I have read a number of threads here where people pick up a car then drive it home cross country. I mean, you buy a 40 yr old car and drive it 2,000 miles home?
So here is my issue. I am taking a winter car from Buffalo to Jacksonville in a couple weeks. 1600 miles? I can use a car down there off and on for work and it is a good way to get our golf clubs down there for the winter. I was going to drive my daughters hellcat down there for the winter 'cause you can't use it here, but then I bought this 78 NYB a couple weeks ago.
The NYB is like new. It would clearly be fun ride, but what inspires someone to embark on 1800 miles with an old car that you just bought? So many things could go wrong!
I have 2 that I have been afraid of hurting and not been using much... and I am constantly disgusted with myself for not getting them sorted to the point I trust them and not feeling ready for the inevitable bumps and bruises that will come from using a car. They are a little closer every time I get to work on them.
I have the "parts car" which was given love and attention by it's former owner. I bought it and drove it about 2000 or so miles now. I really need to change the oil and balance the tires. The difference in the cars is this: If the parts car breaks down, I would treat it just like my DD and arrange AAA towing while hoping nobody hits it. If it breaks down far from home I could just stick it into storage and come back to retrieve it later, Greyhound still can get you where you're going.
Whatever tools you pack, the ones you need will still be at home... Murphy's law as applied to road trip preparations. Bring basic stuff, and maybe a cheap timing light in case you do get into something, but think though the majority of problems that may occur... you could buy a distributor and timing light on the road if the need struck and still be only a bit more than $100 into it... I am nearly famous in here for having too many tools at home and nearly none on the road. A credit card, cell phone and AAA will be the majority of what you may need.
I have been slow, I know it, But I am adjusting my thoughts and actions with the Imperials to be a little closer to the way I feel about the parts car... they must be enjoyed. They will still be hand washed and waxed, I will do my best to keep them beautiful... just not at the expense of actually using them as they were intended to be used. The parts car has been through the brush car wash twice in my ownership, the last one I splurged for the "Deluxe". For those who think I'm nuts... I have owned one new vehicle and am not planing to ever do that again. The Imperials are the prettiest cars I have ever owned, including that new one... and some low mileage gems (stole a 7 year old MB for the wife once). I suppose I'm still making that adjustment that new car owners make when they haven't even farted in the new chairs yet...
BTW, if you hadn't been following along, this year I went from zero to three Formals, and have been acquiring parts and information for them even when my work/life schedule hasn't allowed me to play with them. I have a lot to do still to get everything up to where I want it... but it's all small details and very minor compared to the amazing restoration work others here have been doing.
I know I got windy, again, but I hope you drive that NYB to Florida, Eddie. The trip is part of the vacation... If you make it before Thanksgiving weekend, I would be thrilled to meet you at the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona... let me know a little before hand though as the place is so big we may never "bump into each other". I only plan to go for one day, but I don't really care which day that is.
