OT rant: I'm getting old.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
I would tell people 10-12 years ago that any vintage vehicle could be daily driven, and wondered why more vintage vehicles weren't. Why do so many people own vintage vehicles but only drive them 2.7 miles per month?
There's a famous swap meet (Pomona) that I always wanted to go to, but I reasoned that there was no point going in a car that couldn't haul any parts home, but 10 years ago my truck wasn't fast or healthy enough for me(223ci/3-spd/3.92:1), and I told myself "someday it will be healthy enough to drive out of town slowly"
I never liked the thought of renting a newer truck or borrowing one from someone, and buying a new truck is out of the question($$$).
Last year I rebuilt a 223 and put it in my truck and it has been running very well for the most part. So yesterday I drove 200 miles in 4 hours at 50-55 mph with some typical southern CA gridlock. I was supposed to stay with a friend and we'd go to Pomona this morning together for the swap.
30 minutes after arriving, I felt sick and fatigued, ended up having a fever, I put pressure on my hosts and felt bad, and last night while trying to get some sleep I couldn't stop thinking about the MISERABLE 4 hour journey I was gonna have to make today. It was then that I realized I'm over it.
Driving these trucks with original drivetrain on extended drives is really not fun. There. I said it.
In any other modern car(with radar cruise control...) that drive would be 2.5 hours MAX. But I can't justify the car payment, I really really don't want it. But It is time I finally admit that with a stock drivetrain, long journeys just aren't feasible.(I knew this 12 years ago but figured it was because the truck was unreliable and beat up) Now it drives as smooth as silk--and it still sucks.
I hate the thought of swapping engines, adding an AOD, or a hiway friendly 2.73. I kills the originality, but makes it more livable.
I got up and started my way home at 5am, zero traffic, and it took 3.25 hours at 55-60(3000rpm) the whole way.
My current project is a 1972 GMC 1-ton with the same top speed as my current truck; I am planning on swapping the trans with a NV4500 that should allow it to cruise 85 no prob, and factory style cruise control can be found at any time. I better not be disappointed.
Thanks for reading my nonsense.
EDIT: Oh and I got about 19 mpg on the way there, and probably closer to 17-18 on the way home.
There's a famous swap meet (Pomona) that I always wanted to go to, but I reasoned that there was no point going in a car that couldn't haul any parts home, but 10 years ago my truck wasn't fast or healthy enough for me(223ci/3-spd/3.92:1), and I told myself "someday it will be healthy enough to drive out of town slowly"
I never liked the thought of renting a newer truck or borrowing one from someone, and buying a new truck is out of the question($$$).
Last year I rebuilt a 223 and put it in my truck and it has been running very well for the most part. So yesterday I drove 200 miles in 4 hours at 50-55 mph with some typical southern CA gridlock. I was supposed to stay with a friend and we'd go to Pomona this morning together for the swap.
30 minutes after arriving, I felt sick and fatigued, ended up having a fever, I put pressure on my hosts and felt bad, and last night while trying to get some sleep I couldn't stop thinking about the MISERABLE 4 hour journey I was gonna have to make today. It was then that I realized I'm over it.
Driving these trucks with original drivetrain on extended drives is really not fun. There. I said it.
In any other modern car(with radar cruise control...) that drive would be 2.5 hours MAX. But I can't justify the car payment, I really really don't want it. But It is time I finally admit that with a stock drivetrain, long journeys just aren't feasible.(I knew this 12 years ago but figured it was because the truck was unreliable and beat up) Now it drives as smooth as silk--and it still sucks.
I hate the thought of swapping engines, adding an AOD, or a hiway friendly 2.73. I kills the originality, but makes it more livable.
I got up and started my way home at 5am, zero traffic, and it took 3.25 hours at 55-60(3000rpm) the whole way.
My current project is a 1972 GMC 1-ton with the same top speed as my current truck; I am planning on swapping the trans with a NV4500 that should allow it to cruise 85 no prob, and factory style cruise control can be found at any time. I better not be disappointed.
Thanks for reading my nonsense.
EDIT: Oh and I got about 19 mpg on the way there, and probably closer to 17-18 on the way home.
I attended this swap meet for over 20 years, the meet today is a shadow of its former self. NOS parts disappeared long ago, most of the parts are repro's for Chebbies,
Now furniture and typical garage sale junk is also being sold.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 191
From: Wharton, PA
I drove my 1954 F100 with a 223, 3 on the tree, 3.92 rear end round trip from Danville, IN to Pigeon Forge, TN and back for the F100 Grand nationals 2 years ago. 420 miles each way. Ran the back roads going down took 10+ hrs Drove interstates coming back and was able to maintain 60-65. took about 7 hrs, Would do it again.
I enjoy the looks you get driving down the road. The waving and horn honking makes it worth while.
