How far do you go?

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2014: How far do you go?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chris Olsen on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 - 11:57 pm:

I'm planning a long trip after I wear in my speedster. I'm looking at 200-260 miles a day. That doesn't seem too bad. They'll be long days, but Im in no hurry. I see no reason why I shouldn't be able to pull 2-300 mile legs. Thoughts?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 12:09 am:

Perfectly reasonable.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Garrison_Rice Minnesota on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 12:12 am:

As long as your back can hold up it shouldn't be a problem. Don't forget your sunblock.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erik Barrett on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 12:24 am:

Should be no problem. In 1999 I bought a 26 Tudor off the MTFCA classifieds sight unseen. Dad and a friend and I flew there on one way tickets, spent a day prepping it, and drove it home 1100 miles. Averaged over 200 miles per day, three big boys and all of our luggage and support gear. It had a four valve Rajo, Warford overdrive, and good brakes. In overdrive at 50-55 mph, conversation in that sedan was not a casual matter. I got passed in Portland by a set of triples moving at about 70. Almost knocked us over. Anyway, 200 miles plus per day in a capable T is not a stretch. Do it.
Erik


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Walt Berdan, Bellevue, WA on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 12:36 am:

The NWVS Labor Day Endurance run is around 200 miles on secondary roads with usually some Forest Service or other gravel thrown in for good measure. With the typical average speed for the run of 32 to 35 MPH it makes for a good day trip. 300 mile days should be no big deal on decent secondary roads. A 40 MPH average would be 7 1/2 hours of drive time and then add in some for gas/potty stops and lunch. Comfort for your back becomes a priority if you intend to spend long days in the seat.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Murray - Anacortes, WA on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 01:11 am:

Hi Chris, your mileage may vary depending on the number of stops and average speed maintained during the day. Is your speedster mostly stock HP with stock gearing ?? If so, then it may be a push to get to 300 miles per day unless your "stock" speedster is capable of Montana 500 winning speeds that average 50+ mph all day long. They usually take 3-days to finish 500 miles. Many on this site participate in 200 mile speedster endurance runs. Having participated, it usually takes 7 to 8hrs to finish that distance with an hour lunch and a couple of 10 to 15 minute breaks in the morning and afternoon. Many times speeds are as slow at 20 to 25 mph over crusty rock infested & rutted two track roads, but other roads can allow the speedsters to roll along up to 50+ !! The average speed for endurance runs is usually about 30mph.

I once drove a mostly stock 24 Touring from Everett, WA to San Diego, CA. It had a Bosch front plate dizzy, U&J carb and 3:1 Ruckstell as the only mods allowing us to drive down I-5 in just 4 days. Those were long days of stress waiting to hear a noise that might signal a problem all the while waving to the nice looky loo's and giving hand gestures back to the malcontents. I did pass a lot of semi's though, while in low Ruckstell on the Siskyou's and on the Grapevine. It can be an accomplishment that you will look back on with pride if you do it. I highly recommend it. Keep in mind that a majority of drivers today have little to no appreciation for slow moving vehicles, old or new, so be sure the back of your car has bright blinking lights, or many reflectors to let folks know your there. Hope that helps...W


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Magee on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 01:52 am:

The older SCVMTFC Endurance Runs used to be about 200 miles. It was an all day affair given that the target speed was claimed to be about 25 mph. I always finished early!

In addition to sun block, I highly recommend one of the leather flight helmet things. I bought some really nice ones on line a few years back. The furry ear flaps really help to keep wind noise down and makes the drive a lot more pleasant.

I agree with Mike G in the back department. My speedster also has very thin padding in the seat bottom cushion. You may want to stop and take periodic breaks so you can stretch.

I would also add to carefully plan your route so you CAN drive along at 25 mph and not have people get upset. In my region of California, there are lots great roads full of twists and turns and hills that are perfect for speedsters and you really could not drive faster than 25 mph in any car.

I love taking long drives in my speedster. I have planned a route from San Jose CA, to Twain Harte CA on back roads. It is 151 miles according to Google maps. Ultimately, I want to drive the speedster over Sonora Pass on Highway 108. Sonora Pass is 9,623'.

Time for a speedster road trip!

