Hello, I have a 72 all orginal 454/400 and i am going to drive it down to north carolina ( 7 hour drive ). I was wondering if anybody had suggestions to do any mantanience to it before the trip? I am getting new tires and an alignment. I have also have put new front suspension kit, brakes , rotors , heater core, I always keep it in tip top shape. It needs nothing else at this point. One more questions, Will the starter solinoid get "heat soak" when i stop for gas? I have the orginal exhaust manifolds and pipes on it. Thanks in advance. Eric
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Re: 1972 road trip questions.
Most of the road tour problems I've seen on IRS Corvettes usually relate to the rear axle bearings or u-joints. Make sure they are up to snuff and you should be ok. I never had a heat-soak problem with the starter in my '72 BB when I road toured it, but your experience may differ, based on the age/condition of the starter and solenoid mechanism.Bill Clupper #618 -
Re: 1972 road trip questions.
Eric,
Make sure your spare tire holds and has air in it. Pack some common hand tools like 1/2" and 9/16" wrenches as well as duct tape, electrical tape, spare water pump and tune-up parts (cap, rotor, points), ohm meter and cash. Bring some spare water as well and don't forget a big smile from ear to ear. Enjoy your trip! :
I've made several long trips in my 1970 454 coupe and it's always been a fun and memorable time....even when I ran into trouble.TonyComment
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Re: 1972 road trip questions.
I recently took my '72 SB on a 500+ mile road trip. No problems whatsoever. But that doesn't mean....! I agree with the others, water, tools, cash. BB's have a tendency to overheat, you know. Maybe a spare thermostat. Check spare tire, oil, brake pads, engine belts, brake fluid. Have you experienced any noises from the rear-end? Comfortable with your u-joints, bearings, yokes? ENJOY!!
Kevin #39927Comment
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Re: 1972 road trip questions.
Eric,
All good advice has been given here. I'll add a few more... If you have saved any of your old belts or hoses take them along. A good used hose or belt will get you off the side of the road and to a hotel on a Sunday night. I know, I know, now there's no room for your baggage. The problem is what not to bring, but when to stop adding to the list of things to bring. Have a great trip!'72 Top Flight CoupeComment
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Re: 1972 road trip questions.
One place to store some of this "Just in case stuff" is in the spare tire wheel cavity. The empty space behind the spare tire should, when hanging in the spare tire carrier (outside of tire facing down), be able to store small jumper cables, and spare belts, a roll of duct tape, small tools...stuff like that.Comment
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Re: 1972 road trip questions.
Great idea Mike, your obviously a seasoned traveler via the favorite 2 seater!'72 Top Flight CoupeComment
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Re: 1972 road trip questions.
Hi Eric:
I drove a 72 BB auto to Nashville/Bowling Green and back for the 50th. Total miles 2400. I knew my car well and enjoyed the trip. I did as others suggested:
Spare parts and tools in the spare tire, under the rear compartment, etc. It sounds like you know your car well, so enjoy your trip and go for it. Be sure to bring a spare water pump bypass hose.
BernieComment
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Re: 1972 road trip questions.
Cell phone and auto club card.Comment
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Re: 1972 road trip questions.
Kevin, it does not have any rearend noises and i have just checked the u joints and they look good. I changed the deferential fluid and added posi gm lube last year. I have not checked the back wheel bearings yet but they don't seen to make any noise. Thanks for the adviseComment
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Re: 1972 road trip questions.
Thanks for all the advice. It was very good. EricComment
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Re: 1972 road trip questions.
I agree, good suggestion Mike. Those spare tire carriers can come in very handy. We had a club show (on a very hot day), and one of my buddies used the carrier on his '69 390hp as a cooler. He left the spare tire at home, when he arrived at the show, we dropped the carrier and filled it with ice and beverages. Only problem was, the judges came around, noticed a leak from the rear underside of his car, and thought he had a fuel leak! It was the ice melting.
Kevin #39927Comment
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