Joined: Jun 09, 2011 Posts: 776 Location: Bellmore, NY
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 12:11 am Post subject: So, in late May
I'm planning to drive my M38A1 all the way from Austin, Texas to Philadelphia, PA, taking the slightly more rural route through Arkansas and Tennessee. Anyone have any suggestions? _________________ 1952 M38A1
Marine core reinforced rear bumper, military transistorized turn signal upgrade, arctic heater, 11" drum brakes, 200L PTO winch, Huffy overdrive, deep water fording kit, RT 68 vehicle mounted radio, Trac Locs front and rear.
www.danhenk.com
Joined: Nov 24, 2010 Posts: 1390 Location: Orem, UT
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 4:34 am Post subject:
From what I've seen from your past and most recent post, you haven't really gotten to know your rigs hiccups, road behaviors and whatnot yet. To me that's putting a lot of trust in something that just got put back together.
If your moving there, piggyback it on an trailer. _________________ Brett
'51 M38
PHOTO DIARY OF MY BUILD
Joined: Feb 17, 2012 Posts: 530 Location: Del City, OK
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 6:03 am Post subject:
I would agree with Bret...
You are not going to be able to drive th interstates (My opinion) due to not being able to get the speed out of the jeep... I figure 55 mph is probably max and running at this speed for long periods will wear you and the jeep down. OKC to Dayton Ohio at 45 mph is 21 hours... I did it in a snowstorm once, to get back to base so I was not AWOL... no fun.
Also some of the smaller roads are even more dangerous due to two lane roads with little or no shoulders and big rigs that travel them at high rates of speed... we have on streach of Old RT 66 here in Oklahoma that even driving a modern car is dangerous... the folks run 70 mph down this road marked at best for 55 and there is nowhere to go other than the woods in the event you have to get off the road....
Doing a 100 mile convoy with a group is one thing, plenty of support and aid; but out there on your own is hard. Unless you plan on packing your tools and spare parts in the jeep it can be really rough...
Rent a U-Haul or such and trailer your jeep...
I would hate to see you come to hate your jeep due to a bad trip...
My 2 cents worth _________________ Hal, KB1ZQ
TSGT, USAF (Ret)
1952 M-38 CDN CAR 52-31313
1952 M-100 Strick #104
1951 Willys Wagon (For Sale)
1954 Willys M38A1 201001205
Tornado Alley
Del City, OK
Joined: Jul 18, 2008 Posts: 645 Location: Melrose, MA and Santa Fe, NM
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 8:17 am Post subject:
Sorry to pop in but based on my own experience with my jeep I concur with the comments here. I've considered driving it the 10-15 miles from my house to South Boston for the parade and the 100 miles from my house to the Cape to catch a ferry to Martha's Vineyard.
But I always get a trailer and trailer the jeep - for a few reasons.
First, it's less wear and tear on the jeep and these are old, used vehicles.
Second, weather and travel time considerations make trailering it to your destination more enjoyable, less stressful, and quicker.
Third, you don't have to worry - as much - breaking down in BFE. In 2006 I was driving back to Fort Huachuca over President's Day weekend, from Santa Fe, NM to Sierra Vista, AZ - 500 miles. My 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe, which I service and maintain regularly, had a leak in the transmission seal, lost all the fluid, and I lost my transmission about 20 miles from no where. It took AAA over 2 hours to get to me, late on a Sunday night, from Silver City, NM to where I was, about 10-15 miles from Deming, NM. So, even with a maintained modern vehicle Brown material happens that sucks big time. Instead of getting to my destination around 10 PM I got in around 3 AM after having had my truck trailered for 300 miles - with my dog and ammo and field gear in the back.
There are plenty of places around Philly to cruise your jeep too, especially along the Delaware River on both sides.
Joined: Mar 28, 2008 Posts: 353 Location: BrOoKlYn
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 8:20 am Post subject:
Common sense sides with the above responses. Though if you are so inclined to burden the unknowns associated in such a venture, I would suggest you start accumulating spare / functioning 24V electrical components and a good set of tools.
Based on the progression of your build, you're acquainted to the scarcity and cost of such components through the comforts of our community. The option to acquire replacement parts on the road through conventional retailer is non existent.
Should you brave the open road in your A1, start a blog (travel diary)!! I think your prior lessons and pending experience would serve many. _________________ Always Looking for M170 Parts and bits
Joined: Aug 31, 2010 Posts: 1744 Location: SO IDAHO
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 8:51 am Post subject:
All fair, valid and sensible responses. I dont think i'd
ever try to put that many road miles on my M-38 (or
myself for that matter) after all the time and $$ spent
on my rig. If you do, however, attempt this, try not
to make your nickname a reality _________________ keep 'em rollin'
RICKG MC 51986 DOD 01-52, '50 CJ3a
Joined: Jun 25, 2008 Posts: 583 Location: Kern Co.
