Mr.84TransAmer

This summer I'll be heading out on a roadtrip with my buddies that's been in the works since last August.

Our destination? all 48 continental states in 30 days. We'll be taking a path that goes through each state. We might get our story in the local newspaper too.

Now the kicker for me is I wanna do it in my thirdgen. So I've dropped about $3000 into it to make it roadworthy. The carb was rebuilt, I replaced all vacuum lines, hoses, valve cover gasket, spark plugs, cap and rotor, water pump, master cylinder, Shocks (KYB), AC compressor, that's all I can think of for now.

My friends are telling me to go with them in the van. But I didn't buy the car to sit in a garage. And I'm more than willing to spend the $1100+ in gasoline alone. So who thinks my 107,000 mile Trans am can take a 10,700 mile trip for 30 days? Any other preparations I should make?

Tell me I'm not nuts.

MikeDirntRulez

Might as well do the head gasket .

Fuel Pump/Fuel Filter/ PCV Valve, breather filter, air filter, differential fluid change, check your brakes/fluid, check your coolant..... you plan on changing the oil while you're ridin' around? Because 10,000 miles, you'll HAVE to do it ATLEAST 2 times.

However, I would do it. Live a little. Don't worry if your car will make it or not. Yeah try and fix it up as much as you can, but don't stress about this or that breaking.

The older people on here might tell you differently, and that it's dumb, but I would do it, and if I didn't make it, oh well, replace the part that broke and move on. If the car catches on fire, buy a new one.

You only live once and this would be a really fun trip. I would take one like it too if I could.

RTFC

I would highly suggest buying a new alternator and belt to take along with you. You'll need it sometime in the future if you don't end up having to replace it on the road. The bearings will take a beating with extended driving periods.

cali92RS

All 48 states in 1 trip?
I would love to see your route.

8T8IROC

iTrader: (3)

Coming and going I bet

Mr.84TransAmer

Ok PCV valve, fuel filter, air filter, all the belts, CHECK. Don't remember if the alternator was replaced, it's been in the shop forever. I'm just waiting for the interior to be reassembled and waiting on the air dam to get shipped to me.

Click HERE for the website my buddy made which shows the approximate route.

BretD 88GTA

All 48 states in only 30 days? That doesn't leave much time for sight seeing and/or interacting with the various local townsfolk.

I have a friend who did a similar trip a few years back. He spent 3 months exploring the continent.

Guest

Whats the longest trip you've had that thing on lately and not stopped with problems/issues?

injdinjn

Looks like fun, until the fatique sets in and all the memories are a blur.

8T8IROC

iTrader: (3)

Sounds like Bret wants you guys to make a 'Girls Gone Wild Roadtrip Edition' video for him

Mr.84TransAmer

^ You may have something there.

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

48 States in 30 days is not going to allow for a lot of meeting the local folks or talent. You will be on the road most of the time.

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

A guy I work with just went to Michigan and back in his 87 Trans Am. He did the same as you did and prepared the car for months before hand.

Russ-So Cal

Will you have enough money in the bank to cover unexpected repairs? Sounds like a neat trip. I didn't look at all you've done, but you need all new belts and hoses before you leave. Then buy spare belts and hoses to take with you. Keep a close watch on your fluid levels. I think, with the mileage you have on your car, you should plan on doing three oil changes enroute and then do it again when you get home. I would just plan to use quick lube places to have the oil change done. Change your trans fluid before you leave if it is an automatic. Have a nice trip. Do you have a digital camera and laptop? Has the trans been overhauled? I think 70,000 miles is the life expectancy for a stock 700r4.

