Hot Rods Driving an old car cross country in the winter-how crazy am I?

As some of you may know, I drive my old cars around quite a bit, but usually in the summer when the weather is nice. One of the other things I do for fun is help our local high school robotics team (not as off topic as you might think...the goal is to inspire them to look into careers in science/tech fields, and I end up teaching many how to use a hacksaw, wrenches, etc) and we signed up for a competition in New York City the second weekend in March.

I could be smart and we could put the robot and stuff in a crate and ship it...or not quite so smart, and put it in the back of my wife's late model pickup and drive. But I'd rather be really stupid and use my 57 Suburban. It's kind of modernized, in a sort of traditional way...72 F body subframe and rear axle, 80s 350 engine with a carb, and TH400 plus GV overdrive. The body is in pretty good shape, but I did the bodywork and painted it, so it's far from perfect. It's also seen salt before, I took it to Bonneville in 2013, right after I finished building it.

What do you think? I've never driven to the Northeast before, although I did travel there decades ago, and drove some rental cars around. I know it's pretty bad in the winter, but March is almost spring time, right? or am I dreaming?

 

Make sure you have a really safe place to park it in NYC. Hopefully all the salt that got laid down the last few days will have been washed away by rain by the time you make the trip.

 

Go for it. You'll look back and regret it if you don't. Have fun !

 

I'd install GPS tracking in the old girl before I started out, but it would be a good trip.

 

There's really no choice, the 57 is cool, and as a die hard car guy, you can't take any modern OT shitter.
And the kids would benefit from seeing how these old rides arnt junkers.

 

I say do it. Growing up we spent more than a day's trek on snow and ice in Dad's '58 Apache. It was dad's only real reliable rig, and it went everywhere. Only one wintertime wreck, on the freeway when the damn thing decided the rear end should be the front and vice versa. Flattened a spot on the bumper, pushed a jersey barrier a smidge, and bounced Dad and I around the cab a bit, but no real damage.

Keep it slow, keep the rubber side up, and make the journey as important as the destination...

 

yes, it can be done. just do future weather forecasts as far out as possible for areas that you will be traveling through to know what conditions to plan for. need to locate really good places to park anywhere along the trip.

 

That rig looks almost too good...to subject to Winter's whims!
Sounds like you'll have good amount of ballast on board Jim.
If the roads get snow covered, tires w/tread...open tread can help a lot.
The rear tires look wide, as though they might float...worth checking out in the conditions
when they arrive.

 

I would think that NYC should be fine that time of year, I would be concerned about the weather you might have to go through to get to the city. It seems like a lot of places in the midwest have been getting hammered by the El Nino effect this year.

 

I´d do it,this trip will be awesome for the kids and you, but be sure to use a good new set of M+S tires... I had bias plys on my 55 until a few days ago, and although I don´t drive it in the snow and salt I found an icey spot in a curve and the rearend came loose pretty quick.... Now I have new radials M+S tires. Luckily nothing was hurt but my pride and my underpants

, but it could have been worse...

 

If you'll be going east on I-90 in NYS and need anything between Buffalo & Syracuse, PM me and I'll give you my phone number. I've got a lift, welder and most any tool you'd need, just in case.
-Bob

 

Thanks! The rear tires are indeed kind of wide, but they're new so the tread is deep. Radials all around.

I have to first check the hotel in the City and see if they have a parking garage.

 

2nd weekend of March should be starting to thaw, but you could still hit a winter storm. The roads and salt will not be much problem if any snow has had time to melt off. Good tread depth is helpful for snow or rain. radials are better than bias ply. have fun, you are a good driver and know the vehicle.

 

Go for it Jim,you built that suburban to drive! HRP

 

My brother and I do it all the time...go cross country that is..here's the latest trip:
http://www.rodauthority.com/event-c...m-goodguys-september-hall-of-fame-tour-recap/

Altho we don't do much traveling in the winters in a kustom or rod, if you stay on the main roads you shouldn't have any trouble...watch the weather reports, charge your phone and go...

