Seriously Drive NJ to Gettysburg?

Not sure where you are in central NJ- but I grew up at exit 5 on the NJTP and have lived in central PA for several decades. Yes, there are back roads but even they can have pretty hairy traffic. I strongly recommend you take a good modern car and drive your planned route first. Also, look around on community calendars and check what else is going on in the area you plan to travel. Would not be a good idea to run into "Farm Days" or a biker rally.

BTW, if you're not from New Jersey, most people tell you where they are from identifying their exit on the Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway. Just like when I lived in West Virginia, people would say what county they were from because most of the towns were so small.
 
The farther north you can cross the river the better. Lots of big roads and traffic around Philly.
 
I think in 1929 these cars were intended as local transportation and never intended to travel long distances at "high speeds." My question is: Am I correct, should I drive and can these engines handle 50 MPH for 6 hours?
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Well . . . Back in the day (1960s-70s) used to drive my early edition 1930 Tudor sedan all over New England. We'd cruise up from the south shore of Boston all the way deep into the state of Maine beyond Portland. Used the old highways such as U.S. Route 1. Much of that road then north of Boston was still ancient concrete surface. Chugged along in Model A Ford cars at 50-55 for long periods of time. Would have that car rolling at 60-mph on long flat stretches. To recollection, that old sedan just hummed along. Our present 1931 tudor is sometimes used for a breakfast run down to Snydersville, PA. Able to get that car up to a nice cruising speed of 55 on the straight road through the woods.
 
I drove my '31 Fordor all over Arizona in the mid to late '50s. As a teenager then I didn't know anything except "full throttle". The engine only had 15-20K miles on it, and it didn't get a lot of babying. It was kept full of water, oil & gas though. Full throttle speed depended on the terrain. In the mountains it wasn't as fast as it was on flat ground, but I suspect that I was in the 55-60mph range any time it was possible. The longer trips were usually around 300+ miles, so 6+ hours at a crack.
 
I'm sure this is the way to go...drive and enjoy. Thanks to ALL who responded....certainly no one said stay home and wax the car. Runnerbun and Chippy I especially liked what you said, but everyone was so great. OK I'm driving...you'll see I have posted some other posts about working on the girl and she ain't gonna win!
 
jg61hawk said:
I'm sure this is the way to go...drive and enjoy. Thanks to ALL who responded....certainly no one said stay home and wax the car. Runnerbun and Chippy I especially liked what you said, but everyone was so great. OK I'm driving...you'll see I have posted some other posts about working on the girl and she ain't gonna win!
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Anyone who owns a Studebaker is already a winner. :)
 
If you don't have it get AAA membership. 60mph will quickly let you know just how good your BABBITT really is
 
I have driven to Macungie Pa. from Northern N.J. I stay off the interstates doing a Max. of 45 mph.Pa. interstates have a minimum speed of 40 miles per hour.The back roads are scenic which makes for an interesting trip albeit a little longer.
 
jg61hawk said:
I have my A for 3 years almost. Put 1800 miles on it and have worked out the bugs of taking a stored old A back to life. I will attend the MARC Club in Gettysburg this summer and I am thinking I want to drive there from Central NJ.. The trip is 240 miles one way and will need the car to move along at at least 45 MPH for some long periods of time.

I think in 1929 these cars were intended as local transportation and never intended to travel long distances at "high speeds." My question is: Am I correct, should I drive and can these engines handle 50 MPH for 6 hours?
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1000% DISAGREE...drive it like you own it!! PERIOD.. all day all night at what ever speed is comfortable and NO they were not made for local driving...Remmber the 20K Model went all over the nation....OR A616 that henry drove....240 miles i one day trip and 45 mph is slow....no brainer. get in a drive the car...done and done....Im driving 750 miles to getty to get their...and you won't be driving for 6 hours at 50mph, you need to stop every 100 or so for gas....
 
msmaron said:
1000% DISAGREE...drive it like you own it!! PERIOD.. all day all night at what ever speed is comfortable and NO they were not made for local driving...Remmber the 20K Model went all over the nation....OR A616 that henry drove....240 miles i one day trip and 45 mph is slow....no brainer. get in a drive the car...done and done....Im driving 750 miles to getty to get their...and you won't be driving for 6 hours at 50mph, you need to stop every 100 or so for gas....
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Before I fitted an O/D, I used to drive my '29 Phaeton at about 42 mph. I did thousands of miles like that and the bearings held up. If I tried 50 or more, I'm sure I would have been walking. At 42, I used to allow 200 miles per tank of fuel with a little in reserve (about another 40 miles). I get no enjoyment out of giving my car a hard time, burning more fuel than I need to and being on edge while driving. Take it easy and it's easy.
BTW, I've done several trips like Runnerbun. Don't be afraid to drive your A but I say "Don't flog it.
 
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Synchro909 said:
Don't be afraid to drive your A but I say "Don't flog it.
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Don't flog it is also the best advice I can give. Listen to your car, it will let you know where the sweet spot is. Respect your vehicle and it will serve you well.
Best of luck and enjoy your journey. You will be building memories.
 
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