So I'm getting a free pick-up….

Have u told the guy your flying g out to drive it back and to give you an honest assessment of the overall condition of the truck?

Like what has to be fixed or messed with and what could use attention, like filters and oil change etc?

Cause a person could always drive out there and trailer it back. Maybe he assumes that is our plan?

 

Nice! Keep us posted on what you end up with. Looks to be a great pellet hauler too.

 

He knows I'm flying out. He has a mechanic that does some work for him on his daily driver… the plan is to drain the old gas, new fuel filter, install a new battery, check all the vitals, look over belts and hoses, fresh oil if needed and head east. I'll be there a full day with it getting it right… if it takes longer I have a place to stay with him and his wife.

I'll carry several gallons of water, extra oil, tools and such on the trip home.

If I had to trailer it back I wouldn't do the deal… too much expense out and back plus I don't have a big enough truck to haul it… but I will when I get back home!

I could have had it hauled back… got a quote for $1100.00. That's about what it will cost for me to drive it home… air fare (with upgrades) $214.00… fuel 2200 miles @ 10 MPG @ $3.75 gal= $825.00. Food doesn't count since I have to eat even if I'm home. But I can't run Route 66 if I'm home… been a while since I've been on the old Mother Road (plan A anyway)….

This guy is pretty interesting… very knowledgeable to race and performance engines. He was involved in a Rambler powered Indy car effort in the 60's… has years of experience with drag racing and California's hot rod scene. He knew many of the giants of early racing… I have an idea I'll hear some great stories while I'm out there… hard to miss stuff like that if you're a gear head.

 

Very cool krooser! Good for you! I can't wait to see the pictures of the truck and hear the story. Thanks for sharing.

 

Hope you have a safe trip. Hate to see you have to drive it alone. Alway safer in pairs.

 

It be a cool trip to take with you. Too bad I can't go to hear your stories and I dont have time and cash to fly there and to drive back etc.

 

I'm flying with Frontier… the fare was $184.00… I paid an extra $10.00 for a seat with more legroom… and $20.00 for a carry on bag. Plus taxes. Pretty cheap.

They fly Airbus 320's… the last time I flew to Ft. Lauderdale was on an A-320… pre-9/11. Got to peeking into the flight deck… got invited into the driver's seat and got the grand tour for about 15 minutes. Pretty cool… but that kinda stuff doesn't happen anymore.

 

I'm going to drag along one of my old CB radios so I can harass some truck drivers along the way… it will keep me posted of any traffic problems, too.

I used to run west solo hauling a flatbed or reefer trailer. This will be more comfortable if not as fast… I have to keep my speed down to have enough cash-o-la to get home. I'd hate to have to call the wife from Minnesota and tell her to bring me a full gas can… I might as well not come home… ever!

 

I have a 1980 k10 that I use to two my 16ft trailer with my tractor on it and or boat. I know what you mean about staying out of the go petal , and saving CASH! When those a secondaries open up and start pumping the fuel you can almost watch the fuel gauge go down.

 

2200 miles in a pickup would cripple me. I'll stay in my cushy Volvo.

 

I'm thinking it's worth it just to meet the dude. He sounds interesting. Plus the story that goes with getting the truck will be cool.

 

And those older ones are not the most comfortable!

 

I drove from here to Paris Island SC with a buddy in his '89 F250 in August right after high school. No A/C. 7.3 with a strait pipe. It was loud...and hot...and bumpy...and a lot of fun.

 

True story.

 

You are right… since this truck is a low mileage deal I'm going to keep it stock for now and see what i can do just to get it reliable and running good. But I have an old Brownie two speed 'divorced' auxiliary transmission that has a .75 overdrive… I can add that into the driveline behind the C-6 and, maybe, get a little better fuel economy.

If that won't work I can see a first generation Cummins conversion in the trucks future… or maybe a Farmall 360, Perkins or even a Deutz air cooled diesel...

 

I think you just have to embrace the bad fuel economy on those old big blocks...no sense fighting it because you're not going to win.

 

And improve intake...and exhaust. And get your gearing right. And. And. And.