The Ford Barn

P.S. · 08-07-2015, 10:54 AM

A friend just picked up a superb sedan that is in Florida and recruited me to help him drive it back to California in September. I can't be away from my business for too long, so we plan to do about 600 miles each day.

Plan is to take the southern route. We have hotels and gas stops mapped. Hope to see a few sights, but it will mostly be all business. Seeing another Model A or two along the way would be cool if any of you guys happen to be along our route. Will update as things unfold..

31Abone · 08-07-2015, 10:58 AM

what city calif ?

40 Deluxe · 08-07-2015, 11:07 AM

600 miles a day will take maybe 14-15 hours a day. Why push so hard? Instead, enjoy the journey! Enjoy the car instead of flogging it so hard! When is the next time you will have an opportunity for a road trip like this?! Can "business" be that important, that you can't take time to "stop and smell the flowers"??

msmaron · 08-07-2015, 11:29 AM

I really think 600 miles a day in a A is pushing it... we did Niagara and it took 2 days and we pushed to about 12 hours a day....I really don't think you will accomplish the 600 per day that you think..

Tom Wesenberg · 08-07-2015, 11:43 AM

Sounds like a fun trip, but I too would take it easy and make the trip more enjoyable.
Will there be two drivers and two cars, or will you both share driving the model A, and that be the only car?

Dennis Pereira · 08-07-2015, 11:44 AM

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600 miles a day in a modern vehicle gets old real fast . I don't see how you will get any enjoyment out of pushing an antique auto that hard .

Bruce · 08-07-2015, 11:50 AM

I agree that 600 mile/day would be a lot -- even if you were flogging a rent car. In a Model A -- no matter how "touring class" you make it -- 600 miles in a day would make you feel like you were in a Mad Max movie. However, I also know that Mark and the other Town Sedans that we were trying to keep up with were driving "Station Wagon speeds" so we didn't overly stress our new engine. Without the 50 mph'ers they could have made it to The Falls in a day. But they wouldn't have had so much fun!

bikemaniac · 08-07-2015, 11:52 AM

You have planned hotels and gas stops. But have you also planned on what to do if you have a mechanical or electrical breakdown that will strand for 1 day or more?

CarlG · 08-07-2015, 12:01 PM

My friend just drove his Model A from Anchorage to the Chicago area. About 300 miles per day was comfortable. Some days were a little longer, but those became very tiring, and made the next day not so enjoyable.

600 miles per day in a Model A is going to take you roughly 18 hours on the clock to complete. Not much time to rest at the end of the day.

Mitch//pa · 08-07-2015, 12:08 PM

i would ship it on enclosed transport being it is a newly purchased car.. if driving it is a must i would thoroughly ck it over and service it first... being on foreign turf that may be hard to do

im not one to just buy a car and drive it across the country without knowing everyhting about the mechanicals

i wish u the best on your adventure

Gil Sissons · 08-07-2015, 12:16 PM

If I read the post correctly....the purchased can is a unknown car to you.
Although your own personal car may be able to keep up a 600 mile per
day pace.....I would suggest you have plans in place for your business'
#2 person to run things a few days.
My opinio .... You are asking a lot of the newly purchased car.
Gil. NoCal

C26Pinelake · 08-07-2015, 12:21 PM

Are the tires new, has the engine been rebuilt, is everything else like new ? Why would you ever chance 600 miles a day. Hopefully not to save money because I bet when you are finished and total up the costs you could have schipperke it cheaper ! Wayne

31 Model A · 08-07-2015, 12:24 PM

I concur with all the wise advice above....I don't even drive my new car that far in one day. 350 miles is far enough for a day.....IMO. But, it's your car on your time and dime!! I wish you a safe journey.

P.S. · 08-07-2015, 12:48 PM

Yes, the business is that important. Lots of people and their families depending on it for their livelihood. The responsibility of being a business owner. Most people cannot understand.

By sharing the driving, we think 300 miles per day each while the other is resting should be easier. Or so we think. We are both young and energetic. If we were in our 50's or older, then it would be a different story. The wives are not coming along.

As for breakdown plans, we are shipping out tools etc. we might need that will go with us. That way we don't have to worry about the airline losing it. If UPS loses the package, that is another story.

No chase car.

burner31 · 08-07-2015, 01:07 PM

Put it on a car trailer and haul it home, you'll make better time, won't worry much about a breakdown, if your tow vehicle is good, make it back when you plan, get yourself and others back to work, would be easier on your body, would be easier on the model A.
Seems cut and dry...trailer it home and enjoy all the waves and smiles from the other people on the road.
You can enjoy driving it when you get it home.

If not...what's your route? Coming through Oklahoma?
How about a pic of your map/route so we can wave and say "HI" as you head home.

Rex_A_Lott · 08-07-2015, 01:18 PM

Where in Florida?
IMHO your friend would do well to find another friend that's not in such a hurry. One of you could accompany him on half the journey, and then fly back and the other could fly out and drive the rest of the way home. Three people get to enjoy the fun instead of two.
IF you make it, you're going to be one tired mother chicken.
Make sure you have your AAA card.
Good Luck to you!

