All kidding aside I disagree. If my 2003 BMW or 2011 truck started throwing engine or transmission codes on a trip like this, I’d be screwed. Who knows what’s wrong with it, (not me on the side of the interstate) and who within a 100 miles could even tell me, let alone fix it quickly. Whereas my 69’s 351w has almost zero electronics, my manual transmission is as complex as a hammer, and the ford 9” is the gold standard of reliability. If some ancillary thing breaks, a 1/2” and a 9/16ths box end wrench can probably fix it in the parking lot. 50 years ago our parents made road trips in these EXACT same cars and they didn’t think it was nuts.
It’s doable, as our man F23 here is demonstrating.
@1970 I considered it, but the placement of my engine due to poly motor mounts and the non-stock placement of the shroud mounting holes on my radiator meant that I had to do some modifying to the stock shroud I had installed before the trip. I wasn’t going to be able to make those modifications in a reasonable time without power tools.
On that point though, stay tuned for an interesting cooling update that’s going to be happening in 2-3 days. I pretty much went for the nuclear option.
Thanks to everyone for following along!
Ken
Was going to say the same thing. With a simple set of hand tools and knowledge about your car you can easily fix just about anything at a rest stop or parking lot of the local auto parts store. F23 even had a couple issues on the road and was able to get them fixed simple enough. A modern vehicle is much more complex and while might have less chance of a break down its less likely to be repairable on the road.
This of course is assuming your car is mechanically sound to begin with and you can do your own repairs. I would obviously want to prove reliability around town first before embarking on a long road trip but if I was confident in my car before hand I would not hesitate to do something like this. He is even staying in touch here, I bet if he was to have a big enough break down he would have a fellow cougar owner close enough to come lend a hand and get him back on the road
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Ken, Thank you for this blog of your trip. I am somewhat envious. All of the cars I have purchased I have driven home from where they were located. The longest trip was with a 57 Ford Convertible I purchased in Lancaster, PA. Drove it cross country back to San Diego CA. I had a huge smile on my face the whole trip. My friends all thought I was crazy to drive a car that old, that far. I just said “people did it back in 1957 why not now”. I one day would like to do a trip like you are doing. Again, thanks for letting us ride along with you. Bob
I was one of those. I drove our family’s '70 Cougar on multi state trips many times back in the '70s and '80s. I’m confident I could fix anything that breaks on mine today with tools I have in the shop. My concern is that in the Dallas area, spending time disabled on the side of the road is asking to be run over, car jacked, or otherwise abused so I tend to limit longer drives to times when I’m confident I could get someone on the phone quickly that owns a trailer.
Your pictures of the Milky Way and the badlands / Death Valley are spectacular!
Absolutely loving the trip, keep up the great adventures.
Update posted!! This one is a little heavier on details and a little lighter on pretty scenery pictures, but I think you’ll all still find it interesting!
https://havecougarwilltravel.blogspot.com/
Thanks for following along!
Ken
Today’s update posted, including some more side-of-the-road troubleshooting action and a MAJOR change to the rest of the trip regarding both route and activities.
Thanks for following along!
Ken
26 July update posted, mostly focused on Uranium enrichment and blasting through the Tail of the Dragon!
Thanks for Following Along!
Ken
Update Posted: This one is not for the squeamish… There are bears, venomous snakes, and highway brake failures!
Thanks For Following Along!
Ken
Went thru the blog last night, thanks for the tip about the compressor, I’ll apply the locktite, except I’ll use RED!
Keep the updates coming.
This is fun.
Update Posted, including some hotel parking lot wrenching action!
Thanks for Following Along!
Ken
I’ve been following along on your adventure. Not only is your travels interesting it is very well written.
That snake is a 'Timber rattler" and pretty rare to see one in the smokey mountains. I’ve hiked the smokey mts a lot and have never seen one. I’ve seen a few copperheads and some black water snakes (generally by water) but never a timber rattler. That is not a snake to mess with as they are super fast with long fangs and lots on venom. glad it was early morning and not warmed up yet. You did the right thing in using a long stick and getting it off the trail so someone else doesn’t get bit.
I’m also really enjoying following along with you on your trip. Thanks for taking the time to write this up for the rest of us to live vicariously.
I think I owe all of you a conclusion! I’ll get one out soon!
Thanks for Following Along!
Ken
The conclusion to the most incredible journey of my life!
https://havecougarwilltravel.blogspot.com/2020/08/2-11-august-2020-ending.html
Ken
Ken, when you had trouble with your rear brake and pulled into Autozone you never mention that the city was Salem Va., Today I stopped in my local repair and wrecker shop, Evan told me a story about helping a guy with a pretty blue Cougar with brake problem, and he told you that he knew a guy that had a couple of cougars that lived nearby but didn’t know his phone #, I told Evan that I had been following the blog and read about your problem with brakes. I wish Evan could have gotten in touch with me, because I had everything you needed. Sorry I missed you.
@Catlover , I remember Evan mentioning you! It’s a shame he didn’t have your number, but you’re lucky to know such a great local mechanic!
Ken