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Road Trip in a new ride

I’ve never done something like this before so here goes… it’s gonna be a long winded one so grab a drink and settle in...

I work as a producer in the reality TV world but my passion is old cars. (I’m currently building a 68 Camaro- full DSE front and rear, LS3, t-56, etc...) I’ve been fortunate enough to work on some great shows, namely Top Gear US and Street Outlaws. (Please hold your TG US hatred for another thread) It may sound glamorous but it’s a hard job where my average week runs about 75-80 hours. Sure it pays great, but when you add up the hours, it’s not as good as one would hope. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I get to go all over the world, meet all sorts of people and drive some amazing cars. My job has taken me to Germany, Scotland, Canada, Cuba and pretty much every state in the US. However, lately I’ve been feeling burnt out, stuck in a rut, exhausted and needing a break from the constant go go go of the fast pace LA lifestyle. I just hit 36 on Sept. 23rd and it was time for a life experience. I’ve thought about this for a long time and I’ve always wanted to take a road trip by myself. Whatever happens, happens. I want to share my journey with you guys, as I’ve been a member here for several years and thought you might enjoy tagging along for the ride.

THE GOAL: Find a classic truck somewhere in the US that’s mechanically sound enough to make a trip; fly out to buy it, and hit the road. This could go terribly wrong or awesomely cool! Hell, maybe both.

It took me 3 solid days of scouring Craigslist nationally, emailing every potential seller. And I don’t mean a few minutes here and there, I’m in between gigs at this point. I literally spent 7 hours one day and about 8 hours the next going through every city and state on CL to see what was out there. My search was wide - 1966-1973 under $7500. (no reason just felt like the right years and price I could afford) I like the look of old Chevy trucks and finally after emailing about 50 ads, I stumbled across a cool 71’ C10 about an hour outside Eugene, OR.

I spoke with the owner; a retired guy who had a girlfriend in Eugene, who was using the truck to drive round trip 120 miles about 3 times a week to see her. He quickly realized that this truck might not be the most economical choice. HA! After speaking with him about an hour, I realized this was the truck I swnated. He’s owned it for a year, before that it was a local firefighters truck. It’s a long bed (prefer the short beds but the price was right), with a 15 foot paint job, 350 sbc, with some cheap 18” and 20” wheels. I really dig the blue/white combo too. He seems like and honest guy and has agreed to drive the truck over an hour to meet me at the airport.

So that's what I did. I booked a flight this morning from LAX to Eugene and sure enough he was waiting for me curbside. This was my first time actually seeing the truck in person and luckily I wasn't let down. He swapped out the front seats for later model buckets and they're definitely more comfortable. But the gave the the bench seat to have. WIN! Here it is:

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psociqjoiv.jpg

We drove to his buddies house about 30 mins away and we chatted about the truck along the way. It drives and runs good but will definitely need some attention down the road. We negotiated the price, he took a hit on it and I headed straight to a tire shop to address the worn out front tires. The back ones are alright.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psw0djadtj.jpg

I knew something was weird with the front setup because the driver tire was worn very unevenly and as soon as they pulled the rim off we found out why. The hub was slightly too big and the rim wouldn't sit properly. About 15 minutes later with a grinder and she's good as new! Now, I'm at a small motel in Eugene for the night. I'm gonna research my route tonight make a plan and hit the road in the morning. If anyone has any suggestions for places to see and stop please let me know. I'll be traveling down HWY 1 for the majority. Here's a couple more pics.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psgz18tvrx.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psleozk20j.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psh22fyixr.jpg

I'll keep posting more pictures as I get the time but for now its time to hit a parts store to stock up for the trip tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Well..............Good luck,and have a safe trip.

That's a whole lotta cool for $7,500.

Always wanted to do the same thing but will be living vicariously through you. Will be following the thread though, great deal on that truck!

Awesome.

A buddy (here on Lat-G) and I did this back in 2014... but we went from Maine to Socal.... in January.... also sight unseen from ebay. A '74 F-350 ramp truck.

We used a Food Network app and a Brewery locator app to take care of the man fuel along the way.

Not matter what happens, you'll have a story to remember (and tell) forever.

Enjoy and be safe. :cheers:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/f...psezhjbqwn.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/f...psd0lb8h66.jpg

Just FYI - They have search engines that search all of craigslist at one time for the same search terms.

http://www.searchtempest.com/

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironworks (Post 646337)

Just FYI - They have search engines that search all of craigslist at one time for the same search terms.

http://www.searchtempest.com/

I was thinking the same thing when I was reading the first post.

After that...

CONGRATS! I've always wanted to do this with a classic car! I know when I bought my 99 SS and my Lightning, I was primarily searching out cars from out of town so I could have the experience of the roadtrip when i got it.

I took the 99 SS from Scottsdale, AZ to College Station TX (11-1200 miles) and did that in two days!

