Prep for 2000+ mile drive

[deckofficer]

Well folks,

Fred's Fun Run is a "go" for me and the Track T. The new engine burned 2 quarts of oil during the 1st 500 miles. As quick as I could, I put a 2nd 500 miles on just to change the oil again to gauge break-in progress. Just under 1 quart burned. Got it up on the lift to check it over before embarking on a 2000 mile trip. Got to see the traces of those 3 quarts burned, all over the Jaq IRS bottom plate. But everything tight and only a slight leak from the right rear aft shock. Weather is predicted to be perfect from Northern California all the way to Sierra Vista Arizona (south-east corner). Sometimes things just fall into place and Murphy is taking a holiday***** I hope. Had to get another 50 miles on the T before this 2nd oil change, so drove down to the old neighborhood. Lived on the bluffs over-looking the American River just 3 miles downriver from the infamous Folsom Prison. The picture in front of the modest home is where I grew up 50 years ago. The last picture is Ben, the co-owner of the shop that perfers to work on hot rods, getting to try out the new 383. He likes the driveabilty of the 383 over the old circle track race engine.

Bob

 

[Duke]

Good Luck, what usually happens to me is the weather is perfect going, then coming back it is a blizzard. Year before last we went on a 320 mile trip, and coming back it was heavy snow fall for 260 miles. A 6 hour trip was turned into a 18 hour trip.

 

[sstock]

Well folks,

Fred's Fun Run is a "go" for me and the Track T. The new engine burned 2 quarts of oil during the 1st 500 miles. As quick as I could, I put a 2nd 500 miles on just to change the oil again to gauge break-in progress. Just under 1 quart burned. Got it up on the lift to check it over before embarking on a 2000 mile trip. Got to see the traces of those 3 quarts burned, all over the Jaq IRS bottom plate. But everything tight and only a slight leak from the right rear aft shock. Weather is predicted to be perfect from Northern California all the way to Sierra Vista Arizona (south-east corner). Sometimes things just fall into place and Murphy is taking a holiday***** I hope. Had to get another 50 miles on the T before this 2nd oil change, so drove down to the old neighborhood. Lived on the bluffs over-looking the American River just 3 miles downriver from the infamous Folsom Prison. The picture in front of the modest home is where I grew up 50 years ago. The last picture is Ben, the co-owner of the shop that perfers to work on hot rods, getting to try out the new 383. He likes the driveabilty of the 383 over the old circle track race engine.

Bob

Have a fun and memorable safe trip, and remember to take lots of pics.

 

[Hotrod46]

Good Luck, what usually happens to me is the weather is perfect going, then coming back it is a blizzard. Year before last we went on a 320 mile trip, and coming back it was heavy snow fall for 260 miles. A 6 hour trip was turned into a 18 hour trip.

Ain't it the truth! Earlier this year I took a 150 mile trip to a show in another state. The weather going over was perfect. Coming home it stormed so bad I could hardly see for nearly the whole trip.

Deckofficer, enjoy your trip!

Mike

 

[T-Odd]

Wow, those pics brought back a bunch of memories for me. I lived in Sacto / Rancho Cordova / Folsom ten years ago. Probably crossed that bridge a thousand times on my little Harley.

 

[Ted Brown]

Bob, I wish you the very best of weather both ways, and no problems... Drive safe

 

[deckofficer]

T-odd,

Glad to give you a trip down memory lane. For me, I left that area over 40 years ago, man has it changed. For example the bridge in the picture is new to me, when I lived there it was a 2 lane "Rainbow" bridge that we kids used to jump off long before they put up signs making it against the law. As far as weather windows for my drive, 95% of the time this late in the season the drive from SoCal to Arizona would be perfect. It is the drive back up to NorCal that is a 50/50 shot. So, on the way back I'll just stay at my SoCal home till I have a weather window. I have no intention of ever driving the T in rain or snow. Thanks to all for the good wishes, and as I have been "trained" by the forum regulars, I'll bring back and post PICTURES.


Bob

 

[one finger john]

Bob, thanks for the pictures. They really show how to get 10 lbs. of you know what into a 5 lb. T. Even liked the color coordinated trans mount.

Drive carefully but with spirit, enjoy the trip, and get back home with lots of memories & pictures.

John

 

[deckofficer]

John,

Thanks for the good wishes. The tranny support was welded in place by the orignal owner/builder which meant a cutting torch every time you needed to pull the trans. I finally had that changed, but the shop that did the brackets installed it before asking me if I wanted a primer coat of paint. When I said I did, I didn't think they would spray the primer with the support in place getting overspray on the frame.

Bob

 

[Whiplash]

Thanks for the photos Bob and all the best for your trip. I hope the weather is well for you and the cars is trouble free.I also appreciate the phots of your T underneath as if you can get an exhaust system under your low car,it should be easy for me to do the same when I fit Limefire headers to mine. Drive safely Bob.

 

[deckofficer]

Whiplash,

Thanks for the good karma on good weather and no T issues. The exhaust HAD to fit underneath because when you have a fully covered engine in a Track T, most everyone assumes you have a 2.3L Pinto 4 banger. Most do not notice the small bulges in the side engine covers for clearance of the exhaust manifold. See them in the 2nd picture?

Bob