R-

 

Kool, and it will be literally "cool"in some places, heck Freiberger and Finnegan drove to Alaska through western Canada at the end of February, in a 68 Ranchero, this was from the offices in LA. Now I can tell you northern Alberta and BC and going up the Alaska highway in winter is not for the faint of heart....you will have plenty of help along the way if you need it...

 

Here read this for inspiration, these guys are a couple of friends of mine from Edmonton Canada...

http://p15-d24.com/topic/28444-arctic-adventure/?hl=inuvik

 

The second week of March is just as likely to snow and any other week in the Northeast in the winter so I'd take that into consideration. I don't think driving in snow is a big deal in itself , but it could be very slow going if it does snow. Lots and lots of very slow traffic or very large traffic jams. Also you should scope out a parking garage ahead of time and make sure there will not be a problem with vehicle height wherever you do pick to park. I think you're typically talking about 7' to maybe 8' clearance in most garages. Also ask yourself if you care about vehicle damage, parking or otherwise, classic or not people won't give a shit about it and most parking in the city is valet.

 

Nuts...Had to say it before Beaner did..I think you gonna have to be open on the choice of travel until closer in time to the event..You could probably drive a steam roller in the snow but I worry most about all the other dingbats, wingnuts and asshats piloting vehicles..

 

Are you taking I-40? I drove back east a few years ago in my Jet, but in the fall. If you've got the time, go for it, Jim. It's a blast to drive long-distances in an old vehicle. Seize the day ...

 

Heck, I'd do it in a heartbeat!....let everyone on the highways see your 57' Suburban truckin' right down the road.....way too many ''same ole-same ole'' cars out there on the interstates as it is!!! Just make sure you have a safe place to park it....I'm thinkin' it would be a total blast!---- Ray

 

go for it!

 

I'll echo what a few have said and at that it's just as likely to snow in March as January in many of the the places you pass threw, if that doesn't scare you off _ have you seen the videos of the 27 inches of smack down the east is getting?_ then feel free to give a hollar when you pass threw wether you need something or not.

I assume it's just you and a robot in the truck? The release forms for letting kids go across the country in something let alone something old would be a nightmare to write up and get signed

 

Do it! Take a more southern route and you can probably avoid any crazy snow and ice. Have fun and post photos for us.

 

Grew up about 50 from NYC in Ct, and the drivers around that area are very aggressive and fast. Your driving skills are not in question. March, look out for suspension eating pot holes. The roads up there suck. Nothing like AZ. Hate to see the old girl beat up. Good luck

 

Take a trip up to Flagstaff area and find out if it handles in the white stuff. Get some chains and tires they'll fit on. Got a good heater in that ride?

 

"See the USA in your Chevrolet." If I could offer any advice, be aware of POTHOLES
they are not your friend

 

With an old car that has been intelligently shaken down for electrical problems and mechanical issues, a car/driver combination capable of using all four wheels for steering and braking, and general intelligent approach expected from the alleged perp, driving problems shouldn't be a big issue.
But, SALT. SALT!!! Local customary usage insists on two inches of salt per inch of snow, with an inch as the acceptable minimum in preparing for an unlikely snow event. I have fairly often found myself driving though a highly visible and tasteable salt storm after minor snows have evaporated!
I would as a minimum do some oiling of body pinchwelds and such, and be prepared for a thorough shakedown of everything with lots of soap and water when you return to your cactus infested desert!

 

I wouldn't think you would have any problem, but for the destination.

 

Sure,why not. The great thing about the HAMB is that if you need help, those of us that are close, (Long Island) can help. Where in NYC are you talking about? In some areas if you think you can just pull up and unload you could be mistaken. You might have to park in a lot and give your keys to an attendant. If it's a school you may have access to a parking area. Make sure you do not have any over heating issues, traffic can be tough. As far as snow, a few years ago they had to cancel a Yankee game because of it, so it can happen into early April. Keep us posted!