Yes, I'm doing it. I am purchasing a 1973 Alfa Spider in New York and driving it home to Los Angeles. I have some stops along the way - Chicago to see my mom and sister. Outside of Toledo to visit a sister school (I sit on the board of the school in Castaic). Seneca Caves in Toledo. Niagra Falls (US side).
The owner told me that the car is sound. He's done some recent maintenance (oil, trans oil, gear oil, master cyl, fuel pick up (in gas tank), plugs). Brakes are good. Tires are good. Battery good. Wheel bearings good. Radiator good. Water pump good. Fuel pump good. Hoses good. Electrical good. Exhaust good. SPICA adjusted and TA good.
If anyone has some advice, it's greatly appreciated. And please, no wise cracks - my plane tickets are bought and my better half and I have plans set.
We're leaving LAX on the 13th and we'll arrive in Buffalo early on the 14th. Pick up a rental car and head to Niagra Falls first, then to the Rochester area to pick up our '73 Alfa. We're hoping to get to Seneca Caves, then stay in Toledo the first night - unless someone advises otherwise. Next day to Chicago and a day there with friends and family.
The next leg of the trip we're planning to take I80 west to Lake Tahoe, then head down the 395 to the 15, then the 210 home. I've driven this route both ways and my only concern is the elevation and the climb. So, we're considering taking the 57 to I 44 and west, but we're going to hit some pretty hot weather near Kingman and then west. I don't think the little motor is going to like 100+ weather, but it is much lower elevation.
We're thinking it'll be a week trip, but we have two weeks set aside for any surprises. If worse comes to worse, we can either leave the car at a safe place, then send a truck to pick it up or we can rent a U Haul pick up with a tow dolly.
Any advice in the following areas is appreciated.
1. Route
2. Recommended tools and spare parts
3. General repair supplies: Oil, duct tape, etc.
4. How many hours per day on the car
5. Friendly places along the way (just in case something breaks)
6. Cool places to stop
7. FOOD recommendations!
8. Best places to stay
If you've done this trip (especially in an Alfa), let me know.
Thank you.
The owner told me that the car is sound. He's done some recent maintenance (oil, trans oil, gear oil, master cyl, fuel pick up (in gas tank), plugs). Brakes are good. Tires are good. Battery good. Wheel bearings good. Radiator good. Water pump good. Fuel pump good. Hoses good. Electrical good. Exhaust good. SPICA adjusted and TA good.
If anyone has some advice, it's greatly appreciated. And please, no wise cracks - my plane tickets are bought and my better half and I have plans set.
We're leaving LAX on the 13th and we'll arrive in Buffalo early on the 14th. Pick up a rental car and head to Niagra Falls first, then to the Rochester area to pick up our '73 Alfa. We're hoping to get to Seneca Caves, then stay in Toledo the first night - unless someone advises otherwise. Next day to Chicago and a day there with friends and family.
The next leg of the trip we're planning to take I80 west to Lake Tahoe, then head down the 395 to the 15, then the 210 home. I've driven this route both ways and my only concern is the elevation and the climb. So, we're considering taking the 57 to I 44 and west, but we're going to hit some pretty hot weather near Kingman and then west. I don't think the little motor is going to like 100+ weather, but it is much lower elevation.
We're thinking it'll be a week trip, but we have two weeks set aside for any surprises. If worse comes to worse, we can either leave the car at a safe place, then send a truck to pick it up or we can rent a U Haul pick up with a tow dolly.
Any advice in the following areas is appreciated.
1. Route
2. Recommended tools and spare parts
3. General repair supplies: Oil, duct tape, etc.
4. How many hours per day on the car
5. Friendly places along the way (just in case something breaks)
6. Cool places to stop
7. FOOD recommendations!
8. Best places to stay
If you've done this trip (especially in an Alfa), let me know.
Thank you.