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

[WIDESIDE72]

Originally Posted by best view

I would drive it. I once took train to Ohio to pick up 63 impala with wife. 20k mile original she wanted to drive it . "Okay" I said. First toll booth she screams, brake pedal slapping to floor. I say go through! There were no cars. I run back to booth and pay. Now shes done driving. I go down to side street to find brake fluid. Off turnpike I run 7 miles to find a gas station. Talk them into selling me some. I run back 7 miles. (Thank god I am ironman triathlete, because that was 14 mile round trip.) I get back and fill up the master cylinder. It was good for 2 stops between fill ups. Two in the morning a very big deer takes us out and totals the car. Now my wife wont let drive one back so I ship from now on. We tell that story all the time

Sorry to be an ass, but I was not able to comprehend any of that as written.

[slowcpe]

With the popularity of this thread you are now required to start a thread and document your journey....with pics of course!

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by slowcpe

With the popularity of this thread you are now required to start a thread and document your journey....with pics of course!

yes, by all means!, i really didn't think it would be that big of a deal when i started this thread. but i definitely will.
The epic journey will start on april 14th. so the unfortunate part is i won't be able to see my cool new truck for another month. but i will make sure we take lots of pics and write along the way.

[In The Ten Ring]

I would drive a truck back myself if I thought it would make it. I am not very experienced on these trucks though...

I think the advice on here is pretty good....I hadn't thought of contacting forum members along the way....

Myself I'd stay off interstates to give the truck a break and to see more of the country.

I assume you will bring tools that will allow you to survive becoming a victim in case you happen across someone that might want the truck enough to demand it. Be sure to abide by local laws.

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

I would drive a truck back myself if I thought it would make it. I am not very experienced on these trucks though...

I think the advice on here is pretty good....I hadn't thought of contacting forum members along the way....

Myself I'd stay off interstates to give the truck a break and to see more of the country.

I assume you will bring tools that will allow you to survive becoming a victim in case you happen across someone that might want the truck enough to demand it. Be sure to abide by local laws.

i have thought of that as well. need to figure that out how to fly there with tools and then journey laws

[allchevy58]

Originally Posted by freezmcnally

i have thought of that as well. need to figure that out how to fly there with tools and then journey laws

When I flew up to Boise to get my Monte Carlo, I checked in my toolbox. You should have heard it come out of the carousel at Boise.

[dbash]

If you have a month before your trip, considering the cost and hassle of flying with a heavy bag of tools you might consider shipping them to the member here that offered up his shop so kindly..... or to the address you purchased the truck from.

Regarding flying with a weapon, Get a nice lockable hardcase and check it, I do it when I fly to hunt. You can always purchase ammo once you arrive if your not checking any other luggage to keep it simple.

[dajn]

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

I would drive a truck back myself if I thought it would make it. I am not very experienced on these trucks though...

I think the advice on here is pretty good....I hadn't thought of contacting forum members along the way....

Myself I'd stay off interstates to give the truck a break and to see more of the country.

I assume you will bring tools that will allow you to survive becoming a victim in case you happen across someone that might want the truck enough to demand it. Be sure to abide by local laws.

I agree. So unbelievable that a person can't try to enjoy life without others trying to ruin everything . A pistol behind the seat is a good idea just in case. Just for peace of mind. It's too bad that's the way it is.

[DPowers]

This may help on the states that reciprocate for Concealed Carry.

http://www.handgunlaw.us/LicMaps/ccwmap.php

Airline travel with a firearm:
http://www.wikihow.com/Travel-on-Airplanes-With-a-Gun

[imjeff]

Do it! We actually used to drive old trucks thousands of miles without a cell phone (gasp)! I flew out to pick my K10 up, gave it a once over, and drove it 600 miles home that afternoon. If it runs well and has fluid you should be just fine...and you can post pictures of a great adventure! Most problems seem to happen in town either starting or stopping. Go Captain Ron on it and have fun!

Jeff

[silentt]

My vote is do it!!

I did it once for my old 1980 c10 and also picked up a 1986 mustang gt for my buddy. I love all the crazy memories you get on the road.

[JasonLS1]

if your planned route has you passing thru Gallup NM, im here if you need any emergency help. Some areas of I40 have Route 66 to drive on, but mostly interstate only. I drove with the flashers on during the day and at night. Definitely plan extra days, take your time. When i picked up my K20 i gave it a once over and 6 hours later all was well. After i did that long trip I was more confident how dependable the truck will be, and a nice long trip exposes what needs fixing/improvement to make it better for the next long trip.

