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

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by 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?

I dunno. I am just plating it before I leave home and stick the plates on when I arrive and go

[Ironangel]

It will be an event, an unforgetable journey you and your wife will cherish for the rest of your days...An adventure in an American classic that will turn heads and spark conversation at every fuel stop...I'm planning a trip myself that will take me south to New Orleans, across the south to San Diego and north along the coast...When I have to turn right, I'll visit family in Montana and pass through Sturgis SD (my bike will be on board) on my final decent to Nebraska and home...One of the cool things about this board is that you'll have friends anywhere you decide go and help if need be no matter how far off the beaten path your adventure takes you...So do check in and take lots of pics...If you find yourselves anywhere near southeast Nebraska, you'll have a bed and breakfast waiting and help if needed...

[Road King]

Originally Posted by 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!.

Thanks for sharing this story, it gave me goosebumps! I'd say it was meant to be, talk about the perfect truck!

I bought a 69 Camaro in high school and attempted to drive it back from Ohio to WI. It was very memorable trip with my father even through it was problematic, so definitely drive it! It also had a 350/350 combo with 4:11 gears. Have you thought about swapping gears quick before you leave? Maybe the seller would take it to a shop for a once over and gear swap for you?

[Average Joe]

Great advice given here. I like roadkings idea of having a shop swap gears for you. 3.07's would be alot more enjoyable on that long of a trip. On second thought if the budget allows have a 700r4 installed for the drive home. Summit has a store in Sparks. Just sayin....
You might want to hit a parts store after taking delivery and grab an extra fan belt, fuses, volt meter, rubber fuel line(new crap gas eats rubber), fuel pump, RTV, water pump and possibly alternator. A 1 wire alt. is a nice upgrade if you still have a ext. regulated alternator. Extra oil, fuel filter, duct tape, zip ties, baling or tie wire, water and fuel are a must. I realise this sounds like alot of stuff and you might not need any of it but better safe than sorry. I find carrying extra parts instills confidence when driving lonely 2 lane roads that dont always have cell service.
Have you thought about purchasing a canopy? If you are planning any camping on the drive back you have a ready made shelter and makes storing tools and supplies convenient. Most importantly like others have said ENJOY the experience. We live in a beautiful country with great people and there is no better way to experience this than on a road trip in a classic Chevy.

[Road King]

If you think you might change gears anyway, why not do it asap and start getting a return on it immediately. I think you said you were going to Vegas first (good choice), maybe do them there while your playing blackjack and getting your boots full! Go to Kounts Kustoms, maybe you'll get on TV with your road trip story.

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by Road King

If you think you might change gears anyway, why not do it asap and start getting a return on it immediately. I think you said you were going to Vegas first (good choice), maybe do them there while your playing blackjack and getting your boots full! Go to Kounts Kustoms, maybe you'll get on TV with your road trip story.

I guess it's hard to decide never having driven it yet. But I think I would rather have less drag truck and more drivability. I really don't think I'm gonna wanna race people from light to light in it. But I'm more likely to drive a ways and hunt with it though.

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by Average Joe

Great advice given here. I like roadkings idea of having a shop swap gears for you. 3.07's would be alot more enjoyable on that long of a trip. On second thought if the budget allows have a 700r4 installed for the drive home. Summit has a store in Sparks. Just sayin....
You might want to hit a parts store after taking delivery and grab an extra fan belt, fuses, volt meter, rubber fuel line(new crap gas eats rubber), fuel pump, RTV, water pump and possibly alternator. A 1 wire alt. is a nice upgrade if you still have a ext. regulated alternator. Extra oil, fuel filter, duct tape, zip ties, baling or tie wire, water and fuel are a must. I realise this sounds like alot of stuff and you might not need any of it but better safe than sorry. I find carrying extra parts instills confidence when driving lonely 2 lane roads that dont always have cell service.
Have you thought about purchasing a canopy? If you are planning any camping on the drive back you have a ready made shelter and makes storing tools and supplies convenient. Most importantly like others have said ENJOY the experience. We live in a beautiful country with great people and there is no better way to experience this than on a road trip in a classic Chevy.

