Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

Bought my truck in Jan 2017 at Mecum auction Kissimmee FL. Since then i have had so much awesome help from folks on this site to get it road ready. Plan to drive solo it from Orlando area to San Diego on the way stoping in Oklahoma to have an original hood put on it. When i was driving it home from the auction the hood latch gave way and it was ruined. I plan to stay mostly on Interstates but not get in a huge hurry hope to cruise about 70-75 mph ( approx 2500-2600RPM). Below is a summary of my truck:
!966 SWB
Late 80's 350 ( set 280hp) crate eng with about 6000 miles. holley 670 , headers, Delco HEI
Turbo 350 with torq converter lock up.
March pulley system with Classic Auto Air, PS, Power Front disc brakes (72 C10)
Frame off powder coat, new brakes, suspension, steering, body bushings.
Orig sheet metal reinstalled and clear coated over worn patina paint.new wood bed.
ididit column, new custom seat cover and carpet. aftermarket gauges and tach.
LoPro Tuxedo tonneau cover.
All mechanical and electrical working as it should.
no leaks and all fluids renewed. does not burn any oil between changes.
currently burning 89 gas and getting about 11mpg.
Aplus tires, china off brand, they are 1 year old and very little wear, running 40psi and they seem to be holding up well, balance and run smooth,

I am pretty confident in the truck, still a little nervous about the trip, so this site is great in case i have problems i can get advice/help.
I will hang around Socal, go to Pomona swap meet, get my hood painted, then head back to florida later in summer/fall.
I will post on progress and appreciate any ideas, advice on planning trip. current route is I-10 west to dallas then to OKC, west I40 to flagstaff, then west to San Diego, not sure of that route yet.
Posting some photos, all comments thoughts appreciated.
AllanAttachment 1640372

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

Might want to catch Route 66 in OKC and go West on it. The old road is a great experience!

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

Get Triple A (AAA) Auto club roadside insurance, I have Premier RV Extra Wild Super-Dooper. And yes I have used it more than once. To me it has paid for itself. Especially when your driving through remote areas of the country.

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

great ideas , thanks all
i have AAA and free towing with my collector car policy.

I have done the 66 old road a few times, including in the 60's when it was part I 40 part 66. it is a great road.

thanks Allan

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

i tried to post more photos but can not load any more, maybe i need premium membership? to do this

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

thinking about switching the diff oil to synthetic, any thoughts on this?

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

you should be able to post more pictures in a new response. Just use the Go Advanced button below.
Cool truck and I would like to do a cross country trip also but as much as possible on Route 66 with my son.

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

When you get close to Dallas, look me up. I'm in a Fort Worth!

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

Nice looking truck. Good luck on your trip.

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

That's a Great Looking Truck... Good luck with your Road Trip....

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

I'm down the road from Pomona right now working. There is a big car show, cruise, burn outs, dyno etc. But it's $10 parking and $20 to get in. So I went to a local show in upland this AM. Nice cars there. :)

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

Pomona is fun, lots of original parts for sale, will look for some c10 stuff when there

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

Sounds like a fun trip. I want to drive my 65 out on Route 66 so bad. Just carry a few tools and have fun. Your truck ought to be the least of your worries. Looks great!

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

I want to do this trip too but I am afraid

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

yeah it is a little intimidating , the part that bothers me most is head winds,
due to the brick shape of the body, it really takes heads winds badly at 70mph. I am going to try and add a front spoiler before i leave.

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

If your heading for San Diego stay on the I-10 thru Tucson and about half way between Tucson and Phoenix hang a left on to I-8, this will take you straight into San Diego ;)

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

And you'll be happy to get off I-10 between Tucson and Pheonix as it is always bumper to bumper. :)

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

once i went west from Phoenix then there is a small highway south that ties into I-8, not to bad of a route.

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

ATTA-BOY !! Drive that thing and have fun. Lucky guy to be able to make that trip in a cool truck.

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

Right now I AM ENVIOUS! :) But happy for you. The reason I am envious is my truck is torn down to the frame right now. :) Much like you, once I get the truck back together the plan is to head west. Two years ago my wife and I took the Harley out to Sacramento on US50! Talk about an EPIC trip! Next time it will be in the '68 SW! I cannot wait.
We haven't been down south like you are planning but my plan is to do that someday.
I hope you will take pictures along the way and share them with us. Safe travels along the way!

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

took truck to my mechanic for service and full inspection, had A/C evacuated and charged, nice and cool now, all good!
except:
one rear lug bolt is stripped, tried several parts houses but can not find the correct one to replace? it has a 73 mckinnon canada 12 bolt with 3:07 gears.
the bolt is 1/2 X 20, but can not find one with the correct knurl size.
Allan

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

Very jealous.. Ive driven my truck on a few 800-1000 mile trips and love it! I like getting up before daylight and loading up my luggage and piling in my old truck to drive for hours. Wish I had a dollar for every thumbs up I recieve going down interstates! Its a lot of fun, youll enjoy it. Just be careful and watch all the texting and driving people..

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

My biggest problem is the people looking at my truck as they pass me on the road. They sometimes veer into my lane because they aren't paying attention to the Road! So keep a Eye out and enjoy your trip. Keep us posted as we ALL are Jealous and would like to ride along.

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

I gave up trying to add more photos so will try to add link here for pics on my photo bucket
you can copy/paste it to your browser

http://s958.photobucket.com/user/al1...?sort=3&page=1

Re: Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB
 

Can't parrot this enough. One time, I was on a backroad with my best friend and highcentered my F250 after sliding on the dirt. First tow truck we called wasn't heavy enough so they had to call a Topkick/Kodiak in...Would've been a $1000+ tow bill, all covered by my $120 membership to Triple A.