Tom


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hap Tucker in Sumter SC on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 06:15 am:

A good stock T can easily do the 200 miles plus in a day. And when I was younger I could easily drive and drive. But now an 8 hour day in the modern car with heat & air is hard on me. Especially after day 2 when the sore muscles are really sore. And that is taking Motrin before, during, and after the drive. And using the "sports cream" / ben gay stuff etc.. So if your body is in good shape -- that helps a lot. So for me 7 to 8 hours in the T would not be a lot of fun – as the car rides harder than the modern one. So if you and your car are up to it – have a great time while you can.

You didn't mention anything about taking anyone else with you. But if you have a significant other -- be sure to keep it fun and not a test of who can stand the most stress etc. Around South Carolina the fall and spring are the nicest times to drive an open car. In Iceland that would be Jul & Aug would be then nice time to drive an open car. And before you get caught in the rain on the trip, be sure you have done it once locally. Some Ts run fine in the rain, and some will have one or two areas that need a little more protection added so car keeps running well.

I would suggest that rather than doing a lot of 20 mile test runs and then starting the long trip, that you build up to it with a 50, then 100, then 200 mile local out and back trips to make sure both you and the car would like a 500 plus mile trip.

And don't forget that tools and a few important spare parts if taken are usually not needed but if not taken for some reason seem to be needed.

Good luck with your plans and planning.

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan Killecut on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 06:16 am:

When I drove my original stock 25 coupe to Maine, on one day I drove 375 miles with out pushing it, but only stopping for gas and food.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Wrenn on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 09:01 am:

Mike, you hit on two of my problems. Have a bad back..herniated disc-- L4-L5, so can't ride more than two hours without a good long stretch. And my B.P. meds make me fry like a lobster if out in the sun very long. Sigh.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erich Bruckner, Vancouver, WA on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 10:16 am:

The car won't mind a bit. Your butt, legs, etc, may complain. Your big grin will help counteract all that though.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Frank Harris from Long Beach & Big Bear on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 11:43 am:

We took our Speedster to a "Show Me Missouri" tour in 1999 and drove 725 miles in five days


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave DeYoung ......... Stoughton, WI on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 06:36 pm:

My longest day was 415 miles with many more days covering over 350 miles. Like Dan said, stops were to fill it with gas and check the oil. Casual day trips can easily go 200 miles.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Carnegie on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 08:13 pm:

When I did my 48 state tour, I averaged about 250 miles per day, which is quite comfortable in a coupe. My longest day on that trip was about 340 miles, which seemed long. I think that in an open car 250 miles might be a bit much for me. The wind really beats me up. My longest day ever was close to 600 miles. I drove from Spokane to Yakima and back plus some running around, in one day.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mike_black on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 11:00 pm:

Chris,
Assuming mechanical perfection, creature comfort is a consideration. One of my speedsters was built for speed with only the bare essentials--firewall, monocle windshield for driver, 2 small seats, TT running boards. After 250 miles of interstate driving the sun and wind has beaten you to death. My next speedster won't go as fast, but, has better creature comfort. There's fenders and a cowl with the top half of a T windshield on shortened frames that gives passenger protection that the monocle don't. There's a homemade boat tail body with cut down removable doors that can be put on to give the passenger a sense of security, and Karman Ghia seats for comfort. I like to drive my T's for enjoyment--not to see what I can endure! My wife doesn't like to get far from home in either one because there's no tops.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Lovejoy, So Cal on Friday, May 30, 2014 - 12:32 am:

Hey Tom, that Sonora pass is something. Myself and a friend did it and more on 39 Indians a few years ago. But that pass is no joke! good luck


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Prince Madras, Oregon on Friday, May 30, 2014 - 10:21 am:

Like most have said you can go quite a long was in a day but you miss a lot, like talking to people and stopping to see the sights. I have done 400 miles in a day and it's not too bad one day in a row, but to do it day after day would take the fun out of it. I did 6000 miles in 21 days and wish that I had more time. 200 miles with a group is a long way but by yourself that is a relaxing days drive. The important thing is to have a car that you can trust and know how to fix it when something goes wrong and be prepared for all kinds of weather, the most important thing to take is your sense of adventure and a good attitude.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Friday, May 30, 2014 - 10:42 am:

A speedster is by definition non-stock, and that can include seats. If I were making a speedster I intended to use long distance, I'd go not only non-stock but also non-era and try to find some 1968 Renault R-10 seats. On a list of the most comfortable car seats ever made, they have to be at the top or close to it.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Dare - Just a little South West . on Friday, May 30, 2014 - 07:18 pm:

200-300 mile legs will be long fun days, good luck.
How is the seat back padding for those distances/ hours in the car.


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