A drive around the block

[RUNNERBUN]

OK, here in Australia when we say we're going for a drive around the block we are not referring to your normal block in the residential suburbs. What I'm referring to is the big block. "Yes, the big block called Australia" Starting at Mackay on the North-East coast of Queensland we will travell south and then west across the Nullabor Plains to the west coast of West Australia to attend the 2014 National Meet which will be held at Busselton in west Australia.
Following the Meet we will continue in a clock-wise direction thru the Northern Territory and back to our home town of Mackay. I estimate we will cover a distance of approx. 15,000 km (9,300 Miles). This will be the second time to West Australia for my 28 Pheaton. The previous trip was a distance of 13,500 km.
Just a little info on the car, it is an early 28 Pheaton running a stock Model B motor (C on the Head) with a counter balanced crankshaft, B carb, B distributor converted to electronic ignition, 3.54 ratio Crown & Pinion and a Mitchell Sinchro transmission.
Joining me will be my wife, my brother and his wife also driving an early 28 stock Pheaton, and dare I mention another companion who will be driving a 1935 Chevrolet pick-up coming along for the drive. All three cars will be towing camper trailers. We plan to drive on average 200 miles per day with every 4th day off as a rest day.
I estimate that we will be on the road for approx. two months. I will endeavour to post updates as we get around.
We leave Wednesday Aug 27th.
Now that I have told the world what I'm doing I hope and pray that we get all the way around.
Wish us luck!

[holdover]

Wow, now that is a trip. hope you have a great time and safe trip with no vehicle issues. Keep us informed if you can.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Now, that's my idea of a real vacation! I wonder what the rear end ratio is on the 35 Chevy Pickup?
My friend's 49 Chevy pickup sounded pretty wound out at 35 MPH.

[tbirdtbird]

wow!!! what an adventure!! Go for it and best of luck!! You'll have memories for a lifetime and more. Keep a diary

[RUNNERBUN]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Now, that's my idea of a real vacation! I wonder what the rear end ratio is on the 35 Chevy Pickup?
My friend's 49 Chevy pickup sounded pretty wound out at 35 MPH.

Tom, not sure what the ratio of the Chev diff is but I have travelled with him quite a bit and we are both very comfortable travelling at the same speed of around 45 mph.

[oldwoodsman]

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That's a big block Runner. Have a great trip and good luck

[Hoogah]

Awesome adventure, Runnerbun, but what's with the short cut? You're missing out on the most important mainland state!!
Seriously, I'm jealous, and will be following your every move on here. Good luck and have fun!

[Mitch//pa]

wow
god speed

[Russ/40]

Fantastic! Hope your able to blog every day. What a great adventure!

[Christoph]

Have fun and tell us about.
Im green...

Please post pics of the cars and the trailers
Christoph

[marc hildebrant]

Smart idea to have the Chev pick-up on the trip. It can carry spare FORD parts !


Marc

[1930artdeco]

I wish I could do that trip. Maybe in a few years when I save up enough money. Good luck and enjoy the scenery.

Mike

[john charlton]

Got my 28 pheaton out on her maiden run today ,36 miles and all seemed well . Can I come too ??? . But thinking about it I might well get left in the dust with the AF 3" bore engine ,multi disc cluich and 28 BHP but at leasr the steering wheel is on the right side !!! . GOOD LUCK and keep us all posted .

John in cool dark evening Suffolk County England.

[RUNNERBUN]

Here are the pics of the three cars and a couple of my camper trailer. Will forward pics of the other camper trailers in due course.
Thank you all for your well wishes.
Runner

[Bertha]

Subscription sent. Always wanted to visit Down Under.

Safe travels..

Bob

[RUNNERBUN]

Originally Posted by Hoogah

Awesome adventure, Runnerbun, but what's with the short cut? You're missing out on the most important mainland state!!
Seriously, I'm jealous, and will be following your every move on here. Good luck and have fun!

Might have to agree to disagree with you on that. Don't you know that the further north you go, the closer to heaven you get.

I have lived in Melbourne for a couple of years, and also have had my "A" down in Victoria twice. Great place to visit, but always glad to get back home.

Runner

[Tom Wesenberg]

Will you have all paved roads?
Who would think a trip around the block might take more than 9 oil changes?

[RUNNERBUN]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Will you have all paved roads?
Who would think a trip around the block might take more than 9 oil changes?

Yes Tom all paved roads, only exception will be if we do any side trips for sight seeing reasons but will only be short distances.
The other issue of some concern is the distance between fuel stops. Up to 200 miles. We will have to carry some spare fuel as the distance between some fuel stops is greater than we can cover with a full tank, more so if we encounter strong headwinds which is a distinct possibility.

Runner

[pooch]

Don't camp too close to the chevvy...the rust will creep across......

[JohninKuranda]

Best of luck and enjoy the adventure - I am assuming you have a Sat Phone?