The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Possible road trip

I have been kicking around the idea of hauling some furniture from Wichita to Raleigh - small Uhaul trailer with less than 1200 lbs in content. I think my ulterior motive is to see how well it handles under load as I would eventually like to pick up a small trailer for camping. Was wondering if I am being realistic - the truck is running well, new throwout bearing, radiator is new, tires are good, plenty of wear on the brakes. I'm certain it would be an adventure. Any pitfalls to be wary of? Perhaps "towing" on my insurance for worst case?

It would help if we knew what you’re driving? Year, model, engine and any upgrades. Help us help you.🛠

Ditto on Martin's questions/post.

KS to NC?
1961 C10?
What drive train?
How are your brakes?

What is your longest trip in that truck in the last three years?

Thanks - it is a 61 C10- so far, the longest it has been driven is 150 mile trip from OKC to Wichita - did it on dry rotted tires, broken transmission mount, failing clutch and a wing and a prayer. The engine is stock - 235 straight 6. Three on the tree and seems a low gear ratio - on the turnpike with a tailwind it seemed as if I were flying at 65. Since bringing it home I've had the front end rebuilt and aligned, replaced the transmission mount, replaced the starter, radiator and throw-out bearing. New tires, and headlight wiring harness. I feel pretty confident, but haven't pulled anything with it yet. is wired for trailer lights - so perhaps it has. Brakes are good - not sure what to tell you on drive train - are you looking for gear ration of rear end? Appreciate your inputs.

My other thought is to catch the next Stovebolt reunion. It would be a shorter run, and perhaps kicking the tires in person would give a better indication. While I hope it is road worthy, another opinion would be welcome!

It will do just fine. Back in the day that’s exactly what these trucks did. Make sure you carry a set of basic tools, jack, lug wrench, spare ignition parts and plenty of your favorite oil. Water and a can of gas along with a spare tire. Allot plenty of time. Figure out a way to secure everything when you stop for the night. Make a call to the local PD where you stop and ask them for info on what areas of town to avoid when parking/staying for the night. Make it a fun trip with lots of photos.👍🏻

I agree that you should do fine.

" Since bringing it home I've had the front end rebuilt and aligned, replaced the transmission mount, replaced the starter, radiator and throw-out bearing. New tires, and headlight wiring harness. "

" . . plenty of wear on the brakes . . " but " Brakes are good"

You might want to go through the Shop Manual/Operator's Manual) Maintenance check-up/procedures before the trip?

Brakes and stopping distance with the trailer would be the most worrisome aspect.

Have you been through the brake lines or did the previous owner? My story goes like this: I was parked at NAPA 3 miles from my house and thought I just needed to step on the pedal hard (66 K10). Not sure why I felt a need to test the system under hard pressure, simulating a short stop. Pedal was stiff up till the point where a front hard line failed. Pulled the line and it was rusted thin to almost nothing. Glad i was not moving.

Plenty of wear left on brakes - previous owner had replaced. Have not followed the lines to look for problems - no leakage at wheels. Might try a power stop and see how it acts. Will also take it out to the base and put it up on the lift to look things over. Sis is having surgery soon so would not make the trip before - gives me a bit more time to look things over. Will get by U-Haul and see what they will let me pull with it and take things from there!

I second Hambones warning. Replace all of your brake lines before there is a failure. Sounds like a fun mission, take your time see some cool backroads and enjoy the journey.

That sounds like solid advice - this past week I replaced the fuel gage, fuel tank, fuel sending unit - still waiting on the under dash harness and fuel lines (yes - it's rubber hose from cab to carb) No more gas fumes with a full tank.
Issue with the clutch right now - getting back into the books. Finding lots of little things to correct, but will do the fuel lines on the lift and get after the brake lines at that time - don't need to borrow any trouble!

Thanks all!

I've had pretty good luck making trips with my '63 c10. The longest I did was from Beaumont, TX up to Southern MN to get some truck parts. I pulled a double axle trailer all the way up there. Once there, we loaded a 235 in the back of the truck and loaded a '48 1 ton minus cab and front clip onto the trailer. Drove it back, and had 0 problems on the whole trip.

However, I've owned the truck for 15 years, the 230 had been replaced by a 350, and the 3 speed by a 4 speed and then an nv4500. I still had drum brakes all the way around, but the hard lines had been completely replaced over the past 15 years (just whichever section had sprung a leak).

Regarding braking, just don't follow anyone close, engine brake, anticipate your stops, and give yourself plenty of room.

My experience with these old trucks is that they can reliably do just about anything a new truck can do just not as comfortably or as fast depending on your upgrades, and they look a heck of a lot better, are easier to maintain, and they're cheaper

Thanks for the tips! I finished up with the fuel tank replacement, and now am working out the wiring harness - close, but still chasing a few connections. I was amazed at the number of cut and bare wires under dash area - so changing it out was a good thing. Fuel line on order, and will get on the lift to replace that and shake down all of the brake lines. Shooting for end of summer - past the peak heat and before the temps drop off too much - so should be plenty of time to get her ready to roll.