[Bill Stoneberg]

Why do they think you are crazy, after all the cars when they were just cars (not collectable cars) went everywhere. If you check everything and make sure you everything is in good order, it should be no big deal, just an enjoyable drive.
A couple of suggestions, you should have some extra parts (belts, hoses etc.) to be safe. You wont find a belt for your coupe at the local NAPA. Also stay off the interstates it is much more fun that way. HAve a cell phonme and triple A and you should be set to go. Enjoy the trip.
We are looking forward to seeing you and your car in Iowa.

[BJM]

Originally Posted by papaw

I am hoping some others from the area will be going as like you said alittle insurance on the way. This old car has never left the state of Michigan and some think I am alittle crazy to take it. Maybe after the trip I will agree with them or maybe we will all be amazed. I will be going over everything this winter, hoses, tune-up, bearings,etc...

No not crazy at all. I remember Pat Brooks drove his 40 Buick from Iowa to Dallas Texas in July a few years back for the BCA National and there is some serious heat involved there.

Old cars are no less reliable. I have driven some worn out Buicks across long stretches of the western US when the next town is 50 plus miles away and may only have 100 people.

[TxBuicks]

I wouldn't tinker with the old car too much. I learned my lesson in 1994. In 1993 I drove a 1966 Skylark convertible to the Phoenix Nationals pulling a pop-up camper. We went to the Grand Canyon before and had a nice vacation. I did nothing to the car before I left, just hooked up the camper and started driving. No problems. The 1994 Nationals were to be held in Atlanta. I started over-thinking and decided to 'fix' a few things before I left for that trip. I replaced the points, plugs, wires, alternator, hoses, painted the engine, etc. before I left. Well, the new alternator went out after the first 100 miles, causing me to change it on the road. On the second day (July 4th) the new points went out. I was stranded on the side of the road. Miraculously, an old mechanic rescued me, took me to his garage, found a new set of points and installed them for me. The next day the new lower water hose was too close to the fan belt and the belt rubbed a hold in it, spraying hot engine coolant all over my freshly painted engine. It seems like I had heating problems every day after that. The moral of the story is that, although it is good to be cautious, sometimes it is best to leave things alone. These old Buicks are strong and will run forever with minimal maintenance. Be confident in that.

[papaw]

TxBuick, I understand what you are saying and agree to some point, but this car has not been on the road since the 60's. Things like greasing wheel bearings etc... I believe really need to be looked at. Lower radiator hose is hard as a rock, and cracked,as are the heater hoses. Wiper blades are shot, and would like to be able to see if it rains. Mostly rubber items from age as I really don't want to be looking for parts on the road. My brother is joining me and he will be 79 years young and knows how to keep these old Buicks ticking so we hope for a great trouble free trip. Hope to see you there.