How far would you drive your truck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JayDubBlazer · 08-17-2003, 01:08 AM

As next summer will be my last summer before I graduate from college I was thing I would have the ultimate road trip. My Uncle lives in Alaska and I am planning to go up there for a couple weeks. I was just thinking how cool it would be to drive west and up the coast. I yahoo mapped it and they said it was a 44 hour drive but I think it would be a trip of a life time. driving a topless truck up the west coast. I would be scared though if it would make it. just dreaming right now.

mtdave2 · 08-17-2003, 01:50 AM

anyplace on earth, if i could afford the gas

**StingRay** · 08-17-2003, 02:19 AM

I just got back yesterday from The Pas Manitoba. I hauled a SWB frame and box back on a flat deck. It's a about 300 miles each way. No problems and I got 15 mpg (Canadian) trailer empty and about 12 loaded on the way back. Over the last 10 years I've had mine on trips about a thousand miles each way in 100 degree temps.

Chevyboy1962 · 08-17-2003, 02:26 AM

That would be awesome!!!

Are you gonna take pics too?

I would trust my truck easily across the state, and wouldn't be afraid to drive her across country.

JayDubBlazer · 08-17-2003, 02:38 AM

Yeah I deffinately would be taking a camera. I would like to leave like July 4th and make it up there in time to go salmon fishing.

*Phillip Johnson* · 08-17-2003, 04:25 AM

You can drive a 72 Chevy anywhere in the world. If it breaks, rarely that Ive ever seen, you can usually fix them with duct tape or bailing wire.. Give me a 72 with a 350 over any Cummins, Powerstroke, or Duramax!

GMCjunkie · 08-17-2003, 06:19 AM

My burb has taken me coast to coast TWICE and many "shorter" Ga to Tx trips in between.

Denny · 08-17-2003, 08:49 AM

I am driving to Texas tomorrow 690 miles each way

cdowns · 08-17-2003, 08:59 AM

ANYWHERE ANYTIME !!!!

toms68cst · 08-17-2003, 09:25 AM

Once I get a little confidence in my new engine, I'll go anywhere with it.

Z-72 · 08-17-2003, 09:52 AM

Gas cash would be my only limit.

1969 GMC · 08-17-2003, 11:32 AM

i agree with that, i only said across a state because I am not filthy rich.lol

Locutus · 08-17-2003, 11:44 AM

Once I get the bugs worked out, and I get some confidence in the truck then I would probably drive it anywhere. Right now I am afraid to leave my driveway for fear I might not make it back

Mike

SCOTI · 08-17-2003, 12:12 PM

I wouldn't hesitate to make a cross country trip.... w/the right provisions: 1) 2 major credit cards (you'll use a pretty good amount of gas & there's nothing worse than being in the middle of 'timbucktoo' & the friggin gas station turns down your CC). 2) Tools/jack (no explanation needed). 3) Cell phone (just in case).

And if your truck is like my high milage 68 6cyl/3spd combo..... @ least a case of oil (1qt/every tank of gas).

If one of these older trucks breaks on the road, they're typically much easier to repair since all the sub-systems needed to keep them running are fairly simple. Try that w/a brand new truck (they break as well).

jay6891 · 08-17-2003, 12:28 PM

I have drove mine to Chicago and back. Texas and back. no problems. Only thing that has ever broke was the mirror, hit a bird. I enjoy the looks and coments from people, even had a few offer to by it from me while driving down the highway. I say go for it.

ddsmith · 08-17-2003, 02:29 PM

I bought mine from a guy in Portland, Oregon. Without seeing the truck other than pictures. I drove it all the way home. One small problem but she made it. I think there is just a few questions. How good are you at improvising? Do you have enough for the gas? This will take a big chunk out of your wallet. Highly recommend the drive up 84 and the Columbia river in Oregon. My only regret is I drove some of that stretch in the dark and missed some of the beautiful scenery.

Longhorn Man · 08-17-2003, 04:08 PM

I'm dumb enough to try driving the GMC from here to California...I'd probably end up in Indiana or so before she'd crap out on me.

