Poll: Drive or Haul

[Guest James Conkwright]

I cant make up my mind on this issue! I have taken my '50 to the past 5 national meets but have hauled it to each one. The engine was totally rebuilt 4,000 miles ago and has never had any problems since. The dynaflow transmission is original and has never had a problem. The car has 44,000 original miles. My question is: Should I drive my car the 2,400 miles to Seattle or hault it? I figure this will be my only chance to drive across the country and it sounds like alot of fun. For those who know me they know Im young enough to where it wont kill me! It will also cut in half the amount of gas I will use.I figure If I do it I will need an extra fuel pump, water pump, belts, and fluids. Please post your thoughts. And yes I know Buicks were meant to be driven but this is a long haul! I usually only haul if Im more than 3 hours away.

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

James, given the condition of the car and if you have the time....definitley drive it. You may want to add a distributor with new points and condensor and possibly a starter and a few light bulbs to your spare parts package though. You didn't mention the brakes. You do want to be able to stop when you get there. There may very well be a Buick convoy formed and heading toward Seattle you could join.

I feel hypocritical telling you this as I am planning on flying out, but things have sorta gotten in the way of my getting my 54 Buttercup ready for the cross country drive. (Plus financial considerations)

[Mark Shaw]

Definately drive it to the meet! This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity to really enjoy a vacation with your car. The extra parts already mentioned should be enough if you have serviced the wheel & axle bearings and keep a copy of the BCA directory with you. BCA members across the country are more than willing to help get you going again.

I followed in the "trouble truck & trailer" for the Seattle to Rochester caravan last summer, and except for an unavailable wheel bearing that put a 41 sedanette on my trailer, anyone with a problem got it fixed in less than half a day!

[Bill Stoneberg]

James,

Drive it... Whats the worst that can happen ? You get stuck someplace and have to rent a trailer to get home ? Think of it as an adventure.

There may be a caravan to Texas cars going. I have no details yet, but you are welcome to join up. More as we see if that really happens.

If you want to try for your Gold this year, we can talk on what was found on your car in Rochester....

Bill

[Guest my3buicks]

James, after seeing your car a couple times, and talking with you a few times, I get the feeling that if any car is ready or will be ready for a road trip it would be yours. Remember, these are OLD cars and things CAN happen and DO sometimes, but then again, how many times have you seen NEW cars on the berm - same scenerio, new cars CAN and DO have things happen. Aim that bombsite toward the State of Washington and enjoy an adventure and a throw back to the past.

[Guest James Conkwright]

Hi Bill. I tried your email and it bounced back. Sure I'd like to discuss things I could do to get a Gold. You know I'm not all about that but it would be nice. If you think I can get a Gold without spending a whole lot of money I would be interested in trying it. I know getting a jack will get me 5 points! Let me know what you think I need. I know my door panels and healiner aren't wool and I'm not going to go about changing all of that, nor will I take out the carpet. I would put a rubber mat in the front if I could find one. As far as the engine...I guess I need an original battery and original style hose clamps. Radial tires knock me a few points but Im not changing those either. I personally think its crazy for the BCA to dock for radial tires. I agree that they should dock points if you have a cheap walmart radials but correct width whitewall radials should be ok. Thats a whole other debate though. Anything else you can think of off hand? Email me. MonteCarloMan71@aol.com

P.S. Whats going on with the woodie? My 58 Cadillac Conv is making progress. Its been painted 2years but still in a million pieces. You know how that is. Will you be at the BCA Board Meeting in Nashville? I plan on going and plan on taking the '50. We could go over it there.

[Centurion]

James, few things in life sound more exciting to me than the prospect of a cross-country drive in your '50 Special. We all know that gas prices will probably never become cheaper again than they are in 2007, and who really knows what the future holds? Here's an opportunity to do something you've always dreamed of doing, and the road from Kentucky to Seattle is an incredible slice of American history and geography. We live in a remarkable country, and I know that I'd love a chance to see it through the windshield of a 1950 Buick.

When my wife and I drove our '59 Buick from Seattle to Flint and back in 2003, we were joined by a 1931 Buick 96C, a 1941 Roadmaster sedan, a 1947 Special sedan, a 1952 Super convertible, and a 1953 Special. These straight-8 Buicks made the entire journey without missing a beat. At the end of each day's adventure, I'd pull into the hotel, and that majestic 1931 Buick was always sitting there under the portico, arriving well ahead of me. I've got to think that the folks who were driving these Buicks were having more fun than the ones who trailered their cars.

James, please keep us posted on your plans, and let us know if there's anything we can do to help you make this trek.