I enjoy the looks you get driving down the road. The waving and horn honking makes it worth while.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 520
There is no wrong or right answer to these old trucks.
Most of these old trucks need to be rebuilt if they have not been done so already.
As stated above, original parts are hard to find and expensive if you can find them.
If someone wants to cruise with the old time feel of the original truck, then I would just rebuild what it came with. If someone wanted to drive long distances at modern freeway speed, you just cannot do that with factory original running gear, like you can with a modern drivetrain.
If my 55 would have come with the original running gear and it was in decent shape, I would have seriously considered rebuilding it to original condition. Unfortunately my truck came with a FE engine that needed a rebuild.. It was much cheaper for me to buy a Coyote and 10R80, than to rebuild the FE engine and the transmission.
There is no right or wrong answer to these trucks but there is a technological advantage to certain running gear and suspension systems. Finding the right combination for a particular truck is part of the fun. To me, I think that it pays to figure out the theme for the truck and then work towards that goal.
Most of these old trucks need to be rebuilt if they have not been done so already.
As stated above, original parts are hard to find and expensive if you can find them.
If someone wants to cruise with the old time feel of the original truck, then I would just rebuild what it came with. If someone wanted to drive long distances at modern freeway speed, you just cannot do that with factory original running gear, like you can with a modern drivetrain.
If my 55 would have come with the original running gear and it was in decent shape, I would have seriously considered rebuilding it to original condition. Unfortunately my truck came with a FE engine that needed a rebuild.. It was much cheaper for me to buy a Coyote and 10R80, than to rebuild the FE engine and the transmission.
There is no right or wrong answer to these trucks but there is a technological advantage to certain running gear and suspension systems. Finding the right combination for a particular truck is part of the fun. To me, I think that it pays to figure out the theme for the truck and then work towards that goal.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,877
Likes: 295
From: Central Michigan
I think it has a lot to do with which roads you need to travel. A friend and I took my 56 down to Indiana for the Ducktail Run ( about 300 miles each way) and had a great time. We were able to take older 2 lane state roads. My truck has a 80's 300 6 and 5speed so drives good but still has armstrong manual steering, etc. A thoroughly enjoyable trip. But going on expressways in busy California? no.
Trailering
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 22
Likes: 34
I did lots of thinking on my current 53 F500 build. It was an original that ran and drove, but didn’t stop! I wanted to keep it original, but it just wasn’t going to work out with my plans. It will be a daily driver and will pull a boat quite often. The keep it original plan died, but hopefully the parts I remove will help others with their builds.
old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,921
Likes: 1,052
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
I built my '53 as a driver (not a daily driver) and used late model drive train, mustang II IFS and creature comforts. My longest round trip ride has been about 100 miles. It cruises at 2300 rpm at 70 mph. It is a short wheel base vehicle so it's not gonna ride like a limo. But it's fun to drive and the fast pedal makes it funner. It don't ride like my Suburban (which is like driving your living room couch on a long trip) but I've never gotten a thumbs-up , a wave, a horn honk or a 'can I take a picture' with it. If I need to have it somewhere far away...well that's what the trailer is for.!!
As for the problem of getting old ??? 76 coming up in July. Getting old has it's drawbacks....but it beats the alternative
As for the problem of getting old ??? 76 coming up in July. Getting old has it's drawbacks....but it beats the alternative
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,029
Likes: 891
From: East Central Ia
I'm not sure age is the problem. I think traffic that's insane is a huge problem, you can't see anything or take your mind off the car in front of you. Midnight till 5:am is/was a good time to travel. Sorry you didn't feel well, that always is a trip downer. Cruise control has to be one of the greatest stress relievers invented.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,378
Likes: 5,387
From: Central PA
I've owned my 54 since 1977. Shortly after buying it from Grandpa I drove from Lancaster County to my girlfriend's house near Norristown PA to Wildwood NJ for a total of 170 miles.
Since then Ive driven from North Central PA to my parents in Lancaster several times, a distance of 150 miles. The most recent long trip was to my sister's house in southern Lancaster County for a family reunion a distance of 175 miles. I've driven on interstates. I can cruise at 60 comfortably.
So I've driven it for 3.5 hours straight but never more. For me it is OK if I'm not in a hurry.
Since then Ive driven from North Central PA to my parents in Lancaster several times, a distance of 150 miles. The most recent long trip was to my sister's house in southern Lancaster County for a family reunion a distance of 175 miles. I've driven on interstates. I can cruise at 60 comfortably.
So I've driven it for 3.5 hours straight but never more. For me it is OK if I'm not in a hurry.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 336
From: Bakersfield, CA
Pomona is a city in east Los Angeles County, the swap meet is held at the huge parking lot that is adjacent to the Fairplex, where among other things, the L/A County Fair is held.