I have taken it to Kalamazoo MI, and then down by Louisville Ky...from Central Ohio.
My old blue longhorn made it from TCentral Texas up to Loisville Ky, and then a couple trips up here from Ky, and the back to Tx...but it wasn't exactly a fun trip. Had quite a few problems along the way.
It is no fun sitting at a gas station in Memphis (on the wrong side of town) at 2 in the morning, waiting for your engine to cool so you can JB Weld your radiator back together. Had a few carb fires, and a head gasket went south too...
but all in all, i look back on that trip with a smile on my face...except the first fire, you get a sinking feeling in your chest when you are 100 miles from anywhere (and 20 miles to the next exit) and you are looking at a 6 foot flame when you pop the hood.
It's amazing how quick you forget how to pull the pin on the fire ext. ...you do have one don't you?
I say do it...go though your blazer real good, grab a cell phone, couple gas cards, and your AAA towing card, then all you need is enough mtn dew for the trip.I figure a 12 pack every 100 miles.

ddsmith · 08-17-2003, 04:32 PM

Keep a spare radiator upper hose, coolant and a knife. Then when the engine catches on fire you can put it out by slicing the radiator hose.

I think someone on here did that once.

Longhorn Man · 08-17-2003, 04:46 PM

that sounds painfull.

ddsmith · 08-17-2003, 04:52 PM

It's better than trying to put out a fire with a gas soaked rag! Ask me how I know?

72c10step · 08-17-2003, 05:48 PM

I only take mine around town right now. With all the things going wrong with it lately, I'd never make it more than a state or two. When I get finished with my plans for it, hell yeah I'd take it across a country or two, I'd just need about 4 or 5 credit cards with high credit limits for the gas!!!

jhwkns · 08-17-2003, 05:59 PM

Although mine doesn't get out of town much due to the price of fuel I wouldn't hesitate to drive it coast to coast.

Pilgrim · 08-17-2003, 08:33 PM

Drove my 68 C20 from Vermont to Florida last August when we moved. The three gas tanks helped reduce number of gas stops. However, the credit card melted in South Carolina.

JayDubBlazer · 08-18-2003, 01:31 AM

Longhornmail, with 12 Mountain Dews for every 100 miles I wouldn't ever make it there due to pit stops. Though I would have an altenate means of exstingishing fires.

**68 Stepside** · 08-18-2003, 01:37 AM

I voted town cruiser...and frankly, I don't even trust my truck around town (5 N/S streets, and 11 E/W streets)

View Poll Results: How far would you drive your truck
It doesn't leave the backyard/garage	1	1.15%
Town cruiser	21	24.14%
Drive across a state (Bigger than Rhode Island)	28	32.18%
Drive aross a a country or two	37	42.53%
Voters: 87. You may not vote on this poll

08-17-2003, 01:08 AM	#1
JayDubBlazer go cyclones Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 1,883	How far would you drive your truck As next summer will be my last summer before I graduate from college I was thing I would have the ultimate road trip. My Uncle lives in Alaska and I am planning to go up there for a couple weeks. I was just thinking how cool it would be to drive west and up the coast. I yahoo mapped it and they said it was a 44 hour drive but I think it would be a trip of a life time. driving a topless truck up the west coast. I would be scared though if it would make it. just dreaming right now. __________________ Wes PROJECT OLE GREEN 1972 Blazer 4X4 350/700R4 2017 Silverado LT

08-17-2003, 01:50 AM	#2
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,521	anyplace on earth, if i could afford the gas __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

08-17-2003, 02:19 AM	#3
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	I just got back yesterday from The Pas Manitoba. I hauled a SWB frame and box back on a flat deck. It's a about 300 miles each way. No problems and I got 15 mpg (Canadian) trailer empty and about 12 loaded on the way back. Over the last 10 years I've had mine on trips about a thousand miles each way in 100 degree temps. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

08-17-2003, 02:26 AM	#4
Chevyboy1962 C10 now is a GMC Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 740	That would be awesome!!! Are you gonna take pics too? I would trust my truck easily across the state, and wouldn't be afraid to drive her across country. __________________ 1962 C10 swb fleetside, big window, custom cab 350/TH350 combo...Hot Rod 1963 C10 lwb fleetside, small window 230/4 speed...Blvd Cruiser *1931 Ford 5 window coupe (soon to be Hot Rod)... Father & Son project

08-17-2003, 02:38 AM	#5
JayDubBlazer go cyclones Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 1,883	Yeah I deffinately would be taking a camera. I would like to leave like July 4th and make it up there in time to go salmon fishing. __________________ Wes PROJECT OLE GREEN 1972 Blazer 4X4 350/700R4 2017 Silverado LT

08-17-2003, 04:25 AM	#6
Phillip Johnson Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Grants Pass, Oregon Posts: 1,579	You can drive a 72 Chevy anywhere in the world. If it breaks, rarely that Ive ever seen, you can usually fix them with duct tape or bailing wire.. Give me a 72 with a 350 over any Cummins, Powerstroke, or Duramax!

