Considering driving Portland to Dallas, and back...

[toddetch]

I posted this in the 911 Technical Forum, and someone suggested I post it here...

So, we're getting ready to travel to Dallas to see my family for the first time post-COVID. My dad hasn't seen my 1980 911 SC Targa that I acquired in 2017 since it is not viable for my mom to travel up here. I'm considering driving down for this visit, and of course back. I considered shipping one direction, but it is both cost and time-prohibitive since there are no direct routes between Portland and Dallas.

If I do this, my 17-year-old daughter is saying she will go with me on the way. I don't see the point in doing it if I just drive on Interstates the whole way, so I'll be mapping out the smaller roads and highways, which will add a bit of time to the trip.

This brings me to the things I am considering and my request for input from other Pelicans:

• Obviously, I'll do an oil change before, and ship supplies to my parents' house for an oil change there.
• I'll pack jack stands, extra oil, drive belt, etc. - anything more esoteric I should consider?
• I'm considering routes that will take me through Oregon (obviously), southern Idaho, northern and eastern Utah, western Colorado, and possibly Wyoming and southern and western Montana.

• Do you have any favorite drives or routes you would be open to sharing?
• On my return, when I am by myself, would you be interested in meeting me for one of the drives?
• Are there other things I haven't considered?

If you want to reply to me directly, of course, a PM is welcome and I'll be happy to send you my email as well.

Thanks!

Todd

[Chocaholic]

Why change oil upon arrival in Dallas? Seems excessive. You didn’t mention it but, plenty of tools (40+ year old car could bring surprises). Guessing you thought of that. Going to be hot, humid weather as you head south...

[Fast Freddy 944]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Why change oil upon arrival in Dallas? Seems excessive. You didn’t mention it but, plenty of tools (40+ year old car could bring surprises). Guessing you thought of that. Going to be hot, humid weather as you head south...

Been raining in DFW for the past 2 weeks, lots of skeeters out, west nile warnings going up round the metro plex, and the humidity is high, but that will change back to hot and dry, just how I like it.

[Steve Carlton]

I'd just find a good place to change the oil in Dallas if you need to. Are you running synthetic?

How's the AC in your car? What about going in the fall?

[rusnak]

You can cut down on some of the common tools by carrying a credit card and a AAA membership.

I would consider a sat phone.

Road flares, a small air compressor, bulbs, fuses, tire plug kit, front wheel bearings and steel punch, tube of grease, water, some sort of emergency food, blanket, extra batteries and flashlight, maybe an oil pressure switch but if you need one you're screwed, make sure the jack and spare are working, a rain poncho, and of course a camera for great pictures.

[Scott Douglas]

I'd clean and pack the front wheel bearings if you haven't done them in the time you've owned your car.
Does your car use oil?
If so, pack the appropriate amount to cover the usage to/from. I wouldn't change oil in Dallas, I'd expect to be able to make that round trip on the fresh oil upon departure.
I wouldn't pack jack stands either. Use that space for more tools if you really think there's going to be a problem.
I hate being dependent on other people if/when I have a problem, so I'd check the tires/brakes/wipers etc before leaving to help insure I don't have a problem.
@rusnak's list is a good one. We all like pictures. =:>)

[Seahawk]

Todd, please take this in the spirit in which it is intended: Don't take your daughter with you in the SC unless you have ungraded the a/c.

It sounds like a great idea, and in the Spring or Fall it would be, but regardless of your route, the last 1000 miles will be awful. Trust me, you'll want to breakdown to ride in the air conditioned comfort of the flat bed truck that picks you up.

I've done the drive in an SC in the summer. Never again unless it had a/c enhancements.

If you go, drive solo and carry a lot of water. There are some really incredible roads along the way.

Enjoy.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I agree with Paul, if you don’t have effective AC then it will quickly become miserable. Otherwise it sounds like an awesome trip!

[GH85Carrera]

As I said in the other thread, do not bother changing oil until you get back. Just a was of time and money to do it under 6,000 miles unless you are driving at 6,000 RPM all the time.

Working AC is a must or you will be miserable. My AC works great, and I forget how bad factory AC at peak condition was. With no AC you will really sweat a lot.

Check all the simple things, fan belts, windshield wipers, tires, brakes and wheel bearings.

Rocky Mountain National park is kinda on the way, and really nice that time of year. If you get to Oklahoma City area and have time to stop for a meal, let me know. I always like to meet up with traveling Pelicans.

[Tobra]

I would suggest you line up some help along the way, just in case.

I am in Sacramento area, there are certainly a number of Pelicans along your route if anything comes up

We are going to have to have a road trip thread with photos.

US 395 is a good way to go South

[RANDY P]

Antifreeze

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by RANDY P

Antifreeze

And power steering fluid!

An air compressor, tire plugs, a can of fix a flat. Likely if your car is full of luggage and tools there is simply no place to put a flat tire if you use the collapsible spare.

I am in Oklahoma City, and have an air conditioned garage with a scissor lift if you need help.

[Steve Carlton]

[RANDY P]

On a serious note, I'd pack a spare CDI.

No joke. If that goes, you're SOL until you literally find another one, and who knows how long that will take.

rjp

[RANDY P]

EDIT: relays too. Red one for FP.

rjp

[pwd72s]

Bingo on the CDI...(edit) even when not on a road trip, it's good to have a spare.

[jamesnmlaw]

roughly map your route and ask the board for good P car wrenches along the way

[gtc]

It's a targa... no need for AC unless it's 95+ degrees and you're going slow.

[jamesnmlaw]

Originally Posted by jamesnmlaw

roughly map your route and ask the board for good P car wrenches along the way

Another suggestion: pay the $150 or so for AAA premier membership that provides free towing for 100 miles. How do I know? Dead fuel pump on the Land Rover on Easter Sunday about 4pm, 30 miles east of Pie Town, I think just after Datil and almost to the Very Large Array. AAA driver towed us to Santa Fe. More than 100 miles but he said his family was all dead and he had nothing else to do on Easter Sunday. It was a quiet ride.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by gtc

It's a targa... no need for AC unless it's 95+ degrees and you're going slow.

Yea, right.....

You have never sat in a car for hours in hot humid weather. 90 degrees and 65% humidity and full sun. BTDT, I drove a 74 914 2.0 for 26 years and it had no AC. I did long road trips at night often just to avoid the excess heat.