Hot Rods I-90 from Wyoming to Spokane through Montana...Anyone Driven it in a Hot Rod?

Planning my trip to the Hotrodarama, and I want to go through Spokane. Looking at the map, it appears that going I-90 from Buffalo, Wyoming up to Billings and through the rest of Montana is the shortest route.

I'm just wondering how the road is, and if there are enough gas stops? I can go about 200 miles on a tank of gas (maybe 250mi. if I push it).

I've never been to Montana, so I like the idea of going this way. Anybody have any input?

 

Not in a hot rod, but I did go from Rapid City, SD back home to Eastern Washington towing my father in laws 5th wheel after he passed away. We made the trip in just about 200 mile blocks, making sure to top off the tank every stop. It's been quite a few years ago, but I remember getting fuel in Sheridan, Billings, Livingston, Missoula, Couer D'Alene, then just the other side of Spokane in Ritzville. There are plenty of fuel stops along the way and the road is nice and easy. The only part that made me pucker was dropping down into Idaho, it's a bit of a grade but no big deal really.

Oh, yeah. When you cross the Columbia river it's a pretty decent climb up to Ellensburg. Make sure to pack some extra water, I've seen lots of folks "resting" along that stretch

 

I've driven from Spokane to Seattle along I-90, and I know what you're talking about there! That climb happens pretty fast...reminds me of going over the Grapevine in California. Hopefully since the Model A doesn't weigh too much, it won't be greatly effected by being under load on that climb.

Thanks for the info about Montana, that does help.

I was just checking out elevations and and it looks like Bozeman is close to 5000ft. I'm going to pack some smaller jets for the Strombergs...hopefully I won't need them though. I'm going through Denver first, so I should know pretty quick if the carbs start acting up.

The other option is to drive through Yellowstone, but it looks like it might be easy to run out of gas going that way. Never been to Yellowstone either though...should I go that way instead?

 

Make sure that you carry a 1 gallon plastic can FULL of gas to get you to the next stop on a roadtrip across the USA......in 2003, when we drove the roadster p/u to Bonneville, we ran out of gas 1 hour north of Kansas City on the way to the salt.......and thank goodness that we had the gallon @ 5am........we (my dad & I) just shook our heads and used the "back-up".......it was full the rest of the trip, but we ran on "fumes" a couple of times trying to make the next gas stop.

Chris

 

There is a forest fire in Yellowstone right now, sometimes those affect travel. If you do not mind I90 and interstate speeds you will be fine on your route. I am starting to slow down and take the smaller highways these days though.

 

Oh yea, if you go thru Yellowstone........plan for a day with all the RV traffic.....it is a great trip, but the flippin' RV's drove us crazy after a Bonneville trip a couple of years back.

Chris

 

Chris, I remember seeing the RPU at Bonneville in 2003. I'm definitely carrying a spare gas can, thanks for the reminder.

I don't have room for a spare tire though...and that's got me a little nervous. I'm thinking I'll bring a couple of spare tubes just in case...hopefully I won't need them.

 

You should easily be able to do it in a hot rod. Its not as sparce as it used to be. Maybe one of the guys from the east side can give you some more info on what's between Billings and bozeman, or Missoula.

Ya coming up out of the columbia gorge can be a real pain for some. If I think my car might heat up going up the west side I usually plan on hitting it in the morning hours while the air is still cool. Most people don't head the warnings to shut off your air conditioner and have a heck of a time with that hill. But heck, its only 11 miles long!

Larry

 

Are you leaving from TX?

 

It's the major interstate highway between Seattle and the east coast. You don't even need to hire a guide to get you through Montana or Wyoming anymore since the Calvary settled the Indian situation a hundred and something years ago. No different than driving across Texas but you do need to plan gas stops and figure on heavy truck traffic and rv traffic in the summer.
I wouldn't think a jet change would be needed but you will spend some time up over 5000 ft.

 

Trent, I like to drive pretty fast most of the time, so I don't mind the interstates. I'm going to try to keep it around 75 mph this time though just to be safe.

I think so too. I decided to do this trip a couple of months ago, and it's already been a trying process just to get ready for it. I've wanted to take a cross-country trip in a REAL hot rod for a long time, and I'm not getting any younger. I've gone all over the USA in my '49 Ford, but it's not the same as driving a Hemi-powered fenderless Model A.

I also want to finish my coupe in the next year (paint/upholstery) and I doubt I'd be as brazen about driving it across country when it has fresh paint.

I'm hitting Bonneville for a few days on the way home as well. Got invited to crew on the #299 Blown Fuel Roadster and I'm going to give that a shot too while I have the chance.

I don't get away from the shop too much these days with all the projects I've got going, and I'm fortunate that the guys I have as clients are all hot rodders too...so they understand.

Well, that's all I need to read about going through Yellowstone. Looks like I-90 is going to be the way to go.

Thanks guys!

 

Bass,

I made the trip the other direction (Seattle to Billings MT) in my 1950 Chev AD, 235 w/ car 4 speed and 373 rear end. I really enjoyed it, the motor had 27 miles on it when I left Seattle, my first real trip in old iron.

I have access to a couple fully equipped hot rod shops here in Billings MT if you want to throw it on a lift, check it over, change the fluids, etc...

Typically nice roads. I can't think of any stretches more than 150 miles between "populated" exits that have gas stations.

