., with about 300 in town test miles on it. We put about 4500 miles on round trip. Had to replace a plugged fuel filter, (after several roadside stops to blow out the rusty flakes), and used about a case of oil. Found out later that the rebuilt engine, had the rear main installed backwards. It was a great trip that we will never forget!
I would make sure it has good belts, hoses, and tires. Take along some tools, spare fluids and duct tape.
I would also recommend taking the time to see all the little roadside curiosities along the way. I have pics of my chevelle at the Bonneville salt flats.
I say make the trip. With 4.10's, mileage will suck, but the memories will be priceless!

[ol_skool_chevy]

pay the fee for AAA..............you very well might need it..I have had it for over 30 years

[Coley]

I think you should go for it....I did something similar with my wife once in bringing back a '66 Chevy (6cyl-3ott) from Florida to Ontario. Worked out well, but I had to replace the points in Pennsylvania in the middle of a snow storm...LOL.
However...you need a really, really, really good plan....then a bunch of really good back up plans!!
Figure out a route...find out where there are possible stop points, repair shops or....get this....some of Members close by from the Forum!!! I'm pretty sure most members would be only too happy to help you out if you suffered a brake down near them. If I was closer...I would.
That way, if things come off the rails mechanically for you....just shift into your plan b's or c's and you aren't far from help and/or a good way back home.
Again...I would do it.....plan it well (very well)...and enjoy the trip....oh, and tell your wife about all the back up plans so she gets a level of comfort and confidence in the trip.
Ask the seller before you head there...is there anything that needs doing on this truck prior to an 1800 mile trip...you might be surprised at a few comments like..."well, it could use tires...or brakes...or a muffler...or a new radiator". He may not know what your travel plans are but he has no reason now not to be honest to help you out with some info....and maybe even a few pre-trip upgrades or repairs at a discount!
My two bits.
Coley

[Ekliptix]

I did it in my sight unseen 72 super cheyenne. 2,100 miles from Cali to Houston. I think I have 4:10s too. Spent $700-$800 maybe more on gas at 12mpg. Didn't have a single issue or even add oil, knock on wood. Did lots of 70mph, maxed at 100mph . Shipping would have been cheaper but the road trip is one of my great memories from 2013 (Canadian transplant living in 'Merica). I bought an AAA membership before, just in case, brought a jerry can of gas, a spare tire and rim, very basic tools, oil, water for the rad, spare belts, and a camera. Highly recommend.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595586

Great looking truck!

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by Ekliptix

I did it in my sight unseen 72 super cheyenne. 2,100 miles from Cali to Houston. I think I have 4:10s too. Spent $700-$800 maybe more on gas at 12mpg. Didn't have a single issue or even add oil, knock on wood. Did lots of 70mph, maxed at 100mph . Shipping would have been cheaper but the road trip is one of my great memories from 2013 (Canadian transplant living in 'Merica). I bought an AAA membership before, just in case, brought a jerry can of gas, a spare tire and rim, very basic tools, oil, water for the rad, spare belts, and a camera. Highly recommend.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595586

Great looking truck!

transplant here as well. from toronto originally. Lovin 'merica though. just insured it today but many guys here had a good point about AAA. so much good advice here.
maybe i will post along the way. you are all convincing me to go for it. as long as i can find a gap in my schedule it looks likely. still gonna get transport quote in case

[kentucky_smith]

Some inspiration.

El Paso To LA: The Hard Way! - Roadkill Episode 1...

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by kentucky_smith

Some inspiration.

El Paso To LA: The Hard Way! - Roadkill Episode 1 - YouTube

that is inspiring. and not even that well planned!

[davischevy]

What's your destination in Arkansas?

[In The Ten Ring]

Originally Posted by kentucky_smith

Some inspiration.

El Paso To LA: The Hard Way! - Roadkill Episode 1 - YouTube

I love the Pontiac!

I once tried to buy a '76 Catalina (it had a salvage title) but the owner was always gone when he and I had my an appointment to do the deal! He was driving it daily and the price was $200.00. This was in 1998 when I was an exterminator and living in an apartment. $200.00 seemed like a lot of money to me then.

In 2004 I drove my 1975 Pontiac Bonneville from WV to Niles, MI to see this girl. Then I stayed at the Holiday Express for a week, dating her, and running around in the '75. It was a lot of fun.

[DGulliver]

Drive it! You might even mess around and have some fun. I swear, some folks' trucks don't ever even leave the neighborhood, what good is that?

[dbash]

First, Congratulation on finding your truck!

Second, Cool Thread.

Third, You have been given some solid advice here, I strongly agree with the AAA membership in the event you need a tow it will save a lot of stress. And posting along the way on this thread will not only entertain the rest of us but will probably be a great security net for you and any issues you may encounter along the way.

Fourth, I would go to a Oil Stop or whatever is close and have all the fluids changed/Topped off for sure. Check the brakes, hoses and belts too. And don't get in a hurry....

Fifth, The Grand Canyon..... Its worth seeing, dont get me wrong, but I would either settle for "looking in" from the observation platform or splurge and rent a chopper ride if you want to see it in all its glory. I would be a lot more worried about hiking back up out of that then driving across country. But then I am not as spry as I used to be.

Enjoy the trip/vacation no matter what it throws at you. I think its an awesome idea, Best of Luck and Safe Travels!

[davischevy]

It may have been said, but keep us posted on the trip, and with the support you have on here, if you do have trouble on the road, ask for help on here. I've had great luck finding helpful people when I was in need.

BTW, bring that thing up to Harrison, AR on May 17th for the Crawdad Days Car show. You might win enough money to pay for the gas on this trip.

[HSRACER]

Ship it! The nostalgia of driving it will wear off after about 6 hours of 3000 rpm driving. I drove mine home from 5 hours away and couldn't stand it. You are talking about a 24+ hour drive under the best circumstances.