P.S. · 08-07-2015, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burner31

Put it on a car trailer and haul it home, you'll make better time, won't worry much about a breakdown, if your tow vehicle is good, make it back when you plan, get yourself and others back to work, would be easier on your body, would be easier on the model A.
Seems cut and dry...trailer it home and enjoy all the waves and smiles from the other people on the road.
You can enjoy driving it when you get it home.

If not...what's your route? Coming through Oklahoma?
How about a pic of your map/route so we can wave and say "HI" as you head home.

I know, I know... If it were mine, that is exactly what I would do. You, Mitch, Carl, etc. are all right.

However, it is not my car, it is his, and he wants to drive it back.

Our planned route is I-98 winding NW to I-10 W to 98 W to 49 W to I-20 W to 287 to I-40 W to 395 to highway 99 N to home.

P.S. · 08-07-2015, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rex_A_Lott

Where in Florida?
IMHO your friend would do well to find another friend that's not in such a hurry. One of you could accompany him on half the journey, and then fly back and the other could fly out and drive the rest of the way home. Three people get to enjoy the fun instead of two.
IF you make it, you're going to be one tired mother chicken.
Make sure you have your AAA card.
Good Luck to you!

He is the one who wants to be home in 5 days. I'm actually good until the following Monday, which is 7 days from departure. But not a day more.

Considering the adventure planned, I just had to be a part of it.

Worst case if we break down, we have to arrange shipping the car and fly home. Best case, we just drive straight home with no hiccups. I suspect the result will be somewhere between those two.

Mitch//pa · 08-07-2015, 01:31 PM

Tell him to go himself

Hate to be blunt but there should be common sense used also

Bring airfare money lol

mrtexas · 08-07-2015, 01:34 PM

Do yourself a favor and ship the car, cost maybe $1,500 for enclosed on U-Ship. You can have it in less than a week from today and way cheaper than two guys flying out and driving back. BTW it is hotter than h@ll in September all the way from Florida to California. Plan on 93-95F minimum the whole way near the Gulf, hotter if more inland. I don't see how you can make 600 miles a day going 45mph especially without air conditioning. I'm on your route today near Houston and I10 and it is 100F and 100% humidity. Couple days next week is projected to be around 104F or so. The fastest way to California would be on I10 from coast to coast. Oh and out west of San Antonio there are stretches of I10 without a wide spot in the road for 100 miles! I drove from Southern California to Beaumont,TX myself in 1978, 1,600 miles. I drove like h@ll and it took 4 days. Haven't driven it again.

Don't be offended but I question your sanity.

08-07-2015, 10:54 AM	#1
P.S. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: California Posts: 1,688	Coast to coast A friend just picked up a superb sedan that is in Florida and recruited me to help him drive it back to California in September. I can't be away from my business for too long, so we plan to do about 600 miles each day. Plan is to take the southern route. We have hotels and gas stops mapped. Hope to see a few sights, but it will mostly be all business. Seeing another Model A or two along the way would be cool if any of you guys happen to be along our route. Will update as things unfold..

08-07-2015, 11:07 AM	#3
40 Deluxe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: now Kuna, Idaho Posts: 3,778	Re: Coast to coast 600 miles a day will take maybe 14-15 hours a day. Why push so hard? Instead, enjoy the journey! Enjoy the car instead of flogging it so hard! When is the next time you will have an opportunity for a road trip like this?! Can "business" be that important, that you can't take time to "stop and smell the flowers"??

08-07-2015, 11:29 AM	#4
msmaron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wauconda, IL Posts: 3,600	Re: Coast to coast I really think 600 miles a day in a A is pushing it... we did Niagara and it took 2 days and we pushed to about 12 hours a day....I really don't think you will accomplish the 600 per day that you think.. __________________ Mark Maron Ill., Region MARC & MAFCA MARC JSC Member MAFFI Trustee National Facebook Admin. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MARC.group/ A7191-Sport Coupe 29 Roadster 29-Town Sedan 29-Original Special Coupe

08-07-2015, 11:43 AM	#5
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Coast to coast Sounds like a fun trip, but I too would take it easy and make the trip more enjoyable. Will there be two drivers and two cars, or will you both share driving the model A, and that be the only car?

08-07-2015, 11:44 AM	#6
Dennis Pereira Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Georgetown Divide Kelsey ca Posts: 868	Re: Coast to coast Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) 600 miles a day in a modern vehicle gets old real fast . I don't see how you will get any enjoyment out of pushing an antique auto that hard . __________________ Dennis in Kelsey ca

08-07-2015, 10:58 AM	#2
31Abone Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Big pine Ca 93513 Posts: 797	Re: Coast to coast what city calif ?

08-07-2015, 11:50 AM	#7
Bruce Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sun City West, AZ Posts: 489	Re: Coast to coast I agree that 600 mile/day would be a lot -- even if you were flogging a rent car. In a Model A -- no matter how "touring class" you make it -- 600 miles in a day would make you feel like you were in a Mad Max movie. However, I also know that Mark and the other Town Sedans that we were trying to keep up with were driving "Station Wagon speeds" so we didn't overly stress our new engine. Without the 50 mph'ers they could have made it to The Falls in a day. But they wouldn't have had so much fun!

