Things I should Know-long trip planned

R

RGC1

Senior Member
Hi
I have a 34 fordor deluxe
Just redoing some of the car now and rebuilding the factory 21 stud flathead.
I want to take a long trip in the car in August,September from Alberta ,Canada to Oregon coast area then to San Francisco then back home.
The car will be pretty much stock, to include motor, ******,brakes and diff.
I am planning to install 3.54 gears or 3.25 gears in the rear.
I plan on taking spare parts, just not sure what that list might include.
And would like to mark or know of a few clubs, shops, etc. along the way in case I run into trouble.
Any body running either gear ? What I can expect ?
Also I am well versed in mechanics , restoration , repair, but more of the muscle car era, not so much in the 34 or flat head era.
And not that well versed in the area I am travelling, other than I have covered some of the same area in a vette several years ago.
Any input would be much appreciated
Thanks in advance
 
If you belong to the Early Ford V-8 Club be sure to take your roster along in the event you need help from a fellow V-8er along the way. Not sure why you want to go to San Francisco, but if it is for simple tourism I would avoid it. I am 50 miles north of SF and I haven't been there since the mid 90s. You will enjoy the Oregon coast route and it's a beautiful drive.
 
I'd pack all the obvious small parts like fuel filter, plugs etc, but I've been building a trip kit which includes a rebuilt carb and distributor. In the past 5 years I have had trouble with condensors and accelerator pumps, so an extra of those parts by themselves makes easy repair. About a half hour after you pass through Bellingham, take a right turn onto Highway 20 and follow signs to San Juan Islands ferry terminal. We'll leave a light on.
 
RGC1 said:
Thanks I will join up was at one time, wanted to go to Alcatraz
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I think they still do tours to Alcatraz. I believe the tours are out of San Rafael. To do the tour you will not need to get into San Francisco. A once beautiful city has turned into a crime infested dump. It's a shame.
 
You will find the Oregon coast to be extraordinarily beautiful. On crossing into California, you won't see much of the coast due to the roadway being away from the coast for many miles, but still much nicer than the inland route which will be hard on your cooling system and your choice of differential gearing.
 
Grocery store sells gallon jugs of water, cheaper than anywhere else. Get one for you and two for the car, or visa versa.
 
I do Lots on miles in my 33 and 34
a lot away from main areas.
On board I have, rebuilt and timed distributor and coil, spare fuel pump, water pump, some generator parts,' condenser.carb gasket set, spare ignition resister
most trips never need any,
my 34 has the stock rabbit engine,3,34 gears and is a pleasure to tour in. but be prepared for no quick stops as lots of people want to talk.
Lawrie
 
GB SISSON said:
I'd pack all the obvious small parts like fuel filter, plugs etc, but I've been building a trip kit which includes a rebuilt carb and distributor. In the past 5 years I have had trouble with condensors and accelerator pumps, so an extra of those parts by themselves makes easy repair. About a half hour after you pass through Bellingham, take a right turn onto Highway 20 and follow signs to San Juan Islands ferry terminal. We'll leave a light on.
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Awesome thanks so much !!!don’t be surprised if I do ,
 
TJ said:
I think they still do tours to Alcatraz. I believe the tours are out of San Rafael. To do the tour you will not need to get into San Francisco. A once beautiful city has turned into a crime infested dump. It's a shame.
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Awesome ok thanks……that’s to bad seems like so many bigger places tat is the way
 
ford38v8 said:
You will find the Oregon coast to be extraordinarily beautiful. On crossing into California, you won't see much of the coast due to the roadway being away from the coast for many miles, but still much nicer than the inland route which will be hard on your cooling system and your choice of differential gearing.
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Thanks good to know , hope to get some driving in before the trip so I get a feel for what the car is capable of .
 
A bones said:
Grocery store sells gallon jugs of water, cheaper than anywhere else. Get one for you and two for the car, or visa versa.
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I’m not familiar with how good the flatties cool or don’t cool , I am going to put the best rad I can in , kicking around the idea of electric fan ? Thoughts ? Maybe convert to 12:volt or run a 8 volt battery ….any thoughts on that much appreciated
 
Lawrie said:
I do Lots on miles in my 33 and 34
a lot away from main areas.
On board I have, rebuilt and timed distributor and coil, spare fuel pump, water pump, some generator parts,' condenser.carb gasket set, spare ignition resister
most trips never need any,
my 34 has the stock rabbit engine,3,34 gears and is a pleasure to tour in. but be prepared for no quick stops as lots of people want to talk.
Lawrie
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Thanks that is great info and good to know , I was thinking very similar on a parts list 3.34 great what do you run down the hwy at for mph ?

Like your front engine digger pick, I also have one, one I use to run about 38 years ago just restoring it also.
 
The dist and carb type stuff are your biggest risks. Test drive your car, and make sure the water temp is not climbing. If it is questionable before you leave home it will not get any better. Put on a new fanbelt. If ya have a hub puller of any sort throws that in the trunk, with the gallon jugs of water mentioned above.

Adjust your brakes, check the air in your spare tire. I bet you will be fine.
 
glennpm said:
Get the best AAA coverage for towing miles. I have RV and motorcycle, the latter I have. Also get some tow straps after reading this thread.
There will be a lot of climbing so I'd be happier with the 3:54 gearing.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=341194&highlight=tow+straps

Glenn
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Thanks Glenn, good read and a good point worth noting for sure, ok I think 3.54 s might be a good choice with the low hp and torque . Is going down the hwy at 60 mph feasible for the combination ?
Thanks
 
Gene F said:
The dist and carb type stuff are your biggest risks. Test drive your car, and make sure the water temp is not climbing. If it is questionable before you leave home it will not get any better. Put on a new fanbelt. If ya have a hub puller of any sort throws that in the trunk, with the gallon jugs of water mentioned above.

Adjust your brakes, check the air in your spare tire. I bet you will be fine.
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Thanks Gene I was going to take a spare carb , I thought about running electronic ignition or taking a spare distributor . I am hoping I can get it sorted so I’m not having to haul water .
Thanks
 
RGC1 said:
Thanks Gene I was going to take a spare carb , I thought about running electronic ignition or taking a spare distributor . I am hoping I can get it sorted so I’m not having to haul water .
Thanks
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If you do convert to electronic ignition, a spare distributor becomes a necessity (one with points). This has been proven too many times.
 
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