82knightrider

iTrader: (1)

Thats awsome.Hopefully this thread will be filled with many wonderful pics someday

JulieGTA

I don't know if it helps... I drive alot, I averaged it once to be about 60 miles every day, or 25,000 a year... No long roads trips though.
It seems like alot of stock things went bad especially between 100,000 and 120,000 miles. What I can remember off hand: alternator(s), radiator, thermostat, water pump(s), battery, fans, tune ups, etc. It sometimes I felt like it was in the shop every other month! Either leaking coolant or overheating for some new reason. Definitely didn't go 10,000 miles without needing something, but never anything major. During the time I owned it, (85,000 through now 175,000 miles,) I've only had to tow it once, for the starter.
Luckily the last 50,000 miles have been good, alot fewer things each year. I think everything has been replaced now except the tranny, (and the fuel pump)

I hope you have good luck on the trip, just prepare for small stuff. I don't know if you're on a tight schedule. Maybe if you know ahead of time, you can plan for a day or two to get it fixed at the next stop just in case.

Russ-So Cal

Your current level of reliability might be the result of finding a good mechanic to wrench on it, or give good advice when you wrench on it.

JulieGTA

You know, that's probably it! It could just be a matter of perspective.

Mr.84TransAmer

Ok yes I have changed the thermostat, and all the belts and hoses already, so I don't think I'll need any more of those. And along the way all the major stops on that map will be overnighters or sightseeing stops that should last a few hours. I've only had that car since 2003 and drove it about 4,000 miles in that time, and the only problem it suffered was when the upper radiator hose got sheared by one of the belts.

I can always pick up supplies along my trip if something looks fishy. The trans has never been rebuilt, but it has been well maintained most of its life. But I do have some emergency cash set aside for unforseen nightmares, not counting the $1100+ for gas.

I'll post pics along the way if I can... If I don't break down.

BTW, I just remembered, I need a spare tire. Kevin, is yours still on loan?

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

Yes, my spare tire is still out.

1fsstgta

Sounds like fun but nerve racking. Have fun man

Dave_Jones

Carry a spare ignition module.

Good wheel alignment before you go -- you can eat a set of front tires in a lot less than 10K if the toe is off by much, especially with the stickier compounds.

Speaking of tires, I've got the original spare tires from both my '83 T/A, and '97 Z28, that are useless to me (I switched to 16" diameter spares due to brake upgrades). They're free for the asking if you happen to be in my part of the desert -- I can probably take 'em to Barstow or something, if it's on a day that I can get away for a bit. Feel free to email or PM me if that would help you out.

MR.GTA

DEFINITELY don't leave until you get your air dam put on. My 84 (L-69 T/A) was running hot a few years back. I replaced the entire cooling system before I realized the broken off dam was causing it to overheat.
The other problems I ran into on long trips were blown upper radiator hose, broken alternator belt, blown fan motor, and also had to replace the sensor that makes the fan turn on, the coolant temp/ fan switch located on the passenger side on the engine block.
The three years that I owned that car about 90 percent of what went wrong was cooling system related. If I were you I would also flush out the system real good before leaving. Have a great trip!

RTFC

Lets say your engine blows in Kentucky. What is your options? Towing it home, or sells it and fly home?

i'd personally rent a car.

drop-top IROC

I got over 150k out of out of the original stock one in my RS before I had to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lorentzen...

cali92RS

I agree with Dean on this one...why put that much wear and tear in your own car, that you sweat and bleed for.
I say rent one, get the insurance, and treat it like $hit.

BretD 88GTA

Same here. I made it to 147K before the trans went. The shop that rebuilt mine was impressed.

They told me they usually see 700R4's at around 70k.

MikeDirntRulez

uh oh........


this makes me nervous. 125k and no rebuild that I know of yet.

It's life expectancy is about to end

injdinjn

In 1957 our only car was a stick six chevy and my moms father died in Cleveland. Dad said we will take the Chevy and when it dies we will catch a train.
Well, (due to a dumb mechanic here that put a 12v regulator on a 6v car) we burned up the generator just after arriving in Cleveland, on the way back we threw a fan blade west of Needles, so we coasted back to a wrecking yard and relaced the fan. I inherated the car 4 years later.

In 1963, when my uncle died, my dad and I drove a 59 olds loan car, his Olds was in for body work, from LA to Cleveland in 44 hours, including throwing a rethread on the Kansas turnpike at 90 ( the turnpike speed limit was min 40 max 80).

Unfortunately even Montana now has a max speed limit, but only 6 MHP to enforce it.

