If you've followed my threads from a couple of months ago, you may remember that I detailed the engine compartment, replaced the radiator, belts, hoses, added a new 270 Comp Cam, timing chain, and a lot of other stuff in the engine compartment area to numerous to recall. The car runs great but I haven't driven it more than around town with 13 miles being the longest one way trip to date. I have run about a tank of gas through the car since all the work was completed. There are no water leaks, still a little drip from the rear main seal (when parked) but all else is good to go! Here is why I need a push. Our Corvette club is having great cruise tomorrow. It will probably be about 125 miles round trip. For some unknown reason, I have reservations about getting out on the road beyond short trips around town. I don't understand my hesitance to driving the car so I need a push from you guys. Short of something major happening outside my control, is there any reason to feel the way I do? How about some thoughts from the crowd? :cheers:


FOLLOW UP, I WENT ON THE CRUISE!!!

Well, we had 13 Vettes show for the cruise, 1 C5, 3 C4s, and all the rest were Sharks including a nice 70 BB 454, a 69 SB 300HP, my 71, a 73, and the rest were late 70s sharks. We had a super time, dodged all the local rain showers, and put about 95 miles on the Vette and the temp never passed the tick mark between the 100 and 200 markings, no leaks, mess, no problems. I had topped off the gas before the cruise. When I got home, the gas gauge was on the 3/4 mark so I guess that is a good thing too! I guess you could say I was loving life today. The lead car came within a feet (a split second) of putting a 150 pound doe (deer) through the front windscreen of his 73. I was the third car back I was certain they had collided! Other than that, all the guys and girls had a great time and made it home safe. We added three new members to our Corvette club today. What a great day to be alive and free in America.


[Modified by Rick Church, 5:22 AM 6/16/2003]


[Modified by Rick Church, 5:22 AM 6/16/2003]


[Modified by Rick Church, 5:23 AM 6/16/2003]

 

GO FOR IT! My car made it from Boston to Fort Myers FL (1500 miles) straight through on its maiden voyage home. It wasn't in half as good as shape as it is now, and it sounds like your car is in better condition than mine. As long as belts and hoses look good, I'd do it! These old cars are tough! :thumbs:

 

Do I have to push for the whole 125 miles? :D Seriously Rick, you've got confidence in your work ... go out and enjoy the fruits of your labour!

If something doesn't "sound" right, you can always say yoo left the iron on, and cut your day short. ;)

 

If you have reservations bring a cell phone. Go for it!

 

Rick, just stay home Sunday and about 1pm I will pick you up and we will go to Mikes house and push mine up on a trailer so I can bring it home. No wear and tear on your vette and I get some free help...well I will feed you anyway.
Thought the day would never come..
Neil in Tenn

 

I felt the same way when I first got my 73,Of course I had good reason,(first two trips resulted in flatbed rides home) I then put in a new engine and went over that machine with a fine tooth comb,The results are that every ride I take in it is over 100 miles and I have made several 1000 mile trips without a problem. Go for it! :auto:

 

Hey boys, I'm going cruisin! I'll let you know how it goes (went) tonight!

Rick in Tennessee

 

:iagree:

 

Go for it!! If you're that concerned, get a AAA Plus membership and bring a cell phone :D . I think AAA Plus will tow up to 100 miles to wherever you want.

:seeya

 

Where are the pics...This thread is worthless without pics :lol:

 

I wonder if he ever made it back. :confused:

 

Bill, the club Pres took some good shots from the lead vehicle and as soon as he sends them to me, I'll try to post them.

Rick

 

so everything went OK and you had a good time?

 

Rick left before I could give him my .02, but if you are worried about taking your vette on a slightly longer roadtrip I can't think of a better time to try than a club outing. You will have plenty of other vettes and friends to help out if you have any kind of trouble. :) MJ

And if you are looking for followup down here.... Rick cheated and edited his original post! :lol:


[Modified by MNJack, 12:42 PM 6/16/2003]

 

OK Folks, I'm gonna brag on Rick's car! I haven't seen the car in quite a while and thought it looked good when I saw it last. I have been following Rick's threads on all he's been doing. Don't blame Rick for being concerned regardless of how confident one may be with their work-there's this thing called Murphy's Law that just has a way sometimes of sneaking up on you without ever suspecting anything. The car performed great and stayed with us with no problem whenever we punched 'em (every chance we could get). With the exception of having a possibility of having venison (unexpectedly) for dinner it was a funtastic cruise! Rick did a super job with the work he has done on the car-it glistened from the shine and the engine compartment sparkled! Great job, Rick! All that time paid off! Wish you guys could have joined us travelling through some very pretty country side and some outstanding "Corvette" roads. If you live near the Clarksville, Tn area look us up and come join us! http://www.corvettesofclarksville.com :cheers:


[Modified by majbillgsd, 3:12 PM 6/16/2003]