Early 911 Road Trip 2007

[Jim Richards]

My wife and I are one week away from starting a road trip to Colorado and New Mexico in our 1973 911E. We're heading out early on May 10th, and are planning on returning on May 27th (knock on wood).

Here's the route we're planning on taking for the journey out West. Note: the balloons correspond to waypoints, not travel days.



The return route is still a work in progress and I'll post it here as it begins to gel.

Using a lot of the advice previously presented here by various Pelican road warriors, such as RoninLB, and from previous discussions with Grady Clay, I'm collecting a cache of spare parts that I hope we really won't need to use. The list of spares includes, for example:

MFI fuel pump (used)
coil
plug wires
dizzy cap & rotor
Pertronix Ignitor
alternator belt
clutch cable and clevis pin (I have the upgraded clevis)
relays
oil filter & crush washers
light bulbs and fuses

We'll also carry a tool bag, coveralls, gloves and shop towels, cell phones, Blackberry, laptop, handheld CB radio, GPS, and our AAA and credit cards.

I'll try to fill in more details in the coming days. Maybe we'll get a chance to see/meet some of you while we're running amok across America!

[pgrunwald]

http://www.fiestadelporsche.com/
http://www.roadrunner-region-pca.org/calend.htm#may

May 24th - 27th Albuquerque

[Gearbox]

Kudos, you're a braver man than I. I hope your in good stead with your wife.....it may be a long trip in more ways than one lol. Good luck Allan

[EarlyPorsche]

Jim that sounds like an amazing trip. With all of those high end valuables, be sure to think about security everywhere you go. Not one second should the car be left alone and unlocked. At nights I would literally empty all personal belongings into the hotel rooms too.

[Scooter]

I did a similar trip last year in my '70 911T. I loved every second of the time I spent behind the wheel. I didn't even know the car when I picked it up in Ohio and drove it back to Washington; taking the long way through the SouthWest. You appear to be a lot more prepared than I was, and everything turned out okay for me; a couple glitches, but I worked them out. Just enjoy the drive and be safe.

[gumby]

Just enjoy the drive . I'm jealous!

[Brorag]

RoninLB here in the Smokeys


just got down here last night. Waiting out some rain before both of us
take our rides out west.



we just want to get out west, dodge weather, ride our asses off, and catch some wildlife before the early spring is over. I think you should hit the cities after the west. There can be a noticable difference in only 2 weeks of when the animals break from the winter and get chased back by tourists. A fresh valley without snow will have the first new buds that the animals have to come to.

anyway Brorag has a laptop and we'll be on line here with a new thread so it would be a kick to meet up.

[724doorE]

Great deal Jim Have a blast !

[johndglynn]

Whenever we go off on a long trip, I stick a credit card and spare ignition key in a ziplock bag and duck tape it somewhere safe about the car. Just gives me a little extra peace of mind.

Nothing better than extended seat time on new roads in a 911, happy trails Jim. Looking forward to the pics to come

[Jim Richards]

Thanks guys. My wife (Lu) is pretty tolerant, as long as her seat is comfortable enough for the trip. She's ridden in the Recaro Pole Positiions for a couple of hours and pronounced them better than the other seats we've had in the car. She also doesn't care for A/C, which we don't have! So, hopefully the marriage will be intact when this adventure is all over. It will also help in that she's getting to see her family when we are in Denver.

pgrunwald, thanks for the info. Unfortunately, we're expecting to leave Albuquerque on the 23rd to start our trek back home. I'm looking forward to seeing pics here of what we missed!

Hey Ron! We might make it your way on the trip home. I'll post the route here when we decide what it is.

[t6dpilot]

Jim, looks like your trip takes you through my backyard - Chicago area. If you have time when you come through, give me a call and we can have dinner, drinks, lunch, or just check out my cars if you wish. PM'd you with my cell #.

[RSBob]

If you can, post a travelogue of your journey along the way. Always great to follow along. Safe travels.

[naparsei]

Don't forget Santa Fe! You're just 1 hour away (Albuquerque).

[mountain14er]

Also be sure to drive some fun Colorado mountain roads. Don't just cruise south on I-25.

[emf1600]

Originally posted by johndglynn
Whenever we go off on a long trip, I stick a credit card and spare ignition key in a ziplock bag and duck tape it somewhere safe about the car. Just gives me a little extra peace of mind.

Having lost my wallet last Labor Day weekend while visiting friends in Detroit, I have to second the motion on this.

The spare credit card and $20 bill in the glovebox of my car was all the money I had until the banks reopened on Tuesday...I would have been completely screwed if I hadn't done this.

[barney911rs]

Jim,

I would have said to swing by Mid-Ohio, but you are leaving to soon and will be past there the weekend of the 12th. NOR is having a DE that weekend. I would have driven up there to meet you. Barney is coming apart for the new suspension, so it won't be out very soon.

For something different, I'd suggest taking a southern route back. Sounds like a fun trip. I wish you all the best.

[goat]

Originally posted by RSBob
If you can, post a travelogue of your journey along the way. Always great to follow along. Safe travels.

Dito on this too. they are always a great read, and with pics. Good luck, Wish I had a road trip planned.

[Jim Richards]

Scott, we'll be hanging around Chicago on Sat., May 12th with the local p-car guys. I'll give you a call when we get into town.

Rick, I hope to update the travelogue here a few times a day, maybe more if the Blackberry (T-Mobile) has service.

naparsei, we're planning on a day trip in Santa Fe. We always enjoy going there.

mountain14er, we'll do a little mountain driving while we're in Denver. And there's that day on the track at La Junta (May 19th)!

John, I'm dying to get back to Mid-Ohio. It's a great track.

[Jim Richards]

This afternoon, I hardwired in the radar detector (V1) and its remote display. I also wired in the iPod interface to the power amp (radio deleted on my car) and also wired in an Aux Power plug to charge cell phones, or the handheld CB radio.

[mjshira]

if you come lower through Indiana you are welcome to stay at my place.