Good afternoon all!

So the wife and I are are going to take a trip in late July to California. We're going to go to San Diego first, then LA to visit family and sight see. We want to drive and our daughter will be 13 months old when we go.

I'm seriously thinking about driving "Morty", however, I'm always worried that a car that's nearly 30 years old might let me down. The last thing I need is to be stuck on an LA freeway or out in the desert with a wife and baby.

On the other hand, I've pretty much serviced the car myself from end to end, have the 125 mile towing with Hagerty, AAA, and plenty of tools and spare parts in the trunk. If I were to do it, I would also get the car checked out before leaving. I rarely deal with mechanics, but I would have one I know and trust check it out.

Anyway, I don't think it would give me any problems, but I'm a bit of a worrywart (in case no one noticed). I've driven it from here to Sedona (120mi) several times. We'll probably drive to Tucson for the long weekend.
It sure beats the wife's Matrix.

So I guess I would like some opinions and advice on what to do. My areas of concern are the following:

1. Transmission: Supposedly rebuilt in 2007, but I didn't get any documentation from the PO when I bought it in 2008. A mechanic remarked that it looked too clean on the outside to be original. Fluid looks fine one year after changing it, filter and gasket. Seems to behave fine.

2. Radiator: Replaced by PO in 2007. Have receipt, but the brand is unknown. I've pressure tested it and found no issues, but you never know.

3. Starter: No issues, but it looks old. I think it's from a starter rebuild shop. I've never had one go out on me, so I have no idea what the warning signs are. Slow cranking? I have a rebuilt spare I could take, but that's a pain.

3. Ignition: I'm pretty sure I have the original HEI coil and module. I took them out and inspected them. They look fine. I cleaned and greased the bottom of the module with white THERMAL grease. I replaced the rotor, cap, and button. I cleaned the connectors on the coil, too. I always have a spare coil and module, so I guess this is a non-issue.

4. Electronics: I've never had a problem with the CCC, but in my years of IT and general computer tinkering, electronics either work or don't. Are the GM computers prone to failure?

So I know this is a mouthful and I'm sure I'm worrying more than I need to, but I would appreciate any advice/suggestions anyone has.

Have a great weekend!

 

The Olds show is in RENO at the end of JULY...make a detour

 

if you are at all concerned about the 98 letting you down,then don't take it,it would not be a very relaxing vacation if you spend every mile stressed out over it.

 

Henry! I'd say you are taking the necessary precautions, and having it checked out prior to departure by a qualified technician would be the smart thing to do. YES, you will be so close, run on over to Reno for the OCA Nationals, and enter that big beast! We have been driving our stable of Oldsmobile's to the Nationals every year since '99. We had an ignition problem once on the Silver Bullet (repaired on the side of the highway by fellow caravaners with knowledge to do so), a slow leaking tire on CCR, w/replacement at Discount Tire under their warranty, and the A/C compressor go out on Big Red. Not bad for about 20K of road miles, especially with all the smiles/thumbs ups you get from other travelers. I say go for it!!!!!
Aron

 

Drive it! You'll enjoy the trip; and those big cars were designed for the highway. I had 300,000 on mine when I sold it and I wouldn't have hesitated for a second to drive it from here to Vegas. Pack your suitcase, grab your wife (or girlfriend; but not both) and away you go. The 200R4 is a good tranny, starter shouldn't be an issue and it's easy to get to on that car, Dist and parts with spares? Great! If it will make you feel better, take along a small socket set and some common screwdrivers. Morty will not let you down.

 

I'm sure you will be fine.

one bit of advice is to NOT do any work on the car within a few days of departure. all work is to be completed days in advance and some miles are to be put on before you leave. many times when working on your car a bolt or hose clamp isn't tightened quite right or a brand new part fails within a few short miles of installation. Better to have it shake down around the neighborhood then halfway between here and there.

 

Very good point! Thanks and thanks everyone! I really appreciate everyone's input. I'll have to take some pictures from the road.