08-07-2015, 11:52 AM	#8
bikemaniac Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Copenhagen Posts: 177	Re: Coast to coast You have planned hotels and gas stops. But have you also planned on what to do if you have a mechanical or electrical breakdown that will strand for 1 day or more?

08-07-2015, 12:01 PM	#9
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,115	Re: Coast to coast My friend just drove his Model A from Anchorage to the Chicago area. About 300 miles per day was comfortable. Some days were a little longer, but those became very tiring, and made the next day not so enjoyable. 600 miles per day in a Model A is going to take you roughly 18 hours on the clock to complete. Not much time to rest at the end of the day. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

08-07-2015, 12:08 PM	#10
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Coast to coast i would ship it on enclosed transport being it is a newly purchased car.. if driving it is a must i would thoroughly ck it over and service it first... being on foreign turf that may be hard to do im not one to just buy a car and drive it across the country without knowing everyhting about the mechanicals i wish u the best on your adventure

08-07-2015, 12:16 PM	#11
Gil Sissons Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: No Cal Posts: 224	Re: Coast to coast If I read the post correctly....the purchased can is a unknown car to you. Although your own personal car may be able to keep up a 600 mile per day pace.....I would suggest you have plans in place for your business' #2 person to run things a few days. My opinio .... You are asking a lot of the newly purchased car. Gil. NoCal

08-07-2015, 12:21 PM	#12
C26Pinelake BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Michigan / Ontario border, Sarnia, Ontario. 50 miles from Detroit and 150 from Toronto. Posts: 5,800	Re: Coast to coast Are the tires new, has the engine been rebuilt, is everything else like new ? Why would you ever chance 600 miles a day. Hopefully not to save money because I bet when you are finished and total up the costs you could have schipperke it cheaper ! Wayne

08-07-2015, 12:24 PM	#13
31 Model A Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Here I am in front of Todd's Grocery in 1931 selling Grit newspapers Posts: 2,548	Re: Coast to coast I concur with all the wise advice above....I don't even drive my new car that far in one day. 350 miles is far enough for a day.....IMO. But, it's your car on your time and dime!! I wish you a safe journey. __________________ "Bullshit and Brilliance Comes with Age and Experience" "Hey Lady, ya wanna buy a Grit?" "If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you're old" Will Rogers

08-07-2015, 12:48 PM	#14
P.S. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: California Posts: 1,688	Re: Coast to coast Yes, the business is that important. Lots of people and their families depending on it for their livelihood. The responsibility of being a business owner. Most people cannot understand. By sharing the driving, we think 300 miles per day each while the other is resting should be easier. Or so we think. We are both young and energetic. If we were in our 50's or older, then it would be a different story. The wives are not coming along. As for breakdown plans, we are shipping out tools etc. we might need that will go with us. That way we don't have to worry about the airline losing it. If UPS loses the package, that is another story. No chase car.

08-07-2015, 01:07 PM	#15
burner31 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Shawnee, Ok Posts: 3,471	Re: Coast to coast Put it on a car trailer and haul it home, you'll make better time, won't worry much about a breakdown, if your tow vehicle is good, make it back when you plan, get yourself and others back to work, would be easier on your body, would be easier on the model A. Seems cut and dry...trailer it home and enjoy all the waves and smiles from the other people on the road. You can enjoy driving it when you get it home. If not...what's your route? Coming through Oklahoma? How about a pic of your map/route so we can wave and say "HI" as you head home. __________________ Keith Shawnee OK '31 SW 160-B

08-07-2015, 01:18 PM	#16
Rex_A_Lott Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Upstate South Carolina Posts: 794	Re: Coast to coast Where in Florida? IMHO your friend would do well to find another friend that's not in such a hurry. One of you could accompany him on half the journey, and then fly back and the other could fly out and drive the rest of the way home. Three people get to enjoy the fun instead of two. IF you make it, you're going to be one tired mother chicken. Make sure you have your AAA card. Good Luck to you!

08-07-2015, 01:31 PM	#19
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Coast to coast Tell him to go himself Hate to be blunt but there should be common sense used also Bring airfare money lol

08-07-2015, 01:34 PM	#20
mrtexas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 4,395	Re: Coast to coast Do yourself a favor and ship the car, cost maybe $1,500 for enclosed on U-Ship. You can have it in less than a week from today and way cheaper than two guys flying out and driving back. BTW it is hotter than h@ll in September all the way from Florida to California. Plan on 93-95F minimum the whole way near the Gulf, hotter if more inland. I don't see how you can make 600 miles a day going 45mph especially without air conditioning. I'm on your route today near Houston and I10 and it is 100F and 100% humidity. Couple days next week is projected to be around 104F or so. The fastest way to California would be on I10 from coast to coast. Oh and out west of San Antonio there are stretches of I10 without a wide spot in the road for 100 miles! I drove from Southern California to Beaumont,TX myself in 1978, 1,600 miles. I drove like h@ll and it took 4 days. Haven't driven it again. Don't be offended but I question your sanity. Last edited by mrtexas; 08-07-2015 at 01:47 PM.