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 9:34 am Post subject:
Quote:
I'm planning to drive my M38A1 all the way from Austin, Texas to Philadelphia, PA, taking the slightly more rural route through Arkansas and Tennessee. Anyone have any suggestions?
Not practical but it might be fun. Seems like you have some cash to work with on your project so bring more of it with you because you will probably break down. Towing is not cheap and if you can't fix it yourself kuder may be the only mechanic in BFE. _________________ '53 M38A1 X2
Joined: Jun 09, 2011 Posts: 776 Location: Bellmore, NY
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 10:12 am Post subject:
So, everyone's advice is "don't do it"?
At this point, everything in there is brand new, or rebuilt new. Rebuilt new overdrive, transmission, and transfer case, courtesy of Novak conversions. Rebuilt new engine, all new suspension and steering, new tires, brake lines, bellcrank, wheelbearings, and I could go on. I think about the only thing that hasn't bee touched are the axles, and those have been cleaned, inspected, filled with new oil, and resealed. _________________ 1952 M38A1
Marine core reinforced rear bumper, military transistorized turn signal upgrade, arctic heater, 11" drum brakes, 200L PTO winch, Huffy overdrive, deep water fording kit, RT 68 vehicle mounted radio, Trac Locs front and rear.
www.danhenk.com
Joined: Jun 25, 2008 Posts: 583 Location: Kern Co.
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 10:41 am Post subject:
If you do decide to attempt this, start a blog so we can help you out if you break down. Just because I'm not in a situation to do a 'road trip' doesn't mean it wouldn't be an adventure.
MODIFIED is correct. It would be very entertaining to see what goes down. One things for sure, you will become a celeb on the Jeep boards. _________________ '53 M38A1 X2
If you do make the shot then lay out your route here so folks can let you know where they are relative to your planned route. If the jeep is in A1 shape it can make the trek. There's always an outside chance for something to let go so just be prepared, carry spares that can not be found along the route, carry emergency provisions and camping gear, carry a cell phone and charger for it and be safe and enjoy the USA. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
Joined: Nov 02, 2007 Posts: 437 Location: Seguin, Texas
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 1:53 pm Post subject:
For my $.02 worth.....if the pioneers could make it going from east to west in a covered wooden wagon or on foot.....then why can't you make it going from west to east in a 1950's technological wonder? Of course you won't have a pack of wild Indians on your tail.....or the prospect of free land or gold begging you onward....but what the heck....sounds like a darn fun trip to me. Besides.......doesn't jeep just stand for "just expect every possibility"? Good luck....and drive safe. _________________ Jim
Joined: Aug 06, 2011 Posts: 111 Location: Brisbane Australia
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 7:18 pm Post subject:
Hi there!
Well hard for me to truely comment on your US road and traffic conditions but down here in Australia which is about the same size in land mass of the USA but we can have huge distances between major centers. Its not uncommon for MV owners to take on long trips. And mind you many of our roads are far from multy lane high ways. We also have to contend with massive trucks down here like "road trains" and "B doubles" (google them)
Just a matter of go prepared, have a flexable time table and use common sence like drive with you head lights on and pull over when safe to let built up traffic get past you.
In 1995 I drove my 1952 FV1600 1 Ton Humber 9000 klm (aprox 5500 miles) with out incident. And it only had a top speed of about 55 mph too. I was unsuported and drove through cities and the outback. Was a fantastic trip and have no regrets in doing it. Despite its massive fuel consumtion. One side note on that trip we drove through the region where there was a massive defence exercise involving Australian, USA and other armys. Did we get many strange and puzzeled looks from defence personel. Which I found quite funny as i was a serving Army Engineer at the time.
Currently 2 friends are rideing 2 WLA's some 1600 klms (1000 miles) to probly Australias biggest anual MV gathering the "Corowa Swim In" http://corowaswim-in.org/ and there will be all sorts of MV driveing long distances to get there.
If you end up driveing your M38A1 on your trip have a great time and a safe trip... and take a cammera and post some photos on here!
Phil... _________________ Ex Aust Army Engineer ;
M3 Stuart Lt tank,1942 C8A HUW, Ex mil Landrovers,1ton Humber & Austin Champ, Mk1 Ferret scoutcar,trailers & Miltary radios.
Current projects:- M606A3 and 1958 Landrover 106mm RCL gun buggy
Latest addition M38A1 date e
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