CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: BillG on April 17, 2017, 11:57:46 PM

Title: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: BillG on April 17, 2017, 11:57:46 PM
I'm moving 150 miles away.  My 69 Pace car is a driver not a trailer queen, but will driving this distance (all highway miles) do damage to the under hood parts of the car?  Thanks,  Bill
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: x66 714 on April 18, 2017, 12:03:41 AM
Why would you think that Bill?...Joe
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: BillG on April 18, 2017, 12:48:39 AM
Im thinking about the effects on engine and manifold  paint, under hood insulation and other things that prolonged heat might damage. 
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: 1968RSZ28 on April 18, 2017, 01:07:43 AM
Drive it and have fun! Life is now! :)

Paul
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: Mark on April 18, 2017, 02:08:13 AM
These cars were peoples every day drivers 50 years ago (seems like a long time) driving them doesn't hurt them, that's what they were made for.
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: JKZ27 on April 18, 2017, 02:20:02 AM
Bill, I drive mine 200 miles to the ocean every year, beat the street a little, then drive it home with no effects on any under hood paint or components. You should be fine.
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: BULLITT65 on April 18, 2017, 03:38:42 AM
I'm moving 150 miles away.  My 69 Pace car is a driver not a trailer queen, but will driving this distance (all highway miles) do damage to the under hood parts of the car?  Thanks,  Bill

So if you are saying it is a "driver", how far are you driving it where a 150 miles would be worrisome?
If its all highway, thats only 2 hours (75mph).
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: 68camaroz28 on April 18, 2017, 12:22:19 PM
I don't think the answer is so short and sweet! Reason being, not enough information like where do you have to drive to get there? Sure, the mileage is a NON issue but are you on highway that is 65 or 70 mph and what rear gears do you have? Do you have to drive thru some sort of city or area that traffic hangs up and how is your coolant system?
Think it would be fun to drive her to the new home but just a few things to consider. Maybe lay out a nice drive with safe route and enjoy.......
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: X33RS on April 18, 2017, 12:54:39 PM
If it's truly a driver than 150 miles is a walk in the park.  Get in that thing and enjoy it.  Driving is the best part of owning these things.

We routinely drive ours 180 miles round trip just to hit the local cruise scene on the weekends.  I actually enjoy that part more than parking and sitting with the car once I get there. I get board quickly and just want to drive again.
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: bcmiller on April 18, 2017, 05:45:43 PM
I agree with Chick. Somewhat depends on rear gears.  Less than 4.10 shouldn't be a problem.

I am guessing you probably have a 3.31 ratio axle?
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: ko-lek-tor on April 18, 2017, 06:33:28 PM
I am thinking of all the bugs (insects) and hazards (morons, road debris, deer, etc..) and I shudder to think of potential damage.
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: Sauron327 on April 18, 2017, 06:58:54 PM
I don't think twice about driving a classic for a short 150 miles, nor do friends of mine. Drivers or restored, local or long trips. My car is driven nearly every day in good weather, and I don't freak out if I get caught in the rain.
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: BillG on April 18, 2017, 10:41:51 PM
Thanks for the replies guys.  I feel better after talking to you.  Makes me a little nervous , but I've always babied it; mabey a little too much, so I'm driving her!  And I hear you Bentley, so I'll leave early on Sunday morning and drive carefully.  Thanks again, Bill
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: Daytona Yellow 69 Z/28 on April 18, 2017, 11:37:28 PM
I agree with everyone else.. drive it.  :)

(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o70/x77d80/68%20SSRS%20396%20Camaro/IMG_0182_zpsufujq1ie.jpg)
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: BULLITT65 on April 19, 2017, 02:58:10 AM
Glad to you back on the CRG Nick, and hope to see more updates of your awesome (driver) Camaros.
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: wtexz10 on April 19, 2017, 03:01:55 AM
Not my Z10, but last October I bought a 79 Trans Am with 68k mile on an original drive train 1300 miles from Fargo, North Dakota to Midland, TX without a hick-up and with now wear on the car.   And what and adventure it was.  Drive, thought 150 miles isn't much of an adventure.  lol
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: BULLITT65 on April 19, 2017, 05:33:18 AM
So were you singing "eastbound and down" in your head the whole way?...