That's maybe an option I never thought of. Not sure on cost or how long it would take though. What would be ideal then? 307's good enough with whatever tranny is in it as a cheap quick fix? Or leave 411's in and put a 400r in it?
Any approximation on cost?

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by Road King

Thanks for sharing this story, it gave me goosebumps! I'd say it was meant to be, talk about the perfect truck!

I bought a 69 Camaro in high school and attempted to drive it back from Ohio to WI. It was very memorable trip with my father even through it was problematic, so definitely drive it! It also had a 350/350 combo with 4:11 gears. Have you thought about swapping gears quick before you leave? Maybe the seller would take it to a shop for a once over and gear swap for you?

Nice!. My sis had that car and my first car was a 68 firebird

[67 cst swb]

Pay for a AAA membership. it is worth it. PM me... I will get you my phone number... for if you have any issues in the Vegas Area.
Another idea. If your friend is in Reno still, have him drive the truck a couple times just to get a feel for it.
So, as you can see from my statements above. I am all for jumping in it and taking a road trip. It looks like it has recently had attention given to it. I'd say go for it. Especially if the wife is on board.

[68panelman]

Good luck. An ol'timer friend of mine always said,"If you can drive it around the block...You can drive it around the world!!!".

[71K20chevy]

The way I look at it is, if something's gonna break, it's gonna break. Whether you're 1 mile or 1000 miles from home. It's just more convenient 1 mile from home I'd do it.

[rambler]

please post your trip plans,, there are tons of members here if you have issues, I am sure one of use is nearby... also looks like a member in Reno will help you look it over..

sounds like a great trip !

[jjzepplin]

I drove mine from Cali to Fl. Nice and slow. 5 day trip. Took some time at Motels to check the rig over. Spun a new belt upside down in New Mexico but I had a bed full of Snap-On tools to help out. 2 jerry cans of fuel, 2gallon of oil,1 gallon of gear lube, 1 gallon of trans fluid, tire plugs and a compressor, a spare tire, bunch of cash a bunch of credit, a cell phone, a case of smokes, camp stove and coffee and a small TV extra battery and a dog. Will never forget that trip. 36" swampers for 3000 miles. Not a hiccup til my TCI converter blew up in Fl. About an hour from my final destination. Kept driving cuz it kept moving. Made it though. Lock-up went out. Had to replace the pump and converter.

[gipper]

Great looking truck! First thing I would do is change out that plastic fuel filter with a metal one. That plastic is a fire waiting to start!

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by gipper

Great looking truck! First thing I would do is change out that plastic fuel filter with a metal one. That plastic is a fire waiting to start!

its a good point, i thought of that when i first saw it. i will put that on the list. maybe move the location a bit too.

[Thundarr]

• Critical parts for these things are easy to find and abundant
• You have a spouse that is unfazed and encouraging which is rare.
• You have a full network of awesome people on this forum who could help you out if needed along the way.
• Just have a reputable mechanic give it the full once over BEFORE you fly out there.
• Signing up for AAA isnt a bad idea. You could cancel it after your trip.
• You have unlimited storage built in to carry along any emergency items you might need (like a tent, extra fuel, a bicycle, cooler, etc)

Absolutely do it.

[Orange Crate]

Put a sign in the rear window "Arkansas or Bust" you will be surprised at how popular you are. I did that after picking my 72K20 up in Orlando and driving it back to Denver. People can't believe that some old trucks run that well. The only issue I had was the wipers squeaked like mad when it rained so I stopped and bought a can of spray-on white grease...aaahhh that was a nice ride after that. Oh, check the wipers too for good blades before you set off. Enjoy your new truck.

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by Orange Crate

Put a sign in the rear window "Arkansas or Bust" you will be surprised at how popular you are. I did that after picking my 72K20 up in Orlando and driving it back to Denver. People can't believe that some old trucks run that well. The only issue I had was the wipers squeaked like mad when it rained so I stopped and bought a can of spray-on white grease...aaahhh that was a nice ride after that. Oh, check the wipers too for good blades before you set off. Enjoy your new truck.

LOL nice

[dajn]

Go for it. The original motor was most likely replaced with a good 350 with electronic igntion. As long as the pickup is solid and in good working order when you leave you should have no problem. Have at least ten gallons of gas in cans in the box just in case and keep your eyes peeled for the nearest gas station at all times. 60 mph tops and take your time. Goodluck sir. Godspeed.