I will be following this thread to watch the updates! I agree using a brewery finder and food finder to find interesting local places. Where are you planning your trip through currently? Highway 1 will be awesome in the old truck and definitely memory building. Maybe take a detour on the way and hit up some of the national parks to the East?

William

Good timing on your trip--it looks like the weather should be okay. If you're headed south, consider stopping somewhere along the Rogue River, which heads toward Grants Pass going east. What's cool about this section of river is the use of mail boats--these are hot rod jet boats that haul booty and skim the surface of the river (sometimes doing 360s). They run a lot like air boats on swamps in the South, except the scenery along the Rogue is way better. What's even better is that several companies along the Rogue are there to give tours.

There's a lot of good beer along your route as well, if you're into that kind of thing . . .:drowninga:

Good luck! You've got some pretty country to drive through.

Once you get into California, go down Avenue of the Giants in Humbolt Redwood State Park. It's just off 101. Then find yourself a road that cuts back west to 1. If you're not in a hurry, you can cut back east after coming down the coast to get into wine country. Just be prepared with extra gas. The winding roads through the mountains between 1 and 101 take a while to get through. To me though, it's wonderful scenery around every turn.

I just got back from Northern California and this is what we did for a couple days. Just took our time and enjoyed the scenery.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironworks (Post 646337)

Just FYI - They have search engines that search all of craigslist at one time for the same search terms.

http://www.searchtempest.com/

Oh I used SearchTempest too but I've found it doesn't really hit all the cities.

Ended my first day on the road. Traveled from Eugene over to the coast and down the 101 to end the day in Smith River, CA at an Indian Casino. (about 24 miles from the stateline) I racked up 230 miles and the truck ran great! Actually drove really well, and it made the day that much better. However, the day started weird.

I got up this morning and took the truck to Walmart to get some road supplies and a quick oil change. While I was chatting with the workers, a guy opens the emergency exit doors and walks a brand new mountain bike out the door and just rides off. I look at the workers and ask if he's stealing that bike. They say, "Yeah, but we're not allowed to say or do anything. We just have to watch it and report. It's happens a couple times a week." Shocked me that I just witnessed it and they were so casual about it. Anyways, got the supplies and the oil change and headed out. Hell, if you ever need a mountain bike just go grab one from Walmart! HA!

The weather was perfect. The air was crisp and chilly but perfect to have the windows down and just cruise. There was a marine layer in the morning so I'm sure I missed a few great spots, however I did get an really neat shot of the truck on an empty road. (Its below) Once the weather cleared up the views were breathtaking. If you ever get a chance to do this, you won't regret it and I think this is the best time of the season too.

Here's a few highlights:
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psilkidxlv.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psvte52ifn.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps8oo9wthr.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...pskfevl9ma.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psc8hqweku.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psof3zjqzh.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psepgtdmgx.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps96bqjkll.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psbws4mwr8.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psoqjblgfz.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psdwuboz5c.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps1tveejtz.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psuiwznhbi.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...pslrxq7rxz.jpg

Gotta start a new thread due to pic limit.

Drove a cool side road called, Langlois Mountain Rd. ,in Langlois, OR and it was awesome. I was getting gas and an old guy sparked up a conversation about the truck. I explained my adventure and he told me about the road. Said if I had the time, it's about 9 miles up a winding road and dead ends at an overlook. He said no-one really knows about it so I had to check it out. Below are some pics. Awesome twisty road but sadly it was closed about 1 mile short of the official end.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psx5j1owrx.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psmu4j55xf.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psklmm6fgk.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psaovmdx5y.jpg

Cool idea, I think I will tag along for the trip.:popcorn2:

Meant to post this last night but was wore out. I made it from the Lucky 7 Casino to Ukiah, CA. Then I realize I missed the Hwy 1/101 split. No schedule, so I flipped around and drove back 70 miles to Leggett.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...pskybzjg3f.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psvuf06ro7.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psm3prxoj2.jpg

Redwoods were amazing! Found one of the "drive through a tree" places and did it. I barely fit and got stuck at one point on my mirrors. I had to have the other tourists slowly guide me through.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psazyfoc4k.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psmhfhjjj3.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psxnuezu24.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psdf0czuzt.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...pssnzqjczm.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psbrj1w3fh.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psazeimfyo.jpg

So far the truck has run great. The only thing so far is the gas gauge might have gone down last night. It's an aftermarket gauge and only shows half full, when full. However, last night it filled up all the way to the full line and it might be stuck. Now I need to keep an eye on my miles.

The plan for today is to make it past San Francisco since Ive spent plenty of time there.

This is awesome. Following this trip religiously. I hope to get to do something in my 69 like this when it's finished. Plan to take it to California and cruise the coast, see some family and have a good time!

Very cool... thanks for sharing your trip with us.

