75 Vette Road Trip (help)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: East Bridgewater Massachusetts
75 Vette Road Trip (help)
Alrighty guys. I am flying home early August, to Mass., putting the 75 rag top on the road and am planning on cruising down the east coast to Tampa.
The car hasn't been driven more than a hundred or so miles this year. I know. Well, I am tired of the car sitting and collecting dust at home in the garage. I am a firm believer in driving these classics. The car has been in the family for nearly 12 years. It has always been garaged and regular maintenance has been up kept.
The car is completely original, white, dark red interior, black convertible top. It has never been on a long run before. I know it can do it. It is not a trailer queen. I plan on getting it away from the cold weather and driving it while at school. Minimal Florida driving out to eat, dunkin donuts and car shows.
I plan on putting it on the road, driving it for a week to warm her up and go on the trip down the east coast. Help me out.
350 with 3 speed auto.
Oil change
Radiator Flush
Checking the plugs/wires
May run carburetor cleaner through her
The car has nothing power but the radio.
Cruising Speed? Best fuel for her?
Anything else I am missing?
Thanks , Lloyd
The car hasn't been driven more than a hundred or so miles this year. I know. Well, I am tired of the car sitting and collecting dust at home in the garage. I am a firm believer in driving these classics. The car has been in the family for nearly 12 years. It has always been garaged and regular maintenance has been up kept.
The car is completely original, white, dark red interior, black convertible top. It has never been on a long run before. I know it can do it. It is not a trailer queen. I plan on getting it away from the cold weather and driving it while at school. Minimal Florida driving out to eat, dunkin donuts and car shows.
I plan on putting it on the road, driving it for a week to warm her up and go on the trip down the east coast. Help me out.
350 with 3 speed auto.
Oil change
Radiator Flush
Checking the plugs/wires
May run carburetor cleaner through her
The car has nothing power but the radio.
Cruising Speed? Best fuel for her?
Anything else I am missing?
Thanks , Lloyd
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: Streator Illinois
long run
I assume the oil change included a new filter?
How about lube of ball joints and other suspension parts.
Fluid checks of trans, differential.
Take it on a few short trips allowing cool down between and then recheck coolant.
How old are the tires? Check for dry rot and correct pressure. Don't forget the spare.
Best cruising speed will depend on engine and erar end ratio. Once you get used to the car on the open road, it will tell you what speed it likes.
Good luck on the trip, Terry
How about lube of ball joints and other suspension parts.
Fluid checks of trans, differential.
Take it on a few short trips allowing cool down between and then recheck coolant.
How old are the tires? Check for dry rot and correct pressure. Don't forget the spare.
Best cruising speed will depend on engine and erar end ratio. Once you get used to the car on the open road, it will tell you what speed it likes.
Good luck on the trip, Terry
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 3
From: Florissant MO
A small emergency tool kit. Screw drivers, small socket set, hand wrenches, vice grips, wire cutters, jumper cable and fire extinguisher. I carry all that junk in my jack compartment all the time. Sure helped the other day when my battery went south all of a sudden.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: East Bridgewater Massachusetts
Thanks guys. I plan on getting a phone charger for the car next week. Also, ratchet, sockets, screw drivers, box wrenches will be in my buddies car. He has a 3rd gen camaro which will have the tools. He is cruising down with me. 
Thanks for all the help.
Thanks for all the help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,369
Likes: 103
From: Centerville Louisiana
Hoses and Tools would be on top of my list Don't forget about your heater hoses
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Media PA
triple A seems like a smart idea. I drove from Hollywood FL to Philadelphia, the last part from Washington to Philadelphia on a flat bed. Having Triple A would have been a good idea.
That said I hope your trip is flawless, enjoy!
That said I hope your trip is flawless, enjoy!
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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What is the status of your rear wheel bearings? The two times I have driven old Corvettes long distances the rear wheel bearings gave out. Especially in warm/hot weather they can be a problem. Bought a 64 Coupe a few years ago in Key West Fla and drove it home to Mass. Right rear wheel bearing let go in N. Carolina. Had the LR wheel bearing let go on a trip from Mass to Pa. in my 65 on my honeymoon. I would make certain they are in good shape. Good luck
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 692
Likes: 0
From: waterloo ontario
I think everone has pretty much covered everything...
Oh I know a hottie for the passengers seat...you know for navigational purposes...and if something does happen you can be her knight in shinning armor
Good Luck with your adventure
Rod
Love the Vette
Oh I know a hottie for the passengers seat...you know for navigational purposes...and if something does happen you can be her knight in shinning armor
Good Luck with your adventure
Rod
Love the Vette