Florida to California Road Trip 1966 C10 SWB

[AnobleL74]

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.
Allan

[CRUZN66]

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

[The Rocknrod]

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.

[AnobleL74]

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

[AnobleL74]

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

[61Chevy454]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

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.

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.

[shp4man]

I wish I could drive my truck across the country. I think it would make it as long as it was kept under 65MPH.

[AnobleL74]

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

[Chevy Fleetside]

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.

[Clyde65]

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

[DPowers]

Nice looking truck. Good luck on your trip.

[gulfcoast66]

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

[The Rocknrod]

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.

[AnobleL74]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

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.

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

[urmyboyblue]

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!

[La Zona Imagery]

I want to do this trip too but I am afraid

[AnobleL74]

Originally Posted by La Zona Imagery

I want to do this trip too but I am afraid

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.

[Malo83]

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

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by Malo83

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

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

[zach_carver]

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..

[Indian113]

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.

[AnobleL74]

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

[pestwagon]

I can drive mine cross country anytime, the 200R4 (Bowtie Overdrive) and 3.73 posi wit a HO 350 crate motor gives me just about 15 mpg...Problem is comfort. Its too small a cab to ride cross country!

[Victweezy]

Originally Posted by pestwagon

I can drive mine cross country anytime, the 200R4 (Bowtie Overdrive) and 3.73 posi wit a HO 350 crate motor gives me just about 15 mpg...Problem is comfort. Its too small a cab to ride cross country!

I'm in the same boat, the cab is a little to tight for extended comfort. I'm thinking about pushing out the firewall a bit on the driver side so I can stretch my legs a bit before doing any sort of extended driving.

Have fun on your trip, and you have a great looking truck. Don't be scared to stop in Las Vegas on your way out or your way back. Great car scene out here, with a bunch of great desert iron.

[GMDad]

Originally Posted by Victweezy

I'm in the same boat, the cab is a little to tight for extended comfort. I'm thinking about pushing out the firewall a bit on the driver side so I can stretch my legs a bit before doing any sort of extended driving.

Have fun on your trip, and you have a great looking truck. Don't be scared to stop in Las Vegas on your way out or your way back. Great car scene out here, with a bunch of great desert iron.

Im the same way with my '65. I took and put a 1 1/2" piece of tubing under the front seat track mount to angle the seat a little more. I think it helped a little on the legs. I was wondering about removing the gas tank from the cab but it doesn't appear I will gain any more room by doing that.