I have driven my 65 fastback up to Washington state many times. About a 12-14 hour drive straight through. No issues. Just have to pick the right time in the season where the passes are clear enough.
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: marriest on April 19, 2017, 10:54:24 AM
I have a 1969 Pace car and drive it all the time to cruises. I have put over a thousands miles on it in 6 months. It has a 4.1 rear end so 65 mph is comfortable on the xway. Like everyone says these cars were daily drivers so enjoy the ride. You will get all kinds of thumbs up and waves along the way. I would watch the weather and plan your route. Ok maybe take along some tools and make sure you have towing. I did get a flat one day and found out the jack did not work.
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: Daytona Yellow 69 Z/28 on April 19, 2017, 01:12:26 PM
Glad to you back on the CRG Nick, and hope to see more updates of your awesome (driver) Camaros.

Thank you sir. Believe it or not I finally dug the 69 Z back back out after a 6 year slumber. I've put put 450 miles on it in since the first of the month. I think I spent too many years worrying about all the what if's?? Now I'm to the point of screw it.. I'm going to enjoy these cars before I'm too old or  :P   
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: 69Z28-RS on April 19, 2017, 04:48:38 PM
Back in the mid-80's, I was working in the panhandle of Florida - had driven there to work in a rentall.  I needed to get to Biloxi MS to pick up a 70 Mach I (which my wife had bought new - but we left it with her parents not long after we married.  Since Eglin AFB is not too far away for a bus ride, on Friday after work at Eglin, I BUSSED to Biloxi.. and spent all day Saturday working on the car since it had been parked under an awning for many years..  I went thru the brakes, etc..  tuned up the engine, then drove it down to get new tires.. Then on Sunday I jumped in it and drove home (400 miles) and made it no sweat - but yes, certain parts of my body were 'tighter' than normal...  :)

I drove that car to work for a few weeks, then it got parked... under my shed..  where it resides today...  :(
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: BULLITT65 on April 19, 2017, 05:00:06 PM
You parked a 70 mach I under a shed in the mid 80's and it is still parked there???
 :o
Are you a chevy guy at heart?

Did your wife never want to drive the car again?

Whats the deal? ( how about a pic of it under the awning?)
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: 69Z28-RS on April 19, 2017, 09:37:00 PM
Yep; Of course I'm a Chevy guy.. :)   You didn't know that?   I was planning to restore the Mustang once I finished all my Chevys..  but I keep buying Chevys..   ???

The Mustang is hemmed in between a '55 BelAir and a '55 front clip.. :)

Stang is a one owner (my wife) with original title totally stock except for 500 cfm Holley 2 bbl (on Windsor 351 engine).. shaker hood, off-white perforated seats, fold down rear seat, rear spoiler, hood lockdowns, automatic, rimblow steering wheel...  Oh..  and 'two stage' dust...  :)      Wanna buy it?  :)
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: 1968RSZ28 on April 19, 2017, 09:40:59 PM
Gary, you have made the right choice! ;)

Paul
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: Daytona Yellow 69 Z/28 on April 20, 2017, 12:26:01 AM
Yep; Of course I'm a Chevy guy.. :)   You didn't know that?   I was planning to restore the Mustang once I finished all my Chevys..  but I keep buying Chevys..   ???

The Mustang is hemmed in between a '55 BelAir and a '55 front clip.. :)

Stang is a one owner (my wife) with original title totally stock except for 500 cfm Holley 2 bbl (on Windsor 351 engine).. shaker hood, off-white perforated seats, fold down rear seat, rear spoiler, hood lockdowns, automatic, rimblow steering wheel...  Oh..  and 'two stage' dust...  :)      Wanna buy it?  :)



Congrats!!  What a nice little 70, I would sure love to add that to my collection..  Very nice sir!!
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: 68camaroz28 on April 21, 2017, 12:10:34 AM
Yep; Of course I'm a Chevy guy.. :)   You didn't know that?   I was planning to restore the Mustang once I finished all my Chevys..  but I keep buying Chevys..   ???

The Mustang is hemmed in between a '55 BelAir and a '55 front clip.. :)

Stang is a one owner (my wife) with original title totally stock except for 500 cfm Holley 2 bbl (on Windsor 351 engine).. shaker hood, off-white perforated seats, fold down rear seat, rear spoiler, hood lockdowns, automatic, rimblow steering wheel...  Oh..  and 'two stage' dust...  :)      Wanna buy it?  :)

Oh my gosh Gary, you have a lot of projects...... :)
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: 69Z28-RS on April 21, 2017, 04:21:02 AM
Yep; Of course I'm a Chevy guy.. :)   You didn't know that?   I was planning to restore the Mustang once I finished all my Chevys..  but I keep buying Chevys..   ???