I bought a daily driver once with overdrive and the po told me he just completed a 400 mile trip the week before. I flew up to ohio from Texas and started my 18 hour return trip that night. At 2am I was stranded in a walmart parking lot with a toasted automatic transmission. Needless to say it was very expensive to get us both home. I spent triple what I could have by just shipping it and would have saved a ton of aggravation.

Again the romantic side of me said take a fun drive back. All I can say is I am so glad I didn't have my lovely wife with me to enjoy that education!

[allchevy58]

If you want to check it over before you leave, you could bring it to my place and we can put it on the lift and check it out. Bought my 71' Monte Carlo in Boise, flew up with a toolbox and drove it home.

[slowcpe]

Cool thread and good looking truck.

I would do it. Have some fun and guaranteed to have some good stories...either good or bad. Two things I would highly consider before doing it: have a contingency plan that involves a truck and trailor and how well will your wife handle a possible catastrophe. I just asked her if she would do a trip like that with me and I got a "yeah...no". I think it would be cool.

I trailered my first truck home and it was fun but uneventful. My current truck I was hell bent on driving it the hour home. Took a few tries to get it running (changed carbs and clogged filter), finding out the wipers didn't work once on the road and rain on a day with no precip in the forecast, and the having the trans popout of 3rd gear about every 3-5 miles. It was a suicide mission but a trip I'm glad I took....now. I had a different opinion for few days.

[JasonLS1]

id choose road trip for the adventure factor as i've done a few with my previous cars/trucks, and like others have obviously pointed out, AAA, tools, etc,.

[Spartan]

I say plan it. Do it. Grand canyon is nice.
I rode my mountain bike from lake Tahoe to havre Montana on a whim in my late twenties. There were some small towns in Nevada that were interesting and snake river canyon is deeper than the grand canyon...I thought that was cool. Idaho at the top of the continental divide was chilly at night but sunrise was something else. ... I digress... The point being if you have the time and a plan go for it. We only get this one life and it's a blessing. Oh and bring a copy of "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance".

Cheers

[Tinkermc]

About 5-6 years ago I bought a 69 Cheby in Washington state and drove it home in Va. It had 411 gears ate gas and the station it came with, rode liike a buckboard, had no power steering. To say the least it was a memorible trip, went by myself. Would have a lot cheaper to ship but it was a time of my life I will never forget. GO 4 IT !!!!

[srvivor71]

Hi there freez. I bought my truck in Idaho and my wife and I drove it back home to NY. My baggage for the flight out included 50 pounds of basic tools, duct tape, etc. The truck was in good shape and I felt pretty confident it could make the trip, but we did have money set aside for transport just in case it didn't. We ran into a problem with the tires, which showed really good tread but were old. We got a blowout early on, which could have easily had grim results. We were very lucky. 4 new tires later, we were on our way again. We had a great trip and took in all the sights that were along the way (Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, Badlands, etc.). It was one of the best vacations we ever had. Good Luck!

[freezmcnally]

thanks guys. i really appreciate all the support and comments. I've read every one. i made a list of items based on what many of you have said. My wife is more excited than i am! we will prep as much as possible and collect supplies in reno, extra fluids, some tools, some camping gear, fix a flat etc etc. all because of suggestions from you guys!

she is a photographer and is definitely excited to document it. I will post a route plan when its finalized. the obvious stops being vegas on day one. from vegas to grand canyon, petrified forest, winslow arizona etc. i will maybe do a running post throughout trip and then post the whole thing when i get back. should be pretty epic.
the one thing i never posted is the back story. both my parents passed away 3 years ago at this time of year. 3 mnths apart. one of my childhood memories was playing in my dads truck (69 c10, red) when i was about 5-6 yrs old.) it hauled his race car, and he was a sign painter (the old school kind). He is the one that got me into racing. Well i didn't notice until buying this truck, the sticker on the rad support. it says ken's speed and custom. his name was Ken.
life is always full of strange coincidences….or signs….whatever the case, i feel like it means i got the right one, and this trip will be one of my cooler experiences in life!.

[Yooper truck]

Originally Posted by freezmcnally

she is a photographer and is definitely excited to document it.

Take Rt. 66 north of Kingman, AZ. There is a place called Hackberry General Store that is a photographer's dream for nostalgic Rt. 66 stuff. In Winslow, AZ stop by the Wigwam motel. It is another cool photographic spot for car enthusiasts. Rt. 66 has a lot of cool places.... these were just a few of my favorites and it sounds like they are on your route.

[dbash]

Threads like this are why I check into this site most every day.....

Give your deserving wife props for her support and enthusiasm, the back story about your Dad and your memories is awesome.

Rooting for you, your wife and your father to get a lot out of this trip besides a cool truck

This is "the good stuff" we often miss in life these days.

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by dbash

Threads like this are why I check into this site most every day.....

Give your deserving wife props for her support and enthusiasm, the back story about your Dad and your memories is awesome.

Rooting for you, your wife and your father to get a lot out of this trip besides a cool truck

This is "the good stuff" we often miss in life these days.

and that's exactly why it's turned into this type of trip !!!

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by Yooper truck

Take Rt. 66 north of Kingman, AZ. There is a place called Hackberry General Store that is a photographer's dream for nostalgic Rt. 66 stuff. In Winslow, AZ stop by the Wigwam motel. It is another cool photographic spot for car enthusiasts. Rt. 66 has a lot of cool places.... these were just a few of my favorites and it sounds like they are on your route.

that's funny. we were just talking about the wigwams last night. also thx for the info on hackberry. we knew there was something like that but didn't know the name

[In The Ten Ring]

What kind of license will you put on the truck? Can you get a 1 way pass for that long a drive?