A few years back a old friend and I drove his stock AD down to
KC from Chicago. We stayed off the interstate for the reasons
mentioned above and took the roads less traveled, (sorry bout
stealing your handle Don}. My partner wanted to stop and do
some fishin' along the way, but I was still living in the
hurry up and get there mode so we drove on thru. We got to
see a lot more of the country though on those back roads
and it really only added a couple of hours to the trip.
This year, if I can swing it, I'd like to make the trip again,
but in my half finished '50 this time. I'd take an even lesser
known route and head out west and swing in from the north. That
45-50 mph cruising speed sound real sweet Dave. That would make
a two day trip both out and back but it would be a welcome
vacation away from the grind of the last two years. My move
to a new and bigger place has just about put me under and I
think I've earned a break like a nice long weekend.
I think my only preparation would be to make sure the fuel
filters are clean, check the tires, spare included, jack and
spinner stored under the seat after checking lug nuts. Oil
change and grease job, touch up the points and plugs and bring
the brakes up to the top. As far as spare parts, I'd probably
take a spare headlight and taillight bulb, a fan belt and a few
hand tools.
The only reservations I have about traveling down to a meet like
the get together at KC with my truck would be when I got there.
As thin skinned as I am, I don't know if I could handle the
rejection I'd get because old Blue Bell is as plain as they
come. She's a driver, complete with her dings, dents, tears,
warped panels, bugs on the windshield, mud and rust covered
under belly, and worn and tattered house dress she's worn for
64 years. She's not a show truck and never will be. I suppose
I could just park out on the road for the two days where no
one could see the old gal.
But I would really like to take a short thousand mile trip with
her this summer, before I get to old and to destitute to travel.
Denny G
Sandwich, IL