Great thread I'm going to stay tuned in. if you haven't already you will be passing me shortly, if you have any troubles i'm only 20/25min from Novato/Petaluma on Hwy 101

Sweet! I was looking at an old 911 up in Oregon and was planning on doing the same thing but it didn't work out. I've done HWY 1 from SOCAL as far north as Stewarts Point and plan to road trip it farther north sometime. I highly recommend Skaggs Spring road that connects Hwy 1 to 101, probably one of the most enjoyable roads I've driven. Incredibly fun road and only saw a couple groups of motorcyclists and got thumbs up from all of them.

enjoy!

Wow this is freakin AWESOME!! Good looking truck, great views and nice pics also....it looks like you are using an iPhone?

I am following along as well...good thing you got a truck now all of us following along can ride in the back the truck with ya!!:yes:

Did the same trip up the CA/OR coast this past summer and stopped in a lot of the same spots. We couldn't do the Chandelier tree drive-thru due to the hour wait (kids were bummed). Congrats on picking up a great looking truck and have fun driving the central coast.

Alright here are yesterday's highlights! Crazy story first. I was driving a a super windy and sketchy section of Hwy 1 and noticed a Volvo wagon behind me driving odd. He would over correct and continuously crossed over into the other lane and onto the shoulder. There was no pull outs nearby and I was terrified this guy was going to drive off one of the cliffs. Eventually he ran off the road and got stuck. I pulled over and walked up to the car to see if he was drunk or having an emergency, you never know. The guy looked like he was wasted or high. He saw me and started to climb into the back of his wagon and cover up with blankets. I called 911 and left the guy, as a home nearby had a few people come out. Later that day, an officer called me to thank me for the report and to get my official record. Turns out the guy was on heroin or something similar. It was pretty nuts!

Anyways, onto some pics. I didn't get as much today as the roads were so damn twisty, not a bad thing, but makes it hard to snap pictures.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psltfiutt2.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...pshsyxezmt.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psxsr4aejm.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psyjzidhfj.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psxhxvxhh1.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psij84wdvw.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps1w5wtnlu.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psomplmrb9.jpg

Made it to San Francisco last night. My girlfriend is from here do I decided to drive through to avoid traffic in the morning. It never gets old driving over the Golden Gate Bridge. I smiled the entire time!
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psymn0ohsa.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...pshmtqg7pd.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...pskvwgf7mm.jpg

Oh, I realized I'll roll over to 100k on the odometer today!! How cool is that?! I'll try to get a pic/video and post it. Not everyday you get to see all zeros! Tht means its brand new right?!!
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psqlwgwlzw.jpg

The goal is to make it to wine country today and finish up the trip tomorrow.

The picture of Paul Bunyon and his ox Babe really brings back some memories. My Grandmother took me to the redwood forest in about 1976 (I was 6 at the time) and I remember that big old statue fondly. There was a guy in his foot that if your parents went and told him your name he would make Paul Bunyon talk to you and wave, He never talked to me or waved and I remember crying to my Grandma because I was sad that Paul Bunyon didn't like me. It was a great trip with my Grandmother all over that area in her red, white and blue motor home. When I get the El Camino finished up somewhat I am going to have to do something similar and maybe this time I can get Paul Bunyon to talk to me ... LOL

Yeah, this was one of the coolest things I saw that day. I would have loved to seen this area in the 50-60's. such a cool vibe!

Thanks for taking the time to include us in your trip. I'm really enjoying the pics!

I got back into LA yesterday afternoon and I have mixed feelings. It's great to be home but I really enjoyed this trip. I drove over 1300 miles and it took me 5 days. I could have stretched this out easily 3-4 more days but I think I hit most of what I wanted to see. Here are the last few pics from Solvang, CA to home.

Cool western themed restaurant.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...pskgmbpcew.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psxgxneg2i.jpg

Here is my buddies vineyard. If you're ever in Los Olivos, CA check out Saarlos and Sons Vineyard. Great family and great wine. http://saarloosandsons.com/
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...pspwmgmzwo.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psztncazvk.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psb1jvjeob.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psg33edcqq.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...pseemz4zoj.jpg

Well that about wraps it up. Thanks for tagging along and for the kind words. It was a blast and I'd do it again in a heart beat. Now the only problem I have is the truck doesn't fit in the garage! HA!

Cool trip, glad you made it without any problems.

great trip and story! Too bad you didn't stay in SF for another week, Fleet week is always a great time in the City.

I think I drove past those buffalo last weekend.. Foxen Canyon or Cat Canyon?? Thanks again for the photos!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vince@Meanstreets (Post 646599)

great trip and story! Too bad you didn't stay in SF for another week, Fleet week is always a great time in the City.

Oh, that would have been awesome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBDave (Post 646605)

I think I drove past those buffalo last weekend.. Foxen Canyon or Cat Canyon?? Thanks again for the photos!

Exactly right! Foxen Canyon is the name.