08-17-2003, 06:19 AM	#7
GMCjunkie Dude...I'm a CHICK Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Lakeland Georgia Posts: 6,192	My burb has taken me coast to coast TWICE and many "shorter" Ga to Tx trips in between. __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~* "The unexamined life is not worth living" -Socrates ~~~~~~~~~~~~~* '71 GMC Suburban 4x4

08-17-2003, 08:49 AM	#8
Denny Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cedar Hill, MO Posts: 426	I am driving to Texas tomorrow 690 miles each way __________________ 1969 Chevy C10. Dakota Digital Gauges, 383 Votex Engine, MSD 8361 Distributor, MSD 6A Unit, Demon Carb, Phoenix Transmission 4L80E trans, 3:73 Posi Rear End Early Classics 6 Lug Disc Brakes and Spindles All Stainless Lines

08-17-2003, 08:59 AM	#9
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	ANYWHERE ANYTIME !!!! __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-17-2003, 09:25 AM	#10
toms68cst Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Bismarck, ND Posts: 4,297	Once I get a little confidence in my new engine, I'll go anywhere with it. __________________ Unrestored 68 C-10 CST. Original 327. 4-Speed CH465. 50k or so miles. TREASURER, Drum Brake Club.

08-17-2003, 09:52 AM	#11
Z-72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: south-east kansas Posts: 68	Gas cash would be my only limit. __________________ 72-C-10-LWB-Big Block-TH400- PosiTrac Leaf Springs- A Dark Green Ford Eaten Machine. And those are not rust holes, there cooling vents..

08-17-2003, 11:32 AM	#12
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	i agree with that, i only said across a state because I am not filthy rich.lol __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

08-17-2003, 11:44 AM	#13
Locutus Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Santa Fe, Texas Posts: 249	Once I get the bugs worked out, and I get some confidence in the truck then I would probably drive it anywhere. Right now I am afraid to leave my driveway for fear I might not make it back Mike

08-17-2003, 12:12 PM	#14
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,071	I wouldn't hesitate to make a cross country trip.... w/the right provisions: 1) 2 major credit cards (you'll use a pretty good amount of gas & there's nothing worse than being in the middle of 'timbucktoo' & the friggin gas station turns down your CC). 2) Tools/jack (no explanation needed). 3) Cell phone (just in case). And if your truck is like my high milage 68 6cyl/3spd combo..... @ least a case of oil (1qt/every tank of gas). If one of these older trucks breaks on the road, they're typically much easier to repair since all the sub-systems needed to keep them running are fairly simple. Try that w/a brand new truck (they break as well). __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*



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08-17-2003, 12:28 PM	#15
jay6891 Car Knocker Join Date: May 2001 Location: jefferson,arkansas Posts: 664	I have drove mine to Chicago and back. Texas and back. no problems. Only thing that has ever broke was the mirror, hit a bird. I enjoy the looks and coments from people, even had a few offer to by it from me while driving down the highway. I say go for it. __________________ 68 c-10,91 sportside bed,350 .030 over,4 bolt,10-1 comp,2.05 intake/1.94 exhaust,1.6 Harland Sharp roller rockers,edelbrock rpm cam and intake w/750 carb, 700r4, 3.73 gears,Jacabbs Electronic Igntion w/Accel HEI distributer and super coil. ZR-1 roll pan, filled tailights. Blazer tank. Hidden hitch. 2 1/2" Flowmaster 40's. Parts bought but not installed>> ford 9" posi with disc. CCP front and rear lowering kit 4/5. Cab corners,foor boards,rockers, cab braces, Phatom grill, Painless wiring kit.

