I'm wondering how many of you will actually drive your Oldsmobiles to the nationals this year? Or do you prefer to dolley or trailer them? I'm planning to drive my SX to Reno in 2011 and want to plan my build with that in mind. Any collective wisdom out there? I've read some horror stories about near catastrophic failures on long hauls and would like to learn what I can. Thanks!

 

i drive mine. just make sure that your car is prepared. the biggest thing i see with these older cars on long hauls is the water pump going out. i think these cars sit so long without long hauls that people don't know the water pump was going bad. other than water pumps i have not seen anything big and luckily i have never had anything happen. just don't let your car sit in the garage for 4 years and get it out and take off for a long haul.

 

Mike, I'm driving mine from Phoenix back here to NY, then to the Nats in July. Hopefully I'll be back in Phoenix by 2011, so perhaps we can caravan.

 

I personally trailer my Olds when travelling 100 miles or more. The comment from jensenracing77 hit the nail on the head. I drove to a show just a little over 100 miles around 10 years ago and my water pump let go about 60 miles from home. Late Sunday afternoon, 95 degrees, humid, and nowhere to find a waterpump. So call AAA, pay lots of cash, and tow it home. All fixed by late the Monday after, but painful memories remain to today.
If you drive your Olds on a regular basis, you're probably fine. But, the insurance with a tow vehicle is nice to have. I will be there this year with my Olds in tow.

 

It doesn't take a lot to overheat a 455 in an Arizona summer (100 plus degrees), so the cooling system will get close attention. Tom, hope your drive from AZ to NY went well, let me know when you get back to AZ.
My other car is an F-150 so I guess I could always dolley it to Reno.

 

Not there, just yet, Mike. Planning on the drive the end of June. Heading back to AZ next weekend to work on the car some more.

 

I love to drive on long trips in an old car. Sure there is the chance to have an issue but stuff can happen in newer cars too.

That being said I am trailering mine to Columbus OH this Summer. Not because I am worried about not making it but I can carry the BBQ, the daughter's wagon, a big tent ect ect. I don't have time off to risk something setting me back so it will be load up haul *** there stay for the weekend show and haul *** home.

 

That must be keeping you busy working on your "new" truck as well

 

Richard,

Very smart move on your part. One of the best things I did was to buy an enclosed trailer to haul my car if I was going to an event further than 75 to 100 miles away. Now, if my car breaks down, I can get it and myself home without the added stress of "what is this going to cost"?

Les

 

Richard
How is the new truck coming BTW?

 

Nothing to work on really 207K mile Cummins is not even broke in yet. New owner of my old truck is flying in Wednesday and its off to Boston for its new rusty life.

 

drove my 76 Toronado from Miami to Bowling Green KY for 07 nationals and drove the 75 88 convertible from Miami to Dearborn for the 08 nationals by way of Smokey Mountains, both trips awesome and no problems. Of course they are a bit newer than yours but still 33+ years old is old.

Custom Cruiser is daily driver now and heat down here is ridiculous but extra special attention paid to cooling system and A/C