What to bring on 1000 mile road trip with a truck I've never seen?

All of the good suggestions are taken, but as soon as you get it home, get that 305 out of there.

Having just done this trip, Saskatoon to the Rolex 24, I might suggest a sleeping bag, warm boots, and snacks. Good Luck

You may want ear plugs too.

A boat fuel tank instead of a Jerry can gives you the opportunity to bypass the entire fuel system up to the carb in a pinch.

I'd probably buy a grease gun and tube of grease and hit every zerk I could find underneath before you start, down where it is warmish vice along the way. Use the grease to pack front wheel bearings too.

That vintage if the rubber bits of the brake lines are original there is some risk of them failing internally and locking up the brakes. I would probably replace them and bleed the brakes if it were me.

Make sure it's got anti-freeze in it for it's first cold sleepover.

Bring enough warm clothes to wait for a tow w/o dying.

Check the brake lines carefully and compose a list of all the other good advice above.

Zip ties, duct tape, tire plugs, a coat hanger or two in case something hot needs a zip tie... and a phone with tunes/books on tape/podcasts and either ear buds or a bluetooth speaker. Good jerky with no MSG. A couple bandages and some crazy glue.

Cool truck. Good luck!

Mazdax605 wrote:

tr8todd wrote: Remember this truck has never seen Canada cold.

Worse yet, it has never felt Winnipeg cold. That is a different kind of cold.

But its a dry cold.

Post your planned route! That way, those of us along the way (I'm in Central Missouri) can know to be ready if need be.

Tire plugs and ye olde copy of the GRM on the road assist list

Awesome score by the way!

Bring your humor. You will never now what you will be able to laugh at when the time is right.

Bars stop leak

Tires. Might want to consider replacing them before you take off. If they're good, fine. But if they are old and haven't seen an interstate in years, you might not want to risk a blowout.

Doh, you are probably going to drive right past my house if you go up 1-29, I'm halfway between Sioux Falls and Fargo. That whole interstate is fine for 55-65mph, not enough traffic to care about a slower vehicle, and it is the best route n-s for road conditions and resources.

Anywhere in the Dakotas I can come rescue you and worst case loan you a truck and trailer to get you home. You are welcome to stop by for a meal or bed, but my wife wants a truck like that in the worst way and may not let it leave the yard.

a buddy picked his 68 up in Alaska and drove it back to ohio and carried a basic toolbox, fuel filters, a spare carb, and a can of fix a flat but he was picking up the truck and a spare 400 from his uncle as a graduation present so he knew what the trucks issues were ahead of time.

Thanks guys, I bought a CAA (Canadian AAA) premier membership this morning so I've got a 320km tow in my pocket now.

I'm planning on taking I29 the whole way from Siloam Springs to the Pembina, ND border crossing.

Coolant strength is on my list of things to check, I've asked the shop selling to check that. The guy in dealing with has been driving it to and from work a few times this past week to make sure everything is alright, so far so good.

Adding electrical tape, coat hangers, and a coil to my list of things to bring. I quite like the boat gas tank idea, I'll have to check how much they are once I'm there.

This is GRM...why not rebuild all mechanicals and do a driveway paint job before you leave?

A spare mechanical fuel pump, maybe a fuel filter, and some electrical crimp connectors. Tail light and side marker light bulbs. Cheap volt / ohm meter. The 8 dollar one from Harbor Freight will do. Maybe a can of lubricant for noisy door and clove box hinges, etc.

I would plan on checking or replacing rear end oil. 1000 miles isn't that far. It should be OK

I'll echo the spare tire(s) suggestion as well. I'd find 2 to throw in the bed. Also, unless it has been mention before, spare wheel bearings. Nothing can ruin your trip like a tire failure or seized wheel bearing in BF nowhere.

Also, warm clothes, hat, gloves, etc in case you have to do some roadside maintenance or if you have to drive with the windows down due to an exhaust leak. Nothing sucks more than freezing your ass off or choking on fumes for 18 hours

Good luck!

Self-fusing silicone tape, and gas tank leak putty (you can put it on while gas is dripping out).

Spare belts, a few gallons of anti-freeze (in case you have a leak and need to replace fluid).

Spare coil. Portable jump starter with built in air compressor.

Tire flat repair kit.

Before you set out, loosen all the lug nuts and then retighten them. You don't want to find out the lug nuts are rust-welded in place when you're on the side of the highway. BTDT. Also don't forget to check the spare tire for existence and adequate air pressure.

In reply to oldopelguy:

That warms my freakin' heart... Seriously!

Holy hell, man, I'm jealous of this whole experience. Except the "going to Canada" part. I'd do the same thing, except sideways.

Lots of good ideas about spare tires, and I especially like the comment about trying all the lug nuts before departure. Can I just add: make sure it has a jack, also (ideally) before departure.

I know what I would bring...

As others have said--- get a roll or two of this magical stuff: https://www.rescuetape.com/

I'd also recommend the wheel bearings, or at the very least bearing grease to repack them if need be.

Also, bring a flashlight in case the interior lights don't work. Keep an eye on mile markers in case the fuel gauge / speedo don't work.

Warm clothing, and durable, warm boots. (in case walking a bit is involved)

Buy extra oil when you get there, and check your level at every stop.

Rain-X the windshield in case the wipers don't work.

If you start blowing fuses--- unplug all the electronic crap. (GPS, Phone, etc)

good luck! Long roadtrips in old machines can be quite the adventure!

pinchvalve wrote: I know what I would bring...

Gotta stay warm somehow...

I just did a trip like this last weekend. Cincinnati to West Palm Beach, Florida. Car was not as old though, '85 Mercedes.

All I brought was my 6 year old son As soon as we left the Cinci airport he asked me how long until we get home.

It was fun.

Gorgeous truck. I think everyone else has covered the essentials.

One thing: don't throw out bottles of fluid as you use them, you never know when you might need them to hold something again or be used as a roadside funnel.