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by dajn

Go for it. The original motor was most likely replaced with a good 350 with electronic igntion. As long as the pickup is solid and in good working order when you leave you should have no problem. Have at least ten gallons of gas in cans in the box just in case and keep your eyes peeled for the nearest gas station at all times. 60 mph tops and take your time. Goodluck sir. Godspeed.

copy that! i will be buying two cans. thank you.

[lowrollin70gmc]

Drive her, I've done 2100 mile road trips in my 67 Chevelle (x3), 63 Chevy II (x2), and a 70 El Camino pulling my 63 Chevy II.

Get roadside assistance. If you break down and need a tow to the next town with a parts store it's invaluable. I personally use Hagerty's top level, it's 125 miles of towing for any vehicle (classic or not) and it was only $150 or $175/year. One tow of 20-30 miles will more than pay for a year's worth of fee. They'll even pay a company to bring gas out to you, that's how I found out my new gas gauge didn't work in my 63 in the middle of nowhere Missouri.

This year alone I've probably used $500 worth of tows: fuel problems in my K20 75 miles from home while pulling a trailer and retrieving my 97 S10 when I bought it with a rod knock 5 miles away. You can even request a specific tow company that's not on their contract, as I have a preferred local company.

Basic tools, a spare fuel filter or three, plenty of fluids, and some form of music (if the radio doesn't work). Just drive here where it feels comfortable and enjoy the scenery. It is a little more enjoyable to divide a drive into multiple days, but I've done half of mine straight through 30 hrs. But that's not fun in a modern car either.

Also, don't try and reset your timing a 3am in Denton, TX. I ended up chasing a miss that resulted from me adjusting the timing in an attempt to get a little better fuel mileage in my 63 Chevy II. After screwing away an hour in a gas station parking lot I undid the adjustment and continued driving for another 1000 miles without problem.

[Beaumont@]

Drive it!! That's how I got my 70 c10 flew down to Albuquerque with a wad of cash and drove 1700 miles up to Canada. Enjoyed the trip got to see the Grand Canyon but it was sketchy at times with a worn rag joint and no front sway bar lol

[best view]

I would drive it I once took train to ohio to pick up 63 impala with wife 20ooo mile original she wanted to drive it okay I said first toll booth she screams brake pedal slapping to floor I say go through were no cars I run back to booth and pay now shes done driving she says I go down to side street to find brake fluid of turnpike I run7 miles find gas station talk them into selling me some I run back 7 miles thank god I am ironman triathlon cause that was 14 mile round trip fill master good for 2 stops between fill ups 2 in morning a very big deer takes us out and totals car wife wont let drive one back so I ship from now on we tell that story all the time

[Yooper truck]

DRIVE IT!!! I did the same thing in 2009, but from Los Angelos to Northern Michigan via Rt. 66. It was a fun adventure that I still enjoy reflecting back on. My wife gave her blesssing.... but I did it alone.

A few tips.

1- Get a AAA membership before you go. They have a couple day requirement before activation so you cannot break down and then join from the side of the road.

2- Bring/buy some simple tools.

3- Do a test run before you leave of 100 or so miles. This lets you know about the cooling system, oil consumption, gas mileage, and allows you to listen for odd sounds before you start trekking across the desert. (Mine had a 3/4 plugged radiator.... glad I did a test run).

4- Enjoy! If everything works out, you have had a fun trip to share memories. If something breaks down, you might have to swallow your pride..... but it will make a good story a few years down the road.

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by best view

I would drive it I once took train to ohio to pick up 63 impala with wife 20ooo mile original she wanted to drive it okay I said first toll booth she screams brake pedal slapping to floor I say go through were no cars I run back to booth and pay now shes done driving she says I go down to side street to find brake fluid of turnpike I run7 miles find gas station talk them into selling me some I run back 7 miles thank god I am ironman triathlon cause that was 14 mile round trip fill master good for 2 stops between fill ups 2 in morning a very big deer takes us out and totals car wife wont let drive one back so I ship from now on we tell that story all the time

uhhhh. wow.