By the way, many of you will remember Gary Klecka from the Anchorage, Alaska area. Gary drove his unrestored '55 Roadmaster from Anchorage to Seattle to Flint and back with us in 2003 (10,000-miles). Gary's car will be the featured photo on the 2007 National Meet program. I heard from Gary last Friday, and he's eager to point the old Roadmaster toward Seattle once again this summer.

[Bhigdog]

What's with all the spares? Everyone didn't drive around with a trunk full of spares when their cars were daily drivers. Make sure the tires and brakes are good. Give it a new tune up, oil change, fluid check and lube job, pack your tool box, shop manual and away you go. I would reccommend a membership in AAA and BCA though and a current copy of the BCA roster........Bob.

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's with all the spares? Everyone didn't drive around with a trunk full of spares when their cars were daily drivers. Make sure the tires and brakes are good. Give it a new tune up, oil change, fluid check and lube job, pack your tool box, shop manual and away you go. I would reccommend a membership in AAA and BCA though and a current copy of the BCA roster........Bob. </div></div>

But there were parts stores with parts and "Service Stations" to help locate and install them. Besides they should all fit in a period correct suitcase obtainable at most Salvation Army/Potterh House stores for a few bucks. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Guest my3buicks]

Besides they should all fit in a period correct suitcase obtainable at most Salvation Army/Potterh House stores for a few bucks. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Here's the idea except from the late 60's early 70's era

[59 98]

Drive it, definately. Just like you said, here's your chance to do a cross country in your 50. Couldn't get any better.

Matt

[Robberbach]

Drive her James. Wish I could go with you. Summer schedule has not been posted yet. Maybe we'll see. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Guest imported_Thriller]

James,

Good luck with your decision...I'm trying to come to the same conclusion. To further complicate things for me, I don't own my own trailer (at present anyway) and we will be visiting with family in Oregon after the meet. For me, if I drive the Wildcat, we'll probably also drive the Rainier...even if there are issues, we'd arrive in a Buick.

I've got to keep pondering, but a discussion with Suzanne today led to a possible need for a trailer for another reason...a good car hauler would suit that need too...hmm.

[Guest]

Drive it by all means. My Pontiac is my daily driver and has been since 1959. I drive it an average of a thousand miles a month about 50/50 city and highway. I was to Alberta, Washington, and Oregan last year (individual trips to each place). It takes me 3 1/2 days to San Fransisco from home. The only spares I carry are points, condenser, cap and rotor. By the way I always carry an old set of points and condenser that I took out of the car. Twice in 480,000 miles I have bought and installed a new condenser only to find it defective.

I have no problem driving all day at 55 mph but with your Buick you should be able to drive 20 mph over any speed limit in North America and do it forever.

Cars were made to be driven. Over the years I have noticed that the cars that have the most problems on a tour are those that are driven the least.

[50jetback]

James,

DRIVE, make it a holiday. I restored my 1950 so I would have a modern car ( well you know what I mean ) to cover the longer distances. Admitedly I freighted mine halfway to our last National Meet but that was more to do with time factors than anything else. Even so I travelled over 3000 miles and found it effortless. These cars love to be driven and seem to run better when used every day instead of being parked up and used every 2 or 3 weeks.

Spares? I carry fluids, oil, tranny oil, water etc and a good tool kit. During the last National Meet I needed to replace an exhaust manifold gasket, a quick phone call to a club member who had spares saw one overnighted and had it installed the next day. You find many people anxious to help as soon as you lift the bonnet ( sorry, hood ). I don't think you will fit to many spares in that boot ( did it again, sorry, trunk ) of yours, once that big spare tyre goes in there's not a lot of room for luggage ( see attached photo ). One mistake I have made is not purchasing an original jack yet. I carry a bottle jack, that's fine for the front wheels but if you need to remove a rear wheel the bottle jack only lifts the wheel off the ground. Without an original bumper jack you need a second jack to lift the body higher so you can get the wheel out from behind the fender.

I highly recommend travelling as a group, what you people call a caravan. This way you always have help if required and nice people to have a quiet beer with and tell tall tales to after a long days drive. In 2003 I joined the North Cascade Chapter and travelled from Seattle to Flint, this rates as one of my great experiences and one I made lasting friendships through.

So my vote is to drive, remember it won't be too far down the track before they will be selling

"virtual trips in antique cars" that you can slip into the computer. We're the lucky ones who can do the real thing.

Best of luck on the trip

[Bill Stoneberg]

So Stuart,

Are you coming to the states to help me make the trip ?