Like others have said, pics must be posted along the way

[hamjet]

I'd go for it also, it sounds exciting, alot of good advice from guys, the only other thing I would bring are some ear plugs. 4 or 5 hours of hearing the engine screaming you'll wish you had them. unless the truck had alot of sound deadener, they can be noisy. good luck!

[lowrollin70gmc]

Originally Posted by hamjet

I'd go for it also, it sounds exciting, alot of good advice from guys, the only other thing I would bring are some ear plugs. 4 or 5 hours of hearing the engine screaming you'll wish you had them. unless the truck had alot of sound deadener, they can be noisy. good luck!

I second this! I blew out the exhaust flange "donuts" in my 63 after the first hour and continued another 15 hrs before fixing them. They were replaced somewhere in Kansas (burned the crap out of my arms) to have them blow out an hour later and deal with it for the final 13 hrs. Ear plugs weren't packed and the radio wasn't installed, so no escape other than a headphone in one ear. I have ear plugs stashed in all my rigs now just in case.

[cigar-]

Here's my .02

I've driven my 39 Chevy, my 54 five window and other son long hauls. You've been given lots of great info on what're take just in case. Take all of that and then some. You won't regret it....I don't itching you will at least.

Based on the photos you posted the truck looks in pretty good shape. But that also can be deceiving. Have you asked the seller how he drove it? Has he ever driven anything in the 100-200 mile per day range....safely....recently? Check brakes, fluids, fittings, the center driveshaft support bearing, belts, and have a good look over on the wiring.

I have some other knowledge for you that might help. There's a guy in Sparks (adjacent to Reno) that is a MASTER mechanic that has built speed boat motors for Bill Harrah (owned the hotel/casino), lots of street rods and many others. I can get you his name and number if want me to. He's a great guy with great mechanics to give it a once over. I've been to his shop and it's like walking into a time warp. He has buildings full of old Stromberg 97 carbs, parts, old Ford sheet metal, heaps of cars (his and customer's) plus all kinds of history of his work over 50 years.

BUY A AAA PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP FIRST!!!! It's good for a 200 mile tow once a year. It'll cost you about $100-200 but it's worth it in the vent you break down. You can always cancel after the first year or keep it in your wallet.


Now for which road to drive. I recommend NOT driving US 50 as its known as the loneliest highway in the world. From Carson City to Utah there are three towns if you can call them that. Basically they are gas stations with a store.

I-80 might be a good start as you get to drive through Wendover and the Bonneville Salt Flats. Salt Lake City is rather nice also. Then hook up on to US 6 down into Boulder, Colorado. From there it's a straight run home across the flats. Stop in all the small towns you can and have a look at America. Take lots of photos.

Or.....drive south on US 395 into California and onto I-40. It'll be a bit warmer and if you like the desert, you'll be in heaven. I've driven I-40 many times and there's lots to see. Get off in Kingman, Araizona and drive the longest remaining stretch of Route 66 to Seligman. Make sure you stop at the Frosty Cone and have an ice cream. You'll never forget the stop!

If any of this sounds good and you want to chat, my email is cigarbox@earthlink.net

Michael

[cigar-]

Contact for a great mechanic in Sparks before you head out:

Everett Adams
806 Glendale Ave.
Sparks, NV.
775-358-8070

If you drive down US-395' stop in Bodie, CA. It's an old gold mining town that has stood the test of time. Lots of of original buildings from the gold rush

If you drive across I-40, have a look at these places:

In Kingman, AZ theres a good 50's diner on Andy Devine Blvd. you'll. Know the place when you it.....it's turquoise in color.

The Hackberry General Store. Used to be owned by Bob Waldmire Jr. His dad had a place in Illinois that sold hot dogs and dad invented the corn dog and e holders that held the sticks. Junior was a great artist and lover of "the old road". Lots of things to see. In and around the store.

South rim of the Grand Canyon outside of Williams, AZ

Seligman, AZ.....stop at the Frosty Cone!

Meteor Crater is very cool to see

The Petrified Forest is right on I-40

Wigwam Motel in New Mexico.....make sure to call the day before.....or more.

