Laid up the past two weeks after hip replacement, with nothing to do but think of stupid things and worry, I've come a decision: We're taking the Impala south for the winter instead of the roadster this year. The big decision now is to drive it vs. have it shipped. Summer slipped away and I still need to swap the 4.11 posi center section for the 3.36 one, it needs a Newport w/s wiper motor (the original is seized) and tires to replace the 20 year old radials. If we drive it I'd like to get some seat time before we launch a 1,200 mile road trip. Not a big "to-do" list, compared to some of the admittedly sketchy stuff we've headed out into the sunset with, but I want to keep the spousal unit happy. After 50 years of marriage, I have finally learned something... The roadster was fun, but I don't want to trailer it, finding enclosed transport that I trust seems problematic. Having the Impala to run around in would be fun, I'm more comfortable belting down 1-75 in it than the roadster, and thereare enough things it needs that done (that won't have the car laid up or not drivable) it'd be a good source of hobby time. So, having made that decision, I need to spend the next 7 weeks here getting the thing dialed in and reliable enough for my wife to not be worried about breaking down.
Last year, I left the RV in Bradenton. I will now have a big newer pickup traveling south without a trailer and I am tempted to rent a U-Haul vehicle carrier and drag down my 37. My only concern is storage down there. I don’t have a carport nearby…. I-75 isn’t safe for any old vehicle down there.
I'm rather embarrassed to admit I have both an enclose trailer and an open, aluminum trailer that I could use to haul either one down, but then I have to find a place to store it once we drag a car down. In addition, towing a trailer is, for me, fraught with anxiety. Traffic in major metropolitan areas (read, Atlanta, Nashville, Cincinnati, pick your poison) is a nail biter no matter what time of day, and added cost of fuel, increased drive time, worrying about leaving the rig overnight (and an extra overnight) in a motel parking lot is worrisome. Better, I think, to just drive whatever it is down. I've always prided myself on having cars I would feel comfortable jumping in and going anywhere. The cars haven't gotten any less reliable, it's just my advancing age making me more timid. Time to change.
I know the feeling Brian. I don't work on the side of the road as well as I used to, hard enough at my age to do it in the shop with a full support of tools and equipment. Happy trails!
Brian, based on your vehicles I have no doubt in your ability to drive the car there with no/minimal trouble. It’ll be a great car to drive around!
Good luck with your decision Brian whichever you decide. Hope you have a good recovery with your hip as well. Living near Cincinnati, I can surely relate to the I 75 cringe! I dislike that highway and avoid it at all cost. When traveling South I take as many back roads as possible to stay off that pot hole ridden traffic mess. Disclaimer here I am usually not in a hurry or on a deadline when taking the back roads. I can relate to the towing a trailer on that piece of road as well never a relaxing feeling of comfort or security. Your Impala doesn't sound like a bad choice and doesn't seem to need too many repairs to be ready for the trip. But if you decide to take the enclosed trailer you will have a car port when you get there. Joe
We came up 75 through Cincy rather than go to Nashville then north to Indy, hadn't been that way for the past several years. OMG. The roads were worse than anything here in MI, and that's say'n something.
Yes I understand the fear and anxiety associated with pulling a trailer on that god forsaken road. That’s exactly why mine is down there now. Pulling a 40 ft-er is no picnic. I hated it. Renting a vehicle hauler cost around 350 one way. and you’re right. Paying for trailer and or vehicle storage would be on top of that. Rarely can you find storage for less than 100 a month. Hope your hip heals perfectly. The exercise and Florida sunsets will surely heal anything.
This is a fear I have, expect the unexpected on a road trip like that. I try to head off anything that may occur. New tires and a good spare, maybe 2 if you have space. See if you can avoid the worst of I-75 and travel at off-peak hours. Take a buddy with along and pay his air fare home.
In anticipation that I'll feel like driving 1,200 miles in 6 weeks, I ordered a Newport wiper motor and switch, and have an appointment next week to get the center section swapped out for the 3.36 gears. Now, do I keep the rally wheels, or get some American 5 spokes and new tires? When I showed the spousal unit how much the red-line tires she wanted, she thought that might be a little extravagant...
I think you'll be fine with the Impala and it should be a great trip with the taller gears. As long as you have good headlights, wipers, the car isn't prone to overheating, and you have reliable fuel and spark, you're good to go. Car looks great too!
After I got my Mercury back to health the second time I drove it I went half way across the country. We often forget but the ‘60s was when they really made cars to do distance and I think they’re great at it. I did switch to 15” wheels on the Merc as there’s way more tyre choice than 14”.
You could just stay home !! It's full down here...(ya know I'm kidd'in...right ?! Why not leave the 37down here when you drive back home. One of us will show/drive it fer ya next summer 6sally6
Go for the 5 spokes! It will make the car look much better, IMO. I am not a fan of Rallye wheels on models they didn't come on (especially tri fives) but that's just me. Good luck on your surgery and your trip!
Brian hope the hip is healing well.I think 5 spokes will change the looks of the Impala in a very positive way.it won't even look like the same car. good luck
Thanks. I guess it is, although I'm ready to feel "normal", whatever that is for a 70 year old dude. I'm thinking charcoal spokes with polished rims. I need to decide whether I want to keep the staggered sizes, 14" fronts and 15" rear. Prolly 15's all around would be smarter.
if you care anything about the five spokes having a genuine 60's look, then american torque thrust originals are what you want. they have the straight spoke design that the wheels from the 60's had
Well you have my sympathy. Not planning any big trips down south (which in my case would be Croatia) but summer is ending and I'm still not done with getting my car past our inspection - with life getting in the way to delay things even more. Hope you finish the car and escape before the big freeze...
I'll be thinking of all you snowbirds while I'm basking in the freezing Nebraska winter, pushing snow with my Ranger and dusting off my hotords cause I ain't driving them in the salt. I've survived the last 79 winters one more won't hurt.
That's what I bought, but with non-white letter tires, and light grey spokes. Be here in 3 days. Free shipping. https://www.wheelsforless.com/tw309...rrNCygZSP29FzG63OEW9ERvlTQmrhWyhoCjQIQAvD_BwE
Brian I think it's just a fact of life as we get on in years we prefer to be more comfortable when we travel long distances. My 31 roadster is cool as hell and I love the shit out of it but when I head back up to New England I'm taking the most comfortable vehicle I have, which is a BMW 530I. I can't fathom someone taking one of these roadsters for a cross country cruise unless they were into sadism! I know they did it in the past with worse roads but god bless them!
Hip surgery is a vital improvement when done right. May yours serve you well. Be certain that your seat gives you the right amount of support. My Dad had back troubles, and used a ply wood seat for years. Not to say you should, only that good support is key when running distances. I learned to drive on it, but needed a spring cushion eventually. Also,,,Must mention, that learning of inferior rubber products, these days; I would be certain of the condition of the driveshaft center support bushing. Maybe toss one in the trunk. A big Ten-4 on the trailer hazards of the h'ways. Seen too much misfortune.
As I have 'mellowed' over the years I developed a pretty common disease... No-ass-a'tol ! Need a little cushion thankee! 6sally6
Sure do, with Dina Shore. And Hertz commercials with the guy in a suit dropping into a red '64(?) Impala convert. My formative years.
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