Bill

[bhclark]

I would say "drive it" but that would be hippocritical. I would love to drive my '59 Invicta or '65 Wildcat cross country to the national, but the thought scares me. I can't imagine something going wrong and being stuck. I'm a novice mechanic at best and don't have those "spare parts" mentioned above for the trip.

I am not too far away from you though, so if I decide to drive, I'll certainly contact you to become part of a caravan.

I'm assuming Ted Nagel will be driving one of his beauties, but haven't heard which one he is taking yet.

Let us know what you decide!

[TG57Roadmaster]

What's the fuss, you'll be driving a straight-8 Buick. All kinds of things can happen to you on such a trip, but when will you ever have another opportunity to see America (and share it with folks who'll be thrilled to see you driving, cross country) in your old car? Since you've studied the map re grades, elevations and mountain ranges you'll cross, plan accordingly. The above replies have given you all the best recommendations, but from my own experience, how cool does your radiator run? We know it <span style="font-style: italic">looks</span> cool, but does it overheat in Kentucky pulling up steep grades?

After some years of worry & frequent over-heating, I had my radiator re-cored from standard to a three baffle system. Since then, my '57 runs cooler than a cucumber; but again, what heights will you be reaching if you take I-90 much of the way? What is the Bitterroot Range like? You do need to plan that, should a breakdown occur, what have you allotted for downtime. As for spares, listen to your friends that know you, your car, and your mechanical ability. Do you have AAA Plus, the Lord's Gift to travellers? It'll provide you with many free items: 100 mile tow; unlock your car when you left the keys in it in your rush to eat at that neat '50's Diner; 3 gallons of gas, and a host of other services.

A basic toolbox wouldn't hurt, either...but with all that stuff, where will you put your luggage?

You can't control bugs, rock chips or tire punctures, so fashion a tasteful brassiere for your (car's) front end. As for stupid, inattentive motorists? If you're that worried about fate, I suggest you never leave your house again, trailer or no trailer! You'll be driving a two-ton Buick and your (imaginary) foes will likely be in Camrys and Cavaliers. In case of a fender bender: I'll lay odds right now; Big ol' Buick, 10; Li'l crapbox, zilch.

The attached is from "Buick Magazine", March-April, 1957...the next page will follow.

TG

[TG57Roadmaster]

Here's the second page of the NYC to Chicago trip...Please realize that these publications were, shall we say, slanted towards sales.

Take heed from all that's been suggested...the most important thing, a fully-charged

fire-extiguisher!

The decision is yours,

And happy motoring,

TG

[Centurion]

Tom, that's a terrific article! Thanks for posting it. I enjoyed reading every word.

[Rusty_OToole]

I say drive it.

Would also make a couple of suggestions. One is, if you don't drive the car a lot, take 1 or 2 trips of 100 miles or so beforehand. This should show up any weak points before you get too far from home.

Second, join the Auto Club and take your cell phone.

That plus a few tools, a few parts, and some emergency supplies like food, water and blankets and you can look forward to an adventure no matter what happens, will be no worse than an annoyance.

[TG57Roadmaster]

One of the joys of driving your car great distances, especially if you can take some old U.S Hwys, is that when you get lost, it's like the proverbial "Box of Chocolates". On the way back from a car show in Chicago 15 years ago, we made a wrong turn on one of the Interstates, and some time passed before we realized the mistake.

Pulling out the trusty atlas, plotting a way to get back on track, I noticed one of those red listings (touristy stuff) about 25 <span style="font-style: italic">more</span> miles out of our way, in the wrong direction. But this red listing was "<span style="font-weight: bold">Fallingwater</span>", Wright's Masterpiece for the Kaufman Family, and something I'd wanted to see all my life.

On arrival, the path down to <span style="font-weight: bold">the</span> photo op was clearly marked, "No Visitors Past This Point!". Feigning illiteracy, I ambled down and got my shot. What's the worst that could happen; being arrested by the <span style="font-style: italic">Keystone Kops</span>, torture by <span style="font-style: italic">Fallingwaterboarding</span>? Darned glad I did, too, 'cause within months they'd shored up the whole thing with wretched I-beams for its multi-year restoration (now complete).

You never know what you're gonna get,

TG

[Bhigdog]

Off topic I know, but what's the big deal with FLW's "Fallingwater"? It doesn't

harmonize with it's surroundings, it's square and ugly, and wasn't even engineered correctly since it was falling down. The Emperor has no clothes.

