Monterrey to Tampa Bay Roadtrip!

[Hotdgr]

Hi everybody. This is my first post on this site. I've been "watching and learning from the sidelines" until now. I asked around some other sites and got some great feedback, but thought I would tap into the collective wisdom and experience of you guys as well. Here's the deal: I am flying out to Monterrey, CA on Jan. 11 to pick up a '71 914 1.7L FI with the intent of driving it back to Tampa Bay (approx. 3000 mi.) basically taking the I-10 southern route. I plan on taking about a week, but have some flexibility in my schedule to take longer (either to account for any problems or to enjoy some of the local flavor and scenery along the way!) I would like some advice from any of you that have done something similar as to what I should bring, where I should go along the way, what I can expect, and anything else I should take into consideration. Should be an adventure, eh? I look forward to your replies.
Thanks, "Hotdogger"

[hardflex]

I would check the fuel lines carefully for deteriorated hose so no leaks might develop, change the fuel filter if there was any question, and clean all the fuses and contacts, including the ones on the relay board. Take an allen wrench that will tighten the CV Joint bolts and of course, a cell phone and your AAA card just in case. If the weather's good, take the top down and use sunscreen.


Take the Coast Hwy down to Santa Monica, then the 10 East. I've done the drive from LA to Dallas many times, and if I have a lilttle extra time, will do the 15 to the 40 thru Flagstaff and Grants, NM because I like the views better. You can even stop in Las Vegas or Laughlin if you want to do a little gambling, or get a cheap breakfast and/or buffet. I'll usually do that in Mesquite or Stateline because I like to avoid the crowds. Southern Utah is also great to drive thru, the Grand Staircase in good weather would be great with the top down, but this time of year, snow and ice may be a consideration. But the views and the wide open spaces are pretty spectacular.

If the car is running good, I wouldn't hesitate to get off the interstate during the daylight and take some of the state hiways in NM or AZ, they're all good roads, and you get a good feel for rural America. Look to work your way southward from Grants NM down towards White Sands, east thru the mountains to Lubbock, and down to the 20.

Not much to see in Texas, and the 10 from New Orleans to Fla seems like 1 long tunnel thru the trees, so you don't see much. Maybe a little more scenic on the 20 to Atlanta, then down.

Take some headphones and your favorite music to get you thru the long stretches without much to see......

Barring troubles from the car, I think you'll have a fun trip. Good Luck!

[Hotdgr]

Thanks Hardflex, AWESOME reply. I'm copying all this stuff down. If anybody else has input I would love to hear it. Thanks again, Bob

[SGB]

I'm replying on the 914club post you made about this trip. Wheeeee!

[lews930]

take a fire extinguisher or two

good luck