Big Trip To Pick Up My 71 Cuda Project

[tony 73]

Tony here,
 Am starting this thread to document my trip . I have been looking for a new project and really wanted a Cuda, 71 be ideal and to get it in 4-speed be fantastic. Been looking on craigslist and here on CC. Had just about settled for a 70 when the perfect car came up for sale here on CC. Due to the fact I live in New Zealand meant my friend saw it while NZ was awake and USA was asleep (Different time zones). He contacted me and I emailed the seller to say I was calling. I had my fingers crossed as  I watched the clock count down to midnight our time ( 8am USA).
 I rang, car was still for sale, I asked questions, loved the answers, made an offer,  I was now the proud owner of a 1971 Cuda 4 speed  .

Now to get it to it's new home in NZ.
The  Plan,
 Friend and I fly to USA , rent a U-Haul truck and trailer, take a week to drive across 2/3rds of USA and end up in Long Beach , Calif. where we drop car, parts and anything else we buy at a Kiwishipping who will put everything in a container and ship it to NZ.
 We flying to USA in 2 weeks (17th Aug). Hope to confirm our trip route and maybe anyone with suggested highlight stops or trip tips can post them. Just found out we miss out on Mopar Nats by 7 days, bugger. Do plan to visit Mo-par City , rang and spoke to the guy and he happy for us to view on a Saturday.
 To be continued, photos to come if my computer skills up to it. Hope to take photos on the trip and post each day.

[Beekeeper]

Long Beach aquarium is a nice little trip.

[Beekeeper]

Oh, and congrats on the car!

[cudamadd]

Well done on the car . 

[AARuFAST]

Way to go.  Have a safe and fun trip.. Good luck.

[Beekeeper]

One more thing....do not take the 10 freeway to California unless you like endless dry moonscape desert. I've driven cross country many times. The 40 is very nice and the 70 is also very nice.

[tony 73]

Thanks for the feedback guys.
 We fly to Los Angeles , arrive midday Thursday  and then fly to Indianapolis that evening. We are planning to rent a car on arrival (Friday),and drive to Mo-par City, just out of Chicago . Rang the owner today and he happy to open for us on the Saturday. Head back to Indianapolis that afternoon to pickup the 10' truck and car trailer. Load up on the Sunday and get on the road.
 Thinking of making our way to Highway 70 . That will get us heading in the correct direction. The truck is rented for minimum of a 7 days and you can add more. We leave Los Angeles on fri 1st Sept. so have plenty of time to see sights and sounds on the way.

[RCCDrew]

Can you make Route 66 a part of your trip?

[tony 73]

Just starting to gather ideas on where to go and what to see, Route 66 has to be on the list for sure.

Before I arrive to start my trip, I am going to have to but some mew parts for the car. When do the big Restoration places have their sales, any dates coming up ? Thinking about Legendary Interior, 10-15% off be great.

[dodj]

Congrats Tony! 

The story of you going to pick up your '71 makes me think of the '70 R/T Challenger I missed because I didn't really want to drive 18 hours for it. Then I see the lengths you are going to, ....to get that car......half way around the world...us in North America are spoiled.
Hope your trip is exciting and memorable!

[tony 73]

Hello Scott,
 Been a while since we PMed, great to hear from you  .

Who doesn't dream of a boys car trip. Timing was perfect for both my friend and I. Cruising the open roads of the USA, an eye for a bargain , bit of cash in our pocket, so much to see and do.  We may get bum sores from sitting in the Truck seats for so long. Am sure the good times will out way the bad ones.

[MopSquad]

Can you share some pics with us.  And congrats!   I flew to Albany, NY from Palm Springs, CA to get mine.  Thought that was a trip but nothing compared to your adventure.

[tony 73]

Hi MopSquad,
 No real photos at this stage. Seller has emailed me some , mainly of the parts, couple of car, but I not that sharp on how to post an email photo. Will ask on of my nephews. Couple of photos can be seen in the 'Cars for sale' thread here on CC.

Am running around trying to organise everything. Want to get bulky ones ordered and sent to seller. Need seat covers, carpet, headliner, dashpad, 4 speed and bell housing, plus lots of small items.

We planning on going through Salt Lake City - Reno - Sacramento - LA. So a stop at Summit Racing for a parts buy up on the cards.

Friend and I are gutted that we miss the Mopar Nats by 1 week. Would have been Mopar heaven for a couple of Kiwi boys.

Want to get insurance for the car/parts for the road trip, hopefully the Shipper can help me out, broker maybe ? must be possible.

Monday morning EST now so better start phone calls.

[1burgfish]

  Congrats Tony 73  I had my 71 shipped from Puerto Rico to Texas and the shipper had insurance. 

[moparelwood]

Congratulations! Should be a cool adventure. Sounds like you will be taking Interstate 80 for big chunk of the trip. If plans change and you take I40 instead. Do NOT stop in Albuquerque and stay at a hotel with a Uhaul and your new toy. It will disappear here. If you have to stop in Albuquerque I will put you guys up at my house with a safe place for the new toy.