Dependability???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Ft Hood TEXAS
Dependability???
Okay, here is the situation. I am in the Army and getting ready to deploy again. I am about to go on leave to visit my family before I go and I want to take my Vette. Here is the deal though. My 76 is a #'s matching car with a few bolt on mods. I have no idea what was done to the car before I got it about 6 months ago. It seems to do really good around town but I have no idea how it would do on a long trip. By long, I mean about 850 miles one way. It is an automatic. I have changed the exhaust, intake, carb, and all og the ignition system. Any opinions would be appreciated. I just want to let my Dad see my Vette one time. Ya know.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
Originally Posted by hotwater
Okay, here is the situation. I am in the Army and getting ready to deploy again. I am about to go on leave to visit my family before I go and I want to take my Vette. Here is the deal though. My 76 is a #'s matching car with a few bolt on mods. I have no idea what was done to the car before I got it about 6 months ago. It seems to do really good around town but I have no idea how it would do on a long trip. By long, I mean about 850 miles one way. It is an automatic. I have changed the exhaust, intake, carb, and all og the ignition system. Any opinions would be appreciated. I just want to let my Dad see my Vette one time. Ya know.....
ok trooper here is the deal.....
replace ALL fluids, tranny diff oil, and brake if it looks bad, check brakes, wheel bearings for grease, and get underneathe and inspect the suspension, then lube all grease fittings.
bring extra belts, and tools for road side repair.... try to take it on a shake down if possible
good luck '
tim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: Orange Park Fl
If you have been driving it around regularly for 6 months it will probably do fine. I take mine on trips that long on a fairly regular basis. But servicing it before a trip is never a bad idea. Also, a shorter, highway "shakedown" after the service is a good idea too, in case there are any highway induced problems, or in case whoever services it hoses something up. I also always take basic tools. As long as I take them, I never need them, if I leave them home... God bless, Sensei
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, Fl///Columbus, Ohio
Originally Posted by sweethence
ok trooper here is the deal.....
replace ALL fluids, tranny diff oil, and brake if it looks bad, check brakes, Repack the wheel bearings, and get underneathe and inspect the suspension, then lube all grease fittings.
bring extra belts, and tools for road side repair.... try to take it on a shake down if possible
good luck '
tim
replace ALL fluids, tranny diff oil, and brake if it looks bad, check brakes, Repack the wheel bearings, and get underneathe and inspect the suspension, then lube all grease fittings.
bring extra belts, and tools for road side repair.... try to take it on a shake down if possible
good luck '
tim
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
if the accumulated trips around town have been for more the 850 miles i would then say you are ok.....do some homework and find phone numbers for towing companies repair shops and rental cars....good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 14
From: Airdrie Alberta
Go for it!!, enjoy the ride. great contemplation time
As said above just service all the usual stuff, belts, hoses, fluids, tires and bring some hand tools and a cell phone.
You will never regret it!.
As said above just service all the usual stuff, belts, hoses, fluids, tires and bring some hand tools and a cell phone.
You will never regret it!.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
Post your rout and if you get in trouble along the way find an internet cafe and call us for help. If your broke down anywhere near me I wouldnt mind coming and helping out and im sure others feel the same.
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Granbury TX
Hot 76
Have you driven yours much on the Interstate?
Mine gets over 200 degrees on the highway at 65/70 with a 4 speed. I've also changed the thermostat to 160 degrees. You might want to take a test drive on the Interstate for a few miles before you take off. I don't feel comfortable driving on the freeway in this hot weather with no AC. My floorboard is insulated and my heater core is disconnected and it's still miserable driving it very far. Night driving is ok. Good Luck.
Mine gets over 200 degrees on the highway at 65/70 with a 4 speed. I've also changed the thermostat to 160 degrees. You might want to take a test drive on the Interstate for a few miles before you take off. I don't feel comfortable driving on the freeway in this hot weather with no AC. My floorboard is insulated and my heater core is disconnected and it's still miserable driving it very far. Night driving is ok. Good Luck.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: san diego ca
Originally Posted by hotwater
I'm gonna be taking I 35 out of Texas to I 20. I'll take I20 across to Alabama. In AL, I'll hit hwy 65 North to Huntsville. Anyone on the way???
Proabably took similar path, across LA, AL, TX...
Only issue was a bad tire, developed a bubble - had to stop in Tyler, TX for a new one.
Enjoy!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Ft Hood TEXAS
Originally Posted by lucky76
Have you driven yours much on the Interstate?
Mine gets over 200 degrees on the highway at 65/70 with a 4 speed. I've also changed the thermostat to 160 degrees. You might want to take a test drive on the Interstate for a few miles before you take off. I don't feel comfortable driving on the freeway in this hot weather with no AC. My floorboard is insulated and my heater core is disconnected and it's still miserable driving it very far. Night driving is ok. Good Luck.
Mine gets over 200 degrees on the highway at 65/70 with a 4 speed. I've also changed the thermostat to 160 degrees. You might want to take a test drive on the Interstate for a few miles before you take off. I don't feel comfortable driving on the freeway in this hot weather with no AC. My floorboard is insulated and my heater core is disconnected and it's still miserable driving it very far. Night driving is ok. Good Luck.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,503
Likes: 2
From: Raleigh NC
Very Important
Take each wheel off and make sure every nut & bolt on the suspension, steering, and brake system is tight.
Lubricate all grease fittings. There's 11 in front. Your u-joints may or may not have grease fittings--check and see--if so, grease.
Take each wheel off and make sure every nut & bolt on the suspension, steering, and brake system is tight.
Lubricate all grease fittings. There's 11 in front. Your u-joints may or may not have grease fittings--check and see--if so, grease.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 5
From: Minnesota
All of the above plus I would check the rear wheel bearings for excess play. If it were me and I had the time I would take off the rear trailing arms and send them off to Vansteel or Bairs to have them service the bearings. It's a PITA job but well worth the peace of mind. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,128
Likes: 3
From: Deltona (son of Deland and DAYTONA) FL
Bought my 79 on Ebay and drove it home 1500 miles to SW FL 4 years ago. Everything went fine except having to replace the front tires on the way home. Either I missed the inside edge being worn out OR it wore out on the way home.
I had a cell phone and AAA. My plan was to get it towed to the nearest Uhaul, then tow it the rest of the way myself if necessary.
My car ran 210-220 on the highway, but cooler at lower speeds. Besides the tires, everything else went fine.
I had a cell phone and AAA. My plan was to get it towed to the nearest Uhaul, then tow it the rest of the way myself if necessary.
My car ran 210-220 on the highway, but cooler at lower speeds. Besides the tires, everything else went fine.
