300 Mile, 6.5 hr trip. CLC Fall Festival

[Logan Robb]

I am strongly contemplating going to the CLC Fall Festival at the Gilmore Car Museum. With the feature being 63/64 Cadillacs, I am not sure I could miss it! Worse comes to worse, I could always bring my 2020 CT6 Premium Luxury as it is an all GM show for the CLC. However, I really want to bring my 64 Fleetwood, I'll likely haul it. ALTHOUGH, I am contemplating potentially DRIVING IT. This would be the longest trip I will have taken in it by far. When I purchased it, I drove it approximately 3 hrs home on the interstate and it did just fine. This is about double that as I would like to take my time getting there and avoiding the interstates. 

IF I were to drive it, what are some surefire things you would ABSOLUTLEY do before attempting such an adventure?

I have a "new" trans to go in from Jason. That will be going in next weekend, FINALLY!

After that, I am looking for tires. Thinking of purchasing the Surtrack tires I see online. I am open to suggestions but want something in the 1.25"-1.5" WW radials. I don't want to spend $2,000 on tires, otherwise, I'd get some nice Coker's or Diamondbacks. 

Then a mild brake refresh. I have drums that need to be turned and then new cylinders and a brake bleed. 

No HVAC in my 64. That is a project that wouldn't be wrestled before the fall festival. Hopefully there is no snow or freezing weather in late September, otherwise it'll be a chilly ride there and back!

I am thinking maybe I should refresh some of the front end components, but I am unsure if that is something I have time to complete nor am I for sure what I have and would still need parts wise. 

Pending ALL of that, what else would you check before driving? Normal maintenance would be done like oil change and top up all fluids. And checks at all service stations of course. 

Again, I'll PROBABLY haul it. But maybe I'll drive it. Maybe. 

Thanks all, 

Logan Robb

1964 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special

[Jason Edge]

My two recommendations would be to just get out there and just drive it ... a lot, locally. When our cars sit for a long time (sadly like mine in the last couple of years), and we suddenly drive it, that is when things pop up.  On a related note, I would probably not do a major upgrade or replacement project if the item you are replacing is in reasonably good condition.   If on the other hand the tires are old and/or slick, transmission is really slipping (I forget the issues with yours, and other items you really want working like headlights, tail lights, wipers, etc. You will want to take care of those.  For seals and things that just tend to wear over time I would leave alone until you get back unless they are really bad condition.  Murphy's law says if you go do a lot of upgrade/replacement work right before your long trip, something is going to come up before, during or after the installation/replacement.  Back to my first point, I would just get out there and drive mine everyday, locally for a few weeks, and see what you might want to or need to address before your road trip.  I think you drive yours quite often so this is more a general recommendation for anyone.  

[Logan Robb]

A great point indeed. I do drive mine quite a bit, an no major issues lately (minus the transmission). 

If I get the transmission swapped in, that will be the largest problem hopefully solved. The brakes are 75%. Im not used to ALL drum brakes on a 5500 lb car, so with that, I'm probably worrying about those more than I should. 

I know the bowden cable for turn signals is broken. I have troubleshot that and looking for one of those as TS are certainly needed. 

I think you're right, I am just going to keep driving it, address what I can and be happy with it! I know the tires are out of round, so those should certainly be new before the trip. 

[Chris Codd]

I drive mine all the time and it's an extremely reliable car. If I let it sit for any extended period of time, that's when I seem to run into issues. I run Diamondback radials and I absolutely love the way that they ride. I keep a little suitcase tool chest in the trunk and some basic emergency stuff as well as the full sized spare and some extra oil and that should be all you really need for a road trip. These cars love the open road. Forget about that trailer and simply enjoy it. 

[Logan Robb]

Im really leaning this way. May give the front end a once over, check the rear diff, grease and lube, oil change and head off. Really looking to get new tires before then. That might be the largest items I tackle. 

Instead of stressing for a show that is the CLC GN, I might as well just enjoy it. Then I can plan a GN and ready the car for that in the future. 

[CHRIS CARLSON]

Logan, I would add replace your brake hoses when you replace your wheel cylinders and pack your front wheel bearings.Give the car  a good look over from front to back & address anything that needs attention before your road trip.

[Logan Robb]

It actually has new brake hoses already! I thought my cylinders were good last time I was in there, so I didnt replace them. But I had the hoses. Oh well. 

I have not lost any break fluid as of late, so they might be OK. Worth looking over again while I am there. 

100% will grease the bearings.