Glad you enjoyed your trip though. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.........Bob

[Guest James Conkwright]

I agree Bob. Ugly building and that little stream doesn't impress me much. But I'm biased after seeing Niagara during the '05 Natl Meet. The great thing about going to BCA Meets; you get to see things you otherwise might never see in your life!

[TG57Roadmaster]

Bob And James, <span style="font-style: italic">Gentlemen</span>,

The point of the detour story was that we were driving our car and, on a back road, ran across something that appealed to us. You don't see much of Vanishing America when you're trolling the Interstates dragging a trailer queen behind an F-350 Diesel Quad-cab Dually. Unless, of course, you appreciate the unique design contributions of Mickey-D's plasticized Golden Arches.

A case study is attached; two Buicks, both 8-passenger models, one a '36, the other a '63, with two relocatable domiciles crafted from aluminum. The one on the left was driven (by its owner) to the BCA Nat'l. at Columbus in 1999, the pix on the right were spied on my way there. One set was restored at great expense, the others are obviously original and unrelated. Whether they appeal to you or me or anyone else isn't important. They surely mean a great deal to their owners, so why gripe about either; they didn't make 'em for you. If you prefer Internationally Recognized Important Architectural Icons versus The House Of The Seventeen Gables Palladian Window Riddled Cluster Mansion School of Design, so be it. In time they all leak like sieves, only some (like FLW), are worthy of preservation. The former, out in the woods, a secluded National Treasure, will be around longer than any of us. The latter, right there by the side of the road, practically on Public Property, displaying its ersatz architectural accessories, will only last until the land value goes up. Then the site will morph into another oh-so-necessary Strip Mall, replete with a Jiffy Lube, a Nail Salon and a Photomat.

I neither meant to imply that my "pitcher" was worthy of Ansel Adams, nor do I ever equate Photo Op with Money Shot. Both these car-trailer combos were cute as can be, and I liked 'em both. One has stowaway awnings (tasteful & practical), the other a big ol' honkin' A/C unit tacked on top (practical & tacky). Would you trash both of them 'cause they don't have roll-outs to accommodate a Barcalounger, or satellite dishes so you can watch endless reruns of "Emeril's Ten Takes on Mac & Cheese"? And, speaking of running across something appealing, there are people who enjoy a Triple Whopper Super Duper-Sized Happy Mega Meal just as much as Fresh Roadkill Heated up on a Hibachi (mind you, don't melt the pink flamingos!).

It is, as are all things in life, a matter of personal taste. That, and the depth of your pockets.

Gotta run now, my wabbit stew is boiling over. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

TG

And please, no offense to the folks who trailer their treasured cars cross-country; like the jingle says...

"Have It <span style="font-style: italic">Your</span> Way!"

[Guest James Conkwright]

Nice pics TG. I've always thought it would be cool to have an airstream behind a Buick, A/C or not. For the Seattle trip I think I'm going to have to stick to my tent that will be in the trunk. Can't afford to pay for a hotel three times going, three times there, and three times coming home. Im just a poor ole' Kentucky country boy...I'll take my pistol and kill a rabbit and cook it over the campfire. I've done it before and its not too bad. Tastes like chicken. In all seriousness...I think I will have to do the tent thing. It will be a fun and interesting trip.

[Bhigdog]

YOW! Nothing personal. I'm really glad you enjoy your road trips, as I enjoy mine. We usually allow x-tra days at a show to do some local exploring which is as much fun as the show inself. As far as Fallingwater is concerned obviously many people are enthralled with it. I'm not. Like you said it's a matter of personal taste. BTW, I got your point vis-a-vis detouring. As I said, my F.L.W. comment was "off topic". Enjoy your wabbit.....Bob

[TG57Roadmaster]

Alrights guys, I have to fess up; ten minutes was all it took to view the tiny interior of FLW, and the rest of the time I spent outside taking a total of 3 pictures. It reminded me of the "Chorus Line" number, "<span style="font-style: italic">Dance Ten, Looks Three</span>".

Last summer my mom passed away very suddenly, and I borrowed a friend's Jeep to go from SC to Michigan's U.P. to load up a small U-Haul. The only bright note was that my return coincided with an already-planned family reunion outside Lapeer, 40 miles north of Detroit.

After spending one night in a gruesome "Bates Motel", I beat feet to Walmart, bought a tent and sleeping bag and had a blast camping out. Since I had a trailer (there's that <span style="font-style: italic">word</span> again) full of "accessories", I decorated my mobile digs accordingly. Think Phyllis Diller meets Paul Bunyan; my own take on "Cathouse <span style="font-style: italic">Moderne</span>".