I attended this swap meet for over 20 years, the meet today is a shadow of its former self. NOS parts disappeared long ago, most of the parts are repro's for Chebbies,
Now furniture and typical garage sale junk is also being sold.
I attended this swap meet for over 20 years, the meet today is a shadow of its former self. NOS parts disappeared long ago, most of the parts are repro's for Chebbies,
Now furniture and typical garage sale junk is also being sold.
I didn't know the same place held the LA county fair either.Damn I had no idea it was so "commercial".
I mean, I'm not looking for NOS, but I didn't think it'd be a suburban garage sale.....
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 984
Likes: 437
From: South Dakota
I like the classics for cruising around town, maybe an occassional 100+ mile round trip but I leave the long trips for the modern vehicles with all the creature comforts. To me I like seeing people's reactions to the classic more than I feel the need to take a road trip with them. Also, my back stiffens up too fast on longer trips in the classics, and my problem is I don't have a lot of patience when traveling so I don't want to have to make numerous stops to get out and stretch. I'm more of a get in and get there all in one shot, type of person when it comes to traveling.
In summer, we primarily cruise around town stopping for ice cream or pop up cruise-ins at the local restaurant, I just like meeting the different owners, or people who love classics, or having someone at a stop light asking to pull into a parking lot so they can take a closer look. It's a really neat feeling getting a thumbs up from little kids.
We also unfortunately (or fortunately depending how you look at it) have amassed too many toys over the years so we try to use up the tank of gas each season in all the toys so we have fresh gas in the tank when we store them for winter, so don't shoot me, but each toy in reality only ever sees a 50-200 miles on them a year.
Sad I know, but it's the reality of owning 12 running classics (3 more waiting on full restoration). Between life events, maintaining the yards, occasional trip, work, and then cleaning / cruising with the classics there isn't a lot of time for super long road trips.
We also do a bunch of parades a year with the some of the classics which is a hoot (except for people with dangly bracelets, chains or necklaces leaning over the fenders getting a closer look at the vehicles). I was already asked to have the 55 F100 I'm finishing up in a July 4th parade this year (we'll see).
Jim
In summer, we primarily cruise around town stopping for ice cream or pop up cruise-ins at the local restaurant, I just like meeting the different owners, or people who love classics, or having someone at a stop light asking to pull into a parking lot so they can take a closer look. It's a really neat feeling getting a thumbs up from little kids.
We also unfortunately (or fortunately depending how you look at it) have amassed too many toys over the years so we try to use up the tank of gas each season in all the toys so we have fresh gas in the tank when we store them for winter, so don't shoot me, but each toy in reality only ever sees a 50-200 miles on them a year.
Sad I know, but it's the reality of owning 12 running classics (3 more waiting on full restoration). Between life events, maintaining the yards, occasional trip, work, and then cleaning / cruising with the classics there isn't a lot of time for super long road trips.
We also do a bunch of parades a year with the some of the classics which is a hoot (except for people with dangly bracelets, chains or necklaces leaning over the fenders getting a closer look at the vehicles). I was already asked to have the 55 F100 I'm finishing up in a July 4th parade this year (we'll see).
Jim
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,378
Likes: 5,387
From: Central PA
I've owned my 54 since 1977. Shortly after buying it from Grandpa I drove from Lancaster County to my girlfriend's house near Norristown PA to Wildwood NJ for a total of 170 miles.
Since then Ive driven from North Central PA to my parents in Lancaster several times, a distance of 150 miles. The most recent long trip was to my sister's house in southern Lancaster County for a family reunion a distance of 175 miles. I've driven on interstates. I can cruise at 60 comfortably.
So I've driven it for 3.5 hours straight but never more. For me it is OK if I'm not in a hurry.
Since then Ive driven from North Central PA to my parents in Lancaster several times, a distance of 150 miles. The most recent long trip was to my sister's house in southern Lancaster County for a family reunion a distance of 175 miles. I've driven on interstates. I can cruise at 60 comfortably.
So I've driven it for 3.5 hours straight but never more. For me it is OK if I'm not in a hurry.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,911
Likes: 1,192
From: Deerbrook, WI
Expressways around and through big cities are tough and not fun in an old vehicle. The noise and the heat and the stiff suspension, and even the occasional break-down, are all part of the adventure and charm of taking an old truck on an extended road trip. Big cities though are a pain. I've been saying for awhile we aught to have a Truckstock out on the Canadian Paririe, but Morris hasn't gotten the hint yet.
Jim
Jim
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,911
Likes: 1,192
From: Deerbrook, WI
Since we are talking about old trucks and road trips here, just for fun, who might be willing to drive out to pay a visit to Morris, our long suffering moderator? He does live in a large metropolitan area, but there shouldn't be too many big cities between where we all live and the wide open Canadian Prairie where Morris lives.
Jim
Jim