Keep a list of 3rd genners across the country, you may need it.

cali92RS

Its funny u should say that....
I just happen to have for sale, real cheap a slightly used (68K miles) 700R4.
Just plug in and go

langss

If the one in my Trans Am was the original, it lasted over180,000 before I brought it to Dr. Don. It was leaking, but it still functioned pretty normal.

82knightrider

iTrader: (1)

Dont forget the trail mix and beef jerky...oh yeah...sunflower seeds and water.To grub while your driving

Mr.84TransAmer

The only reason I'm not going in the van is to cruise in my baby. So renting a car's out of the question. If it breaks down, I'll resurrect it. If I put that much cash into it already, I might as well get my money's worth.

Dave_Jones, I might take you up on that offer-- a nice dessert cruise would be a good chance to test her out before the big trip. Were all thirdgen spare tires the compact inflatable ones?

BTW I made a post long ago about how long people's trannies lasted, I guess I'm right in the middle with them. I'm still deciding whether I should get a rebuild before I leave. Here's the thread:

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=203676

RTFC

Counter person,"Would you like the bumper-to-bumper coverage on that there rental car?"

Dean," Yes I would, cause this cars' about to see more hangtime than a skateboard at the X-games."

Quoted from BlueCollarComedy, But I did in fact tell the last guy I rented a car from those exact words. My wife and I just laughed hysterically.

PS- I ALWAYS make sure I do the manditory hit a speed bump at 50 in the rental car. My wife hates that part, but I've got a reputation to keep.

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

Everyone needs to do a trip like this once in their lives. You'll have plenty of time to interract with the locals during every breakdown. I covered all the Western States and Canadian Provinces two summers in a row (1978 & 79) in my '73 Datsun p/u with a friend. Actually it was with two of my friends the second year until one had to bail and ride home from Glenwood Springs Co on a bus because he couldn't get along with the other guy.

On my first trip the alternator died in Castle Rock WA. We got towed the 8 miles back to the nearest gas station where a kid working at the gas station took pity on us and offered to drop us off at the local swimming hole and pick us up later while the alternator was being delivered later that afternoon. The fact that it turned out to be the wrong alternator only further added to the adventures.

The second year it was the fun of hitchhiking in the killer heat of central Oregon with a used driveshaft to repair mine that shredded the center carrier and bearing. Otherwise that year the trip went a bit better because I'd rebuilt the engine since the first trip.

The advantage you'll have is you're driving a car with a SBC, so parts will be easier to get. But what stories you'll be able to tell, such as that one about the headlight motor that fried in AK, but why should I spoil your fun in creating your adventure? Trying to maintain a schedule could prove to be a problem, fray nerves and spoil some of the fun. I'd suggest getting a cell phone with nationwide long distance and plenty of minutes included. That way you'll be able to keep everyone along the way informed of your progress in case plans or routes change. Also get a AAA Membership if you don't have one already.

Lon

BretD 88GTA

I'd get the AAA Plus membership. That way you get the 100 mile towing distance as opposed to only 7 miles. It could make a big difference in the middle of nowhere.

This does sound like a really cool trip, but I still think 30 days isn't enough time if you actually want to spend a little time in each state. Otherwise, you're just going to be driving straight thru some states, seeing nothing but the highway. Do the math — 48 states and 30 days breaks down to less than a day per state.

It takes 12 hours to get from L.A. to northern CA near the Oregon border. That's straight shot with only a quick pit stop or two for food and gas along the way.

I've driven from L.A. to south western Montana in 20 hours, but again, that's straight shot only stopping for gas. Granted you don't miss much in Nevada, but Utah does have some sites of interest that would be worth seeing.

drop-top IROC

That sounds more like the A520 in my Dodge Ram- 47k miles, and the dealer just did over $600 worth of work on it. (fortunately, all covered by warranty except fluid and filter)

drop-top IROC

I love dessert cruises! Fosters Freeze, Baskin Robbins, Cold Stone, you name it!

Mr.84TransAmer

Oops, I meant sundae cruise.