And the <span style="font-style: italic">interior</span>...it was a tour de force de trash, fit for a (Paris) Hilton! Most of the rest of the family were "roughing it" in motorhomes, but I'm gonna take that tent along on every future trip!

TG

[Guest James Conkwright]

Sorry to hear about your mom. Camping is always better than a hotel! I just might get some stares pulling into a campground in a '50 Buick. Im actually more excited about getting there than actually being at the show. Im heading to AAA today to get some maps and tour books. Might as well start planning alittle bit. As long as the campground has showers everything will be fine! If I arrive dirty, unshaven, and my car is on its spare I have had a bad experience getting there. Now that I think about it that might get me some BCA award. Ha. Im sure it could be worse though.

[TG57Roadmaster]

Thanks James, she was a very "young" 73, and now she'll remain that way forever.

On the bright side, you'll be the <span style="font-style: italic">star</span> of the KOA Kampground! And if it's a sunny day on your arrival, stop off at the Dollar Store & stock up on some cheap sunglasses to pass out to all your admirers.

Preferably Polaroids, to ward off the harmful rays reflecting from your grille...

So why do I have visions of little kids clinging to their mother's skirts, peering out at <span style="font-style: italic">that</span> <span style="font-weight: bold">face</span>?! (The small dogs will have already hidden under picnic tables). Reassuringly, as only moms can be, she'll likely reply;

"Don't worry Janey, that Big, Bad, Bold Buick won't <span style="font-style: italic">bite you</span>!"

Your Kamp-mates will never forget you <span style="font-style: italic">or</span> your Jetback.

TG

[Guest James Conkwright]

I found that issue of Buick Magazine a couple of years ago at a swap meet. It is very informative and worth looking for if you have a '50 Special or just want to know a little more about them. I bought that along with a '50 Buick Fact Book that the guy had. He had lots of rare literature.

[TG57Roadmaster]

Will you be passing thru Independence, MO? The G.W. Bradley Motor Car Company promises they'll keep your

"<span style="font-style: italic">Chassis Sassy</span>-without charge"! At least that's what they said in the July, '49 "Buick Magazine".

TG

[Guest James Conkwright]

Too bad G.W. Bradley has been bought out. I would have stopped and showed it to them. I'd like to see their faces.

[TG57Roadmaster]

What the hey, let's "Shoot the Works". Enquiring Minds need to have this info anyway.

TG

[TG57Roadmaster]

Page two of the Proving Ground piece.

TG

[TG57Roadmaster]

The new, improved, expanded Buick Main, September 1949. This, too applies to all of us Buick folk.

TG

[TG57Roadmaster]

Page 2 of the New, Improved Buick Main, 9/49.

We lived in Flint for a couple of years, and one right of passage was the annual Field Trip to Buick Main. In 1970, at the end of the tour, they had a rack of postcards of <span style="font-weight: bold">all the Buick models</span> offered, from the lowly <span style="font-weight: bold">Opel Kadett L</span> to the <span style="font-weight: bold">Riviera</span>. I scarfed up <span style="font-style: italic">every</span> one of them, and like a dope, gave 'em to a (now-ex) BCA'er back in about 1982. I guess I could try to reassemble that little bit o' history, but it wouldn't be quite the same.

One of Life's Lessons Learned. Have a <span style="font-weight: bold">Great Adventure</span> on your trip <span style="font-style: italic">Way Out West</span>!

TG

[Guest imported_Thriller]

We didn't have a Buick with us, but we camped north of Flint in 2003. There were a number of folks there for the meet...a few were motorhomes with cars on trailers behind them.

There was one...a station wagon from the '50s with a small trailer...I thought that was kind of neat. We wound up chatting with a nice older couple from KS who had a car from the '20s...they invited the kids and I into the motorhome and offered a drink...Buick people are good folks.

Unfortunately, I don't seem to have a photo of that wagon / trailer combo...sigh. All those pictures I took and looking back, that's one that ought to have been taken.

[TG57Roadmaster]

Derek,

This won't replace your lost moment in time, but I'm "Optimistic" that you'll enjoy it just the same.

It's a "staged shot", from Laurinburg, SC some years ago, before the <span style="font-style: italic">Roadmistress</span> went back to her original Tangerine (a fancy name for red) Wheel color. What a difference <span style="font-style: italic">that</span> little improvement made!

TG

[TG57Roadmaster]

<span style="font-weight: bold">Eureka!</span> The answer to all your prayers...This should satisfy all your needs on your big trip

Way Out West. And if this hauler can't "make the grade," you can always unload your Jetback,

hook up a tow chain, and let that smooth Dynaflow power spool up & do the pulling!

TG