El Cafecito in Grants, NM......great "New Mexican food"

The City Cafe on old Route 66 in Santa Rosa, NM

The Cadillac Ranch outside of Amarillo, TX

Longhorn Steak House in Amarilllo, TX


After that you ought to be tired. If you need to chat, drop me an email...

cigarbox@earthlink.net


Michael

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by cigar-

Contact for a great mechanic in Sparks before you head out:

Everett Adams
806 Glendale Ave.
Sparks, NV.
775-358-8070

If you drive down US-395' stop in Bodie, CA. It's an old gold mining town that has stood the test of time. Lots of of original buildings from the gold rush

If you drive across I-40, have a look at these places:

In Kingman, AZ theres a good 50's diner on Andy Devine Blvd. you'll. Know the place when you it.....it's turquoise in color.

The Hackberry General Store. Used to be owned by Bob Waldmire Jr. His dad had a place in Illinois that sold hot dogs and dad invented the corn dog and e holders that held the sticks. Junior was a great artist and lover of "the old road". Lots of things to see. In and around the store.

South rim of the Grand Canyon outside of Williams, AZ

Seligman, AZ.....stop at the Frosty Cone!

Meteor Crater is very cool to see

The Petrified Forest is right on I-40

Wigwam Motel in New Mexico.....make sure to call the day before.....or more.

El Cafecito in Grants, NM......great "New Mexican food"

The City Cafe on old Route 66 in Santa Rosa, NM

The Cadillac Ranch outside of Amarillo, TX

Longhorn Steak House in Amarilllo, TX


After that you ought to be tired. If you need to chat, drop me an email...

cigarbox@earthlink.net


Michael

thanks!! all excellent ideas! it's gonna be hard to wait til April now !

[allchevy58]

If you need anything while you're in Reno, help or just want to meet up, just send a PM for my number.

[richards72chevy]

I have driven my 72 from California to Tennessee.Drove my 69 impala from California to Oklahoma.I say go for it.

[Z10]

I did this in August of 2012 with my sight unseen 72 GMC. 900 miles from Columbia, MO to Midland, TX. Other than a blow out, and and engine that sucked gas at about 10mpg, the trip was fine. Well, other that it was 100 degrees outside and no A/C.

Good advice already given.


Do it, life is an adventure.

This is what it looked like when I got it home.

[Shaky]

You can read about the '67 C20 I drove from TN to CT after buying it. Had my buddy follow in my '68 Biscayne full of tools and parts.

Also, read about the '67 C10 we drove to Alaska from CT.

Both links below.

[Hugh Mongus]

I bought a '69 in Mississippi in the mid 90's. I drove it to Nebraska when I was stationed up there. The trip was great. I had to have the tranny rebuilt once I got it home because second gear had gone out during the trip.

Of course gas was half the price it is today, but I still think you should just jump in and go. That's what roadside assistance is for. If you don't have that, you can probably get it through your cell phone carrier. I have it through AT&T for about $2 per month. I call them and they coordinate a tow and everything.

Do eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttttttttttt!

[In The Ten Ring]

Originally Posted by Hugh Mongus

I bought a '69 in Mississippi in the mid 90's. I drove it to Nebraska when I was stationed up there. The trip was great. I had to have the tranny rebuilt once I got it home because second gear had gone out during the trip.

Of course gas was half the price it is today, but I still think you should just jump in and go. That's what roadside assistance is for. If you don't have that, you can probably get it through your cell phone carrier. I have it through AT&T for about $2 per month. I call them and they coordinate a tow and everything.

Do eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttttttttttt!

I have a friend that has roadside service through his cell carrier. But he's also the kind of guy that wouldn't know how to change a tire. I am not exaggerating.

[freezmcnally]

Originally Posted by Z10

I did this in August of 2012 with my sight unseen 72 GMC. 900 miles from Columbia, MO to Midland, TX. Other than a blow out, and and engine that sucked gas at about 10mpg, the trip was fine. Well, other that it was 100 degrees outside and no A/C.

Good advice already given.


Do it, life is an adventure.

This is what it looked like when I got it home.

Well it looks great right after a long trip!

[catch2otwo]

Cool thread! I live in San Francisco. If you and your wife decide to do this trip, consider driving a few hours out here to the coast and go south from here.

If you do come this way, you and your wife are more then welcome to stay here for as long as you'd like free of charge. I have a garage with tools and a little know how if you end up needing a little fix up time. pm me if you want and I can shoot you my contact info.

We come across this type of thread alot in the motorcycling community. Theres no better way to get familiar with your machine then to drive it. We've met so many people from all across the country taking trips like this on old bikes, I only hope to get the opportunity some day. PM me! We'd love to have ya