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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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 !!!

[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 !

[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?

[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...

[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!

[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 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!

[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

[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

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.