Road Trip

[cscarlson]

I am preparing for a road trip to N.C. to visit my dad and sisters next month.. have been getting the' 80 corvette ready, found out last thursday that my air conditioner compressor and dryer are bad. have th air conditioner compressor on order , it had to be the one with the clutch assembly. should get it friday i think and then can get the air conditioning back up. still need to get tune-up/ transmissionn serviced/oil changed... any thing else i might be missing anyone can think of? my 18 yr. old son will be going with me, sorta a father and son trip, since he just turned 18 i want to spend a little quality time with him before he has other interests.

 

[77-4speed]

I'd check the power steering fluid and double check to make sure the radiator stays cool with the A/C blowing. Also, don't forget to take a small tool kit in case any "improvising" is needed.

Have fun,

Russ

 

[L82Dan]

Don't forget the positraction rearend! If you have never changed that fluid, you might want too! And don't forget the positration additive too! I know that many people have different views on the need to do this service, but I am a firm believer in doing it regularly. Check the spare for proper air inflation and be sure you have a good lug wrench in case of trouble. Other than that, have a great time!

Happy cruising and Save the Wave!

 

[cscarlson]

positivetraction fluid... does automatics have this and does garages know how to change it?

 

[77-4speed]

The posi additive goes in the rear end and yes, most shops "should" know how to change it. Just ask ahead of time to confirm.

Russ

 

[cscarlson]

Thanks for the advice. i will be traveling to N.C. around the 9th of august .. maybe i will see some of you. i have a pearl white ' 80 vette with ground effects package.

 

[RalleyRed]

Sounds like a great road trip!

Have fun.

Rick

 

[60w427]

Don't forget your duct tape, along with your other handful of tools. Tape works great for popped coolant hoses in a pinch.

 

[cscarlson]

got the a/c done and serviced, found the sway bar bolt broke, fixed it . tuned up/oil changed/ trans serviced/front end alignment done/ filters changed/ toolbag ready/ extra fluids ready/ . all i have to do is check fluids on vette before i go and wash/wax and clean/vac interior and am ready. i will leave utah on 9 august and head to N.C., not sure of the stops but have the map plotted and am getting excited to go.

 

[Dave L.]

Sounds like a great road trip to me.Drive safely.

Dave

 

[cscarlson]

Well at least we will ses parts of the country and get away and relax, am excited to take the corvette that far and am anxious to see how it does on such a long trip.

 

[69vettester]

keep your ear tuned to all your cars sounds, your car will tell you important things on long road trips. Im talking mostly about the drive line (power train). You will hear and feel changes when the components wear, dont worry, they dont just fail on you, you have lots of time to address any problems you may suspect are arising.
Sounds like a great trip..Have fun with the son
Tom

 

[Dave L.]

Thats the best thing you can do for your car.

dave

 

[Nut]

Carl, I agree with Dave. The best thing for her is to get out on the open road and drive. Enjoy the trip. I envy you. I've always wanted to take a run west with the '81. Maybe after I get these kids married off.

............ Nut

 

[cscarlson]

Me too. it's been five years since i have seen my dad.. last time was when my mom passed away. i am anxious to see how the vette preforms and also meet people. you know the corvettes on trips like these tend to attract people.. i will have to wax the vette too before i go i was looking at that yesterday, but i will wait until probably next week. i still have teenagers in the house and my 18 yr old son is going with me and he is excited because i am letting him drive the vette part way.

 

[sac001]

Sounds like a great trip, and like you are well prepared. Enjoy the vette and your son, and everything on the way.

When you get home, we'll want stories and pictures!

Enjoy,
Steve

 

[c4ever]

CS,
Enjoy what should be a beautiful drive. There are some great routes and roads and you couldn't ask for better company. I wish I had the time to make a trip out west myself with the 82. One day.

Carlo

 

[cscarlson]

I guess i might need to take the digital camera that takes snapshots so i can post them here when i get back, stories i hope. i wish i had other corvette bubbies here to go part of the way.

 

[sac001]

Let me know if you're coming thru Northeren VA, dinner is on me!

Steve

 

[cscarlson]

what part of virginia? i might just alter my route to meet another vette enthusiast.