Taking the Bird on long drive

[Tanem]

Howdy everyone,
I've got a couple questions I'd like to send out to you all.

I have a 72 roadrunner (Clone) that has been slowly worked on over the last couple years by my mechanic. The car is in California, I now live in Washington. I want to drive it up but I'm concerned about the condition of the car. The engine has had the manifold and carb replaced (new), rebuilt brakes, new exhaust, new fuel tank, new fuel lines, new larger radiator and has been gone over for leaks (no leaks). The car seems to drive fine, but has never gone more than 2 miles away from home in one drive. I am unsure about the condition of the transmission.
So here's my question. It cost $750 to have it shipped, would it be worth it to put that money into a tranny rebuild or would that not be a good thing to do just before an 800 mile drive? I also heard that rebuilding the tranny and engine should be done at the same time barring any bottle necking load that could destroy the non-rebuilt side of things.

opinions? any input is helpful.

Thanks, T

 

[kiwigtx]

If it was me, I would spend that $750 on the gas for the road trip. :headbang:

The 727 transmissions are almost Bullitt proof (see what I did there) and the engine should be fine if it runs for short distances. Just go a bit further on the weekend....take a few tools, and a phone, and cover 50 miles or so. Check the fluids - oils and water etc, and you should be fine.

 

[JakeS]

I would go for the road trip as long as you have a general idea how to keep an engine running. Few tools and some fluids should be all you need.
I drove a car that sat unmoved for 2 years that leaked all sorts of stuff 300 miles and made it eventually. Good luck!

 

[satman72]

Road trip!!!

People drove these cars back in the day. So...Drive it! If it craps out, then tow it home. At least you'll have a story to tell.

 

[petieg383]

Go for it man. You'll never forget that road trip no matter how easy or hard it is. Tools, fluids, some cash, credit cards and a phone will get you there. And maybe some duct tape, hose clamps, zip ties, a few spare belts, a short length of rubber fuel line and a **** load of good tunes.

I just drove from Atlanta to Philly in 12 hours and 40 minutes a few weeks ago. That was 792 miles. All in 1 day. In a 25' RV. If that can do it, your ride can too.

 

[Lets Roll]

I'd probably take a chance and drive it too. I used to drive a 74 Charger with a 318 and small block 727 about 1200 miles each way a couple times a year never had a problem. Also, I made it to Chicago and back in a 72 Dart with a slant 6 that pegged the heat gauge after the first 100 miles. It was hot but the coolant stayed in. Not enough to stop that slant 6 plus it helped that it was winter ha ha. I had a Dodge adventura sb 727 transmission give out after a 400 mile drive once..Amazingly it gave up in the driveway of where I was going. That's half the fun with the old stuff, seeing how far you'll get and the feeling of accomplishment when you make it.

 

[GetX'd]

You don't say the kind of motor you're running or what you have for gears. If the car has high gears - 3:23 or higher I would probably do the road trip,too. I've done plenty in my younger days on a lot less. If your car is geared at say 3:91 or 4:10 I don't know if I would do that for so far. That's just me - go with your gut - turn the ignition and ride.....

 

[69Runner]

Like others, I vote for road trip. Have a charged phone, credit card, AAA and everything else mentioned by others. Take the car on a short trip first, making sure the carb is adjusted so the engine idles nicely after it has warmed up. Also try a hot restart. Check for major fluid leaks, vibrations or weird noises. The list goes on...

When all is said and done you will have a great story to tell. Watch roadkill for more inspiration.

Its nice to have someone riding shotgun too, to share the experience or help with pushing!

 

[Tanem]

Wow, unanimous for going with the road trip!

Getx'd - The car was originally a satellite, it's still got the small 8.25 rear end on it. The 400 engine and 727 tranny are a transplant from a 72 fury. No high performance stuff on this car. My plan is to use it as a semi/daily driver.

Looks like I'm going on a road trip!!

Seems like I should probably bring some supplies. Belts, hoses, gas can, basic tools, extra coolant and water. Anything else?

 

[72Fourspeed]

Cell phone & credit cards !

 

[Funship32]

IMO, I'd ask your mechanic about the tranny (does it slip, etc, etc) or if YOU have driven it, how do you think the tranny is? If you feel as though it is somewhat sound, then I'd say drive it up. I know I put a built 383 behind a stock 727 and didn't have problems for years. However if you do decide to have the tranny rebuilt and since you are in Seattle (as am I) contact Pat Blais if you go to rebuild her. He's the local go-to for Mopar autos.

 

[jeepers007]

Are the tires any good?

 

[Tanem]

Jeepers - Brand new tires. Although the seats are in a less than desired condition.

Funship - thanks for the local info! I've had this car for about 5 years but have only driven it a total of about 10 miles. My mechanic thinks it would be ok. However without a thorough long drive test he wouldn't guarantee it.

Oh! one more thing. The car doesn't have the small transmission radiator thats usually mounted up front next the radiator. Will that be an issue for the drive?

 

[JakeS]

Is the cooler part of the radiator?

 

[jeepers007]

Jeepers - Brand new tires. Although the seats are in a less than desired condition.

Funship - thanks for the local info! I've had this car for about 5 years but have only driven it a total of about 10 miles. My mechanic thinks it would be ok. However without a thorough long drive test he wouldn't guarantee it.

Oh! one more thing. The car doesn't have the small transmission radiator thats usually mounted up front next the radiator. Will that be an issue for the drive?

With good tires and everything else you've done, it should be a good trip. Go for it!

 

[Jeremiah]

Fly me down there and I'll drive it home for you! We have made many long road trips in old cars. Unless something really catastrophic happens you are sure to make it. As long as it shifts okay and the engine runs cool you should be fine. Remember, it has been way over the average temperature in the NW so that will be a long, hot drive....and fun!