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

Dont you have to be a AAA member for a year first, before you can upgrade to the Plus membership?

Mr.84TransAmer

AAA screwed me over. When I bought the trans am, it wasn't insured about 6 months, and one day they added 6 months of coverage costs for those months per their policy, AFTER I was quoted for only the months I'd have the car insured, not previous months. Stupidest thing I ever heard. Problem was they also charge a 10% penalty for cancelling early. So I ditched them.

But at least I get free towing up to $70 per tow with Mercury.

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

AAA insurance screwed me over ten years ago too. I stopped in at their Whittier office because I needed some maps for a trip I was taking that weekend. While waiting for my maps I noticed an advertisement about PWC insurance. I had recently purchased one and decided to compare rates. I filled out a questionare for a rate quote and left it off. I can't recall if they called or I called, but they sent an agent to my home to snap shots of the PWC and write up the policy. During our interview for the policy the agent asked if we took the PWC to the Colorodo River? Yes, once a year. He mentioned that this was a no-no for AAA. So he wrote up the policy that we didn't take the PWC to the river. So I write a check for a 1 year policy and leave for our trip. They also wrote up a policy for my friends PWC (it too was stored at my house at the time). About a Month later I get a letter that they are cancelling my policy. WTF? No explanation. I inquired as to why the policy was being cancelled and got a letter stating it was cancelled for "material misrepresentation". Another call to them for further clarification. Another letter stating that the info I provided their agent was different than what I submitted previously. It turns out they matched up my lil questionare I'd initially filled out with the policy and saw that we take the PWC to the river once a year. I was pissed. If anyone misrepresented anything it was their agent. I fully disclosed the once yearly trip to the river, he was the one that left that detail off the application (I wonder why?). Regardless I was refunded the balance of my annual premium and the policy was cancelled. It actually was all for the good since that was our last trip out for the year. I didn't have to get a new policy until Spring the following year. Despite all this I still maintained AAA Membeship. I'll never use them for insurance, but AAA Membership and AAA insurance are two separate things.

Oh, you want to know something funny? My friends AAA PWC policy remained in effect. Yet both PWC's travelled on the same trailer. They just had nothing in writing to prove that their PWC was ever taken to the bad old "River". lol

I'd still recommend getting AAA Membership for the towing and roadside insurance. I have no idea who Mercury Insurance contracts with for their towing and roadside, but I am pretty sure you'll have a lot more chance of finding a tow service that accepts AAA than anyone else.

Lon

james_85Z28

AAA insurance people suck. HARD. My family had about 7 cars and only 4 drivers. So my dad would change coverage on the cars if one broke down and we started driving another one. Well I blew up the engine in our van so he activated our 1979 camaro. He recorded (on paper) who he talked to and what was said. So a couple weeks later I totaled the 1979 Camaro after a drunk driver took a left in fron of me while I was going 50 MPH. The drunk driver had no insurance and no money. I figured we'd at least get something from the insurance for our totaled car because of the uninsured motorist policy and then I could apply that to my '56 F-100. Then a couple days later we get the updated statement from AAA that the camaro wasn't insured and that the van was still insured but some other car we didn't own anymore was now covered. So my dad called them and fought with them for a while. My dad provided them who he talked to, what was said, and what day and time. Well they checked the guys notes and that verified that my dad did give him the correct info but the guy entered the information wrong and ultimately the camaro was never insured. Because the camaro was only worth $1500 my dad left it at that verses spending a couple grand on a lawyer. AA insurance are @-holes.

RTFC

I have AAA premier roadside (200miles free towing- Thats per incident, not per year total miles)

I was going up to a 3day Scuba trip out of Ventura harbor last year. Picked up a friend and was winding through the hills by JPL when the truck died and I got it off to the side of the road. I was suppose to be on the boat by midnight and it was 8pm. I had AAA towing hook me up and tow the truck to Ventura harbor where I parked it for 3 days, then upon returning, I called them again and got a relaxing tow all the way home to OC- both free due to the Premier membership. I never leave home without it.

Oh yes, turned out to be a plugged catalytic convertor.