08-17-2003, 02:29 PM	#16
ddsmith Glowing since 1978 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lusby,MD,USA Posts: 532	I bought mine from a guy in Portland, Oregon. Without seeing the truck other than pictures. I drove it all the way home. One small problem but she made it. I think there is just a few questions. How good are you at improvising? Do you have enough for the gas? This will take a big chunk out of your wallet. Highly recommend the drive up 84 and the Columbia river in Oregon. My only regret is I drove some of that stretch in the dark and missed some of the beautiful scenery. __________________ 66 Chevy C30 Stakebody Dump, PS,PB, 327cu in 71 Corvette Coupe 454 4 speed 69 Chevy C20 Custom Camper

08-17-2003, 04:08 PM	#17
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	I'm dumb enough to try driving the GMC from here to California...I'd probably end up in Indiana or so before she'd crap out on me. I have taken it to Kalamazoo MI, and then down by Louisville Ky...from Central Ohio. My old blue longhorn made it from TCentral Texas up to Loisville Ky, and then a couple trips up here from Ky, and the back to Tx...but it wasn't exactly a fun trip. Had quite a few problems along the way. It is no fun sitting at a gas station in Memphis (on the wrong side of town) at 2 in the morning, waiting for your engine to cool so you can JB Weld your radiator back together. Had a few carb fires, and a head gasket went south too... but all in all, i look back on that trip with a smile on my face...except the first fire, you get a sinking feeling in your chest when you are 100 miles from anywhere (and 20 miles to the next exit) and you are looking at a 6 foot flame when you pop the hood. It's amazing how quick you forget how to pull the pin on the fire ext. ...you do have one don't you? I say do it...go though your blazer real good, grab a cell phone, couple gas cards, and your AAA towing card, then all you need is enough mtn dew for the trip.I figure a 12 pack every 100 miles.

08-17-2003, 04:32 PM	#18
ddsmith Glowing since 1978 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lusby,MD,USA Posts: 532	Keep a spare radiator upper hose, coolant and a knife. Then when the engine catches on fire you can put it out by slicing the radiator hose. I think someone on here did that once. __________________ 66 Chevy C30 Stakebody Dump, PS,PB, 327cu in 71 Corvette Coupe 454 4 speed 69 Chevy C20 Custom Camper

08-17-2003, 04:46 PM	#19
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	that sounds painfull.

08-17-2003, 04:52 PM	#20
ddsmith Glowing since 1978 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lusby,MD,USA Posts: 532	It's better than trying to put out a fire with a gas soaked rag! Ask me how I know? __________________ 66 Chevy C30 Stakebody Dump, PS,PB, 327cu in 71 Corvette Coupe 454 4 speed 69 Chevy C20 Custom Camper

08-17-2003, 05:48 PM	#21
72c10step WHYBYNU when old will do? Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Loudon, NH Posts: 876	I only take mine around town right now. With all the things going wrong with it lately, I'd never make it more than a state or two. When I get finished with my plans for it, hell yeah I'd take it across a country or two, I'd just need about 4 or 5 credit cards with high credit limits for the gas!!! __________________ -72 Chevy C10 Stepside -2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 -1984 Jeep CJ7 -1995 Polaris XCR600 Custom -2003 Honda 300ex

08-17-2003, 05:59 PM	#22
jhwkns Registered Cruiser Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 2,230	Although mine doesn't get out of town much due to the price of fuel I wouldn't hesitate to drive it coast to coast. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

08-17-2003, 08:33 PM	#23
Pilgrim Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Crescent City, FL Posts: 492	Drove my 68 C20 from Vermont to Florida last August when we moved. The three gas tanks helped reduce number of gas stops. However, the credit card melted in South Carolina. __________________ Bob 68 C20 Camper Special

08-18-2003, 01:31 AM	#24
JayDubBlazer go cyclones Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 1,883	Longhornmail, with 12 Mountain Dews for every 100 miles I wouldn't ever make it there due to pit stops. Though I would have an altenate means of exstingishing fires. __________________ Wes PROJECT OLE GREEN 1972 Blazer 4X4 350/700R4 2017 Silverado LT

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08-18-2003, 01:37 AM	#25
68 Stepside huh? Join Date: May 2000 Location: Washington, Illinois Posts: 5,690	I voted town cruiser...and frankly, I don't even trust my truck around town (5 N/S streets, and 11 E/W streets) __________________ Someday when I'm lonely, Wishing you weren't so far away, Then I will remember Things we said today. RIP El Jay