Driving from Grand Junction, CO to Nashville

[DavidA]

I'm picking up our "new" thunderbird on Thursday and will be driving it back to Nashville from grand Junction, Colorado. My route will be I-70 to St. Louis, then I-57/24 to Nashville.

Although it is a low mileage car, you never know what can happen with anj old cars so I'd appreciate it if some of you on my route would let me know your contact numbers in case I have an unexpected problem.

Please PM me or email me your contact info. Thank you!!!

[redbirdsal]

Re: Driving from Grand Junction, CO to Nashville

She's a BEAUTY David! Good looks and plenty of room!

[Bradford]

Re: Driving from Grand Junction, CO to Nashville

Beautiful car, I always liked the '64 -'66 body styles. Enjoy the drive back to Nashville. That looks like a 1966.

[islandtime]

Re: Driving from Grand Junction, CO to Nashville

Congrats on the new Bird in the nest! Sorry to hijack the thread...we're hardly in your line of driving, but I couldn't resist complimenting you on your acquisition! It's a beauty!

Anyone out there for David's support group back to Nashville?

[redbirdsal]

Re: Driving from Grand Junction, CO to Nashville

Oh, I don't think David and Jeannie compliment thier new acquisition!
David did post the pics...

David, if you have problems just get out your laptop, plug in the name of the State/town, and search for Classic Car Clubs in that area.
The members love to help out!

For us, you need to post your route...those of us who've traveled with you know you're usually not a Point A to Point B traveler!

[DavidA]

Re: Driving from Grand Junction, CO to Nashville

Thank you both. Sally, as for point A-B, I think this time, in a strange 44 year old car, I will take the direct route ... I-70 to Louisville, then I-24 to Nashville. The only viable alternative is Hwy 50, and it is really lonely on that route. For those who don't know, Hwy 50 is known as the loneliest road in America.

I would much prefer the back roads, but probably not this time. the stretch I am most concerned with is Denver to Topeka. It's pretty lonely out there, so I hope there is no breakdown there. The car only has 29000 miles, and I am having it checked my a good mechanic in grand Junction, so I am pretty confident. But, you never know with old cars as you well understand.

[Steve Legel]

Re: Driving from Grand Junction, CO to Nashville

So which one of you is Thelma and which one is Louise?

[2Redbirds57/02]

Re: Driving from Grand Junction, CO to Nashville

David, just keep that old bird under 100 mph and you'll be fine. Hope the gas stations are not too far apart.

[redbirdsal]

Re: Driving from Grand Junction, CO to Nashville

Thank you both. Sally, as for point A-B, I think this time, in a strange 44 year old car, I will take the direct route ... I-70 to Louisville, then I-24 to Nashville. The only viable alternative is Hwy 50, and it is really lonely on that route. For those who don't know, Hwy 50 is known as the loneliest road in America.

I would much prefer the back roads, but probably not this time. the stretch I am most concerned with is Denver to Topeka. It's pretty lonely out there, so I hope there is no breakdown there. The car only has 2900 miles, and I am having it checked my a good mechanic in grand Junction, so I am pretty confident. But, you never know with old cars as you well understand.

I totally understand! With BabyGirl ('57 Bird) in Houston, I made the deal, paid the money and drove her home that same night. Stopped for an oil change, and hit the road. I was in constant phone contact with George Lang all the way, though I was being followed home by a friend. And that was just from Houston to Dallas!

What would worry me about your long drive, is the outside temp, as well as wear on parts...under the hood, lines and tires. That about covers it ALL! Your car hasn't had a lot of stress in it's lifetime. You can replace hoses, lines and tires, that are worn, but radiators, the block, the AC...you're going to put a load on them.

I'm surprised you didn't have it trailered/delivered to you.

[Black Bird]

Re: Driving from Grand Junction, CO to Nashville

You just let us know the particulars David, Toni and Bunny Lou are ready for you.

[snowbird]

Re: Driving from Grand Junction, CO to Nashville

David: You could try to contact Don Reinke 11 , 3381 W. Grand Ave, Englewood, Co. He is the current Pres. of the Rocky Mountain Thunderbird Club.
303-794-5833
Club address is http://clubs.hemmings.com/rockymttbird

Some years ago we took a whole bunch of old T'Birds from Golden, Co. through the mountains to Grand Junction. A beautiful drive in an old car and expecially a convertible.
You picked the best of the three years ('64 to '66) in my opinion and the last year for the convertible. Just over 5,000 made. We have one just like it, in different colour of course but with air, 8 track studio phonic radio etc.
If you have any top problems, give me a call.
MartinB.

[DavidA]

Re: Driving from Grand Junction, CO to Nashville

Thanks Martin. Mine also has the 8-track, Power windows and A/C. It is a Q code 428 as well. I'm really looking forward to this one. I had one just like it, (without air), back in '67-68. I remember it as a great tank!

[DudleyM]

Re: Driving from Grand Junction, CO to Nashville

Looks like a beautiful car. Safe travels.

[toysax]

Re: Driving from Grand Junction, CO to Nashville

Great looking Bird!!!!!!!!!

[PaulD]

Re: Driving from Grand Junction, CO to Nashville

The things I would be most concerned with are the components that do not get much exercise in a low milage car such as the wheel bearings, u-joints, etc. They will get a real test with prolonged operation such as your trip. Might want to inspect them before you hit the road. Give the u-joints a shot of fresh grease. Some years back I did a similar deal and the bearings in the generator gave up during the drive home.