The Mustang is hemmed in between a '55 BelAir and a '55 front clip.. :)

Stang is a one owner (my wife) with original title totally stock except for 500 cfm Holley 2 bbl (on Windsor 351 engine).. shaker hood, off-white perforated seats, fold down rear seat, rear spoiler, hood lockdowns, automatic, rimblow steering wheel...  Oh..  and 'two stage' dust...  :)      Wanna buy it?  :)

Oh my gosh Gary, you have a lot of projects...... :)

Yes, I do...  if I could just concentrate my work on ONE, I might get it finished before too much time passed.. :)     Here is my latest one that I really need to finish soon.. :)   It will be going on a modern C4-based chassis in the  next few weeks.
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: janobyte on April 21, 2017, 03:25:41 PM
I'd be willing to pay admission to check out your collection, lol!

I'm in the drive it camp. In the last 28 years, honestly put less then 100 miles on the car...crazy. In 76 it had just under 33k on the OD, 36k as of now. Age still catches up to them regardless. Was so concerned about the original paint, which still got mystery scratches and dings, covered in the garage. Having it re-shot was sort of a relief. If it gets stone chips, so what.

Been on a hiatus with the resto: Dad's health ( cancer free!), studying for a promotional(which I should be doing now!), and prepping for kid's college graduation in a few weeks. When it hits the road, no reason not by next spring, I'm driving the ##ss out of it. Not getting hung up on points, shows, "correct", etc. And not building it to cross the auction block.

If I don't now, my kid will be driving it in 20 years anyway. Really itching to hit some cruise ins, listening to the Beach Boys.

Now about that Gasser you have tucked away Gary..

Have another potential project that may materialize, we might be going to look at a 41 Willis roller, narrowed 9 inch, but my love are 56's.
Although nothing would look better next to the Anglia then a Willis! Maybe a Henry J. Theses short wheelbase cars are a hoot to take down the quarter.Enough, back to the books.
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: 69Z28-RS on April 21, 2017, 09:35:54 PM
I'd be willing to pay admission to check out your collection, lol!

If you get near Huntsville, stop by.. free admission for buds.. :)

I'm in the drive it camp. In the last 28 years, honestly put less then 100 miles on the car...crazy. In 76 it had just under 33k on the OD, 36k as of now. Age still catches up to them regardless. Was so concerned about the original paint, which still got mystery scratches and dings, covered in the garage. Having it re-shot was sort of a relief. If it gets stone chips, so what.

I think of 'chips/nicks/scratches' as signs of DRIVER character..  :)   I like having cars to work on, but the bottom line is having them to drive.. :)

Now about that Gasser you have tucked away Gary..

:)  I sold my Henry J years ago to make garage space for a '60 Corvette... but I still get ebay notices when one goes up for sale...    :)    (I"M SICK!)_...
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: camaronut on April 21, 2017, 11:49:06 PM
Trailer the car.  No need to have rocks and loose lug nuts bouncing off the car and windshield.  No need to risk it.
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: BillG on April 22, 2017, 01:32:38 AM
That's always a risk you take, especially here in Atlanta.
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: z28z11 on April 22, 2017, 02:18:49 AM
Bill,

I found my Z11 in 1994, about 140 miles from my house in West TN. I looked at the car pretty carefully - determined that it was what I had been searching for for a lot of years (and numerous dead ends), and bought it. Trusting my own inspection, and with my extremely pregnant wife and two young children following in the family Suburban, drove the car home. Good thing the car is an air car - 10 minutes after I left the guy's shop, I ran into an frog-strangling monsoon rainstorm. Defroster works really good on an air car - and a good time in the rain to find out if your top leaks !

Wild ride on bias ply tires at speed (3.08 rear, 350 THM), but it was an enjoyable one. My point - if it's a driver, drive it. Make sure your cooling system is up to snuff, fluids are good, tires inflated and good tread, brakes are up to it, and have a chase vehicle in case. Should be good to go -

Regards,
Steve

 
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: BillG on April 22, 2017, 05:22:38 PM
Thanks Steve.  I'm driving her!
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: X66 on May 03, 2017, 01:38:56 AM
Drive it. Enjoy it. It will put a smile on your face.
Title: Re: Drive it or trailor it?
Post by: David B on May 13, 2017, 08:50:38 PM
Gotta say I agree  - Drive it.

There are a 100 reasons to drive it and only a few minor concerns not to.  For additional peace of mind take a look at your insurance and consider increasing your coverage.  It's probably only a few extra bucks.