Well, I have successfully driven 8,000 miles (all in one months time) in a 52 Chevy 1 ton with 235 engine and stock 4 speed transmission.
Of the parts I carried I did use a spare set of points, condenser, belts, oil and water.
The parts I brought but did not need were a tire/wheel, fuel pump, carburetor kit, coil, and plugs.
The parts I needed along the way but did not bring with me, fan (mine finished cracking and threw a blade), generator (had a bad bearing), Thermostat with gasket material, and a tin can with hose clamp for the broken exhaust pipe (well, I did bring the hose clamp).
Adjust your valves properly before you leave if you have not done it recently. I like the fat side of the recommended clearance given by the book, is it 0.008" and 0.015"? I wrote it in pencil on the dash, and adjusted them once while on the road.
Take it slow, about 2,500 rpm at the most.
You will be fine, even an old truck was new once, and believe it or not they were intended to be driven, so get in it and drive.
Grigg
