[jyl]

I'd definitely do the trip. Sounds like a lot of fun.

Not sure about the car's reliability - that's your call, sounds like you are a good mechanic though, so if you bring tools, your AAA card, and Pelican's phone # you should be ready. Weren't there some good threads once on "what tools for a cross-country trip"?

I'd personally bring stuff for minimalist camping (small tent, sleeping bag, ground cloth, etc) and a list of campsites along the way. Waking up next to a bright stream or a mountain meadow is going to be a lot more inspiring than waking up in some dirty motel by the truck stop - and a lot cheaper. Also a small cooler that's driven off the cigarette lighter ($60-90: search "Koolatron" or similar) so I could get inexpensive, healthy food and drink from grocery stores rather than eat Denny's and McDonalds for thousands of miles. I'd also want the car to have a decent stereo, to carry plenty of music and audiobooks. With that preparation, I'd be a happy camper!