Send me a PM and I'll get you the contact numbers for the shops and let them know you may be calling.

You can always make a loop into the park from Livingston to West Yellowstone gas up and back up to Bozeman to catch I-90 West again, great drive


Scott

 

Getting through Yellowstone is slow at this time of year due to the traffic and rv's Bass But it is one of those need to do at least once in a lifetime things. If you can hit it in the early mornings on week days before the rv bunch gets out an on the road it is a nice drive through there.

We came back through there in 1981 With the 48 on the way back from Texas (Wife is from McGregor).

The only issue I see on that trip with a rod is how much gas your tank holds and how far it is between a few of the gas stops. It's a bit like Nevada with some of those next gas 100 miles signs in some areas and maybe not that bad.

 

That's correct. It's 2166 miles or so to Seattle according to Google maps.

Driving this:




I've got the top insert on it, the exhaust on it, new tires, and it's in the upholstery shop right now getting the seat dialed in and a shifter boot made. Trying to seal up the interior a little better before I leave. Other than that and changing the oil, it's ready to go.

 

Just got back from Yellowstone and Montana. Yellowstone has some great scenery but the drive can be slow or come to a complete hault when wildlife is present. Did get some good pictures of bears through there. Montana from Livingston to Missoula had plenty of fuel stops for my Land Cruiser which needed to stop every 230 miles. If you go that route you'll go past Deer Lodge which has a pretty cool prison and car museum. Only open till 5 though so plan ahead.

 

75 MPH in Montana will put YOU in the slow lane!

 

You won't have any trouble with finding gas stops even in yellowstone. There is a nice and expensive fuel station right at old faithful, kinda in the middle of the park. Imve done yellowstone a number of times in big olds, including august and never had an issue with rv's or buses. What held me up the most was people wanting to talk about the car everytime I stopped to view a site.

I'll search when I get home and post a link to lst year cross country trip which part of it include spokane, across i90 to yellowstone, than south thru wyoming then colorado. Spectatular scenery, the trip of a lifetime for sure.

 

I'm hoping you're right about the jetting. I've never driven this car out of Texas, so it's going to be a wait-and-see situation. I haven't had much trouble out of the 4 Strombergs before, but I've never had the car at high elevation either.

Scott, I'll send you a PM. Thanks for the offer! I might just do that loop...it looks like a decent way to go. It kind of depends on how much time I have I guess.

Ahh, the good ol' McGregor Bulldogs. I went to school in Mart, just on the other side of Waco, so I know McGregor well. It's a small world afterall.

Planning the gas stops is going to be key. I've driven south from Wendover, UT to Las Vegas in my '49, and it has a smaller tank than my Model A...so I think I'll be OK as long as I plan ahead.

Cool, I might have to check that out!

 

HA! It's rare that anybody passes me when I'm driving the coupe, so keeping it at 75 may just be blind optimism. I want to get there in one piece though, so I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for keeping the speed down a bit.

Thanks Denise! With all the road trip miles you have under your belt, I appreciate your input.

 

You should be fine Bass.....the roads in MT are pretty nice....it's once ya hit WA that they turn to shit....especially on the west side.

The drive over the pass through upper Idaho into Spokane is pretty cool....

 

Just for a space issue, throw a 16inch motorcycle tire on a 16inch wire wheel for a spare & it will save you space (just in case), that is what we had for the roadster p/u in 2003'. We didn't have to use it, but it was a good thought with the heat and bias ply's.

Chris

 

This is going to be a awesome trip! can I come?

 

I do it in the 32 a lot, roads and gas are no problem.When you get west of Billings it turns into a senic drive with several mountain passes and nice scenery.I usually go for a 150 mile drive before I need to get out.Lots of little towns and gas stations.When are you going? I think I will be going to Gg's in Spokane. Oh when you are in the Spokane valley watch the truck ruts if you are running Bias plys,they will definately get your attention.

 

No rode over it on a '49 Harley. Hot rod shouldn't be that big a deal.

 

Nobody down here in Texas is crazy enough to go with me, so I'm going solo.

Cool...150 miles at a time is a good stretch. I can do that I'm sure. Thanks for the heads up on the ruts....I'm running Firestone bias plys.

Planning on leaving next Tuesday morning if at all possible, but could leave as late as Wednesday morning.

 

made that trip from ohio twice going I90...like denise said...beautiful scenery.as far as history goes,lots along the way to see.not very far off the road either.if you travel at all at night,watch out for the elk...or whatever they are in the middle grass strip between east and west bound.there were hundreds of them in that grassy area.i was positive one was going to jump out in front of the car...but none did.tlk about your white knuckle driving!

 

I have driven it many times in various hot rods as my family lives in Nebraska. Gas is never a problem. There is one spot west of Spearfish SD that has a 70 mile stretch with no services, the rest of 90 gas stations are about 30 miles apart. I did it on my bike once with 150mi range and only had one close call because I wasn't paying attention. The long grade out of the Columbia River Valley will test your cooling system as discussed.

 

Are you coming through Denver?
PM me for my contact info in the event you need anything in these parts!

-mike
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It has been a few years now but the last time we were in Yellowstone, the roads were terrible.
Maybe some one that has been there recent or is closer can give better info.
Sound like a great trip. Good luck and have fun.